Things To Do
in Jiantang

Salty, creamy tea made with yak butter and tea leaves — a staple in Tibetan breakfasts; try it at monasteries or local homes.

Must-Try!

Steamed or fried dumplings filled with yak or mutton (or vegetables); widely available at street stalls and eateries around Dukezong Old Town.

Roasted barley flour often mixed with butter tea or yoghurt — an energy food common with Tibetan herders; available in local markets and shops.

Hearty stews or hotpots using local yak or mutton to keep you warm in high altitude; order in family-run restaurants.

Evening and daytime stalls selling momos, skewers (yak or mutton), butter tea and local sweets; good for trying small bites and photographing street life.

A morning market where locals buy vegetables, dairy, barley and meat — great for sampling fresh ingredients and seeing daily life (ask before photographing people).

Dress modestly, remove hats inside prayer halls, walk clockwise when circling stupas and prayer wheels, and avoid loud behavior. Always ask before photographing monks or prayer ceremonies.

Use both hands when offering items, accept tea with politeness, and avoid pointing the soles of your feet at people or holy objects. Learn a few polite phrases in Mandarin or Tibetan to show respect.

Ask permission before taking portraits of people, especially in villages; small gifts of stationery or snacks are appreciated in exchange for photos of children.

Remove shoes when invited, be mindful of indoor heating and fuels, and follow hosts’ customs (e.g., accepting a small cup of butter tea).

Tipping is not a widespread local custom; small tips are appreciated in tourist services (guides, drivers, porters) and occasionally expected by hotels serving international guests. Offer modest gratuities in RMB; carry small bills.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are common in stores and restaurants, but many small stalls accept only cash. Carry Chinese yuan (RMB) for markets, remote areas and tips. Credit cards accepted at some hotels and mid‑range restaurants.

March–May brings cool, gradually warming days and occasional rain; wildflowers and early rhododendron blooms are beautiful but nights can remain cold.

June–August is mild in daytime but the monsoon brings frequent afternoon rain and clouds that can obscure mountain views; good for lush meadows but pack waterproof layers and insect repellent.

September–November is widely regarded as the best time — stable weather, clear skies, golden grasslands and comfortable temperatures for hiking and photography.

December–February is cold with possible snow at higher elevations and smaller crowds; some roads and high‑altitude trails may be icy, and some remote services close for the season.

Boardwalks and marked trails through wetlands and forested ridges around two alpine lakes; easy to moderate routes with excellent birdlife and scenery.

A relatively flat trail across marshy grasslands with grazing yaks and scenic vistas — good for sunrise/sunset and gentle walks.

Short hikes and viewpoints on lower slopes around Shika Mountain offering panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks; conditions vary by season.

Local trails linking small Tibetan villages and mani walls that provide cultural insights and accessible day-hiking opportunities close to Jiantang.