As we rounded a bend on Mount Jianziwan, the view ahead suddenly broadened, and there was the vast Bumyak Grassland. Going further, we found ourselves in the county seat of Litang, known to the locals as "the highest town of the world." This is where horse races and carnivals are held every August, when the sturdy Khampa Tibetan men and their beautiful women show Off their skills.

The Bumyak Grassland, with an altitude of 3,800-4,500 meters, is the largest in the central Shaluli Range in the Hengduan Mountains. Winding through the grassland is the Litang River, with marshes and meadows scattered on the sides. From June to September. this land is dotted, with flourishing flowers, the best season of the year. The flocks and herds add beauty and harmony to the huge scroll-like scene.

The Sichuan-Tibet highway extends l00 kilometers along the north of the grassland.While enjoying the pleasant scenery, we drove up 4,999-meter-high Mount Haizi. Standing on a mountain col and looking at the vast land, the dreamscape made us reluctant to leave.

At the foot of Mount Haizi is the Bachu River Valley, to the west of the Shaluli Range.The sharp drop of the terrain makes the river roar loudly and hides the highway behind woods.

Driving north some 20 kilometers from Tsola(formerly Yidun County), we arrived at the Tsophu Grassland.

The Tsophu Grassland is 3,800 meters above sea level. It offers a feast of beautiful scenery: blue sky, white clouds, towering peaks, temples and a lake among the woods.murmuring streams, grazing cattle, fluttering Buddhist sutra streamers and vapor curling from a hot spring.

The best of the Tsophu Grassland is the lake hidden among high grass and primitive forests. The erratic boulders scattered near the lake are relics of three ice ages. The Six-Word Mantra(om-ma-ni-bay-may-hon)carved on a huge rock are still clear despite erosion from the wind and rain. In the distance stands an old temple. An aged monk comes to feed the fish in the lake every day: an idyllic scene indeed!

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