Down on Main Street, Xiahe

A view of the main street in Xiahe, China. The population is approximately 50% Tibetan renders the town colorful and visually spectacular. The remainder of the population is Han and Hui Chinese. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Watching, Waiting

Two Tibetan pilgrims take a rest outside of Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

It's Your Turn

Breakfast Tea

Three generations of Tibetans take a tea break at Gesar cafe in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Reflection

Taken in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Mother and Daughter

Taken during a Tibetan festival at Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Tibetan Words of Wisdom...

and some attractive geometric designs as well. Taken at Labrang Monestary in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Monk in Thought

Taken in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

The Way Home

Taken at Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Curiosity

Another cutie in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Monks of a Different Stripe

Thanks to the comments below, we learned that these are not Buddhist monks, but are Ngakpas. Read the comments to learn more about them!They wear bright red robes and let their hair grow long and tie it up in braids top of their heads. Taken in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Bring Out Your...

Taken at Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

All Bundled Up

This Tibetan girl is ready to take on the chill...Taken in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Tibetan Opera

We were fortunate to arrive in Xiahe, China, on the eve of a Buddhist festival. The next day included a Tibetan Opera featuring elaborate costumes, bright colors, exotic sounds and heaps of ritual. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Working the Audience

Cue the Novices

Finally, the novices get to do their bit in the Tibetan Opera. Take at Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Shades of Pink

A novice monk and little girl hang out at Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, China.Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Contemplation

Taken in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Excited Little Guy

This little guy was so excited to see us. Taken in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Shy

These friendly local women worked at the Tibetan cafe (Gesar Restaurant) located near the market in Xiahe. They kept us well fed with remarkable vegetarian and apple Tibetan mo mos (dumplings), greens and tree bark tea. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Breakfast of Champions

A novice monk ducks into Gesar cafe for some morning soup. ..Taken in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Tibetan Style

Taken in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Catching Up

Two old friends catch up on a visit to town...Taken in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.  

Native American Roots?

This Tibetan woman looked remarkably Native American to us. Taken in Xiahe, China. Read more about our visit to Xiahe, China.