About
Kangding is a city in western Sichuan province, China, set among high mountains at the edge of the Tibetan regions. It is often described as a gateway to those areas, and for many travellers it marks the point where the landscape and culture begin to shift toward the Tibetan plateau.
What the visit is like
Kangding suits travellers interested in high-altitude scenery and Tibetan culture. The surrounding country is mountainous, and the city itself serves as a base from which to look out at that terrain. Visitors who enjoy slower trips, watching how a place changes as the altitude rises, will find the setting especially rewarding.
Around the city
- High-altitude landscapes in the mountains of western Sichuan
- Tibetan culture, which shapes the character of the area
- A position on the route toward the Tibetan regions beyond
Because the city sits at a considerable height, it is sensible to allow a little time to adjust after arriving, and to plan outings with the weather and the mountain roads in mind.
Kangding is also written 康定 in Chinese. Travellers planning a journey further into the region will find it a practical point to stop, rest and prepare before continuing.