Tibet, the Roof of the World, is the highest region on Earth, with an average elevation of 4,900 meters. Located in a plateau north of the Himalayas, it is a mysterious, exotic place for many outsiders. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the massive, tranquil land with its majestic scenery and mysterious religious culture has exerted an awesome draw on travelers.

NO.10 Yambajan  

Yambajan [Xinhua] 

Yambajan is famous for its wide range of hot springs, from ones with the highest temperatures in the country to boiling geysers. It sits in a basin at the foot of Nyainqentanglha Mountains about 90 kilometers northwest of Lhasa. In the early morning, the town is covered in a white and luminous vapor. The hot springs in Yambajan contain various minerals and are believed to be therapeutic.

Admission: 30 yuan (98 yuan for hot-spring bathing)

Travel tips: Bringing one's own bathing suit is recommended.

NO.9 Barkhor 

Barkhor [lily-travel.com] 

Barkhor is a small neighborhood of ancient streets and a public square surrounding Jokhang Temple in the old area of Lhasa. The oldest street appeared about 1,300 years ago after Jokhang Temple was built in 647, attracting thousands of Buddhist pilgrims. The streets are full of religious atmosphere and show the original Lhasa. Shops offer prayer wheels, chubas (traditional Tibetan clothing), Tibetan knives and religious articles for sale.

Travel tips: Walking in a clockwise direction along the street is recommended. Because of many lanes there, it is better not stay too late in the street.

NO.8 Tashilhunpo Monastery 

Tashilhunpo Monastery [rednet.cn] 

Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by the First Dalai Lama, is one of the Big Six Monasteries of the Gelug sect of Buddhism in Tibet. Also called the Heap of Glory, the monastery covers nearly 300,000 square meters in Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city, after expansions by the Fourth Panchen Lama and his successors. The monastery is comprised of grand palaces that house gigantic statues and wall paintings showcasing of Buddhist art.

Admission: 55 yuan

Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:00(closed for lunch from 12:00 to 14:00)

Travel tips: During some important Tibetan festivals, visitors could enter the monastery for free. The recommended time for a visit is three hours.

NO.7 Midui Glacier 

Midui Glacier [aotrip.net] 

Midui Glacier, located in Yupu Township, is the lowest altitude above sea level in the world. It was ranked by China National Geography Magazine as one of the top six most beautiful glaciers in China and opened to tourists in 2007.

The glacier passes through four distinct regions: snow-capped mountains, forests, lakes and villages and temples coexist in harmony. It looks as if Nature's hand itself had taken up a brush to paint a splashed-ink landscape.

Admission: 50 yuan

Travel tips: It is about an hour's walk from the entrance to the glacier.