The Green Ocean on the Roof of the World: Experiencing the Wild Soul of Nagqu High-cold Grassland

1.The Sky: Garden on the Roof of the World

2.Located in the northern part of the Tibet: Autonomous Region, the Nagqu High-cold Grassland is a vast expanse of emerald green nestled between the majestic Tanggula Mountains, the Nyainqentanglha Mountains, and the Gangdise Mountains,. Covering a total area of more than 400,000 square kilometers, it constitutes the core of the Qiangtang Plateau and is one of the five largest pastures in China,. With an average altitude exceeding 4,500 meters, this region is often referred to as the "closest place to the sky",. Unlike the tall, swaying grass of Inner Mongolia, the vegetation here consists of short, resilient alpine meadow plants. Though short, this grass is incredibly nutritious, protein-rich, and resilient against the harsh cold and strong winds, making it the lifeblood of the plateau's livestock,.

A Kingdom of Wildlife

3.The Nagqu: Grassland is not just a pasture for herdsmen; it is a sanctuary for unique high-altitude wildlife. The vast, uninhabited areas within this region are known as a paradise for wild animals. It is the home of the "Three Major Families" of the plateau: the Wild Yak, the Tibetan Antelope, and the Tibetan Wild Ass (Kiang),. These creatures roam freely under the vast blue sky, coexisting with brown bears, snow leopards, and blue sheep. For travelers driving along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway or taking the train, the sight of these wild spirits racing against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains is a common and breathtaking occurrence,.

The Cradle of Rivers and Lakes

This vast grassland is also a significant watershed, acting as the source for several major rivers including the Nujiang River, the Lhasa River, and the Parlung Zangbo,. The landscape is dotted with shimmering lakes that look like sapphires scattered by the gods. Famous lakes such as Namtso and Seling Tso act as giant mirrors reflecting the changing clouds and snowy peaks, adding a sense of spirituality and tranquility to the rugged terrain,. The interplay of the winding rivers, the star-studded lakes, and the rolling mountains creates a "Highland Aesthetic" that is grand, desolate, and utterly magnificent.

The Vibrant Nomadic Culture

Despite the harsh environment, the Nagqu Grassland is vibrant with human history and culture. It is the heart of the Northern Tibet (Qiangtang) nomadic culture. Dotted across the green ocean are the traditional black yak-hair tents of the herdsmen, with smoke curling up from their hearths,. The most spectacular display of this culture is the annual Nagqu Horse Racing Festival (known as "Da Qiong" in Tibetan). Held every August, this is the grandest event in Northern Tibet,. Tens of thousands of herdsmen dress in their finest festive attire, wear their most precious jewelry, and gather at the racecourse south of Nagqu town. They set up a "tent city" overnight to participate in horse racing, archery, singing, and dancing, turning the silent grassland into a sea of joy and color,.