Located in eastern Tibet, the Chamdo Prefecture, tucked away in the Henduan Mountains and dissected by the Jinshajiang, Lancanjiang and Nujiang rivers, covers an area of 110,000 square km. On its eastern side lies Sichuan, with Yunnan to the south and Qinghai in the north.

Chamdo possesses a strategic geographical position. With a broad land and relatively large population, it is regarded as the East Gate of Tibet.

Historical records in Tibetan show that there are 25 holy mountains in the Kham area, most of which are located in Chamdo.

Besides the unique mountains, the lakes in Chamdo also take on various features. The Ra'og Lake in Riwoqe is reputed as "a pool of precious jade in western sky" for its beauty. Momco Lake in the southeast of Mangkang is pure and green.

The Karub site in Chamdo dating back 4,000 to 5,000 years is the first site of the Neolithic Age scientifically excavated in Tibet, displaying the ancient civilization created by Chinese ancestors in the Lancangjiang river range.

As the center of Khamba culture, the Chamdo Prefecture enjoys a good reputation for its Raba dance in Dingqen, Cho of Chamdo and Shinze of Mangkang. Also, it is the main area where the Tibetan epic King Gesar spreads. In the art of painting, the Tangka was divided into three branches: the Main branch popular in Dingqen, Chagyab and Gongjo, the Maisa branch in the Chaiwen of Chamdo and the Garshoge branch in the Garma of Chamdo. The stone carving and sculptures and the frequently see "Suyouhua" (butter sculpture), "Changpo" dances and the "Gar" royal dance present to people a special charm. The marriage, funeral, clothes, food and drink, festival customs and folk literature all show a simple and ancient feature of the Khamba culture.

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