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Currently, there are some 60 sites open to tourists in Tibet. They are distributed in Xigaze, Shannan, Nagqu, Ngari and Nyingchi centering on the city of Lhasa.
--In north Tibet, the average annual temperature is below zero degrees centigrade. Bitter winter lasts from October to May or June the next year. During the eight months, the area is a world of ice and snow with frequent blizzards and the temperature is around 30 degrees minus, making it impossible to conduct any tourist activity. July and August are the most beautiful season on the grassland, with the temperature around 10 degrees plus abundant sunshine. A grand horse race is held during this period of time. So July and August are the golden season to visit north Tibet.
--In the valleys of south Tibet with an elevation of 1,130-4,400 meters, such as Lhasa, Shannan, Xigaze and Nyingchi, the average annual temperature ranges from zero to 11.8 degrees centigrade. In late April, spring comes to south Tibet from the southeast along the Yarlung Zangbo River and in early October, the area enters the season of golden autumn. So, in these areas, the tourist season lasts from May to October. Especially from July to September, while the other parts of China and the Indian Plains suffer the intense heat of summer, south Tibet is nice and cool with average monthly temperature ranging 9.4-18.7 degrees centigrade. Many local festivals and tourist activities are held during this time. They include the Shoton Festival, Tibetan Opera Performance, Tangka Painting Unfolding Ceremony at the Zhaibung Monastery, the Yarlung Cultural Festival, the Qomolangma Art Festival, the Sorcerer's Dance at the Samye Monastery, the Bathing Festival, and so on.
--To visit the sacred mountains and holy lakes and the Guge Kingdom ruins in west Tibet, the best time is from June to September, especially in June and July before the arrival of the rainy season when the roads are in better conditions. From November to February the next year, as the mountain passes can be sealed by heavy snow anytime, tourist activities are almost impossible.
--Towns and counties near Bamda Airport in east Tibet are fit for tourism all the year round. Other counties and townships in mountains are mostly sealed by heavy snow from November to March the next year. In July and August, as it is the rainy season and mud-rock flow and landslide may occur anytime, tourist activities are usually prohibited. Therefore, the golden seasons of tourism in east Tibet are May, June and September.
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