West Sichuan Frigid Grassland (The Bumyak Grassland) in Litang County, with an altitude of 3,800-4,500 meters, is the largest in the central Shaluli Range in the Hengduan Mountains.

Winding through the grassland is the Litang River, with marshes and meadows scattered on the sides. From June to September, this land is dotted with flourishing flowers, the best season of the year. The flocks and herds add beauty and harmony to the huge scroll-like scene.

At the foot of Mount Haizi is the Bachu River Valley, to the west of the Shaluli Range. The sharp drop of the terrain makes the river roar loudly and hides the highway behind woods.

The Tsophu Grassland is 3,800 meters above sea level. It offers a feast of beautiful scenery : blue sky, whit clouds, towering peaks, temples and a lake among the woods, murmuring streams, grazing cattle, fluttering Buddhist sutra streamers and vapor curling from a hot spring.

The best of the Tsophu Grassland is the lake hidden among high grass and primitive forests. The erratic boulders scattered near the lake are relics of three ice ages. The Six-Word Mantra (om-ma-ni-bay-may-hon) carved on a huge rock are still cleared despite erosion from the wind and rain. In the distance stands an old temple. An aged monk comes to feed the fish in the lake every day: an idyllic scene indeed!

While not as extensive as those in Inner Mongolia, the grasslands in western Sichuan have unique scenery featuring frigid meadows. Early summer is the golden season here. With rich plant resources, the grasslands offer ideal pasture for cattle. In late summer and early autumn, horse races and carnivals are held on the grassland at Litang, during which there is a spectacular display of tents erected by herdsmen from far and near.