Seda (Sichuan)

the largest Tibetan Buddhist institute in the world 15 km from Seda town. A permit may be required for non-Chinese nationals to enter the institute.

For the Tibetans, Tianzang is the most solemn funeral. All Tibetans hope to have a Tianzang funeral. In most Tibetan areas, Tianzang funerals are not open to the visitors. Seda Tianzang Site is located at the mountainside (over 4000 m) near to the Academy. Under normal condition, the funeral is held between 13:00 and 16:00 each day.

Around the Buddhist Academy, lights shine on the mountains and valley from thousands of Buddhist dormitories.

Thousands of Red Buddhists' dormitories are scattered across the valley. Standing on the top of mountain in the daytime, you will overlook the red house areas which are distributed randomly, but encircle the Wuming Academy, which symbolizes the power of Buddhism.

Zanba is a nutritious dollop of roaster barley paste. Most Zanbas are white and fragrant. There are two ways to eat it: one is to mix Zanba with little buttered tea and milk, stir them together and knead it to be a mass for eating; the other is to mix Zanba with buttered tea, and then pour a cup of green tea, tasting tea while licking Zanba.

Beef and mutton are the common dishes in Seda. The yaks and sheep grow up by eating natural grass and drinking natural water. Their meat is tender and tasty. Usually, the locals cut it into blocks and stew meat in boiling water. This is called "tuotuorou".

Buttered tea is one kind of daily beverage in Seda. At most of time, it is drunk together with Tsamba. It is made by mixing butter and strong tea. A cup of buttered tea is good to replenish energy and overcome highland sickness.

On the Seda grassland, yak milk yogurt is an ideal healthy drink that helps digestion. Under a layer of yellow milk skin is the tender and ropy yogurt like pure white tofu jelly.