Natural Products
With its densely forested landscape, the Nyingchi region is renowned for its rich resource of medicinal herbs. The area is teeming with over 1,000 different herb varieties, ranging from the common ones to such precious ones as ganoderma (lingzhi), cordyceps (chongcao), snowlotus (xuelian) and rhizoma gastrodiae (tianma). The Nyingchi region is one of the famous areas in China for producing the best ganoderma, a rare kind of herb with marvelous effects on cancer, neurasthenic, hypertension and coronary heart disease, etc. In the most productive counties such as Nyingchi, Miling, Dzayul and Pome, the ganoderma that is sold has a wide range of qualities.
In addition, Nyingchi benefits from fertile land and a warm, humid climate; as a consequence it is an important fruit production area and the only part of Tibet to grow bananas. Miling Farm, situated on the border between Nyingchi and Miling Counties, is Tibet's largest fruit production center. This farm is famed for the flavorful 'Gama' apple and a variety of other high quality fruits. The deepest part of the Great Canyon of the Yarlung Tsangpo River , Pemako , embraced by Mt. Namcha Barwa and influenced by the Indian Ocean, is amazingly productive in wild bananas.
Handicrafts
The Menpa and the Luopa peoples living in the Great Canyon of the Yarlung Tsangpo River are born to be skillful artisans. Wooden bowls, woven bamboo and rattan products of the Menpas and soapstone pots of the Luopas are famed throughout Tibet for both their exquisite appearances and unique functions. Made from the roots of hardwoods or growths on birches and cypresses, the Menpas' wooden bowls are not only noted for their quality and durable colors, but also are popular for imparting a special flavor when used as wine and tea containers. Woven bamboo and rattan products are possible due to the abundance of nearby natural resources. The articles produced have delicate designs in a combination of colors and may be used for decoration or for daily use. The Luopas' pots are made of soapstone found in on the cliffs along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. This natural material is soft and therefore easy to work. However, it is able to endure high temperatures; as a result the pots made from it are known for their remarkable heat preservation features and the unique flavor it can impart to food.
Shops
Highland Products Exclusive Shop, located on Xianggang Lu, Bayi Town, deals in medical herbs, Tibetan antiques and local handicrafts of the Nyingchi region.
Salesroom of Soapstone Pots Factory, Nyingchi County, located on Shenzhen Ave., Bayi Town, specializes in the sale of soapstone pots.
