Tsedang

Noted to be the fourth largest city in Tibet, Tsedang, alternatively known as Zêtang, Zedang, Tsethang, Tsetang, and even Zedang Shanan in Chinese, is located in the Yarlung Valley, southeast of Lhasa. Part of the Nedong District of Shannan Prefecture, has been the capital of the Yarlung region of Shannan for thousands of years, and was a seat of the ancient Tibetan Emperors. The city is also the capital of Shannan Prefecture, and is the second largest settlement in the history of the U-Tsang region.

Tsedang can boast a comparatively mild climate than is found in Lhasa, and the combination of stunning natural landscapes and unique ancient culture makes it one of the most important cultural sites in Tibet. The birthplace of ancient Tibetans, it was here in Tsedang that the first Tibetan kings ruled the lands, and where the first building, first monastery, and first farm were founded.