Some 15 km (9 mi) southwest of Xiahe, Tibetan families still herd yak on the rolling plains of the Sangke Grasslands (Sāngkē Cǎoyuán, 桑科草原).

The influx of tourists into Xiahe hasn't gone unnoticed in Sangke, however—a collection of yurts banking off the tourist boom cluster around the entrance with souvenirs for sale, horse rides and kitschy photo-ops.

Beyond the county-fair-style setup at the front, pristine green prairie rolls off into the distance where it's met by a horizon clustered with mountains. Farms and herds of yak dot the grasslands and provide a glimpse into the lives of the local farming population. Some Tibetan families will invite tourists in for a meal—if so, expect you may be charged. Also, be wary of the dogs kept on the farms.

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