Time Zone |
Asia/Shanghai |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+8 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Africa/Niamey |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+1 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Located in the southeastern part of Qinghai Province and the eastern part of Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Maqin County is the core hinterland of the Sanjiangyuan National Park and an important ecological barrier at the source of the Yellow River. With an average altitude of more than 4,000 meters, it is home to the Animaqing Snow Mountain, one of the four sacred mountains in Tibet, where snow-capped glaciers are intertwined with vast grasslands, giving rise to rich plateau flora and fauna resources. As an important birthplace of Gesar culture, the rich Tibetan flavor of Maqin and Tibetan Buddhist culture blend, Laga Temple and other ancient temples carry a deep historical heritage. Local animal husbandry is the main industry, yak, Tibetan sheep and other specialty livestock products of excellent quality. Because of its pristine natural ecology, unique cultural charm and pure plateau scenery, Maqin has become an excellent destination for exploring the secret of the Tibetan Plateau.
Diffa, the capital of the Diffa region in southeastern Niger, is located on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert and shares a border with Nigeria, making it one of the most important border cities in Niger. The city is located in the lower Niger River basin around the climate of the tropical desert climate, hot and dry throughout the year, the average annual precipitation is less than 300 millimeters. The economy is based on agriculture and animal husbandry, and the surrounding areas are rich in millet, sorghum and livestock. Diffa, as a regional trade center, undertakes the function of cross-border trade with neighboring countries, such as Nigeria, and is especially famous for the trade of livestock, agricultural products and handicrafts. The city is culturally diverse, with Hausa, Tuareg and Kanuri ethnic groups living in the area, and is unique in its crafts such as traditional leather weaving and silversmithing. Despite infrastructural challenges, Diffa remains an important economic and cultural node in the south-east of the Niger, thanks to its strategic location and rich cultural heritage.