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 |
Pacific/Auckland |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+12 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+13 |
Xiahe, belonging to Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Gansu Province, is situated on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau and is one of the cultural centers of the Amdo Tibetan area. It is famous for the Labrang Monastery, the world's premier Tibetan temple, which boasts six Buddhist schools, 108 Buddhist temples, and a large number of precious Buddha statues and thangkas, and is an important holy site for the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism, attracting countless believers and tourists to come for pilgrimage and sightseeing every year. The Sanko grassland around the county is rich in water and grass, with green grass in summer and flocks of cows and sheep, where you can experience horseback riding, Tibetan home visits and other folk activities, and feel the rich Tibetan flavor. In addition, Xiahe also retains traditional horse races, Sun Buddha Festival and other folk activities, blending natural scenery and religious culture, is a must-visit place to explore the Gannan Plateau flavor.
Masterton is the core city of the Wairarapa region in the southern part of New Zealand's North Island, about 100 kilometers from the capital city of Wellington, with a population of about 21,000 people. As the administrative and commercial center of the region, the city was named after Joseph Masterton, the founder of the settlement in 1854, and is surrounded by fertile farmland and wine estates.
Located at the foot of the Ruamahana Mountains, Mastodon enjoys a mild and humid climate, with average temperatures of 20°C in the summer and 10°C in the winter; the famous Waiohinae River runs through the city, and the nearby Pakakariki Forest Park offers outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking, and is famous for its "Golden Leaf Walk" in the fall.
The economy is based on agriculture (wool, livestock) and winemaking, with the Wairarapa wine region famous for its Pinot Noir. The Golden Scissors Shearing Competition, held every March, is New Zealand's national agricultural event. The city retains Victorian architecture, such as the Masterton Museum and the Heritage Gardens in Cobham Park, which attract many visitors.
The city is connected to Wellington via State Highway 2, which is about 1.5 hours' drive away. The town has excellent amenities, including the Wairarapa Hospital, several primary and secondary schools and the North Island Institute of Technology, and was listed as one of New Zealand's "Most Livable Small Towns" in 2019, with a reputation for community activities and a peaceful rural lifestyle.