Amdo

Amdo, known in Tibetan as A-mdo, is the northeastern portion of the traditional Tibetan cultural area. In modern terms, it covers parts of Qinghai Province and extends into eastern Gansu and northwestern Sichuan. The region lies on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau and features high-altitude valleys, grasslands, and rivers that drain toward the upper Yangtze and Yellow River basins.

Ethnography and people: Amdo is home to large Tibetan communities, with minority populations including Han, Hui, and others concentrated in towns and along transport routes. Tibetan Buddhism is a central cultural force, with numerous monasteries and devotional practices that have influenced art, literature, and education in the area.

Historical significance: Amdo has long been a center of Tibetan religious scholarship and culture. Since the 14th century, monasteries such as Labrang in Xiahe (Gansu) have attracted students from across Tibet. In the 20th century, Amdo experienced significant political and social changes under the Qing dynasty, the Republic of China, and the People's Republic of China, shaping its demographic and cultural landscape.

Modern administration: In the People's Republic of China, the historic Amdo is largely encompassed by Qinghai Province, with parts extending into eastern Gansu and Sichuan. Administrative boundaries follow provincial prefectures and counties, rather than a single political unit. The region remains important for Tibetan language, religion, and culture, with urban centers like Xining in Qinghai and numerous monasteries and cultural sites across the area.