8 places to live differently

China's westernmost living ancient city — where the Silk Road still breathes.

China's northwest frontier — where three borders meet and skiing began.

A Himalayan frontier valley where Tibet meets Nepal — and its name means "Happy Village."

China's last frontier town on the Pamir Plateau

The world's largest Tibetan Buddhist academy and an endless corridor of prayer wheels.

Gobi emerald lakes and starlit yardang wilderness in Qinghai

China's northwesternmost village — where the frontier meets the taiga

A Tibetan monastery town straddling two provinces — China's "Little Switzerland"