Shannan prefecture is located south of Lhasa, covering an area between the Yarlung Tsangpo River and the Bhutan border. The prefecture lies at an average height of 3,600 meters above sea level, and with its mild climate and wide valleys is considered the most fertile place in Tibet. The region played an important role in Tibetan history, and many consider it be the birthplace of Tibetan culture. The prefectural headquarters, Tsethang, is located in the Yarlung valley, and it is connected to Lhasa by a paved and reasonably well maintained road.

In every scenic spot, restaurant, and crafts shops in Lhokha, tourists can buy different local products they like, such as carpet, Tibetan wool, articles of bamboo, Tibetan cakes, fritillary, Chinese caterpillar fungus. They can also buy wood bowl, apples, walnut produced in Gyatsa and stone wares in Dagu Village. The most popular local products are the Tibetan incense in Minzhu Monastery in Zhanang County and the walnuts in Gyatsa.