A cluster of Tibetan-style watchtowers with over 800 years of history locate in Padma County of Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. The watchtowers built by professional Tibetan artisans possess a very high artistic value.  

China's complex and diverse terrains and natural conditions have led to the varied styles of residential buildings. Tibetan watchtowers, known for their durability and defensive features, have a unique architectural style.  

The ground floor of a traditional Tibetan watchtower is for raising livestock, slightly taller than the other two floors. The second floor is the owner's living space, and the third floor is a small prayer space.   

China is a united, multi-ethnic country. Except in Tibet, Tibetans and other ethnic minorities all live among each other, mostly in the northwestern and southwestern parts of China.

These regions are usually with complex terrain, steep mountains, and relatively scarce living supplies. These sturdy watchtowers can not only raise livestock, but also provide spacious storage for grains and animal feeds.    

The Tibetan watchtowers have another special feature: the outside walls are covered with cow dung, so as to dry more quickly. Cow dung are still the main source of fuel in the area.   

Nowadays, the living conditions of the minority regions have improved a lot in China. However, the Tibetan watchtowers have been preserved as a part of national memory.