Treading a fine line between modernity and tradition

Madoi is probably the smallest county town in which I've stayed overnight, and at 4,300 meters it's certainly the highest.

We set out from Xining, Qinghai's provincial capital, early in the morning for the eight-hour, 600-kilometer journey to the county town.

During our short visit, I was impressed by the way the local residents are trying to strike a balance between traditional and modern life, and between the development and conservation of their home.