Working to retain the charms of an old street

When Cao Yongkang from Shanghai Jiaotong University first visited an old street in Gyalze county of the Tibet autonomous region in 2013, he was thrilled.

"I was excited because there are still so many people living in the area, which helps keep the old street's authenticity alive," recalls Cao, an architecture professor.

The old street, located in the north of the county in Shigatse city, is at an elevation of about 4,000 meters.