The Tibetan plateau is a quarter of China
Much of it is extremely remote and inhospitable
Its southern border runs through the world's highest mountain range
the formidable Himalayas
Its central part is a windswept and freezing wilderness the size of Western Europe
But this challenging place is home to incredible wildlife
There are more large creatures here than anywhere else in China
Tibet has been a province of China for more than 50 years
yet it has a unique character, shaped by over 1,000 years of Tibetan Buddhism
This obscure and archaic-looking religion has produced one of the most enlightened cultures on earth
Here, people have a long tradition of co-existing peacefully with the creatures and landscape around them a relationship
which has helped to protect their fragile environment
In this programme we will discover why  this harsh land with its ancient culture
is vitally important for much of our planet