Nagqu and Ngari in Tibet have been included in International Dark Sky Places by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the first time Chinese communities have been added to the international organization, reports Xinhua.

Zhou Jinfeng, secretary-general of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation, notes many places in Tibet are less populated, with less artificial lighting, making them conducive for monitoring the sky at night.

Chinese authorities created Dark Sky Reserves in Nagqu and Ngari in 2013. The Nagqu area is 4,200 meters above sea level, covering a total area of 2,500 square kilometers. Ngari area is 4,600 meters above sea level, covering 100 square kilometers.

The Dark Sky Reserves in Nagqu and Ngari have light restrictions.

International Dark Sky Places are chosen by organizations including the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the International Dark-Sky Association to raise awareness about the value of dark, star-filled night skies and encourage protection and restoration of the areas.