Stone chambers (diaofang) are the most representative residences for the Tibetans. It is so named because of its resemblance to the blockhouse (diaobao in Chinese). It's usually built in stone and wooden structure, which is stable, simple and rugged. Normally a stone chamber is divided into two floors, with the ground floor being the herd enclosure and repository with a low roof; the higher floor is for residence, with the bigger rooms being the hall, bedrooms and kitchen, and the small ones serving as storeroom or stair well. If a third floor is built, it is mostly made into a sutra hall or a flat roof. The stone chamber is both wind-proof and cold resistant, and safe for guarding against theft or enemies. While protecting themselves from cold, wind and shock, Tibetans also adopt measures of establishing wind doors, patio and skylight to mitigate the influences of adverse factors in climate and geography to their life and production, realizing good ventilation and heating.

The Tibetans are Buddhists who set up altars in or outside of their chambers to worship the Bodhisattvas. Each house is no exception, whether they are peasants, herdsmen or patricians. The gods are holy in Tibetans' heart.