Yushu, China
Region: Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Geographic Coordinates: 44.824900, 126.545000
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 20.0°C (-40°F to 68°F)
Climate: Cold and dry winters, cool and rainy springs, warm and wet summers, and cool and dry autumns.
Population: 1304436
Language: Tibetan
Yushu, Also known as Gyêgu in Tibetan, Is a city in the southwestern part of Qinghai Province in China. It covers an area of 14, 000 square kilometers and has a population of around 100, 000 people who are predominantly Tibetans. The city is famous for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its picturesque landscapes include snow-capped mountains, Crystal-clear lakes, Vast grasslands and forests. The Kekexili Nature Reserve is one of the most visited attractions in Yushu which is home to various rare animals such as Tibetan antelopes and wild yaks.
Yushu’s rich cultural heritage can be seen through its numerous temples and monasteries that date back to over a thousand years ago. These include Jiegu Monastery which was built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Guodui Temple which houses several ancient scriptures, Qiangbalin Temple with unique architectural features and Tashi Lhunpo Monastery which serves as one of Tibet’s six great monasteries.
In addition to its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Yushu also offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Tibetan life through its local festivals such as Horse Racing Festival held annually on July 25th where locals showcase their horse riding skills while wearing traditional clothing. Other notable festivals include Losar (Tibetan New Year), Saga Dawa Festival (celebrating Buddha’s birth), Shoton Festival (celebrating yogurt) among others. Despite being hit by an earthquake in 2010 that claimed thousands of lives along with many buildings destroyed or damaged beyond repair, Yushu has made significant progress in its reconstruction efforts.
The city’s new buildings have been designed to reflect the traditional Tibetan architecture while incorporating modern amenities. Yushu is also popular among adventure seekers who can enjoy various outdoor activities such as trekking, Hiking, Camping and horse riding. The region’s high altitude also makes it an ideal location for athletes looking to train and acclimatize before competing in international events. Yushu is a unique destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Tibet.
With its stunning landscapes, Ancient temples and monasteries, Traditional festivals and outdoor activities, Yushu is a must-visit place for anyone interested in exploring China’s rich cultural diversity.
- Yushu Horse Racing Festival
- Jyekundo Dondrubling Monastery
- Yushu Cultural Museum
- Nangqian Grand Canyon
- Chumar River Scenic Area
- Bayankala Mountain Range
- Gyanak Mani Temple
- The Three Rivers Source National Park
- Batang Grassland
- Kawa Karpo Mountain Range
- Yushu is a rural county located in Qinghai province, China.
- The area is known for its diverse industries and businesses which include:
- Agriculture
- Tourism
- Mining
- Handicrafts
- Renewable energy
- Education
- Healthcare
- Animal husbandry is a significant part of Yushu’s agricultural industry with yaks and sheep being the main livestock. The region also produces crops such as barley, wheat and potatoes.
- Tourism plays an important role in Yushu’s economy due to its scenic spots like Kekexili Nature Reserve and Qinghai Lake which attract visitors from all over China.
- Mining is another major industry in Yushu with deposits of minerals like gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc being present in the region.
- Handicrafts are an integral part of Yushu’s culture with Tibetan carpets being one of the most popular products along with jewelry made from yak bone or horn and traditional clothing.
- Renewable energy has become an essential aspect of Yushu’s economy as it harnesses abundant wind resources to produce electricity through wind turbines.
- Education is also a crucial sector in Yushu with several universities providing education on various topics ranging from agriculture to Tibetan culture to students across China.
- Healthcare services have been increasingly demanded by local residents in rural areas like Yushu. Therefore there are several hospitals providing medical services to meet their needs.
- Yushu Earthquake: The most notable historical event associated with Yushu is the devastating earthquake that struck the region on April 14, 2010. The magnitude 7.1 earthquake killed over 2,000 people and left many more injured and homeless.
- Fifth Dalai Lama: One of the most notable people associated with Yushu is the Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (1617-1682). He was born in a village near Yushu and later became one of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism.
- Princess Wencheng: Another notable historical figure associated with Yushu is Princess Wencheng (625-680), who was sent by Emperor Taizong of Tang to marry Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo as part of a political alliance between China and Tibet.
- Kumbum Monastery: One of the most important religious sites in Yushu is Kumbum Monastery, which was founded in 1583 by Tsongkhapa’s disciple Lhundrup Dorje. The monastery has played an important role in preserving Tibetan culture and religion.
- Gesar Epic: The Gesar Epic is a long narrative poem that originated in Tibet but has spread throughout Central Asia. It tells the story of Gesar, a legendary hero who fought against evil forces to protect his people.
- Tenzin Delek Rinpoche: Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was a prominent Tibetan Buddhist monk who spent many years working to promote environmental conservation and social justice in Tibet before he was arrested by Chinese authorities on charges of terrorism and sentenced to death in 2002.
- Thangka Painting: Thangka painting is an ancient form of Tibetan Buddhist art that involves painting intricate designs onto silk or cotton canvases using natural pigments made from minerals, plants, and insects. Many skilled thangka painters come from Yushu and other regions of Tibet.
- Yushu Horse Racing Festival: The Yushu Horse Racing Festival is an annual event that takes place in July or August and features traditional Tibetan horse racing, archery, dancing, and singing competitions. It is one of the most important cultural events in the region.
- Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Museum
- Jiana Mani Stone Pile
- Yushu Cultural Square
- Kumbum Monastery (Ta’er Si)
- Qinghai Lake Scenic Area
- Princess Wencheng Temple
- Nangqian Grand Canyon
- Zhaxi Lhunbo Monastery
- Sanchahe Nature Reserve
- Tongtian River Scenic Area
- Yushu Horse Racing Festival is an annual event held in July or August that celebrates traditional Tibetan horse racing, singing, and dancing.
- Saga Dawa Festival is a celebration of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death held during the fourth lunar month (usually May or June) with a large procession around the town’s monastery.
- Guozhuang Dance Festival highlights traditional Tibetan dance performances by local artists and attracts visitors from all over China.
- Kora Pilgrimage involves circumambulating Mount Kailash – one of the most significant religious events for Tibetans living in Yushu.
- Qiangtang Flower Festival celebrates blooming wildflowers on Qiangtang Plateau with various cultural performances and exhibitions in late June or early July.
- Tsa-tsa Making Ceremony creates small clay statues believed to bring good luck and protection against evil spirits during life events such as weddings or funerals.
- Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival honors Tsongkhapa – founder of Gelugpa school of Buddhism by lighting butter lamps at monasteries on December 25th according to Tibetan calendar.
- Yak meat dishes: The area is known for its common use of yak meat to make various dishes such as yak stew, yak burgers, and yak jerky.
- Tibetan-style momos: These steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables are a staple food in Tibet and can be found in Yushu.
- Tsampa: A roasted barley flour mixed with butter tea to make a dough-like consistency that can be eaten as a snack or meal is also available in this region.
- Butter tea: A traditional drink made from tea leaves, salt, and butter that provides warmth during cold weather can also be found here.
- Kham Tibetan Restaurant: This restaurant serves authentic Tibetan food such as momos, yak stew, tsampa, and butter tea.
- Yushu Snack Street: A street filled with many small vendors selling local snacks like fried dough sticks (youtiao), steamed buns (baozi), grilled lamb skewers (yangrou chuan), among others.
- Qinghai Lake Restaurant: This restaurant serves fresh fish caught from the nearby Qinghai Lake along with other traditional Chinese dishes like stir-fried vegetables and rice dishes.
Note: Please note that the quality of these places mentioned above may vary based on personal experiences and preferences.
- Yushu National Park: This park is home to the famous Kekexili Nature Reserve, which is a protected area for Tibetan antelopes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping and wildlife watching.
- Nangqian Grand Canyon: This scenic canyon offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can hike along the trails or take a guided tour.
- Yushu Grassland: This vast grassland is perfect for horseback riding, picnicking and camping.
- Zhaxi Waterfall: This stunning waterfall is located in the middle of a dense forest and offers visitors a chance to cool off on hot days.
- Jiegu Town Square: This bustling town square is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike; it features shops, restaurants and cultural events throughout the year.
- Changu Monastery: This ancient monastery dates back to the 13th century and features beautiful architecture as well as religious artifacts.
- Horse Racing Festival: Held annually in July or August, this festival celebrates traditional Tibetan culture with horse racing competitions, cultural performances and local food vendors.
