Xiangradongji Sacred Mountain Scenic Area

Xiangradongji Sacred Mountain Scenic Area

The Xiangradongji Sacred Mountain Scenic Area is 29 kilometers from the county town. It is an untouched mountain, revered as one of the sacred mountains in the Tibetan epic "Gesar," and is considered inviolable.

The scenic area spans 30 square kilometers. The Xiangradongji Sacred Mountain is shaped like the Chinese character "众," towering and grand. Legend says it is the incarnation of Vajrapani. It is surrounded by 88 snow-capped mountains, believed to be its attendants. Every Monkey Year, deities from all realms gather at the sacred mountain for a grand celebration, so circumambulating the mountain during this year is said to accumulate boundless merit.

The beauty of Xiangradongji Sacred Mountain consists of peculiar mountains, unique waters, strange rocks, and rare trees. Among the mountains, there are the Seven Sisters of Garongwu Mu (seven elegant and lofty peaks), said to be the seven princesses of the sacred mountain; the main peak, perpetually covered in snow and shimmering silver; and 88 surrounding peaks, each uniquely shaped and wreathed in auspicious mist. As for water bodies, there is the Suolang Jiqing Lake, about 667 square meters in size, known as the "Treasure Basin"; the Cuolangma Lake, around 467 square meters with ink-black waters; the Zari Yucuo Lake, with turquoise-colored water; the Manacuo Lake, with copper-red hues; the Swan Lake, where swans glide; the mystical Milariba Divine Lake, which emits sounds resembling chanting; the Immortal Lakes, said to be reserved for celestial beings’ drinking; and the Emacuo Lake, white as fresh milk. Regarding strange rocks, there are what appear to be thousands of white sheep racing across the mountain ridges; the butter churn of Gesar’s consort, Zhuoma; a naturally formed statue of Guanyin; an elephant trunk (with nostrils wide enough for visitors to crawl through); a rhinoceros; naturally appearing mantras; the meditation staff imprint left by the master Padmasambhava on a rock; and a rock formation resembling a hellish underworld. As for rare trees, the entire scenic area is covered by dense primeval forests, home to precious species such as hemlock, spruce, fir, pine, cypress, and various alpine azaleas.

Despite possessing so many unique mountains, waters, rocks, and trees, Xiangradongji Sacred Mountain pales in comparison to its rich wildlife resources.

The area is home to many rare wild animals. Herds include blue sheep, roe deer, Tibetan gazelles, deer, muntjacs, black deer, wild asses, red deer, musk deer, black bears, brown bears, macaques, wild boars, foxes, leopards, snow leopards, lynxes, rabbits, otters, wolves, jackals, marmots, blue-eared pheasants, white eared-pheasants, magpies, cuckoos, Tibetan snowcocks, owls, swans, and yellow ducks. There is no shortage of creatures in the sky, on land, or in water. As the area is regarded as a sacred mountain by local Tibetans and hunting is strictly prohibited, the wildlife is well protected and thrives. Especially notable are the thousands of blue sheep that frolic alongside livestock herds. Visitors can see various animals at any time of the year. Such a sight is likely unmatched elsewhere in the country, which is why the area is called a natural wildlife park. On November 26, 2001, it was approved as a prefectural-level scenic area by the state government.

Location: Situated within Gangmada Township, Rangtang County, the scenic area covers a total of 616 square kilometers, with an average elevation of 3,800 meters. The main peak of Xiangradongji stands at 5,178 meters, making it the highest peak in the county.

Climate: The area features a dry and cold winter, long winters without summer, short springs and autumns, and large diurnal temperature variations—characteristic of a typical plateau climate.

Resources: Xiangradongji Sacred Mountain boasts not only unique mountains, waters, rocks, and trees but also abundant wildlife resources.

Title: Known as a natural wildlife park, it was approved as a prefectural-level scenic area by the state government on November 26, 2001.

Contact: 0837-2376222

Official Website: http://www.rangtang.gov.cn/ (Rangtang County Government Website)