The Four Sacred Mountains of Tibetan Buddhism include Mount Gang Rinpoche in Ngari, Tibet; Mount Kawagarbo (now commonly known as Meili Snow Mountain) in Deqen, Yunnan; Mount Anyemaqen in Guoluo, Qinghai; and Mount Gadejiu (pronounced "Ga" third tone) in Yushu, Qinghai. Among these four sacred mountains, Meili Snow Mountain in Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan, receives the most attention, while Mount Gang Rinpoche in Tibet’s Ngari region is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. The other two sacred mountains—Mount Gadejiu in Yushu Prefecture, Qinghai, and Mount Anyemaqen in Guoluo Prefecture, Qinghai—are less frequented. Yushu Prefecture’s tourism promotion centers on the theme of the “Three-River-Source” area, and with the globally renowned Hoh Xil also located there, official promotion of Mount Gadejiu is minimal. In fact, Mount Gadejiu is an excellent destination for trekking and circumambulation. It is situated in Zaduo Town (also translated as Zaduo or Zaduo), Chenduo County, Yushu Prefecture, Qinghai, and consists of a main peak surrounded by dozens of other peaks. The main peak stands at an elevation of 5,395 meters (some sources say 5,470 meters). In Tibetan, Mount Gadejiu is also called “Gyêju Xia Gya,” meaning “White Holy Guest.” Legend has it that it represents a wise and brave general, with the 28 surrounding peaks symbolizing his seven generals, seven doctors, seven swordsmiths, seven tailors, as well as his grandmother and children. There are three routes for circumambulating Mount Gadejiu: the outer circuit takes about 8–10 days, but reportedly only the last two days offer views of the main peak; the middle circuit takes about 2–4 days, covering around 55 km on foot, with some longer sections accessible by vehicle and approximately 25 km requiring full hiking; the inner circuit can be completed in just one day, but the route is quite dangerous and has seen multiple accidents.
Introduction: Its full name is Gazar Banjueleng, which translates to "Land of Auspicious Prosperity" in Chinese. It is located in Danglong Village, Chenwen Valley, Chengduo County, about 5 kilometers east of the county town. Legend has it that during its peak in the Yuan Dynasty, the monastery housed 23 temples, 5 halls, 6 residential palaces, and over 500 monk quarters, with more than ten thousand monks. Under the leadership of Dampa Rinpoche, it was a center for teachings...
Introduction The Lheba Gully Rock Carvings are located on the banks of the Tongtian River in Yushu Prefecture. Approaching them via a mountain path along the Tongtian River brings you face to face with two contrasting emotional experiences: the bustling grandeur of the Tongtian River and the tranquil sacredness of the Lheba Gully Rock Carvings. The rock carvings are carved facing the river at the mouth of Lheba Gully. Though the gully is lush with vegetation, it can hardly obscure the mysterious atmosphere emanating from the rock carvings and the countless mani stone carvings scattered throughout the area. From the late Tang Dynasty statue of Sakyamuni at the mouth of the gully to the newly carved mani stones, you can witness the entire history of Tibetan religious stone carving.
The Phagpa Preaching Platform In 1278, during his return journey from the Yuan Dynasty capital (Beijing) to the Tibetan region, Phagpa, the Imperial Preceptor of the Yuan Dynasty, preached Buddhist teachings, conferred empowerments, and spread sutras here. The ruins of the “White Lotus Seat” of Phagpa’s preaching platform are located near the Gajang Monastery in Chenwen Town. In 1265, on his way back to Tibet from the capital, Phagpa passed through Yushu and preached and conferred empowerments at Gawalongba (now…
White Pagoda at Tongtian River Ferry The white pagoda is entirely built of stone and has stood for over a century without collapsing, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of its dry-laid stonework. The base of the pagoda is surrounded by exquisitely carved stone reliefs depicting Buddhist stories. …
Introduction The Tongtian River flows from northwest to southeast across the Yushu Grassland, stretching nearly a thousand kilometers and nurturing all life on the grassland. On the south bank of the Tongtian River Bridge stands a huge rock, surrounded by several ancient cypress trees adorned with prayer flags. Legend has it that when Tangseng (Tripitaka) was returning from his journey to retrieve Buddhist scriptures, he passed by the Tongtian River but forgot the old turtle’s…
Introduction: The Tongtian River is formed where the Tuotuo River and the Dangqu River converge 60 kilometers downstream from the Tuotuo River Bridge in the Nangjibalong area. The main source of the Yangtze River, the Tuotuo River, originates from the Geladandong Glacier. The Tongtian River is the name given to the Yangtze as it flows through Yushu Prefecture, stretching 800 kilometers through the broad valleys of the Tanggula and Kunlun mountain ranges. Along the Qinghai–Tibet Highway...
The Tang-Tibet Ancient Road was a major transportation route between the Tang Dynasty and the Tibetan Empire. It is one of the most renowned roads in ancient Chinese history and served as the essential passage from the Central Plains to Qinghai, Tibet, and even to Nepal and India since the Tang Dynasty. The famous Princess Wencheng’s journey to marry King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet took place along this road. Its formation and...
Saba Temple Saba Temple is located in Xiewu Township, Chengduo County, about 32 kilometers from Jiegu Town, the seat of Yushu Prefecture, at an altitude of over 3,700 meters. Its full name is “Taqing Dajileng,” which translates to “Great Vehicle Prosperity Continent” in Chinese. The temple belongs to the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism, and it is particularly noted for housing a Folk Religion and Culture Exhibition Hall. It features specimens of rare animals from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, as well as Kham folk items and nearly ten thousand various objects including religious relics, all of which provide valuable insight and reference for the study of Tibetan cultural history and folk customs in the Kham region, holding significant academic and research value.
Labu Monastery
Sekhang Monastery (also known as Sekang Monastery or Sehang Monastery, Tibetan: "Saiga Rirong Luorading Gong", meaning "The Everlasting Fort of White Light from Its Own Tradition") is located at the foot of Saigadaize Mountain in Keqing Valley, Zaduo Township, 11 kilometers from the township. To the east of the monastery lies Sainianri Mountain, to the west is Gadoqiu Mountain, and to the northwest is Saigadaize Mountain. Situated at the junction of these three mountains along a major transportation route,...
The "Three-River-Source" Monument, also known as the Three-River-Source Nature Reserve Monument, is located by the Tongtian River in Jiegu Town, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Standing 6.621 meters tall with a base area of 363 square meters, the front of the monument bears the inscription "Three-River-Source Nature Reserve" written by [name redacted], while the back features an inscription composed by former Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Buhe, carved in both Chinese and Tibetan.
Zangnyang Stupa and Sangzhou Monastery are located on the southern bank of the Tongtian River in Zhongda Township, Chengduo County, Yushu Prefecture, Qinghai Province. Originally, it was an ancient Bon temple named “Ren Zhen Ao Sai Temple.” The earliest surviving ancient structure is the “Zangnyang Stupa • Shengde Mountain.” In the fourth year of the Xuande era of Emperor Xuanzong of Ming (1430 AD), the Bon Ren Zhen...
The climate in Labu Folk Village is relatively mild. It is a natural scenic area nestled against mountains and water, featuring pleasant artificial gardens and quaint, rustic residential villages. The area showcases unrestrained ethnic songs and dances represented by the original ecological performance “Ba Wu Ba Mao,” as well as the historic and renowned Labu Monastery, which captivates visitors with its profound religious culture...
Introduction The Batang Sky Burial Platform is located on the southeastern slope of the Princess Wencheng Temple, more than 20 kilometers from Jiegu Town, the seat of Yushu Prefecture. Covering an area of about 10 acres, its main structures include several large and small stupas, a small prayer hall, a “Prayer Wheel” hall, the “Gengren” Buddha Hall, a corpse placement platform, and dozens of rooms used by monks and laypeople for retreats and scripture recitation.
Introduction: Bathang Hot Spring Valley is located in a southern valley of Bathang Township, about 45 kilometers from Jiegu, the seat of the prefecture. At an altitude of 3,900 meters, the valley features secluded winding paths, lush vegetation, abundant wildlife, and picturesque scenery. The valley is rich in hot springs that contain various trace elements. According to written records, the history of bathing in the hot springs of Bathang Hot Spring Valley for therapeutic purposes dates back...
Introduction: Sangzhou Monastery was built to protect the ancient Tsangyang Stupa. In 1260 AD, the eminent Tibetan Buddhist master Gā’ānnídānbā (who once served as the Imperial Preceptor of the Yuan Dynasty) constructed the monastery next to the stupa. The monastery currently consists of three large and small stupas, four shrine halls, monk quarters, and other structures. Many of the religious relics preserved within the monastery exhibit a high level of artistic achievement in character depiction and craftsmanship, reflecting a wealth of historical content. Sangzhou Monastery has now been designated as a national-level cultural heritage protection site.
Introduction: Ningji Lake is located in Shanglaxiu Township, Yushu County, approximately 60 kilometers from Jiegu Town, Yushu County. It sits at an altitude of around 4,200 meters, covers an area of over 90 square kilometers, and has a maximum depth of about 30 meters. The lake water is highly mineralized, making it a saltwater lake, and is abundant with highland naked carp. During spring and summer, birds such as bar-headed geese and fish gulls…
Introduction: Longbao Marsh is located about 80 kilometers southwest of Jiegu Town, the capital of Yushu Prefecture in Qinghai Province. It lies between two high mountains that run parallel to each other, with a valley stretching 10 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide in between. The valley floor features remnants of dried-up lakes, gravelly terrain, and is essentially a marshland of alpine meadow type. It sits at an altitude of over 4,000 feet...
Jiegu Town is located in the canyon area on the southern bank of the Tongtian River in southern Qinghai Province. It serves as the seat of both the People's Government of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Yushu County. Accessible via National Highway 214, it lies 818 kilometers from Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, and is a historical and cultural as well as scenic tourism destination. It functions as a key transportation hub and distribution center for goods traveling between Qinghai and the Sichuan and Tibet regions...