Guoluo, a divine realm undisturbed by mortals —— A 2014 self-guided travel guide to Guoluo Prefecture, Qinghai Province...

    Introduction

　　In Guoluo, even traveling alone won’t make you feel lonely, because the ever-changing natural and cultural landscapes will captivate your every moment. The sacred Amnye Machen Mountain holds unparalleled religious and cultural appeal; while Zhaling Lake and Eling Lake at the source of the Yellow River become the emotional focal points for those seeking their roots and exploring the origins of their ethnic identity. Dubbed the “Garden of the Gods,” Nyenchen Tanglha; the undisturbed Maqu Valley; and numerous serene Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. After beholding so many great mountains and rivers, Guoluo will reawaken that tender, heart-fluttering nostalgia from your youth.

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　　The Hidden Land of Guoluo

　　Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture might be the last forgotten snow mountain sanctuary.

　　After being sought out one after another by countless travelers in search of spiritual escape, Tibet has become bustling and crowded. Yet Guoluo in Qinghai, located on the other side of the Tibetan Plateau, remains undisturbed, tranquil, and vast. The hooves of herders’ horses gently tread through the long passage of time, making this land seem as if a deity is slumbering within.

Lonely Planet describes Guoluo as a place suited for those who travel alone, seeking spiritual liberation. As your wheels roll along the long and winding national highway, it’s hard to concentrate, because the skies and lands of the Tibetan Plateau are so vast that the “self” as an individual can easily drift away, floating in the thin air tinged with the scents of grass, cow dung, sang offerings, Tibetan incense, and butter. You may find yourself oblivious to the herds of cattle, grasslands, mountains, clouds, and clear skies before your eyes, while your mind conjures childhood doodles on desks, budding first love, and the drowsy hum of cicadas in the afternoon — until the crisp sound of a prayer wheel brings your gaze back to the smiling Tibetan people not far away. With your spirit somewhat settled, it feels as though you’ve completed a cycle of rebirth.