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Yushu Guide
Introduction of Yushu
Located in the central region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture lies in the southern part of Qinghai Province, China. Covering an area of approximately 267,000 square kilometers, Yushu accounts for about 37.2% of the total land area of Qinghai Province, making it one of the largest prefecture-level regions in the province.
With an average elevation of around 4,000 meters above sea level, Yushu experiences a high-altitude plateau climate characterized by cold temperatures and challenging weather conditions. Unlike regions with four distinct seasons, Yushu mainly experiences two climatic periods: a long cold season lasting approximately 7 to 8 months and a relatively short warm season lasting about 4 to 5 months.
The region has an annual average temperature of around -0.8°C, with temperatures ranging from approximately -42°C during extreme cold periods to above 28°C in warmer months. Due to its high elevation and unique geographical environment, Yushu is frequently affected by natural hazards, including strong storms, frost, low temperatures, droughts, and hailstorms.
These severe climate conditions have a significant impact on local agricultural production and animal husbandry. Despite these environmental challenges, Yushu’s unique plateau ecosystem and geographical advantages have shaped its distinctive natural resources and traditional pastoral lifestyle.
Main attraction of Yushu
1. Mt. Alimaqin ( A'yemaqen )
The lofty A'nyemaqen Mountains is composed of 13 peaks, averaging 5,900 meters above sea level. Legend has it that there are many mountain gods, wise, kind-hearted, who protect the local people from evil spirits. Mt. A'nyemaqen is holding holy especially by the Tibetan people. A'nyemaqen is also attractive for its unique land formation, changeable climate, spectacular waterfalls, and various species of wild animals.
2. Mt. Niaobaoyuze
Also known as Guoluo, Nianbaoyuze Mountains is held holy by the locals on Guoluo Grassland. It is located 40 kilometers southwest of Jigzhi County, and is the main peak on the southeastern section of Mt. Bayan Har. It is said that the mountain is the birthplace of the local Tibetans. Nianbaoyuze is composed of many peaks 4,000 meters above sea level. The main peak is located in the southwestern monsoon zone, with an annual rainfall of 700mm, a place with the most rainfall in Qinghai. There are 360 lakes, which are famous for alepidotes. In the southeast, there are virgin forests of pines and firs. The ravines are home to snow leopards, brown dears, and lynxes. The weather here is changeable.
3. Temple of Princess Wencheng
Located 20 kilometers from Jiegu Town of Yushu Prefecture, the Temple of Princess Wencheng is hemmed in by mountains and streams. It is equisitely designed. On top of the rock over the front gate of the main hall there are nine statues of Buddha, displaying the excellent technique of carving and painting of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). It is said that when she passed through here on her way to marry the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng was deeply moved by the hospitable local Tibetans. She thus ordered her artisans and craftsmen to build Buddhist pagodas and make statues of Buddha. In 710 when she passed through the same place on her way to marry the Tibetan king Chide Zugdan, Princess Jincheng saw the statues of Buddha and asked her craftsmen to rebuild the temple, granting the name of the Temple.
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