2025 Nangqian Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

2025 Autumn Western Self-Drive Tour 📆2025-10-01 Today is National Day, and today we are entering Tibet! The altitude continues to rise: Xining 2200m, Xinghai County 3300m, Yushu 3600m, Nangqian 3600m, Leiwuqi 3800m. 📍Nangqian Millennium Ancient Salt Field. With a long history, it still uses the ancient salt-making process, extracting brine from salt springs and naturally crystallizing it through wind and sun exposure. 📍Ga'er Monastery The largest monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. A Tibetan Buddhist temple embedded in a cliff, at an altitude of 3700 meters. The scenery along the way to Ga'er Monastery Grand Canyon is very beautiful. Ga'er Monastery is divided into the Upper Monastery and the Lower Monastery; the Upper Monastery is the practice area, and the Lower Monastery is the living area. Looking down from Ga'er Monastery, the mountains lower, the trees seem distant, the road winds like a snake, houses look like boxes, water is like a clear mirror, and clouds like flowing smoke. This section of the Ga'er Monastery Grand Canyon is a rare canyon forest landscape on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with very beautiful scenery. 🌃 Overnight: Leiwuqi "The Little Switzerland of Eastern Tibet, Colorful Leiwuqi." Leiwuqi is one of the ten counties under Chamdo City, and its Tibetan name means "Big Mountain." Here are layers of pine forests and peaceful, distant-reaching canyons, known as the "Little Switzerland of Eastern Tibet." Once you enter Leiwuqi, you have entered Tibet. 💰After entering Tibet, the fuel price increased by one yuan.

In the heart of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, at the source of the Three Rivers, lies a pure land surrounded by snow-capped mountains and prayer flags—Yushu. This is the hometown of King Gesar, a post station for Princess Wencheng’s marriage alliance, and a cultural secret on the Roof of the World. If you long to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and seek a spiritual shock amid the vast wilderness, this 3-day in-depth Yushu tour will open a lifelong unforgettable journey for you. 🌟 Highlights at a Glance • Three Great Tibetan Buddhist Stupas: The solemn Zangniang Stupa, the mysterious Nepalese Baye Stupa, and the sacred Tibetan Baiju Stupa—check in two wonders in one trip • Millennium Ancient Temple Pilgrimage: The grandeur of Jiegu Monastery, the tranquility of Chenggu Monastery, the ruggedness of Ga’er Monastery—experience the profundity of Tibetan Buddhism • Epic Natural Wonders: The magnificent Ga’er Monastery Grand Canyon, the vast Batang Grassland, the majestic Sanjiangyuan—every frame is wallpaper-worthy • Intangible Cultural Heritage Feast: The faith spectacle of 2.5 billion mani stones, the legendary stories of Princess Wencheng Temple, the passionate Khamba songs and dances—immerse yourself in Tibetan local customs 🗓️ Detailed Itinerary: Three Days to Explore Yushu’s Essence Day 1: Buddhist Holy Land and City Pulse Morning: Zangniang Stupa and Sangzhou Monastery As the first ray of morning sunlight shines on the golden top of Zangniang Stupa, this over 40-meter-tall ancient stupa stands like a compassionate guardian overlooking the red walls and golden tiles of Sangzhou Monastery. As one of the "Three Great Tibetan Buddhist Stupas," every brick carries the weight of history. The murals inside, though thousands of years old, remain vivid, telling the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient artisans. Standing before the stupa, listening to the wind chimes and watching devotees turn prayer wheels devoutly, you will feel a timeless tranquility. Noon: Lunch atop Jiegu Monastery Climb the winding mountain road to Jiegu Monastery, the largest temple in Yushu, famous for its magnificent architecture and superb views. In the monastery’s vegetarian dining hall, savor a steaming bowl of butter tea and tsampa, with panoramic views of Yushu city and snow-capped mountains faintly visible through the mist—a dining experience like no other. Afternoon: King Gesar Square and Yushu Prefecture Museum King Gesar Square is the soul of Yushu, with a heroic statue of King Gesar guarding the land. The surrounding Tibetan-style buildings are colorful, each window carved with exquisite patterns. At dusk, the musical fountain dances to Tibetan melodies, with water jets reflecting rainbow colors in the sunset, like a fairyland. Yushu Prefecture Museum offers a window into Yushu’s history and culture. The natural exhibits realistically recreate the ecological wonders of Sanjiangyuan and Hoh Xil; the cultural exhibits of historical artifacts, folk costumes, and religious implements let you travel through time and feel Yushu’s vicissitudes. Day 2: Cultural Codes on the Tang-Tubo Ancient Road Morning: Morning Bell and Evening Drum at Chenggu Monastery Chenggu Monastery, located in Chenggu Village of Jiegu Town, is a Kagyu sect temple famous for practicing the "Mahamudra" method. Shrouded in morning mist, prayer flags flutter in the wind, and monks’ chanting echoes through the valley. Here, you can follow the monks to learn simple meditation techniques and purify your mind in tranquility. Noon: Legendary Lunch at Princess Wencheng Temple Drive to Princess Wencheng Temple, built during the Tang Dynasty and nestled against the mountain. The statue of Vairocana Buddha inside is solemn and majestic. At the Tibetan-style restaurant beside the temple, enjoy hand-caught lamb and yak yogurt made by local herders, savoring the rustic and rich flavors of Tibetan cuisine. Afterward, stroll along the path behind the temple to the legendary Princess Spring, crystal clear as if you could still see Princess Wencheng washing there centuries ago. Afternoon: The Ocean of Faith at Xinzhaijiana Mani Stones Xinzhaijiana Mani Stone Sutra City is the largest mani stone pile in the world, with 2.5 billion stones engraved with scriptures stacked into walls, forming a "Stone Great Wall." Each mani stone represents the devotion of believers—some inscribed with the six-syllable mantra, some with Buddha images, others with Buddhist scriptures. Here, you can follow the clockwise procession of pilgrims, touch these spiritually charged stones, and feel the power of faith. When the sunset bathes the mani stone walls in golden light, the entire stone sutra city transforms into a golden city, breathtakingly magnificent. Day 3: Secret Realm Exploration and Dance of Nature All day: Nangqian Secret Realm Tour Depart from Yushu city and drive to Nangqian County, passing by Baizha Salt Field and Ga’er Monastery Grand Canyon. The salt lake at Baizha Salt Field glistens silver under the sun, where ancient salt-making techniques have been preserved for millennia. The Ga’er Monastery Grand Canyon is a hidden paradise, with lush primeval forests, babbling streams, and occasionally Tibetan macaques leaping among the branches. Ga’er Monastery is divided into Upper and Lower Temples. The Upper Temple sits on a cliff like a sky pavilion; the Lower Temple is where laypeople live, with curling cooking smoke full of earthly warmth. Standing on the Upper Temple’s viewing platform overlooking the canyon, you will be awed by nature’s craftsmanship. The prayer wheels inside are said to be a thousand years old—turn one, make a wish, and let the blessing spread with the mountain breeze. 🍽️ Food Map: Taste of Yushu • Butter Tea and Tsampa: Traditional Tibetan breakfast, the rich milky flavor of butter tea perfectly blends with the wheat aroma of tsampa, paired with dried meat to energize you all day. • Hand-Caught Lamb: Selected local Tibetan lamb from Yushu, tender and free of any gamey taste. Dip in chili powder and salt for a mouthful of lasting fragrance. • Yak Yogurt: Thick as cheese, sweet and sour yak yogurt from Yushu. Add a spoonful of honey and some highland barley for a perfect summer refreshment. • Butter Buns: Thin-skinned, generously filled butter buns; one bite releases hot butter and beef filling, irresistible. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations: Perfect Blend of Tibetan Style and Modern Comfort • All Seasons Hotel (Yushu Jiegu Avenue Branch): Located in the city center with convenient transportation. The hotel design blends Tibetan elements with modern style, rooms are spacious and bright with complete facilities, ideal for business and leisure travelers. • Yushu Qinggan Grand Hotel (King Gesar Square Branch): Adjacent to King Gesar Square, some rooms overlook the entire square. The hotel offers airport shuttle service, reasonable prices, and excellent value. • Zhiming Inn: This exotic inn on Beihuan Road is full of Tibetan characteristics in every corner. Here, you can taste Tibetan breakfast handmade by the owner and exchange travel experiences with travelers from all over. 🚗 Transportation Guide: Easy Access to Yushu and Convenient Sightseeing • Airplane: Yushu Batang Airport offers direct flights to Xining, Chengdu, Lhasa, and other cities. The flight from Xining to Yushu takes only 1.5 hours, the fastest way. • Road: From Xining, drive about 12 hours along National Highway G214 to Yushu, enjoying sights like Riyue Mountain and Eling Lake en route, suitable for self-driving tourists. • City Transport: Public transportation in Yushu city is convenient; most attractions can be reached by bus or taxi. For more freedom exploring surrounding sites, car rental or joining local day tours is recommended. 📌 Travel Tips: Make Your Yushu Trip Perfect • Altitude Sickness: Yushu’s average altitude exceeds 4,000 meters; newcomers may experience headaches, nausea, etc. It is recommended to take Rhodiola a week in advance, avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival, and get enough sleep. Carry an oxygen bottle just in case. • Sun Protection and Warmth: Yushu has strong UV rays; apply high-SPF sunscreen even on cloudy days, wear sunglasses and hats. Summer days and nights have large temperature differences; bring warm clothes like windbreakers and fleece jackets. • Respect Local Customs: Remove hats and walk clockwise in temples, avoid touching Buddha statues and relics. Ask permission before photographing devotees and do not disturb their practice. • Best Travel Time: June to September is Yushu’s peak tourist season, with green grasslands, blooming wildflowers, and pleasant temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities. The Yushu Horse Racing Festival and Khamba Cultural Arts Festival in July and August are must-see events. 🎬 Documentary Recommendations: Deepen Your Understanding of Yushu’s Past and Present • "Aerial China Season 4: Qinghai": Showcases Yushu’s magnificent mountains and unique landscapes through aerial footage. • "Yushu Intangible Heritage Journey": Documents Yushu’s intangible cultural heritage such as thangka painting and Tibetan knife forging, letting you feel Yushu’s cultural charm. • "Source of the Three Rivers": Focuses on ecological protection in Sanjiangyuan, understanding Yushu’s vital role in national ecological security. • "The Heroic Grassland of Gesar": Tells the legendary story of King Gesar, experiencing Yushu’s heroic epic culture. Yushu, a city on the Roof of the World, attracts countless travelers with its unique natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. Here, you can touch the traces of history, feel the power of faith, and experience Tibetan hospitality. If you desire a journey beyond the ordinary, the 3-day Yushu tour is definitely your best choice. Pack your bags and set foot on this mysterious land, letting your soul fly freely in the highland winds!

🌟 Dana Monastery, at an altitude of 4,500 meters, is the world's most complete existing Gesar stupa monastery. "Dana Sengge Nanzong" means "Lion Fortress with Horse Ears," named after the mountain that resembles a lion and rocks that look like horse ears (top of image 3). Dana Monastery (image 3) was first built in the 3rd or 4th century AD as a Bon monastery, and was converted to the Yeba Kagyu sect during the Southern Song dynasty. It is the only Yeba Kagyu monastery among the eight sub-sects of the White Sect. The monastery houses the swords, armor, and clothes used by King Gesar and his generals. 🌟 Near Dana Monastery are the stupas of the 30 generals of the Kingdom of Ling in the Epic of King Gesar. The stupas are all in the Ganden style, the largest "group stupas" in the Tibetan style in the Qinghai-Tibet region. They are built in the late Tang dynasty Tibetan style and architectural art, and are listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit. The stupas are located halfway up the Ma'er Mountain, with steep and difficult roads and high altitude. You can only use a drone to capture the surrounding natural scenery, which is refreshing and pleasant. The streams at the foot of the mountain are clear, and wild animals play freely. The area maintains the oldest way of life, peaceful and serene.

🌟 Yushu Nangqian Ayuwang Pagoda, also known as Gerong Pagoda, is the site of Ayuwang Pagoda. According to historical records, King Ashoka of ancient India built 84,000 pagodas around the world to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Buddha's nirvana, with the Buddha's relics as the inner collection. 🌟 Nineteen of them are located in China, and the Xiangda Gerong Pagoda in Nangqian, Qinghai is one of them. Gerong Pagoda has five floors in total. The first floor in the Mandala is the site of the Buddha's relic pagoda built during the Ashoka period 2,200 years ago, which has never been opened. 🌟 It is said that the stone tablet unearthed here contains the records of the pagoda and confirms that the pagoda site in Nangqian is the Ayuwang Pagoda. Now, about 500 small pagodas, 5 million Buddha statues, 160,000 sacred stones of the Tripitaka, and countless Mani stones have been built around the pagoda site. Songtsen Gampo, the king of Tubo, once built a temple next to the pagoda, which is the predecessor of the current Changdu Temple in Tibet.

Driving on the road in Nangqian, Yushu, feels like traveling through a moving painting. The afterglow of the setting sun weaves into brilliant colors, reflecting on the vast plateau. Outside the car window, the undulating mountains resemble sleeping dragons, guarding this sacred land. Occasionally, herds of yaks leisurely stroll on the grassland, their silhouettes contrasting with the distant peaks, creating a tranquil yet vivid scene. At this moment, all the noise and troubles have faded away, leaving only inner peace and tranquility, finding a sense of belonging in this distant and mysterious place.

I hovered over the braided river system of the Zhaqu River, I traversed the ancient Baizha Salt Field, The wind blows, the clouds wander, the grass sways with the light, and the herdsmen drive the yaks home at sunset. ❤ Jiangyuan Yushu · Secret Realm Nangqian, so beautiful that you don't want to go home! The Zhaqu River is one of the main tributaries in the upper reaches of the Lancang River. The crisscrossing rivers meander through the mountains, forming a unique highland river landscape - a braided river system. The Baizha Salt Field, located in Baizha Township, Nangqian County, is called 'Baizha Tsaka' in Tibetan, meaning the monkey's salt field. It is the earliest established salt field in Nangqian County, with the highest quality brine and the most representative. Salt is mainly produced in spring and autumn each year, and the salt produced is divided into two types: white salt and red salt. Travel Tips: 1. The dream network of Nangqian, the braided river system viewing platform is about 3-5 kilometers ahead of Nangqian County. You can also go down to the grassland to take photos, and aerial time-lapse photography is very spectacular. 2. The Baizha Salt Field requires about 40 minutes of driving along the highway. There is a wooden plank road in the Baizha Salt Field for close-up viewing, and there is also a newly built Red Salt Museum nearby. 3. The average altitude of Nangqian is over 3000 meters. Compared to other high-altitude reactions, it may be weaker, but it is still recommended not to engage in strenuous exercise. And be sure to take sun protection measures.

👉Summer cooling plan, if Nangqian County in Yushu Prefecture is the secret of Kham, then Gadeng Monastery embraced by the Lancang River is the secret within the secret. 👉Gadeng Monastery, an ancient temple by the Lancang River, has a history of over 500 years. The temple on the small island is isolated from the world, surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, with a very unique geographical location. 👉This travel route offers cool and comfortable weather in summer, not only with picturesque scenery but also rich in culture, the most beautiful S-bend of the Lancang River, and the magical Maozhuang Daughter Kingdom village beside the monastery. 📍Address: Maozhuang Township, Nangqian County, Yushu Prefecture, Qinghai Province 🚗Transportation: Self-drive to Gadeng Monastery in Maozhuang Township, 170 kilometers from Yushu, 120 kilometers from Nangqian County, at an altitude of about 3720 meters, located in the Ziqu River Basin, with excellent natural scenery along the way. 🚘Travel Route: 👉Route 1: Depart from Nangqian County through Kanda Canyon——Yala Sacred Mountain——Sacred Lake Wengcuo Lake——Suman Monastery, an ancient temple combining politics and religion——Gadeng Monastery big turn (rest at reception point)——Hometown of Nangqian King Zhewenduo (Statue of Princess Supi)——Quiet Ziqu River——Zirong Ancient City (Monkey God overlooking)——Jiangxi Forest Farm——Gadeng Monastery reception point 👉Route 2: Depart from Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture——Quiet Ziqu River——Zirong Ancient City——Jiangxi Forest Farm——Gadeng Monastery reception point (rest)——Hometown of Nangqian King Zhewenduo (Statue of Princess Supi)——Suman Monastery, an ancient temple combining politics and religion——Sacred Lake Wengcuo Lake——Yala Sacred Mountain——Kanda Grand Canyon——Return to county town. 👉Play: 1️⃣In summer, wildflowers bloom here, and the grass is fresh and beautiful. Cars can drive to the entrance of the monastery. 2️⃣In addition to the main hall, there are some yellow or white houses on the back mountain of the monastery, which are said to be places where monks retreat for practice. 3️⃣Climbing the hillside on one side of the monastery, you can overlook the full view of the S-bend, with smoke curling outside the river and Buddhist scriptures leisurely inside the river. 4️⃣On the hillside on the other side of the monastery is the Daughter Kingdom Maozhuang Township, with primitive Tibetan houses and beautiful pastoral scenery. Gadeng Monastery

👉Ga'er Monastery features a unique geographical environment. It is the largest monastery of the Tibetan Bon religion, situated on a mountain at an altitude of around 3700 meters. 👉The monastery is divided into an upper and a lower temple. The upper temple is where monks practice their religion, with temples embedded in the cliffs. The lower temple is where laypeople live, spread across the hillside like a village. 👉The area encompasses high mountain pastures, primeval forests, and streams among the woods. It's a collection not only of temple culture but also of the tranquil and pleasant nature between heaven and earth. 📍Address: Bamai Village, Baizha Township, Nangqian County, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province 🚗Transportation: Self-driving or chartered car, at the border of Qinghai and Tibet, 76 kilometers from Nangqian County town, 250 kilometers from Yushu Prefecture's capital, Jiegu Town. ➡️Route: Turn south at the 1024-kilometer point of National Highway 214 into the gravel road leading to Baizha Forest Farm, continue for about 25 kilometers, then head west into Balong Gully (also known as Ga'er Monastery Canyon), and drive about 15 kilometers to the end of the canyon to reach Ga'er Monastery. ❤️Features: ✔️Legend has it that over 700 years ago, the great master Padmasambhava practiced here. ✔️The treasures of the monastery are a pair of unique prayer wheels, said to be part of the dowry Princess Wencheng brought when she married Songtsen Gampo. 🏞️Sightseeing: 1. At the foot of the monastery's mountain, there is a highland meadow surrounded by a lake. 2. Cars can drive along the mountain road all the way to the top of the monastery, where there is a parking lot. 3. The lower temple is halfway up the mountain, said to be where lay practitioners practice, resembling a village on the hillside. 4. Driving all the way to the top, the upper temple is embedded in the cliffs, with the sound of chanting and grand temples. 5. After visiting the upper temple, you can go to the back mountain. In summer, the area is lush with trees, covered with wildflowers, colorful prayer flags, and you can overlook the entire monastery. Ga'er Monastery Grand Canyon Ecotourism Area

👉These red salt fields are just too beautiful! The Baizha Salt Field in Nangqian, Qinghai, is located by the Dana River. Overlooking the square salt pans below the mountain, they resemble a palette, and the salt fields on the mountain follow the terrain like terraced fields. 👉Baizha Salt Field is one of the oldest salt fields in the Yushu area of Qinghai. With a thousand years of salt mining experience, it still uses ancient salt-making techniques to this day. 👉In summer, the scenery on the way to Baizha Salt Field is very beautiful, with mountains, grasslands, wheat fields, and ancient villages. Accompanied by beautiful scenery all the way, you will encounter this stunning red salt field. 📍Address: Baizha Village, Baizha Township, Nangqian County, Yushu, Qinghai 🚗Transportation: Self-driving or chartered car, Baizha Ancient Salt Field is 45 kilometers away from Nangqian County 🏞️Features: This boutique tourist route of Baizha Salt Field is cool and comfortable in summer. Along the way, there are alpine meadows, river canyons, sacred mountains and holy lakes, and many ancient villages and temples. From natural scenery to cultural features, it has everything. 🚘Route: Nangqian—Zhaqu River—Naijia Ma Sacred Mountain—Baizha Ancient Salt Field—Ga'er Temple Grand Canyon—Yixiantian—Ga'er Temple—Lacuo Lake ❤️Activities: Photographing villagers harvesting salt, experiencing salt harvesting, walking the ancient salt road, and the sky mirror of the salt fields, etc.

In 2010, a major earthquake occurred in Yushu, causing many people to die. People from all over the country gave great help to Yushu. Therefore, to thank the aid from the compatriots across the country, Yushu decided that all scenic spots in the area would be free of charge, permanently. This place is more mysterious than Tibet, more primitive than Xinjiang, and as sacred as Sichuan. It is even a paradise for travelers, ranking among the top in China. It is Qinghai Yushu. 🚉Travel Guide: ✈️You can choose to fly to Yushu Batang Airport 🚅You can choose to take a bullet train to Xining, and then depart from Xining to Yushu Recommended attractions: Hoh Xil This is a sacred place to witness life and faith, a paradise for rare wild animals. On the way, you can see snow-capped mountains and grasslands, lakes and wetlands, and groups of wild animals. △The core area is prohibited to enter, only for distant viewing, please pay attention to safety! Sanjiangyuan China's first national park, where the mountains stand tall, on both sides of the Yellow River, presenting a fascinating picture. Coming here is like walking into a huge natural zoo: Tibetan antelopes, wild donkeys, and wild yaks can be seen everywhere Chumar River Under the sun, the Chumar River looks like rocks washed by water, and also like the 'blood of the earth', which is really amazing Jiegu Temple The temple and the monks' houses are well-arranged, towering above the hill. Standing here, you can see the whole town, which is very spectacular and vast Gaer Temple This is an ancient temple hanging on a cliff, with an altitude of more than 3700 meters. It is the largest temple in the White Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. You can visit the treasure of the temple, a pair of peculiar prayer wheels. It is said that this pair of prayer wheels was the dowry brought by Princess Wencheng when she married Songtsen Gampo, and was later placed in Gaer Temple Baizha Ancient Salt Field An ancient salt field with a longer history than Chaka Salt Lake, still using the ancient salt-making process. The scenery is pleasant in summer, with mountains, grasslands, wheat fields, and ancient villages, forming a picture Xinzha Mani Stone Scripture City At an altitude of more than 3600 meters, the Mani pile is magnificent and is known as 'the largest place in the world for making wishes'. Although these characters are mysterious and difficult to understand, they are as elegant as artworks Yushu Horse Racing Festival The largest Tibetan carnival in Qinghai, held on the Zaxi Grassland from July 25 to August 1 every year. Those who are going to play recently can pay attention The name 'Yushu' is translated from Tibetan, meaning 'ruins'. There are countless praises for this place: 'Ocean of Song and Dance', 'Hometown of Song and Dance', 'Ancestor of Famous Mountains', 'Source of Rivers', 'Land of Yaks', 'The Closest Place to the Sky in the World'.