Home > Destination > Qinghai > Yushu

Yushu Travel Guide

Ask Question

 Facts
Phone Code: 0976
Postal Code: 815000
Area: 267,000 square kilometers (103,089 square miles)
Population: 283,100 (2008 statistics)
Nationality: Tibetan, Han, Hui, Tu, Mongolian

Location: Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is located in the southwest of Qinghai Province. It neighbours Haixi, Bayinguole in Xinjiang, Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Garze in Sichuan, and Chamdo and Nakchu in Tibet. The longitude is between 80°27′E and 97°39′E, while the latitude is 31°45′to 36°10′N.

 Physical Features: Located in the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the average elevation of the region is above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), with the highest point being 6,621 meters (21,722 feet). The Tanggula Mountain stretches along the south of the region, while the Kekexili and Bayan Har Mountains lie in the north. Snow mountains and glaciers are common in the region. The resource of the two mother rivers of China, the Yangtze River and the Yellow River, flows through Yushu.

 History: Yushu was ruled by the Qiang tribe in ancient times. During the Tang, Song and Yuan dynasties, Tubo (old name for Tibet) governed the region. Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture was established in 1955.

 Attractions: Yushu boasts breathtaking landscapes and the unique culture of the Tibetan people. Ke Ke Xi Li is one of the egions that has the best primitive ecology environment. The Gyegu Town has long been the distribution center and transportation hub of the Qinghai, Sichuan and Tibet since ancient times. The famous folk song festival Hua Er Hui is held in town yearly from July 25th to August 1st. Not far from the Gyegu Town is situated a 1,300-year-old temple, the Temple of Princess Wen Cheng. It was built to commemorate the Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), who married Songtsen Gampo, the king of Tubo. Borrowing the architectural styles of the Tang Dynasty, this Tibetan Buddhism temple attracts believers and travelers from all over the world. The Qunguozhaxi Marsh is covered with swamp, but the verdant grass attracts all kinds of beasts, such as wild horse, Mongolian gazelle, wolf and corsac fox. The marsh is also a heaven for birds. It is said over 20 species birds spend spring and summer here.

 Transportation: 
 Air: There are regular flights from Xian to Yushu with a stopover in Xining. The travel time is about 2 hours. Yushu Airport is located 18 km south of Gyegu Town which can be reached by shuttle bus in 30 minutes. The bus fare is CNY 20 per person.
 Bus: Visitors can take a long-distance bus from Xining to Yushu. The bus trip takes 12 - 15 hours. You can stop at the attractions on the way if you rent a car. The bus from Yushu to Xining leaves at 08:30, 09:00, 12:30 13:00 and 17:30 from Shengli Road bus terminal in Gyegu Town. The bus fare is CNY 142 for hard seat and CNY 175 – 198 for sleeper.
The bus to Chengdu runs every other day. It departs from the bus terminal in Zhaqu South Road at 08:30 and arrives in Chengdu in 48 hours. The bus fare is CNY 280.
the bus to Garze departs at 08:30 and arrives in Garze in 16 hours. The bus fare is CNY 160.
 Public Bus: There are public buses in the Gyegu Town, and the normal fare is CNY 1 within the town. Buses from Nangqian, Chengduo and Zhiduo Counties are available.
 Taxi: There are taxies in the Gyegu Town, with a flag-down fare of CNY 5.
 Rent A Car: The approximate cost for renting a car in Yushu is CNY 200 per day.

 Weather: Yushu has an alpine climate. There are not four seasons but only cold and warm seasons. The warm season lasts from May to October and the rest of the months belong to the cold season. The temperature fluctuates between -27°C (-16.6°F) and 28°C (82.4°F), and averages 3°C (37.4°F).
July and August are the best times to visit Yushu, for it is cool and humid. So Yushu is an ideal summer resort.

 Dining and Shopping
Tibetan food is the main food in Yushu, as Tibetan makes up 97% of the population. Local people are fond of mutton, beef, butter, yoghurt and dry cheese. Bayan Har Yoghurt is the most famous, which can be found in the Gyegu Town. Gyegu Post located on Hongwei Road is a nice restaurant featuring local food. Visitors who are not used to the Tibetan food can also find Sichuan cuisine restaurants in the town.

The Tibetan Market near Sanjiangyuan Shopping Mall in the town is good a place to buy local products. Besides the Tibetan handcrafts and herbal medicines, there are also wooden wares from Nangqian County.

Questions & Answers on Yushu Travel Guide
Ask a Question about Yushu Travel Guide
Back Go Top