
Weird & Unusual Attractions in Yushu, China
1. Jiegu Zhacuo – Rainbow Bridge
A natural bridge formed by erosion over millions of years. It has seven arches, resembling a rainbow.
- Natural Phenomenon: Rare natural bridge formation
- Seven Arches: Unusual number of arches
- Geological Interest: Age-old formation
2. Yushu Tibetan Apothecary
Traditional medicine shop selling rare Tibetan herbs and remedies. Visit for a unique cultural experience.
- Rare Herbs: Access to traditional medicinal plants
- Cultural Experience: Insight into Tibetan healing practices
- Unique Medicines: Remedies not found elsewhere
3. Tashi Dzong – Iron Castle
A fortress built from iron plates instead of stone. It's one of the few buildings in Tibet made this way.
- Built from Iron: Unusual construction material
- Historical Significance: Important cultural landmark
- Architectural Wonder: Rare architectural design
4. Qomolongma – Mount Everest Monastery
A monastery dedicated to the goddess Mt. Everest. The monastery is located at an altitude of over 5000m.
- High Altitude: Located above 5000 meters
- Goddess Dedication: Dedicated to the goddess Mt. Everest
- Remote Location: Isolated and challenging to reach
5. Jiuzhaigou-style houses in Yushu
Colorful wooden houses inspired by the famous Jiuzhaigou Park. They are a unique feature of Yushu's urban landscape.
- Inspired by Jiuzhaigou: Aesthetically designed like Jiuzhaigou houses
- Colorful Architecture: Bright and vibrant house designs
- Urban Landscape: Contribution to the city's architectural identity
6. Yushu Solar Park
One of the world's largest solar parks, with over 4 million solar panels. It covers an area larger than Monaco.
- Size: Larger than Monaco
- Solar Technology: Innovative renewable energy solution
- Environmental Impact: Contributes to reducing carbon emissions
7. Yushu Prairie – Grassland Wildlife Reserve
Home to the endangered Tibetan antelope and other rare wildlife species. The prairie offers a unique opportunity for wildlife viewing.
- Endangered Species: Preservation of the endangered Tibetan antelope
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to observe rare wildlife
- Natural Preservation: Protection of grassland ecosystem
8. Zhongyuan Temple – Sky Burial Site
An active Buddhist temple where sky burials take place. It's an unusual Tibetan funeral practice.
- Sky Burial Practice: Unique Tibetan funeral tradition
- Active Buddhist Temple: Place of religious and cultural significance
- Respect for the Dead: Honoring the deceased according to Tibetan beliefs
9. Yushu Lake
A saline lake with striking turquoise waters. It's surrounded by snow-capped mountains and nomadic tents.
- Turquoise Waters: Unusual color of the water
- Nomadic Encampments: Coexistence of nomadic lifestyle and scenic lake
- Snow-Capped Mountains: Scenic backdrop for the lake
10. Zhaxi Town – Mud Castle
A village built on a hill made entirely of mud. The houses are interconnected, creating a unique architectural design.
- Made of Mud: Construction using raw materials
- Interconnected Houses: Intricate architectural design
- Village Life: Insight into rural Tibetan lifestyle
11. Borong Gorge – Dragon's Gorge
A deep and narrow canyon with steep cliffs and a rushing river. The gorge is said to resemble a dragon's body.
- Dragon-shaped Formation: Geological formation reminiscent of a dragon
- Rushing River: Scenic waterway adding to the beauty
- Adventure Activities: Opportunity for hiking and river rafting
12. Tsona Temple – Miraculous Maitreya
A temple housing a statue of Maitreya Buddha, believed to be over 800 years old. The statue is said to have healing properties.
- Old Statue: Historical significance
- Healing Properties: Belief in the statue's healing powers
- Buddhist Tradition: Cultural and religious importance
13. Tiger Leaping Gorge – Yushu Style
A narrow gorge where the Yangtze River rapidly flows. In Yushu, the gorge is said to be home to tigers leaping between cliffs.
- Rapid Flow: Rushing river adding to the drama
- Tiger Legend: Mythical tiger leaping between cliffs
- Natural Beauty: Stunning landscapes and geological formations
14. Qinghai-Tibet Railway – Sky Rail
One of the highest train routes in the world, with sections running at over 5000 meters above sea level. The railway offers breathtaking views.
- High Altitude: Traveling at extreme heights
- Panoramic Views: Beautiful vistas of the Tibetan Plateau
- Engineering Marvel: Innovative railway construction
15. Nam Co – Tsenim Lake
A high-altitude lake with stunning views of surrounding snow-capped mountains. It is considered sacred by the local Tibetans.
- Sacred to Local Tibetans: Cultural and religious significance
- Stunning Views: Breathtaking landscapes of the lake and mountains
- High-altitude Location: Traveling at extreme heights