Name: Gyegu Chinese name: 结古镇 Province: Qinghai Status: County seat of the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Population: 77,854 Area: 13,462 km²

Gyegu is a semi-modern town recognized as the county seat of the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai province. It is sometimes called by its former Tibetan name, Juekundo, or Yushu in reference to the prefecture's name. This town serves as the economic, political, and cultural center of Yushu and holds particular significance in the region's development.

History

The town once belonged to the Kham province of Tibet.

Following the visit of King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, the town became an important pilgrimage site. Numerous temples and monasteries were erected there, including the Dondurb Ling Monastery (Gyegu Monastery), built in 1398.

The town remained closed to foreigners for a long time. It was not until 1990 that travelers were permitted to enter.

The earthquake that struck the Yushu prefecture in 2010 caused substantial damage to Gyegu. Severely affected, most of the town's buildings were demolished.

Today

An airport was built near the town to "stimulate tourism and reduce poverty affecting the region's inhabitants". The airport greatly facilitates access to the town and surrounding scenic sites.

Like most towns in the Yushu prefecture, Gyegu is rich in Buddhist monasteries. Don't miss the grand Gyegu Monastery, also called the Dondrub Ling Monastery, which overlooks the town.

Other temples worth discovering include the Gyanak Mani Temple, which houses more than 2 million mani stones.

From Gyegu, you can also venture to explore Chine's largest and highest nature reserve: the Three Rivers Source Nature Reserve.

Climate

The weather here is quite harsh, with a mountain climate. Average winter temperatures hover around −6°C in the coldest month. In summer, the average is only 14°C for the coldest month.

Rain is very rare in this region, but snow is abundant in winter.

Getting There

Airplane

The airport built in 2009 now allows you to connect Xining to Gyegu in just 70 minutes instead of 15 hours previously.

Long-distance Bus

Well-maintained roads connect various towns in Qinghai province to Gyegu. Buses operate these routes, but expect journeys to be quite lengthy.

Getting Around Gyegu and Its Surroundings

It is possible to stroll through the town's streets on foot and enjoy local life, largely untouched by China's frantic development.

Nevertheless, it is preferable to rent a vehicle to reach tourist sites.

What to Do in Gyegu?

• Visit the grand Gyegu Monastery situated on a hillside.
• Head to the Three Rivers Source Nature Reserve.
• Tour the town's monasteries to meet monks and discover Buddhist culture.
• Wander through the town's alleyways to meet locals and discover a way of life quite different from the rest of the country.