The Qushui Bridge, located in Qushui Town, stands as a major historical and cultural landmark along the mighty Yarlung Tsangpo River. More than just a modern transportation structure, it represents a turning point in Tibet’s travel history—transforming an ancient ferry crossing into the first large-scale road bridge spanning this legendary river.
Completed and opened to traffic on August 1, 1966, the Qushui Bridge stretches an impressive 738 meters, making it the first modern highway bridge across the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Its construction marked a new era of connectivity between regions of central and western Tibet.
From Taga Ferry to Modern Bridge
Before the bridge existed, this site was famously known as the Taga Ferry, the most important and busiest crossing point on the Yarlung Tsangpo River. For centuries, it served as a vital passageway for:
- Local residents and pilgrims
- Merchants transporting goods
- Travelers journeying toward India, Nepal, and Bhutan
During peak seasons, the ferry saw hundreds of people and thousands of livestock crossing daily, making it one of the most active river crossings in Tibet.
Traditional Tibetan River-Crossing Boats
Crossing the Yarlung Tsangpo River at Taga Ferry relied on traditional Tibetan boat-making wisdom, adapted to seasonal conditions.
- Cowhide boats were used from May to September in the Tibetan calendar, ideal for calmer summer waters
- Horse-head boats were used from October to April, designed to withstand colder temperatures and stronger currents
These handcrafted vessels reflect the ingenuity of Tibetan river culture and remain an important part of local historical memory.
The Sacred Mountain of Chakzam Chuwori
At the southern end of the Qushui Bridge, travelers are greeted by a striking rock formation with a unique shape. Locally known as “Chakzam Chuwori” the name translates to “The Mountain that Flew to the Iron Chain Bridge.”
This sacred mountain holds both spiritual and geographical importance:
- It marks a key junction where traffic splits toward Shigatse on the right and Shannan on the left
- Local belief holds that the mountain contains 108 sacred springs and 108 holy sites, giving it deep religious significance
For pilgrims and locals alike, this mountain is far more than a landmark—it is a place of reverence and spiritual power.
Tsachuwo: The Sacred Medicinal Spring
To the east of Chakzam Chwuori, a well-known medicinal spring called “Tsachuwo” flows quietly from the land. This spring is believed to possess powerful healing properties.
According to local tradition, drinking its waters can:
- Improve and clear eyesight
- Help cure various illnesses
- Restore balance and vitality to the body
For generations, pilgrims and travelers have stopped here to collect the spring water, adding another layer of spiritual and cultural depth to the Qushui Bridge area.
A Gateway of History, Culture, and Belief
The Qushui Bridge area is not only a transportation hub but also a place where history, geography, spirituality, and Tibetan tradition converge. From the days of the bustling Taga Ferry to the construction of the first modern bridge over the Yarlung Tsangpo River, this site continues to reflect the enduring relationship between Tibetans and their sacred river.