Welcome to the enchanting Qüxü County, a place where history and nature intertwine beautifully in the central part of Tibet. Known for its flowing waters and rich cultural heritage, Qüxü—often transliterated as Chu-shur (ཆུ་ཤུར་རྫོང་།). It means flowing water ditch. Let’s embark on a journey through Qüxü County, exploring its geographical coordinates, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and climatic wonders.
A Glimpse into Qüxü’s Past
Qüxü County, historically called “Kyimed” (སྐྱིད་སྨད་ ), It means the confluence of rivers. It sits gracefully along the lower reaches of the Lhasa River and middle course of the Yarlung Zangbo River. Surrounded by Gongga County to the east, Nakartse County to the south, Nimu County to the west, and Damshung and Doilungdêqên counties to the north. Qüxü holds a strategic location in Tibet.
Quxu Spanning from 29.3° to 29.7° N latitude and from 90.3° to 91.1° E longitude. Qüxü’s name has undergone various translations and adaptations over the centuries, reflecting its rich historical tapestry. From being a part of the Subi tribe’s territory, under the control of Wei Ru during the Tubo period, to its governance under various dynasties and its eventual administration by the local Tibetan government, Qüxü’s history is as diverse as its landscapes.
In August 1959, authorities officially established Qüxü as a county, locating its government in Qüxü Town. Qüxü encompasses an area of 1,624 square kilometers and accommodates 2 towns, 4 townships, 19 administrative villages, and 133 villagers’ groups. By October 2018, the vibrant community had successfully lifted itself out of poverty. By the end of 2019, it earned recognition as a national model for rural innovation and entrepreneurship.
Administrative divisions
Qüxü County includes 2 towns and 4 townships:
| Name | Tibetan | Chinese | Pinyin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Towns | ||||
| Qüxü Town | ཆུ་ཤུར་ཆོས་འཁོར། | 曲水镇 | Qūshuǐ Zhèn | |
| Dagar Town | རྟ་དཀར་ཆོས་འཁོར། | 达嘎镇 | Dágā Zhèn | |
| Townships | ||||
| Caina Township | ཚལ་སྣ་ཤང་། | 才纳乡 | Cáinà Xiāng | |
| Nam Township | གནམ་ཤང་། | 南木乡 | Nánmù Xiāng | |
| Nyêtang Township | མཉེས་ཐང་ཤང་། | 聂当乡 | Nièdāng Xiāng | |
| Carbanang Township | མཚར་པ་ནང་ཤང་། | 茶巴拉乡 | Chábālā Xiāng | |
The Natural Splendor of Qüxü
Qüxü County is blessed with a varied terrain, lying within the valley region of the middle course of the Yarlung Zangbo River. The area is relatively flat, with the northern part adorned by a branch of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains. These mountains give rise to seven streams that meander their way into the Lhasa River and Yarlung Zangbo River, creating diverse alluvial fan slopes along their paths.
The county’s elevation ranges from 3,500 meters in the valley floors to 5,894 meters at the mountain peaks, offering a unique blend of landscapes. The confluence of the Lhasa River and the Yarlung Zangbo River at the county’s center presents a lower elevation compared to its higher eastern and western parts.
Climate and Agriculture: The Lifeblood of Qüxü
Qüxü’s climate is characterized by a semi-arid monsoon climate typical of the Tibetan Plateau. With strong solar radiation, the area enjoys nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. However, the frost-free period lasts only about 150 days per year, with an average annual precipitation of 440 mm and an average temperature of 6°C. These conditions, challenging yet nurturing, have shaped the resilient and innovative agricultural practices seen in the county today.
Embracing Tradition and Innovation
From its scenic villages to the competitive spirit seen in local sports, such as stone lifting and horse racing, Qüxü County embodies the harmonious balance between tradition and modernity. The dedication of its people to preserving their ecological and cultural heritage, while embracing sustainable development, has earned Qüxü the title of “National Ecological Culture Village.”
Qüxü County is not just a destination; it’s a vibrant testament to the enduring spirit of Tibet. Whether its historical roots draw you, its natural beauty mesmerizes you, or its community’s resilience and creativity inspire you, Qüxü provides a unique glimpse into the heart of Tibet.
Signature Products of Qüxü County
Qüxü County is an agricultural and pastoral area, known for its diverse range of crops and livestock. The county’s fields are abundant with highland barley, wheat, peas, and rapeseed, making it one of Tibet’s key bases for commodity grain production. In terms of livestock, the main animals reared include yaks, cattle, sheep, and goats.
What makes Qüxü truly stand out, however, are its specialty products. The region is rich in medicinal herbs like musk and Fritillaria, as well as delicious fruits like apples and walnuts, not to mention a variety of fish. These unique offerings not only reflect the rich biodiversity of the area but also contribute significantly to the local economy.
Tourism and Transportation in Qüxü County
Qüxü County is crisscrossed by major roads, including the China-Nepal and Lhasa-Gonggar highways, enhancing its accessibility and connectivity. By the end of 2018, the county boasted 2 county-level roads, 6 township-level roads, and 109 village-level roads, totaling 388.67 kilometers. Additionally, 25 bridges, including a steel cable-stayed bridge over the Lhasa River and the Qüxü Bridge over the Yarlung Zangbo River, facilitate travel across the county. For those looking to experience traditional Tibetan transport, there are also three hide boat ferries along the Lhasa River.
Travel Tips: Qüxü is only 65 kilometers from Lhasa, making it easily accessible by bus, car, or hired vehicle, with charter prices ranging from 200 to 300 yuan.
Monasteries of Qüxü County
Qüxü County is home to several renowned monasteries, adding a rich spiritual dimension to its cultural landscape. Notable among them are Tabaling Monastery and Jamchupling Monastery in Qüxü Town; Nietang Monastery, Tashigang Monastery, and Redui Monastery in Nyetang Township; Qungyiyangzeng Monastery in Taga Shang; the main monastery in Nanmu Township; Gencain Monastery in Chabare Township; and Xiusei Monastery, Sama Drak Monastery, and Sang’anlin Monastery in Caina Township. These sacred sites are not only centers of religious practice but also play a crucial role in preserving Tibetan Buddhism’s rich traditions and teachings.
