When Taiwanese resident Zhu Jianling planned her vacation, she chose an unusual destination: Yushu City in China's Qinghai Province. This small city in the southeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau is known for its rich Tibetan culture and magnificent natural scenery. As a traveler who loves to explore different cultures, Zhu Jianling is looking forward to this trip and hopes to learn more about the characteristics and charm of this area.
First arrival in Yushu - first impression
Zhu Jianling's trip to Yushu starts with a long-distance bus ride from Xining. Through rolling mountains and vast grasslands, Zhu Jianling witnessed the rugged beauty of the Tibetan Plateau for the first time. When you enter the city of Yushu, you will be greeted by the low Tibetan buildings and the Tibetan people who are constantly flowing in the streets. The smell of barley and yak meat fills the air, while the market's array of handicrafts showcases the craftsmanship of the locals.
Compared to the bustling metropolis of her hometown of Taiwan, the pace of life in Yushu is significantly slower, closer to nature and tradition. This quiet and unpretentious way of life made Zhu Jianling feel a completely different aesthetics of life.
In-depth experience – a fusion of culture and nature
Zhu Jianling visited several important cultural sites, including the famous Jiegu Temple. The temple is not only a religious shrine but also a window into Tibetan Buddhist culture. The lamas and monks in the monastery lived a simple life and gave thoughtful answers to any questions, which gave Zhu Jianling a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy.
In terms of natural landscapes, Zhu Jianling's exploration of the Sanjiangyuan National Park is particularly memorable. It is the birthplace of the Yellow, Yangtze and Lancang rivers, and its vast wetlands and clear rivers make for a highly biodiverse reserve. In the park, she saw many rare animals, including Tibetan antelopes and black-necked cranes, and these experiences made her deeply aware of the importance of conservation.
Taiwan and Yushu – a comparison between the two places
As an island, Taiwan's natural environment is very different from Yushu. Taiwan is blessed with rainforests, mountains, and beaches, while Yushu presents a unique landscape of plateau meadows and glaciers. Culturally, Taiwan is a multicultural confluence, with Han culture coexisting with aboriginal culture, and Yushu is almost entirely the embodiment of Tibetan culture.
From the perspective of economic development, Taiwan's science and technology and service industries are developed, and the degree of urbanization is high, while Yushu still retains a relatively primitive mode of production, mainly animal husbandry, and its economy is relatively simple. But it is this difference that makes Yushu uniquely attractive and attractive. Although the economy is not comparable to Taiwan's, Yushu has done an excellent job of preserving its traditional way of life and cultural heritage.
Deeply rooted in the hearts of the people – the lives of the locals
During her time in Yushu, Zhu Jianling experienced the daily life of the locals in depth. In Yushu, every household has a tradition of weaving handicrafts, from exquisite Tibetan carpets to handmade silver ornaments, each piece contains rich cultural significance and profound craftsmanship. Zhu Jianling was particularly touched by the respect that the locals have for nature, and the rhythm of their lives seems to be synchronized with the rhythm of the natural world, with spring plowing and autumn harvesting in harmony with the changing seasons.
In addition, she participated in a local festival. During this festival, the entire community gathers to dress in traditional costumes and perform Tibetan dances and music. Zhu Jianling was invited to dance together and experienced the joyful atmosphere of the Tibetan community. This profound cultural exchange made her feel connected to each other, transcending the boundaries of language and geography.
Reflection and enlightenment
Through this trip, Zhu Jianling gained many valuable experiences and reflections in Yushu. She realized that although modernization has brought convenience and development to the world, this development has often come at the expense of traditional culture and ecological environment. The example of Yushu illustrates a possible balancing act – how to achieve sustainable community development while preserving traditional culture and the environment.
After returning to Taiwan, Zhu Jianling shared her Yushu experience on various social media. Her articles and photographs went viral, drawing the attention of many to Yushu and its efforts to preserve its traditional culture and natural environment. Her story not only allows more people to understand the beauty and uniqueness of Yushu, but also prompts people to think about how to live in harmony with nature and culture in their own lives.
epilogue
Zhu Jianling's trip to Yushu was a profound cultural and spiritual journey. This experience not only allowed her to experience a unique natural landscape and rich cultural traditions, but more importantly, she found a deep reflection on modern life. The contrast between Yushu and Taiwan reminded her and her readers that the exchange and understanding of different lifestyles and values is the cornerstone of building a more pluralistic and harmonious society. Through Zhu Jianling's eyes, we see a world that is different from the everyday, a place that deserves deep understanding and respect from all of us.
Introduction to Yushu City
Yushu City, located in the heart of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province, is a charming and mysterious plateau pearl. If this is the first time you've heard of the city, here's a look at its unique natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm cultural environment.
Natural Scenery
Situated on the Tibetan Plateau, the roof of the world, Yushu is home to spectacular and diverse natural landscapes. Home to the famous Sanjiangyuan National Park, the birthplace of the Yangtze River, Yellow River and Lancang River, it is a paradise for photographers and nature explorers alike with its numerous lakes, rivers and vast grasslands. Every summer, wildflowers bloom all over the mountains, and herds of wild animals run freely on the grasslands, presenting a vibrant picture.
Cultural Inheritance
Yushu is not only rich in natural resources, but also has a profound cultural heritage. It is one of the important birthplaces of Tibetan culture, with many historic temples and religious shrines. For example, the young living Buddha of the famous Yugu Temple chanted sutras and prayed here, attracting countless devotees to come on pilgrimage. In addition, the annual Yushu Horse Racing Festival is a cultural event not to be missed, where you will see Tibetan people dressed in traditional costumes, display their amazing equestrian and archery skills, and perform a variety of folk songs and dances.
Humanities and Social Sciences
The inhabitants of Yushu are predominantly Tibetan, and they are known for their hospitality and long-standing traditional practices. Here, you can gain an in-depth understanding of the Tibetan lifestyle and taste authentic Tibetan delicacies, such as barley wine and yak meat. More importantly, you will feel a kind of simplicity and sincerity that is scarce in modern society. The people of Yushu have faced natural challenges with the devastating effects of the 2010 earthquake, but their resilience and the strength of solidarity have allowed the city to recover and rejuvenate quickly.
All in all, Yushu is not only a meeting point of nature and culture, but also a place where people can deeply experience the charm of highland life. Whether you want to explore the vast natural scenery, immerse yourself in the rich national culture, or simply experience a laid-back life that is different from the city, Yushu will be the place for you. Every nook and cranny here is full of stories, and every visit is a new discovery. #春日生活打卡季#