Yarlung River Scenic Area
( 2005-10-14 )

Yarlung River Scenic Area, located in the south of Tibet Shanan Prefecture with an area of 920 square kilometers, is so far the only national key scenic area in Tibet.

It's the cradle of Tibetan nationality. Featuring mountains, glaciers, rural scenery, s, river valleys, alpine plants as well as sacred lakes, historic attractions and folk traditions, it has formed a mysterious and picturesque tableau combines relics with natural scenic spots.

Located in the river valley at the middle reaches of theYarlung Zangbo River, the Yarlung River Scenic Area has sufficient sunshine and fresh air. Its high elevation gives people a sense of low mountains and clouds and close stars.

Centering on Zetang Town, the area extends to 58 scenic spots in 10 large scenic areas from east to west With scenic spots dotting 1,580 square kilometers, the Yarlung River Scenic Area has an average elevation between 3,450 and 3,600 meters on average. The Yagla Xambo Mountain has an elevation of 6,636 meters. The terrain is high in the south and west and low in the north and east. The turbulent waters of the Yarlung Zangbo River run through tall mountains and deep valleys. It is spectacular and magnificent and a rarely visited spot. Along both banks the terrain is flat, the climate is pleasant, the soil is fertile and villages are closely linked, each displaying typical south Tibetan rural scenes.

The Yarlung Scenic Area features highland river valley topography, and is full of Buddhist culture and combines Tibetan history and flavor. It provides a place for cultural reserves, sightseeing and pilgrimages, in addition to scientific research and academic studies.

The Yarlung River Scenic Area is designated as the only national scenic area in Tibet. It includes Yumbu Lhakang, the earliest palace in Tibet, and serves as a burial ground for the kings of the Tubo Kingdom between the 7th and 9th centuries. It also houses the Traduk Monastery, the earliesttempleofBuddhismin Tibet, built in the 7th century. The Samye Monastery, the earliest of its kind in Tibet, sits on the northern bank of the Yarlung Tsangbo River. The legendary monkey cave is half way up the Gongpori Mountain, just behind the Zetang Town seat in Shannan. The picturesque Yamdro Yumtso Lake, Gyatsa Lake and Drekhu pasturelands are popular scenic areas.

Yarlung, with its unique natural conditions and rich cultural heritage, is the brightest pearl glittering from the historical and cultural treasure of Tibet.

Efforts are being made to improve its transportation, communication, reception and service facilities, while work continues to repair and renovate historical sites and scenic spots and to conduct reforestation.