Changdu Zizhu Temple | The City in the Sky after Snow
This City in the Sky is definitely one of the temples not to be missed on the northern route of Sichuan-Tibet. Zizhu Temple has a history of three thousand years. In the Bon religion, there is a belief in four sacred mountains, and Zizhu Mountain in Changdu is one of them.
When we arrived at the foot of Zizhu Temple, I told my crazy friend that it might be difficult to get up to Zizhu Temple today. Our car didn't have enough power, and the gravel road to Zizhu Temple seemed quite treacherous.
Sure enough, as I was shouting 'Come on!' I watched helplessly as our car slid, couldn't move, lost power, and got stuck in a ditch. We were only a few turns away from the top of the mountain, but we just couldn't make it. In winter, not many people pass through Zizhu Temple, so we had to rescue ourselves by jacking up the car with a jack. The wheels were stuck by stones, so we deliberately wedged more stones around the wheels to create a makeshift road. We started the car, reversed, and after a while, we successfully escaped the trap.
Stubbornly, we tried several more times to take that bend but still couldn't make it. After all, the tires had been stationary for too long and had iced over. We had to carefully turn around and prepare to go down the mountain. It was already snowing again on the distant mountains, so we let the drone go to take a look at Zizhu Temple for us. However, the eagles in the sky made me fly cautiously, always feeling that I hadn't found the angle I wanted the most, but I was already very satisfied.
The last time I came to Zizhu Temple was five years ago. Time really disappears in the blink of an eye. Although we didn't make it to the top, I have no regrets. It's enough to have been here.
Zizhu Mountain is 4,800 meters above sea level, and there is only a 12-kilometer road from the foot of the mountain to the top, all of which are unpaved gravel roads. In winter, the high mountain roads are slippery, making it really difficult to reach. It is precisely because it is located in steep mountains that Zizhu Temple has preserved many aspects of the Bon culture. It is one of the largest temples in the Kang region with the most complete preservation of Bon rituals.
The most special event at Zizhu Temple is the once-every-twelve-years Rooster Year Grand Ritual Dance. The 'Bliss and Hell' ritual dance is a very grand festival at Zizhu Temple. The next one is in 2029, and if I have the chance, I would really like to see it with my own eyes.
July 17, 2023 Self-driving Tibet Sichuan-Tibet North-South Great Ring Road Pilgrimage (G318 + G317) Day 16! Visit one of the largest existing temples in Tibet, with the largest number of worshippers and the highest altitude (4,800 meters), "Tianzhu Temple" (which has a history of more than 3,000 years).
Driving up the mountain from the Rose Valley for half an hour, the mountain road is more difficult to walk, mainly because there are too many bends, the road is narrow and sandy, and there is a cliff next to it. Be extra careful when you meet the car! Most tourists drive for the stunning view of the sky city, the lamas in the temple and the residents nearby are very friendly, you can say hello to Tashidler and visit the Buddhist temple and talk to the locals! Local children sometimes act as small guides to take tourists to the highest altitude toilets, its functionality has become an attraction! It is very popular when the weather is good, because of the special location and unique form of architecture, this is a temple worth visiting.
For a long time, Mumingyuzhu Temple, ten kilometers from Dingqing County, Panyushan Road is still a non-paved dirt road. The road conditions are acceptable. It is said that next year, it will start to renovate and climb nearly a kilometer. Finally, I saw the famous temple on the cliff of the third peak of the six peaks of Mount Luzhu. Benjiaoyuzhu Temple is 4,400 meters above sea level. Away from the hustle and bustle, there is no village around, and the temple monks and houses are more than ten miles on foot. The interior design and wall mural design of this treasure teahouse on the road reflect the intentions of the Tibetan boss. Outside the window, you can overlook the mountain view, wind and rain clouds, instant sweet tea, homemade yak yogurt, yak beef rice, and reset the taste body thousands of kilometers away in Tibetan areas.
In 2021, drive 318, 317, go to Tibet 318, return 317. On my birthday, I was fortunate to visit the Luzhu Temple. Tibet has the highest altitude of 4,800 meters, the oldest temple, more than 3,000 years of history, the scenery is magnificent, and it feels mysterious and holy. The local volunteer tour guide, have the heart to give me Hada, special days, unforgettable for life.
Very beautiful, it’s a bit difficult to drive into the mountain gate. Be careful (more than ten kilometers) I hope to repair the road into the mountain as soon as possible.