Gar history

Foundation and Historical Roots

The history of the area where modern Gar is located is inextricably linked to the ancient civilizations of Central Asia. These lands in the western part of the Tibetan Plateau, which is part of China, were inhabited by nomadic tribes thousands of years ago. Historically, the region belonged to the domains of the legendary Kingdom of Zhangzhung, and later became part of the Guge Kingdom, as evidenced by archaeological findings and ancient manuscripts.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of Gar from a seasonal camping ground into an important administrative and trading center was driven by several strategic reasons:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated in the valley of the Senge Zangbu River (the headwaters of the Indus), which provided vital access to water and a relatively mild microclimate amidst the harsh high-altitude conditions.
• Transport Hub: For centuries, caravan routes connecting central Tibet with Ladakh and Kashmir passed through this territory.
• Religious Significance: Proximity to the sacred Mount Kailash made the district an important transit point for numerous pilgrims.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

For centuries, the region's economy was based on nomadic herding and barter trade. Local residents raised yaks and sheep, exchanging high-quality wool, salt, and minerals for tea, grain, and fabrics brought by trade caravans. The cultural environment was formed under the strong influence of Buddhist traditions, which is reflected in the architecture of local monasteries and the lifestyle of the population, adapted to existence at an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level.

Major Historical Milestones

The development history of Gar County and its capital is filled with events that turned a remote highland into an important strategic and tourist point on the map of China. Below is a chronology of the key stages of the city's formation.

• 1st Century BC — 7th Century AD: The territory was part of the ancient state of Zhangzhung, the cradle of the pre-Buddhist Bon religion and early Tibetan civilization.
• 10th Century: After the collapse of the Tubo Empire, the region became part of the powerful Guge Kingdom, known for its unique temple architecture.
• 17th Century: The lands were integrated into the administrative system of central Tibet, becoming a key node on trade routes to Ladakh.
• 1960: Gar County was officially established as an administrative unit within the Ngari Prefecture.
• 1966: The foundation of the modern city of Shiquanhe (the administrative center of Gar) was laid at the confluence of the Indus and Gar Zangbu rivers.
• 1980s: The beginning of active urbanization and the construction of the first permanent residential buildings and government institutions in the city.
• 2002: Launch of a large-scale ecological program to green the city for protection against winds and sandstorms.
• 2004: Major reconstruction of the high-altitude G219 highway was completed, significantly improving transport accessibility to the region.
• 2010: Ngari Gunsa Civil Airport opened, reducing travel time to Lhasa from several days to a couple of hours.
• 2014: The first "Dark Sky" park in Asia was created in the city's vicinity to develop astronomical tourism.
• 2016: The region was connected to the unified state power grid, ensuring a stable power supply for the growing population.
• 2021: Modernization of the city waterfront and tourist infrastructure was carried out to welcome travelers heading to Mount Kailash.

Stages of Transformation and Development

Modern Gar (often identified with its administrative center, Shiquanhe) has journeyed from an uninhabited river valley to a key outpost of civilization in western Tibet. The city's development was defined by the need to establish a presence in the region and create comfortable living conditions at extreme altitudes. Below are the main milestones that defined the modern appearance of the county.

• Building a "City from Scratch" (1960s):

  The founding of Shiquanhe was a turning point in the region's urbanization. Moving the administrative center from the old settlement of Gar Gunsa allowed for the creation of a stationary base with permanent structures where only nomad tents once stood. This laid the foundation for the formation of modern urban infrastructure.

• Overcoming Transport Isolation (2000s — 2010s):

  The reconstruction of National Highway G219 and the opening of Gunsa Airport radically changed the regional economy. While the journey to central China used to take weeks, the advent of regular air travel opened doors for mass tourism and ensured stable supplies of essential goods.

• Energy Revolution (2010s):

  Connecting to Tibet's unified power grid (the "Electric Sky Road") solved the acute energy shortage problem. The transition from local diesel generators and solar panels to reliable centralized power supply allowed for the development of the service sector, residential heating, and small businesses.

• Large-Scale Desert Greening (1990s to Present):

  The implementation of an ambitious program to plant millions of tamarisk and willow saplings turned the sandy valley into a green oasis. This project is of critical importance to the city: trees hold back dust storms, increase oxygen levels, and create a milder microclimate for residents.

• Creation of an Astronomy Cluster (2010s):

  Utilizing unique atmospheric conditions to build observatories and a "Dark Sky" park gave the city a new status. Gar has transformed into a popular science center in Asia, attracting astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts from around the world, which diversified the local economy.

• Digitalization and Connectivity (2020s):

  The introduction of high-speed internet and 5G networks integrated the remote high-altitude city into the global information space. This spurred the development of e-commerce, allowing locals to sell artisanal goods and livestock products online.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

Unlike the ancient settlements of the region, Gar (the administrative center of Shiquanhe) is an example of young urban planning in extreme high-altitude conditions. You will not find Gothic or Baroque styles here; the architectural chronicle of the city began only in the second half of the 20th century. The city's appearance was formed under the influence of the harsh climate and the need to rapidly create infrastructure in a desert area, leading to a unique synthesis of utility and local color.

Evolution of Styles and Eras

The development of the urban environment can be clearly divided into two key stages, each reflecting the economic capabilities and aesthetic priorities of its time:

• Functional Minimalism (1960s — 1990s):

  In the first decades after the city's founding, a strict utilitarian style dominated the architecture. Buildings were constructed from concrete and brick with the main goal of providing protection from wind and cold. These were low-rise (1–2 floors) barracks-type structures with flat roofs and minimal decoration. The main task was durability and functionality; aesthetics took a back seat.

• Modern Neo-Tibetan Style (from the 2000s):

  With the beginning of the economic boom in China and the development of tourism, the city began to transform. Modern glass and concrete buildings began to be stylized after traditional Tibetan architecture. Characteristic features of this period include:

  • The use of trapezoidal windows with dark frames tapering upwards.
  • Decorative cornices with ornaments in red-brown, white, and gold tones.
  • Application of modern thermal insulation materials hidden behind ethnic facades.

Urban Planning Features

The layout of Shiquanhe City is characterized by an orderliness uncharacteristic of older, spontaneous settlements in Asia. The urban fabric develops along the banks of the Indus and Gar Zangbu rivers, defining a linear-nodal development structure.

• Regular Layout: Wide avenues (such as Shaanxi Street) are laid out taking into account wind patterns and sunlight, forming a clear grid of blocks. This facilitates navigation and transport connectivity.
• Green Architecture: A unique feature of the urban planning has been the introduction of artificial green zones. Plantings of willow and tamarisk along the streets do not just decorate the city but serve as a living shield against sandstorms, forming a special microclimate.

Landmarks

The city's appearance is shaped by administrative and public buildings that have become new dominants:

• Gesar Square: The central public space, around which modern government buildings and cultural centers are concentrated, designed in a solemn national style.
• Shiquanhe River Waterfront: A landscaped zone with small architectural forms, ethnic-style lanterns, and walking paths, which has become a symbol of the transformation of a harsh outpost into a city comfortable for living.

Legendary Rulers and Spiritual Leaders

The lands around the modern city of Gar (Ngari Prefecture) have historically been a center of ancient civilizations and a magnet for great teachers. The fates of rulers of vanished kingdoms and reformers whose legacy lives on to this day are connected with this high-altitude region.

• Ligmincha (7th Century)
  Last King of the Zhangzhung State
  Ruler of the legendary ancient kingdom that existed in the western Tibetan Plateau before the spread of Buddhism. His figure symbolizes the era of the flourishing of the Bon religion and the distinctive culture of the region, which preceded the formation of the modern way of life in Ngari.
• Lha Lama Yeshe O (947–1024)
  King of the Guge Kingdom, Monk-Reformer
  He renounced the throne for monasticism and dedicated his life to the revival of Buddhism in Western Tibet after a period of decline. He founded the famous Tholing Monastery, located near Gar, which became a center of enlightenment and translation of sacred texts.
• Rinchen Zangpo (958–1055)
  Great Translator and Temple Builder
  An outstanding scholar who played a key role in the "Later Dissemination" of Buddhism. Under his leadership, hundreds of Sanskrit texts were translated and dozens of monasteries were built in the region, many of which remain as architectural monuments.
• Atisha Dipankara (982–1054)
  Indian Buddhist Teacher and Philosopher
  Arrived in the region at the invitation of the Kings of Guge. He spent several years at Tholing Monastery, preaching and organizing teachings. His stay here turned this area into one of the most important spiritual centers of Asia at that time.

Explorers and Modern Figures

In later eras, the region attracted the attention of travelers striving to unravel the mysteries of the "Roof of the World," and in the 20th century, people appeared here who laid the foundations of modern urban life.

• António de Andrade (1580–1634)
  Portuguese Jesuit and Traveler
  The first European to document his stay in the Guge Kingdom (territory of modern Ngari Prefecture) in 1624. His records opened Western Tibet to European geography and history.
• Sven Hedin (1865–1952)
  Swedish Geographer and Cartographer
  A famous explorer of Central Asia who, in the early 20th century, studied in detail and mapped the sources of the Indus and Brahmaputra rivers flowing through Gar County. His works gave the world precise scientific data on the geography of this harsh land.
• Kong Fansen (1944–1994)
  Statesman, Administrator
  A key figure in the city's recent history. In the 1990s, he led the development of Ngari Prefecture, playing a decisive role in modernizing infrastructure, building power stations, and schools in China. In modern Gar (Shiquanhe), a memorial park and museum named in his honor serve as one of the city's attractions.