History of Yushu

The city of Yushu, historically known as Gyegu (or Jiegu), boasts a rich past shaped by its unique position at the crossroads of civilisations. Its history is inextricably linked with nomadic culture, Buddhist monasteries, and the bustling caravan routes that have traversed the Tibetan Plateau for centuries. Today's city grew from an ancient trading settlement that served as a vital regional hub.

The historical core of the modern city was the Kyegu Gompa (Kyekung Gompa) monastery, belonging to the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. It was around this spiritual centre that the settlement gradually began to form and expand, eventually evolving into a lively trade and cultural node. Some sources also link the founding of monasteries in this area to the activities of prominent religious figures, such as the First Karmapa in the 12th century.

Yushu owes its growth and significance primarily to its strategic location. The city was situated at the intersection of the most important ancient trade routes: one route connected Sichuan province with the Amdo region, whilst another led from Xining (the capital of Qinghai province) to Lhasa. This made Gyegu a key transit point for caravans transporting various goods, especially tea, which was supplied in massive quantities from Sichuan to various regions of Tibet in the 19th century. Its location in the Batang River valley, a tributary of the upper reaches of the great Yangtze, also contributed to the settlement's development.

From the very beginning of its existence, Yushu was not only a commercial hub but also a significant cultural centre with a distinct Tibetan identity. The city's economy was long focused on trade, and its population consisted predominantly of Tibetans, which defined the city's cultural character. In addition to Kyegu Gompa, other influential monasteries, such as Thrangu and Domkar, were located in the vicinity, highlighting the deep spiritual significance of this area throughout its history.

Key Milestones in the History of Yushu

The history of Yushu, formerly known as Gyegu, is a centuries-old chronicle of cultural and spiritual development on the "Roof of the World". Located at the intersection of important caravan routes, it has witnessed significant events for centuries that have shaped its unique appearance and forged the character of its residents.

• 12th–13th Centuries — The dawn of spiritual life and the strengthening of the region's role. During this time, Buddhist masters founded the first monasteries here, which became centres of attraction for the nomadic population. Later, Gyegu established itself as an important administrative and religious centre under the administration of the Sakya school.
• 19th Century — The city becomes one of the key nodes on the "Tea Horse Road". Major routes for transporting tea from Sichuan province to Lhasa and other regions of Tibet passed through Gyegu, contributing to its economic prosperity.
• 1929 — As part of administrative reforms, Yushu County was officially established.
• 1951–1955 — After the establishment of the PRC, a new stage in the administrative history of the region began. First, the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Region was created (1951), which was later transformed into the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (1955) with its administrative centre in Yushu.
• 14 April 2010 — A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 caused colossal damage to the city. The disaster resulted in significant casualties and the almost complete destruction of old buildings, becoming a tragic page in the history of Yushu.
• 2010–2013 — The city undergoes a true renaissance. Thanks to a large-scale government reconstruction programme, new residential quarters and modern infrastructure were erected, and key monasteries were restored. This period became a symbol of Yushu's resilience and renewal.
• 2013 — In recognition of the successful recovery and further development, Yushu County was officially upgraded to a county-level city. This event opened a new chapter in the modern history of the city.

Stages of Transformation: From Trade Hub to Modern City

The development of Yushu is a vivid example of transformation where ancient traditions meet the challenges of modernity. Key changes in the economic, cultural, and urban planning spheres have defined the current appearance of this high-altitude centre.

• Trade and Spiritual Centre (Pre-20th Century): For centuries, Gyegu (the historical name of Yushu) was an important crossroads on caravan routes, particularly the "Tea Horse Road". The city's economy was built on trade, and its cultural life was centred around influential Buddhist monasteries.
• Administrative Formalisation (1929–1955): During this period, the city received official status as an administrative centre. First, Yushu County was established, and after the formation of the PRC, the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (1955), which consolidated its managerial role in the region.
• Devastating Earthquake (2010): On 14 April 2010, a powerful earthquake almost completely destroyed the urban fabric. This tragedy became a turning point in the history of Yushu, initiating its complete reimagining and revival.
• Large-Scale Reconstruction (2010–2013): After the natural disaster, a massive government recovery programme was launched. In three years, the city was virtually rebuilt: modern seismic-resistant buildings, new infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and cultural facilities appeared. The project aimed not only at restoration but also at the modernisation of the urban environment.
• Urban Planning Transformation: The new city planning was executed taking into account modern standards whilst preserving Tibetan cultural flair. Wide avenues, public spaces, and new residential districts were created, radically changing the look of Yushu, turning it from a chaotic settlement into a well-appointed city.
• Status Elevation and New Development (Since 2013): In 2013, in recognition of the successful recovery, Yushu County was transformed into a county-level city. This gave new impetus to economic development, particularly in the tourism sector, which has become a priority direction.
• Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Parallel to the construction of new infrastructure, great attention was paid to the restoration and support of cultural monuments, including monasteries. The city actively promotes cultural projects, such as festivals and exhibitions of traditional art, for example, the Tibetan Xianzi dance, to preserve its unique identity.

The architectural appearance of Yushu is a visual history of its resilience and cultural distinctiveness, divided into two radically different stages: the traditional period before 2010 and the era of large-scale revival after the devastating earthquake.

Traditional Tibetan Architecture (Pre-2010)

Historically, the urban development of Yushu (old name — Gyegu) was concentrated around the Kyegu Gompa monastery, which served as a spiritual and social core. The architecture of the city before the earthquake was a classic example of the Tibetan style, formed under the influence of the harsh climate and Buddhist traditions. The main building materials were stone, wood, and sun-dried brick. Buildings were characterised by massive walls slightly inclined towards the centre, flat roofs, and small windows. The urban layout was dense and organic, following the terrain. Houses and monasteries were decorated with traditional ornaments and painted in characteristic colours, creating a distinctive and recognisable look.

Modern Renaissance and New Look (Post-2010)

The devastating earthquake of 2010 almost completely erased the old city from the face of the earth, but simultaneously launched an unprecedented reconstruction project. The new Yushu was rebuilt practically from scratch in a few years, and its architecture became a striking example of the synthesis of modern technology and cultural heritage. The urban plan provided for the creation of wide avenues, public spaces, and seismic-resistant buildings, which differed radically from the chaotic construction of the past.

A key feature of the new architecture was the conscious inclusion of Tibetan style elements in modern constructions. Residential houses, administrative buildings, and cultural centres, built of concrete and steel, were decorated with traditional patterns, colour schemes, and window shapes. This approach allowed not only for the rapid restoration of the city but also for the preservation of its cultural identity. The restored Kyegu Gompa monastery once again occupied its dominant position, symbolising the unbreakable bond between Yushu's past and present.

Distinguished Personalities Associated with Yushu

The history of Yushu (Gyegu) is inextricably linked with the names of great spiritual teachers, thinkers, and artists whose legacy defined the cultural and religious landscape of this region. Many of them belong to the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, whose most important monasteries are located right here.

• Düsum Khyenpa (1110–1193) — Founder of the Karma Kagyu lineage and the First Karmapa. His historical role for the region is immense, as it was he who laid the spiritual foundation by founding the first monasteries on this land in the 12th century, including Karma Gon and the monastery later known as Thrangu.
• Karma Pakshi (1204–1283) — The Second Karmapa and the first officially recognised "tulku" (reincarnate) in Tibet. He continued the work of his predecessor, strengthening the influence of the Karma Kagyu school, the centre of which remained the Kham region, including Yushu, for centuries. His activities contributed to the spread of the teachings far beyond Tibet.
• Trungmase Rinpoche (14th–15th centuries) — A disciple of the Fifth Karmapa who founded the famous Surmang monastery complex in the lands that are part of the modern Yushu Prefecture. These monasteries became an important centre of learning and practice, as well as the ancestral seat for the Trungpa tulku lineage.
• Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche (1933–2023) — One of the most respected teachers of the Kagyu tradition in modern times. Being the ninth reincarnation of the Thrangu tulku, he was the abbot of the Thrangu Monastery located near the city of Yushu. A recognised scholar and author of many books, he was a mentor to many high lamas. Thrangu Rinpoche played a key role in the spiritual support of residents and the restoration of monasteries after the 2010 earthquake.
• Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche (1939–1987) — The eleventh Trungpa tulku, born in Nangchen County (Yushu Prefecture) and abbot of the Surmang monasteries. He became one of the key figures who introduced the Western world to Tibetan Buddhism. His activities as a teacher, writer, and artist left a huge legacy around the world, and his roots are inextricably linked with Yushu.
• Gega Lama (1931–1999) — An outstanding artist and master of Tibetan thangka painting, belonging to the Karma Gadri style which is closely associated with this area. He is the author of the fundamental work "Principles of Tibetan Art" — an authoritative guide on iconography and iconometry, which has become an invaluable manual for artists worldwide. His work helped preserve and transmit the unique artistic traditions of the region.