Zhag'yab County

Zhag'yab County, also spelled Dragyab, Chagyab, Draya, and Chaya, is a county of the Chamdo Prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

Zhuoma Hot Spring

Located in Jitang Town's Youxi Village along National Highway 214, Zhuoma Hot Spring features over 10 natural hot spring outlets with water temperatures reaching up to 80C. The spring water is rich in minerals and offers therapeutic benefits. Surrounded by lush green mountains and cypress forests, the steam-shrouded pools create a fairyland atmosphere.

Why go: One of Tibet's finest natural geothermal hot springs, offering relaxation and healing in a stunning mountain setting. The contrast between steaming pools and snow-capped peaks is unforgettable.

Renda Cliff Carvings

Dating back to 804 AD during the Tibetan Empire (Tubo) period, these cliff carvings in Wangbu Township's Danma Mountain are extremely precious stone art treasures. The central figure is the Vairocana Buddha, flanked by eight disciples and two celestial maidens. The site features 31 lines of ancient Tibetan script and over 60 Chinese characters documenting Tubo-era history, politics, and culture.

Why go: A rare surviving monument from the Tibetan Empire era, offering a direct window into 1,200-year-old Tibetan Buddhist art and the political landscape of ancient Tibet.

Jiaoke Monastery

Located in Jiaoke Village, Xiangdui Town, Jiaoke Monastery is the largest nunnery in eastern Tibet. Founded around 1894 by Yixi Wangzha of the Gelug school, the monastery is architecturally grand and houses numerous nuns. It serves as an important center for understanding Tibetan religious culture and the role of women in Tibetan Buddhism.

Why go: Eastern Tibet's largest nunnery provides a unique perspective on Tibetan Buddhist monastic life and the important role of female practitioners in Tibetan religious tradition.

Yanduo Monastery

Perched halfway up Camel Mountain north of Chaya county seat, Yanduo Monastery was founded in 1680 by the first Living Buddha Trapa Jiangcuo of Zhaxi Quzong Monastery. The temple houses over 30 thangka paintings and 5 volumes of scriptures written in gold powder, making it a treasure trove of religious artifacts.

Why go: A historic monastery perched dramatically on a mountainside, with precious thangkas and gold-scripted scriptures that showcase Tibetan Buddhist artistic heritage.

Dema Snow Mountain

Rising to 5,480 meters in Xuewa Village, Jitang Town, Dema Snow Mountain's peak is covered in perennial snow and ice. In spring, rhododendrons bloom vibrantly while primeval forests blanket the lower slopes. Crystal-clear mountain streams wind through the landscape, making it an excellent destination for hiking and photography.

Why go: A magnificent snow mountain combining glacial peaks with spring rhododendron displays and pristine forests - a paradise for nature photographers and trekkers.

Zongsha Monastery and Giant Mani Stones

Located in Zongsha Township, this monastery features the Saga Richu Pagoda Forest and colossal mani stones - each character of the six-syllable mantra carved approximately 100 meters tall. Below the carving lies the source of the Maiqu River, surrounded by ancient trees and lush scenery.

Why go: The massive mani stone carvings are among the largest in Tibet, creating a spiritually powerful and visually stunning landmark set against the source of the Maiqu River.