Kajiu Scenic Area
Nestled in the southeastern part of Longzi County, Shannan City, Tibet, atop the clouds on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, lies a hidden paradise—the Kaju Scenic Area—a blend of pristine ecology and religious sanctuary. At an altitude of 4019 meters, it is approximately 60 kilometers from Longzi County and 240 kilometers from Shannan City. Known as the "Buddhist Kingdom in the Sky" due to its core attraction, Kaju Monastery, perched precariously on a cliff face, it is considered the most ethereal ecological and cultural scenic area in southern Tibet.
The natural landscape of the area is truly breathtaking. Located in the transition zone between subtropical and plateau temperate zones, its unique climate has nurtured dense primeval forests. Layers of spruce, fir, and alpine pine stand tall, blocking out the sun. From May to August each year, rhododendrons bloom across the mountainsides, their red, pink, white, and purple hues creating a sea of flowers that, together with the verdant forests and swirling mists, forms a dreamlike scene. The mountain streams flow gently, their waters crystal clear, nourishing rare medicinal herbs such as Gastrodia elata and Cordyceps sinensis. They are also home to nationally protected animals like the Tibetan Snowcock and the Red-bellied Tragopan. Walking through the area, one can often hear birdsong and insect chirps, showcasing the pristine vitality of the ecosystem.
The cultural heritage is the soul of the Kajiu Scenic Area, its core being the Kajiu Monastery, originally built in the 15th century. Belonging to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, the monastery was built under the supervision of Langkai Nyingpo, a disciple of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). After centuries of renovation, it has formed a terraced architectural complex built against the mountainside. The red-walled, golden-roofed monastery is nestled on the cliff face, its halls, monks' quarters, and stupas arranged in a harmonious and orderly fashion. Some buildings are suspended in mid-air, overlooking a sheer drop. When shrouded in mist, the entire monastery appears to float on the clouds, creating a fantastical "Buddhist kingdom in the sky." The monastery houses gilded statues of Guru Rinpoche and the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara, and possesses a vast collection of handwritten Buddhist scriptures, thangkas, and other cultural relics. Butter lamps burn perpetually, and the sound of chanting fills the air, creating a solemn and profound religious atmosphere.
The essence of the scenic area lies in the harmonious integration of the landscape and the monastery. From the viewing platform, one can overlook the continuous Himalayas, their snow-capped peaks shimmering in the sunlight. When clouds rise, the forests, flower fields, and monasteries appear and disappear in the mist, creating a scene of ethereal beauty. Every year in the sixth month of the Tibetan calendar, Kaju Monastery holds a grand "Mountain Circumambulation Festival," attracting devotees from the surrounding areas dressed in their finest attire to circumambulate the mountain and pray for blessings. Prayer flags flutter, and chanting fills the air, perfectly embodying religious faith and nature worship.
Today, the Kaju scenic area retains its pristine and unspoiled character. Wooden boardwalks meander through the forests and flower fields, connecting Kaju Monastery, the rhododendron fields, the viewing platform, and other key attractions. Visitors can hike along the boardwalk, experiencing the tranquility and grandeur of the primeval forest, exploring the sacred solemnity of the ancient cliffside temple, and resting in the Tibetan-style guesthouses within the scenic area, enjoying local delicacies such as butter tea and tsampa. Here, there is no excessive commercialization or hustle and bustle, only the serenity of the clouds, the magnificence of nature, and the purity of faith, allowing every visitor to forget the hustle and bustle of the world and immerse themselves in the unique charm of this hidden paradise in southern Tibet.