Ouqushan

Seven kilometers south of Xietongmen County in Shigatse, a solitary and towering sacred mountain stands atop the Ouqu plain—this is Ouqu Mountain. At approximately 4,000 meters above sea level, and 83 kilometers from Shigatse city, it is a national 2A-level tourist attraction. With its unique mountain shape, profound religious significance, and brilliant cultural heritage, it has become one of the most spiritually significant secret realms in the Tsang region.

The natural wonders of Ouqu Mountain are truly a masterpiece of nature. The mountain stands alone without any ridges, its shape resembling the seed syllable "Bang" in the heart of the supreme Dakini, like a majestic Mount Sumeru appearing out of nowhere. Legend has it that it flew from India to reconcile the two demons of the region. The mountain is covered with lush vegetation, wildflowers bloom everywhere, streams murmur, and various birds sing sweetly, just as described in the biography of Asanga: "Colorful flowers bloom everywhere, the scenery is like a golden mandala adorned with turquoise." Climbing to the summit offers panoramic views: the winding Tsang River, the sapphire-blue Jiatang Grassland, and distant snow-capped mountains create a magnificent plateau landscape.

Religion and culture are the soul of Ouqu Mountain. It is a sacred site of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Ouqu Monastery on the mountain boasts a long history, with its architectural complex including the Jiare Lhakhang, Ganjur Hall, and Gawa Jipozhang. Outside the monastery stand four large stupas and more than ten smaller ones, and the rock walls are covered with natural Mani stone carvings. Most famous is the meditation cave of Asanga, where in the 13th century, the Venerable Asanga composed the influential Buddhist text "Thirty-Seven Verses on the Bodhisattva's Way of Life." His sacred relics representing body, speech, and mind are still enshrined in the cave. Furthermore, two high lamas, Dama Baza and Yangjin Zhubai Dorje, also practiced here, authoring Tibetan grammar classics such as "Songda," making Ouqu Mountain the birthplace of Tibetan grammar. Throughout history, eminent monks and virtuous masters have resided and practiced here. The Fourth Panchen Lama and other Panchen Lamas have also retreated here. Numerous relics of spiritual practice remain in the mountains, including the Three Thousand Grottoes and the Gyasekcho Dzong Meditation Hall, imbued with profound blessings. Every year, devout believers come to pilgrimage and circumambulate the mountain, prayer flags fluttering, chanting echoing through the valleys, passing down a faith that has remained unchanged for millennia.

Today, Ouqu Mountain is open to tourists while being protected. Wooden walkways connect the main attractions, facilitating visits to sacred sites while preserving its original appearance to the greatest extent possible. Here, there are no bustling crowds, only natural tranquility and cultural depth, allowing every visitor to touch the ancient Zen relics, listen to the legends of the sacred mountain, and experience the profoundness of Tsang culture and the compassionate vows of its practitioners.