2025 Xainza Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

With an average altitude of over 4,700 meters, Shenzha County in Tibet is dotted with mountains and lakes, making it not only a paradise for wildlife but also rich in hot spring resources. If passing through, consider staying overnight to experience the local hot springs. We visited three, each offering unique experiences—though the last one was a bit unusual. The first is the Serling Tso Hot Spring in Mayom Township, housed in a fully glass-enclosed structure reminiscent of Nordic stargazing cabins in Finland. At night, you can soak while admiring the starry sky. The interior is clean and modern, ensuring a relaxing soak. Outside, mineral crystals cover the earthen slopes, surrounded by wilderness, about a 30-minute drive from the nearest village. Nearby accommodations are available, either next to the spring or in the nearby village of Beiga, a key transit point to the next county. The staff joked that if you get hungry while soaking, you can order Mayom’s famous Tibetan hotpot, which they’ll deliver. This was the most luxurious hot spring we encountered—30 yuan per person, well worth it. The second is the Sky Eye Hot Spring in Maiba Township. If you can’t locate it, ask for directions at the township government office. This one is more rustic, with a leaky roof but blankets provided for stargazing at night. Local Tibetans soaking there even shared sweet tea with us. It’s advised not to soak too long; take breaks in between. The cost is 10 yuan per person. Outside, vast wilderness and snow-capped mountains stretch endlessly. A local friend brought eggs to cook in the hot spring runoff, resulting in deliciously soft-boiled eggs. Maiba is also a gathering and birthing ground for Tibetan antelopes, making it worth a visit. The third hot spring, Xiga Hot Spring in Baza Township, is less recommended due to its remote location—unless you’re keen to spot the rare Tibetan hot spring snake. A 4WD vehicle is essential; regular cars aren’t suitable. Free to enter, the spring flows scalding hot down the mountainside, with a man-made pool at the base offering perfectly tempered, crystal-clear water for soaking. Note: The area is home to many hot spring snakes, so keep your distance. Generally, they won’t bother you if left alone. These snakes are extremely rare, relying on the springs’ warmth to survive. Experts warn that with the degradation of Tibet’s hot spring ecosystems, this species may face extinction—a sobering thought. Shenzha County’s Qiangge Monastery and Yueqia Tso are also stunning and well worth a visit.

Shenzha County in Tibet is a paradise for wildlife. Driving from Shigatse through Namling County and entering Shenzha County, you can spot Tibetan antelopes by the roadside. Thanks to effective conservation efforts, their population has grown from just over 10,000 a decade ago to more than 20,000 today. In Lhoktang, Maiba Township, a key breeding ground for Tibetan antelopes, you'll encounter large herds gathered in concentration. At Cuoe Bird Island, Dongre Monastery, and along the road to Mayue Township, you can observe vast numbers of birds. Especially when passing through wetlands, you may see black-necked cranes, a nationally protected Class I species. Right next to Shenzha County town lies a wetland, home to a famous pair of black-necked cranes named Gaogao and Lili. Most remarkably, the hot springs in Shenzha County are also home to the rare Tibetan hot-spring snake, considered the highest-altitude living snake species. These endangered reptiles rely on geothermal heat around the hot springs to maintain their body temperature. Although local ecological protection is excellent, visitors must follow certain rules to help preserve this environment. Issues like tourists chasing Tibetan antelopes by car or getting too close to Bird Island require everyone's cooperation to protect this fragile ecosystem.

| Encounter the Pure Land Beneath the Snow Mountains. On the vast land of Nagqu, Shenzha County is like a pearl treasured by time, exuding a mysterious and enchanting aura. Here, towering snow-capped mountains stand like giants between heaven and earth, witnessing the passage and changes of time. Mount Jiagang, the highest peak in Shenzha County, stands at an elevation of 6,444 meters, with its summit perpetually covered in snow. From a distance, the pure white snow cap glows golden under the sunlight, as if bathed in celestial radiance. The entire Shenzha County town is not large, but it has everything needed for daily life—various restaurants, teahouses, supermarkets, and more. So, what are the must-visit spots in the county town? Must-Visit Spots in Shenzha County: 1: Mount Jiagang Snow Mountain, visible from the county town, located right across from it. 2: Shenzha County Wetland, situated next to Binhe Road, where the wetland grasslands are home to many yaks and sheep. The scenery is breathtaking every evening as the sun sets. 3: Rare black-necked cranes can also be spotted in the Shenzha County Wetland. This time, we were lucky enough to see two black-necked cranes that had laid an egg and were incubating it. These highland cranes are tall, elegant, and gentle, often dancing gracefully by the lakeshore, making for a particularly beautiful sight. 4: Wetland Sunset. Every evening, the wetland offers a stunning sunset view, especially when the setting sun casts its glow on the snow-capped mountains, enhancing the scenery even more. About Food and Souvenirs: The county town has many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, including Sichuan dishes, hot pot, Hunan dishes, and local specialty teahouses. On the first floor of the Nacang Restaurant near the wetland on Binhe Road, you can find various local specialty products and artworks, while the second floor is a restaurant with a beautiful view of the snow-capped mountains across the way. The Sichuan cuisine here is authentic, and there’s also a nearby Hunan restaurant with great flavors. You can also visit a local teahouse to enjoy butter tea or sweet tea paired with fried potatoes—a truly delightful combination. About Accommodation: There are several hotels in the county town, with Boxiang and Shangke You offering particularly good environments. Oxygen is provided in all accommodations here, which is very important. In the evening, you can visit the Shenzha Town Cultural Center to watch the Guozhuang dance. This time, we went in the evening and enjoyed the lively local dance performance. Shenzha County, this pure land beneath the snow-capped mountains, awaits you to unveil its mysterious veil, to feel its grandeur and tranquility, and to experience a wondrous journey of intimate encounters with the snow mountains.

The beauty of Shenzha, Tibet, is a combination of desolation, wilderness, and charm. The desolate land and mountains of Shenzha give a sense of grandeur and wildness, while its charm lies in its turquoise-blue lakes, like Cuo'e Lake, whose colors change at every moment—not just blue, but also purple and pink! Viewed from above, it rivals the Maldives. We also watched countless plump birds on the bird island across the lake, their cooing never-ending! In the evening, passing through a grassland, the snow-capped mountains rose majestically like giant ice cream cones! Everywhere you look is a perfect photo opportunity!

On our fifth day in Tibet, we encountered a local summer festival in Xiongmei Town, Shenzha County, by the beautiful Cuo'e Lake. The event featured singing and dancing performances, Guozhuang dances, horse racing, shooting competitions, and various other activities, along with delicious local snacks. Many families came with elders and children, making it a lively and bustling scene. A few of us girls were lucky enough to try on the local Baza costumes, said to be the attire of ancient princesses. The outfits were colorful, and the headpieces were extravagant yet stunning—though I must admit, I didn’t quite look like a local wearing them. Not far from the event grounds was the Cuo'e Lake Bird Island. Aerial views made it resemble the Maldives, with thousands of birds densely populating the island—a truly spectacular sight. After leaving Cuo'e Lake, we visited the famous Siling Co in Nagqu, the second-largest saltwater lake in China (after Qinghai Lake) and the largest in Tibet. Along the way, we saw herds of yaks and sheep, as well as many Tibetan antelopes and even a lone black-necked crane. By the lakeside, there was a tourist service center, and we spotted some RVs camping and cooking. Climbing up to the viewing platform, we could see panoramic views of both Siling Co and Cuo'e Lake. The two lakes lie close to each other, separated only by a road, creating a breathtaking aerial vista—though the high-altitude hike was exhausting. P.S.: I discovered that Shenzha County has many off-the-beaten-path attractions not found online, so I’ll be staying here a few more days to explore more hidden gems.

In Shenzha, I wore the most distinctive attire of northern Tibet—a national intangible cultural heritage! In Shenzha County, Tibet, a group of artisans still uphold their ancestors' sartorial wisdom. Bazaar costumes may lack flashy marketing, but they perfectly fuse "practicality" and "beauty." Take this "walking jewelry box" on my head—the headdress, composed of Baguo, Balong, and Dale, might seem like an extravagant ornament at first glance, but it’s ingeniously functional: in the windy pastoral areas, these metal adornments not only signify status but also secure the headscarf, staying put even while herding on horseback. Then there’s the robe, made of thick pulu fabric. Though it feels like coarse linen, it’s incredibly durable. With the plateau’s drastic day-night temperature swings, the robe doubles as a windproof coat by day and a simple bedding at night. The pleats aren’t just for style—when bending to milk cows or gather dung, the wide hem acts as a makeshift "pocket," handy for carrying salt bags or keys. My favorite? The leather belt! Don’t underestimate the conch shells, copper mirrors, and other "trinkets" hanging from it. While herding, a quick reach yields a copper spoon for water, a mirror to check the path, or a conch shell to whistle for yaks. Tightening the belt not only accentuates the waist but also protects against the cold during labor. Today, younger wearers might simplify the accessories for daily wear, but they still don the full regalia for festivals. Legend has it, these costumes were born watching grandmothers sit under eaves, meticulously stitching pulu with bone needles—each thread weaving wisdom. Suddenly, it’s clear: this isn’t just clothing; it’s nomadic ingenuity and generational stories worn on the body. As a unique ethnic attire of Tibet, Bazaar costumes also carry a fascinating tale: Princess Drukmo of King Gesar, captured by King Hor, cleverly feigned madness in the eccentric Bazaar dress to protect her virtue, earning it the nickname "mad costume." If you visit Shenzha, don’t miss the local market. Watch sunlight glint off the headdress’s copper plates, casting dappled light on smiling faces, and listen to the soft chime of belt ornaments with each step—this is the living tradition in its truest form.

The self-drive journey from Shigatse to Shenzha County, known as the "Sky County," offers breathtaking scenery throughout. Crossing the 5,276-meter-high Kegu La Pass into Shenzha County, you'll be greeted by vast expanses of white. As you continue, the snow gradually fades, leading you to the expansive grasslands of Tarma Township, where diverse wildlife thrives—especially Tibetan antelopes, seen everywhere in small groups, large herds, near the roads, or nestled by snow-capped mountains. Beyond Tibetan antelopes, massive herds of yaks also create stunning backdrops for photos. The journey culminates with a passage past the beautiful Jigang Lhamo Snow Mountain before arriving at Shenzha County, situated over 4,700 meters above sea level.

The brave get to enjoy the world first! To witness the romance of "Polar Nagqu · Nacang Shenzha," one must first conquer the challenge of Kegu La Pass! At 5,276 meters above sea level, the joy of running while inhaling oxygen is something only those who've experienced it can understand🌈. While city dwellers fret about escaping the heat, yesterday's snowfall at Kegu La Pass hasn't even melted yet. Step on the gas and charge upward—the suffocating sensation at 5,200+ meters is instantly healed by the skyline before your eyes! Clouds swirl at your fingertips, winds whip up snowdrifts in a symphony of Tibetan epics, and even breathing becomes slow motion. The moment the drone takes off, the highway cuts through the vast wilderness like unlocking the filming code of *Interstellar*📸—"Here, the wind is a love letter from the snow mountains to the earth!" 📍 Tarma Grasslands · A Rare Encounter with Tibetan Antelopes "Look! Tibetan antelopes!" In the heart of the Changtang Plateau in Tarma, every frame feels like a live broadcast of *Animal Planet*🦌! Tibetan antelopes and yaks leisurely enjoy their "afternoon tea time" on the grasslands. 📍 Yak Jaggang Lhamo Snow Mountain · A Millennia-Long Gaze Between Glaciers and Faith When Jaggang Lhamo's snow peaks pierce the clouds, you finally understand what "the crown of the mountain gods" means❄️! This sacred mountain, revered by locals, will soon transform into a silver dragon on a green velvet carpet, and in winter, it becomes the *Game of Thrones*-style Wall. 📍 Shenzha County Sunset · Nature’s Overturned Palette! Siling Lake turns into a sapphire at dusk, its surface shimmering with golden shards as distant snow mountains blaze like orange-pink torches🔥. Only the wind and your heartbeat fill your ears—in this moment, you grasp what it means to be "struck speechless by beauty." 🌟 Travel Tips ✅ Opt for a 4WD vehicle for self-driving; some areas have no signal. ✅ Respect wildlife! No feeding or chasing❌. ✅ Authentic Tibetan cuisine in Shenzha County—yak meat buns are finger-licking good! ✅ Altitude-sensitive travelers, pack glucose and move at 0.5x speed. While cities grind through 996, Tibetan antelopes here have long achieved "lying-flat freedom." This summer, why not surrender your soul to Nagqu’s wilderness—after all, some views are only understood from the top of the world📮✨.

Recently, newly born Tibetan antelope calves have been photographed multiple times on the Lhunzhub Tang grassland in Maiba Township, Shenzha County, Nagqu City, within the Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in Tibet. It is understood that the annual calving season for the Tibetan antelope has begun. The Tibetan antelope is a national first-class protected animal. Currently, there are more than 300,000 Tibetan antelopes living on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with over 200,000 residing in the Qiangtang National Nature Reserve in northern Tibet.

The newly hatched Black-necked Crane, covered in golden-yellow down, follows closely behind its parents in the wetlands of Shenzha County, Nagqu City, Tibet, at an altitude of about 4700 meters, learning to forage.

Black-necked cranes are a national first-class protected wild animal, belonging to the plateau-specific crane species, mainly inhabiting plateaus at altitudes of 2500-5000 meters, usually living in wetland environments such as marshes, lakes, and river beaches. At this time of year, pairs of black-necked cranes migrate to Shenzha County, Naqu, Tibet, and nest on the wetland grass mounds surrounded by water to hatch their eggs. Black-necked cranes usually lay 1 to 2 eggs per nest, with an incubation period of about 30 days. Experienced wildlife rangers can estimate the hatching time of the chicks through the patterns and colors on the eggshells.

I believe many Hong Kong people have heard of Lhasa. Recently, the government has also recommended a trip to Lhasa. We also met several people visiting Hong Kong during this trip! In addition to its high altitude, Tibet is a bit challenging for Hong Kong people! But the beautiful scenery of Tibet cannot stop many people from wanting to travel. In front of nature, we only have endless sighs and sighs! If you want to go around Lhasa, you need to join a tour group or rent a car. The land is vast and abundant. It only takes a few hours to drive to a scenic spot. The yaks and antelopes along the way will definitely make you take out your mobile phone to take pictures! We were very lucky and just happened to be able to see the snow falling with our own eyes. Although it was very small, it was enough for a child from the south! #trip #TibetTravel #色林cuo

Tibet is known as the ridge of the world because of its high altitude. Ali is the ridge of the roof of the world. Many lakes are changing in endless blue under the sunlight shining through the thin air. The largest lake in Tibet, Selin is wrong, meaning the sparkle of the devil. Yes, it is like a demon temptation, when you stare, dazzling.