Orientation
Yushu, in Qinghai Province, is a Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture whose urban core is Yushu City and the town of Gyêgu (also called Yushu Town), which serves as the seat of the city. For a visitor, most of what you will want to see clusters around this town and its central square, with a few key sites lying outside it in different directions. That layout shapes how you get around: on foot in the centre, and by bus or taxi for the outlying sights.
Walking
Walking is the easiest way to get around town. The centre is compact enough that you can cover it on foot, and you can even walk up the hill to the Jiegu Monastery. If you are staying near the central square, most everyday errands and sightseeing in town are within comfortable walking range.
Buses
Local public transport in town is limited to a small number of city bus routes. Bus no. 1 and bus no. 2 are the convenient options for getting around, and the fare is ¥1. These are useful for reaching places that are a bit beyond a comfortable walk, and they are the cheapest way to move around town.
Taxis
Taxis are the practical choice for the sites outside town, since these lie in different directions and are not well served by the city buses. A taxi to the Mani Stones costs around ¥50, and a taxi to the Temple of Princess Wencheng costs around ¥50 as well. Because the two sites are outside town in different directions, it is worth negotiating with a driver to see both in one trip rather than paying separately for each. Fares of this kind are negotiable, so agree on the price before you set out.
Long-Distance Buses
Yushu is connected to the wider region by long-distance bus. A few buses depart daily between Xining and Yushu, with a fare of ¥207. The bus station for these services sits south of the T-junction and central square; from the station, walk west to reach the main street, then head north to arrive at the central square. Buses heading further south in Qinghai, to places such as Zadoi or Nangqen, pass by Yushu Town on their way. Services from Ganzi run in summer only, and that station lies outside town on the G214, between the Xining bus station and town.
Arriving by Air
Yushu Batang Airport (YUS) is the main airport for the area, located south of Yushu. There are a few daily flights from Xining, Chengdu and Lhasa, and prices vary depending on the season. To get from the airport into town you have two options: a bus is available, and there are also taxi services whose fares are negotiable. Agree on the fare with the driver before departing.
Practical Tips
- Base yourself near the central square if you want to walk to most things in town.
- Keep small change handy for the ¥1 city bus fare on routes no. 1 and no. 2.
- For the Mani Stones and the Temple of Princess Wencheng, negotiate a taxi fare in advance and consider combining both sites in a single hire.
- If you are arriving by long-distance bus from Xining, note that the bus station is south of the central square; walk west to the main street and then north to reach the square.
- Flights from Xining, Chengdu and Lhasa are limited to a few daily services and fares shift with the season, so plan your airport transfer in advance.