Seven sightseeing routes that crisscross in Yushu, Qinghai Province are expected to open soon to the self-driving travelers who visit there in hopes of having a look at the natural, cultural and religious sights on the remote plateau, far away from city's hustle and bustle.
Those routes were mapped out to give a boost to local tourism six years after the devastating earthquake which jolted the land and claimed more than 2,000 lives. Holding back their tears and leaving their grief at the bottom of their hearts, people in Yushu have been moving on towards the future.
Home to the starting points of China's three major rivers, namely, the Yellow River which is the cradle of Chinese civilization, the Yangtze River and the Lancang River, Yushu has joined to pave three routes stretching through the provinces along the riverbeds heading to the estuaries.
To better preserve the natural species and resources of the three headstreams, a state natural conservancy was established recently with the approval of the central government. In March, Chinese President Xi Jinping asked the Qinghai delegation to carefully protect the local ecological environment at the panel discussion during the National People's Congress early this year.
"The beauty of nature and simplicity in Yushu can not be ruined or occupied by anyone," said AxiaYonghong, head of the Yushu Tourist Administration.
"So, we need to learn from the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park to unveil the true history and culture of Yushu to travelers," he added.
The other four routes for self-driving travelers were made up by the itineraries zigzagging through the Kekexili, the four Legendary Mountains, the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road and Kamba Town.
Preferential policies, such as, edifying reckless driving but charging no fines, opening Buddhist relics in local monasteries, offering discounts and providing free oxygen-supply equipment, have been launched for members of the Three Headstreams International Self-Driving Association when at least 50 of them travel to Yushu in no less than 20 vehicles for self-driving tours.
The Yushu Tourism Administration has also been working with China Central Television (CCTV) to produce a documentary chronicling the search for the roots of Chinese civilization at the origin of the Yellow River which happens to be in the county.
"Tourism is an important aspect of life," said Bian Baochen, the editor in chief of the documentary from CCTV. "People can live with few regrets when they have the chance to see the panoramic views of the three headstreams in Yushu."
