Hezuo City is a county-level city under jurisdiction of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and seat of Gannan Prefecture’s capital. Hezuo City, also known as “Ganlho Dzong” in Tibetan,
Its original name was “Hei-cuo”, which means “a place that antelope haunt” in Tibetan. This is an important material distribution center and has gradually become economic center of Amdo Tibetan area. In 1956, its name was changed to “Hezuo” according to its homophonic.
Location
It is connected to Zhuoni County in east, Luchu County in south, Xiahe County in west, Linxia County in north. It is 226 kilometers away from provincial capital Lanzhou. It is political, economic, cultural, technological and financial center of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture;
Best travel time
From June to October
Local climate
Plateau continental monsoon climate features obvious, cold and humid climate in most areas
Most popular sites
Milariba nine-story pavilion, It is only high-rise building dedicated to masters of various schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It houses Tibetan kings who had made major contributions to Tibetan Buddhism and saints who had made major contributions to Tibetan culture, as well as Two hundred and fifteen statues of God of Wealth, Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Dharma protectors; And enshrined in Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu, Kadam, Gelug and other Tibetan Buddhism founders and numerous statues of Tantra Buddhism (Esoteric Buddhism) and Exotoric Buddhism; There are many thangkas, murals, pile embroidery, butter flowers and other artworks in pavilion
Hezuo monastery is a Gelug pa monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in 1673 AD (12th year of Emperor Kangxi of Qing Dynasty), about 1 km east of Hezuo City
Geography and climate
Hezuo City is located in northern of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, with a total area of 2,670 square kilometers. The highest point is main peak of Taizi Mountain in north of Jiadao Township, which is 4,500 meters high. Lexiu Township is the lowest point with altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level. Altitude of urban area is 2936 meters above sea level. In its south, there is a low mountain canyon area.
Population and ethnic group
As of 2017, Hezuo City has a population of 95,000, and Tibetan population accounts for 54% of total population. There are other ethnic groups including Han, Hui, Salar, Dongxiang, Baoan, Manchu, Tu, Mongolian, Yugu, Korean, etc. Nation.
Local Culture
Hezuo City has traditional Thangkar unfolding Festival, Arrows Festival, Xianglang Festival, National Games, Shambhala Tourism Art Festival, etc., which constitute unique and beautiful folk customs of Hezuo City. Ethnic sports include horse racing, yak racing, horse-picking Hada, Tibetan wrestling, Tibetan chess, waist pulling, archery, rope horse riding, folk weightlifting, Tibetan traditional gun shooting, riding performances, etc.
Brief history
During period of Spring & Autumn Warring States, Hezuo area was important border town of ancient Xi Qiang regime.
During Mid-Tang Dynasty, it was under jurisdiction of Tuyuhun regime
During Emperor Yongzheng of Qing Dynasty, it was under management of Xunhua Department of Lanzhou
In 26th year of Emperor Daoguang of Qing Dynasty (AD 1846), it was under jurisdiction of leadership of local officials Hong Bu Gangju and Shunu Tuba.
From 1912 to 1949, it was placed under Xiahe and was compiled as 4th district of Xiahe Administration Bureau.
In 1953, it was selcted as prefecture seat of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Region (later renamed as a prefecture)
In 1996, Hezuo city was officially established
