Strong whiff of ethnic culture

Stones of various sizes bearing Buddhist canons in the Tibetan language are also be found along the way to the valley.

Many of the inscriptions were done by pilgrims to show their respect for Princess Wencheng, says Zhande, adding: "Whenever the river washes the stones, it is considered that the canon is read."

The Princess Wencheng Temple is 20 kilometers from the valley. A large number of prayer flags cover the mountains next to the temple. Stones around the temple also carry Tibetan mantras.

I see many people take their shoes off when entering the temple.

Yixi Songbao's resort, the Xiawozi Summer Pasture, is a few minutes' drive from the temple, and he invites us to take a break there.

There, I enjoy local snacks - steamed buns stuffed with beef, blood sausage and air-dried beef.

Yixi Songbao, who opened the place three years ago and pays 40,000 yuan ($5,99) a year for the use of the grasslands, says: "It's close to several major historical sites, including the Leba Valley and the sky burial platform."

Songbao's business did not fare well last year, as locals didn't make much money from the sale of Chinese caterpillar fungus, a valuable ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine.

But things have improved this year.

"We've had many diners coming directly from the airport," he says.

Business has been brisk since July, with more than 150 visitors daily.

Meanwhile, an international rafting event, a horse race and the upcoming Sanjiangyuan national park has helped him make up his mind about staying invested in the local tourism sector. He also plans to open a facility for winter visitors soon.

The location of the city means that tourism only lasts for three months every year - from July to September - when weather is at its warmest. During the rest of the year, it is too cold.

Therefore, all the thrills and spills are packed into those three months.

Among the highlights are the grassland music festival where Tibetan singers are invited to perform, a horse racing festival and an international rafting event, which can attract up to 150 participants from overseas.

An international hiking event will also be staged next year, and the route will cover major attractions, including the Mani stone square and Leba Valley.

A highway between Yushu and the capital city Xining will become officially operational by October this year, cutting the road journey to the city from Xining to a little more than six hours.

Local officials also expect more tourists after the Sanjiangyuan national park is completed in two years.