Xiuba Ancient Watchtowers
秀巴古堡
A group of stone watchtowers from the Tubo period beside National Highway 318. The towering polygonal towers, set against the Niyang valley and distant glaciers, carry a strong sense of history.
The Xiuba Ancient Watchtowers lie in Xiuba Village, Bahe Town, Gongbo'gyamda County, next to National Highway 318 and the Niyang River. They are a group of slab-stone watchtowers, about five of which survive, the tallest about 30 meters. Their plans are twelve-sided or polygonal. They are believed to date from the Tubo period, and theories about their use include military defense, beacon signaling and storage. They are among the best-preserved ancient architectural remains in the Gongbo region. Around the towers are village houses, farmland and prayer flags. From the hillside behind, you can see distant glaciers and snow peaks, and the wild peach trees that bloom in the village in spring are especially photogenic. Walking paths loop around the towers. Admission is about 20 to 30 yuan, and a visit takes about 40 minutes. Getting there: the site lies on the way from Lhasa to Nyingchi, about 70 km from Bayi Town and not far from the turnoff to Basum Tso, so it suits a day trip together with Basum Tso. Note: The structures are ancient, so climbing inside is forbidden. For a photo of the whole site, shoot from across the highway.
Opening hours
09:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Niyang River Midstream Rock
- Basum Tso (Draksum-tso)
- Kading Valley
- Xincuo Lake
- Millennium Walnut King
- Taizhao Ancient Town
- Bayi Town (Nyingchi City)
- Biri Sacred Mountain Boardwalk