The Lost Heart of Zhang Zhung: Wenbu South Village and the Turquoise Holy Lake

A Sanctuary in the No Man's Land

1.Deep within the vast and desolate Qiangtang: Plateau of Northern Tibet, where the average altitude exceeds 4,500 meters and human presence is scarce, lies a hidden sanctuary that defies the harshness of the wilderness: Wenbu South Village (Wenbu Nancun). Located in Nima County, Nagqu City, this ancient village sits at an altitude of 4,600 meters on the banks of Dangre Yongcuo, one of Tibet's most sacred and deepest lakes. Unlike the nomadic lifestyle prevalent in most of Northern Tibet, Wenbu South Village is a rare agricultural oasis. Sheltered by the mountains, the village enjoys a unique microclimate that allows for the cultivation of highland barley, creating a stunning visual contrast between the emerald green fields, the turquoise lake, and the snow-capped peaks. It is often described as a "paradise" or "secret realm" hidden in the depths of the plateau, offering a profound sense of isolation and tranquility.

The Soul of the Bon Religion

2.Wenbu South: Village is not just a scenic spot; it is a spiritual heartland. It sits in the shadow of Dago Snow Mountain (Dago Shenshan) and beside Dangre Yongcuo, a pair of deities revered as the supreme "Holy Mountain and Sacred Lake" in the indigenous Bon religion (Bonpo) of Tibet. Before Buddhism became dominant, the Bon religion and the Zhang Zhung (Xiangxiong) Kingdom ruled these lands. Wenbu South Village is widely considered to be located within the core area of this ancient, lost civilization. Walking through the village, visitors can feel the weight of history and the enduring power of ancient beliefs. The village retains a primitive and authentic atmosphere, serving as a living museum of the Zhang Zhung culture that has faded from much of the rest of Tibet.

A Landscape of Divine Colors

3.The visual beauty of Wenbu South: Village is dominated by Dangre Yongcuo. This lake is unique not only for its spiritual significance but for its mesmerizing color. Depending on the time of day and the angle of the sunlight, the water shifts from a deep, mysterious blue to a brilliant, jade-like turquoise. Across the lake rises the majestic Dago Snow Mountain, a row of seven peaks that are said to be the guardians of the Zhang Zhung people. From the village, the view of these snow-capped giants reflecting in the sacred lake is one of the most iconic and spiritually charged scenes in Tibet. The interplay of the red ochre mountains, the white snow, the blue water, and the green barley fields creates a palette of "Highland Aesthetics" that attracts photographers and travelers seeking the ultimate beauty of the Third Pole.

The Rhythm of Ancient Life

4.Life in Wenbu South: Village moves at a pace dictated by nature and tradition. The villagers live in stone masonry houses that are built into the hillside, blending seamlessly with the rugged terrain. Unlike the purely nomadic herders of the surrounding grasslands, the people here practice a semi-farming, semi-nomadic lifestyle, plowing fields with yaks and harvesting barley by hand. This agricultural tradition in such a high-altitude "no man's land" is a testament to human resilience and adaptation. Visitors can explore the narrow alleyways, visit the small Wenbu Monastery (Dangre Monastery) that overlooks the lake, and witness the daily rituals of the locals as they circumvent the holy sites and tend to their fields. It is a place where the boundary between the divine and the mundane dissolves, offering a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.