There are many unresolved and unknown mysteries in the world that have left people scratching their heads. One such big mystery is the Himalayan Towers in China. Located around the Sichuan Province and the Tibet Autonomous Region, these 60-metre-high towers have a mysterious origin. These obelisk towers have a star-like top that earned them the name Stone Star Shaped Towers. While there is not much on their origination or history, these towers have become quite a topic of discussion over the years.
With Unknown Origin, Himalayan Towers In China Remain Quite A Mystery
Also known as Sichuan Towers and Tibetan Towers, the Himalayan Towers are found in the middle of the Hengduan mountain range in China. More specifically, the Kham region is about 3,000 metres above sea level. Travellers wandering the area were fascinated by their peculiar, star-like tops. These towers are made up of grey and ochre rocks and have eight sides each, with a star shape on top. The towers have worn out over the years and have no explanations for their history or existence.
Himalayan Towers: hundreds of mysterious stone towers, some of them over 200 feet tall.
Location: Western Sichuan between central China and the Tibetan Autonomous Region
They clearly exist for centuries, the purpose and origin of these structures remain a mystery… pic.twitter.com/87gPGCE2Eq— LRMC (@LRMC_C) April 24, 2023
However, French explorer Frederique Darragon, was able to gather some solid albeit not much information about these towers. According to her reliable data, these towers date back 800 to 1,200 years. The Himalayan Towers were almost unknown to the world until 2006. It was around this time that the World Monuments Fund placed them on a list of endangered cultural sites. Frederique’s research and quest to know more about these towers added to the popularity of this mysterious site.
Tower’s History As Per Chinese and Tibetan Scholars
According to Chinese experts, Qiang ren built these towers. The Qiang people, who are part of the 56 indigenous peoples recognised by China, inhabit the northwestern region of Sichuan province. Professor Luo Xin, a historian and expert in mediaeval Chinese history, also cannot be certain about the purpose of the tower but believes it has been used for different purposes since its origination.
The Himalayan Towers of China https://t.co/NelfcbjmSy
— Mark Labossiere (@MarkLabossiere1) February 5, 2023
Some Chinese and Tibetan Scholars note that the Himalayan Towers were constructed between A.D. 200 and 1400. People used them for storage, and as defensive posts and beacons in that era. The fascinating aspect is the earthquake-proofing method that the builders applied to these towers, allowing them to survive centuries of earthquakes. Sadly, over the years, vandalism and insensitive use have left many towers without roofs. Such neglect has destabilised the soil surrounding the foundations of these towers. We hope that the concerned authorities take care of this historic (although mysterious) monument.
The world indeed is a big mysterious place! While the origins of towers remain unknown, their popularity has surely risen over the years. Let us know in the comments sections about any such mysterious monuments that you happen to know about!
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
Good news! We are on WhatsApp! Subscribe to Curly Tales WhatsApp Channel to stay up-to-date with exclusive content and BTS. Join HERE.