A yak's body is full of treasure - their meat, milk, skin, hair and bones can all be put to good use. Herdsmen are accustomed to using cow dung for cooking and heating; yak fur can be used to make blankets and leather bags; their horns can be made into musical instruments; there are also other products such as cheese, dried meat and buttered tea. Yak meat and dairy products are a must for both locals and tourists visiting Tibet.

In addition, artifacts made from yak can be seen everywhere and souvenirs made from yak skin and fur as well as horn combs are particularly popular with consumers.

"The yak is the plateau's treasure. The price of bone-made products is relatively low, but in the shop we have leather bags dating back to thousands of years ago. The leather on guitars is made from yak skin and yak woolen blankets are very durable. Also, horn combs are very popular with customers", a souvenir shop owner said.

In Tibet, the yak is called the "millennium treasure". A long time ago, the yaks of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were a fierce animal and a threat to mankind's survival. This, coupled with the fact that they were an important source of heat and everyday goods, lead to them being hunted.

Afterwards, the brave and industrious Tibetans began to domesticate yaks. Through thousands of years yak products have been evident throughout all aspects of Tibetan life including clothing, food, shelter, transportation, education, business and war. Today, the yak has become an integral part of the tourism industry, allowing visitors to gain a better understanding of them.

 
Photo shows a white yak on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. [Photo/ Baidu]

Photo shows various yak products. [Photo/ Baidu]

Photo shows various yak products. [Photo/ Baidu]

Photo shows various yak products. [Photo/ Baidu]