Geological & Ecological Marvel
Stretching 1,200km along the Qilian Mountain Range, this UNESCO-tracked grassland (265,300 hectares) formed over 300 million years from ancient seabeds. Its unique features include:
- Glacial Contrasts: Summer transforms the basin between Yanzhi and Qilian Mountains into a "jade sea" of pastures, while adjacent peaks remain snowbound.
- Biodiversity: Home to snow leopards, white-lipped deer, and black-necked cranes, with three distinct vegetation zones:
- Alpine Meadows (3,200-3,800m): Rhododendron thickets and golden marmots.
- Forest-Grassland Ecotone (2,800-3,200m): Qinghai spruce forests sheltering blood pheasants and blue eared-pheasants.
- Desert Steppe (2,300-2,800m): Hardy shrubs where Przewalski's gazelles graze.
Must-See Attractions
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Damaying Grassland
- The flagship sector (219,200 hectares) near Shandan County features Asia's largest military horse ranch, where herds gallop against a backdrop of glacial rivers.
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"Three Winter Friends" Phenomenon
- Spot the rare snow lotus (Saussurea involucrata), caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), and wind-resistant snow grass thriving above 4,000m.
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Kangley Grassland
- Dubbed "Golden Pasture" by Yugur herders, its August bloom turns the terrain into a yellow ocean of Halogeton glomeratus flowers.
Cultural Tapestry
- Nomadic Heritage: Tibetan and Mongol families tend yak herds—their black tents and butter tea rituals reflect 2,000 years of pastoral traditions.
- Silk Road Legacy: Ancient beacon towers mark trade routes where Xiongu tribes once called these "Heavenly Mountains" (Tengeriyn Nuruu).
Experiences
- Horse Trekking: Ride with local guides to Arou Monastery (3,200m), passing glacial tarns.
- Photography: Capture the "Five-Color Miracle" at dawn—snow (white), grasslands (green), rapeseed flowers (yellow), cliffs (red), and sky (blue).
- Stargazing: Designated Dark Sky Reserve with Milky Way visibility (April-October).
Visitor Essentials
- Best Time: July-August (10-25°C daytime; avoid winter -30°C winds).
- Access:
- From Xining: 5hr drive via G227 (¥36 bus from Xining Railway Station).
- New Qilian Airport offers Monday/Friday flights to Xining (50min, ¥80 discount via Agricultural Bank app).
- Fees: Free entry; horse rentals ~¥150/hour.
Pro Tip: Acclimatize in Xining first; UV index exceeds 8 even in summer.
