Zhuoer Mountain (藏语: "Zongmu Mayouma", meaning "Beautiful Red Queen") is a Danxia landform masterpiece in the Qilian Mountain range, formed by 300-million-year-old red sandstone and gravel. This 4,328m peak faces the sacred Amnye Machen (Bull's Heart Mountain) across the Babao River, embodying a Tibetan legend of star-crossed lovers—a dragon princess turned to stone to eternally guard the land.
Key Attractions
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Danxia Landform & Scenic Vistas
- Color Contrasts: Crimson cliffs against emerald grasslands create a "painter’s palette" effect, especially at sunrise/sunset.
- Ethnic Unity Harmony Pagoda: A Tibetan-style pagoda adorned with Green Lion Buddha motifs and murals of Green Tara and Yellow Jambhala.
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Seasonal Highlights
- Summer (June–Aug): Golden油菜花 fields blanket the foothills, mirroring Switzerland’s alpine meadows.
- Autumn (Sept–Oct): Red cliffs contrast with yellow poplars; winter offers snowscapes ideal for photography.
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Cultural Sites
- Xixia Beacon Tower: A 12th-century relic linked to the Tangut Empire’s last emperor.
- Lovers’ Cliff: Overlooks the Babao River, symbolizing the mountain’s legendary romance.
Activities & Experiences
- Photography: Designated "Music & Photography Base" by Qinghai Province, with prime spots at Sky Mirror Plaza and Tianjing Eye.
- Hiking & Cable Cars: Well-maintained trails (2–3 hours round-trip) or a 20-min cable ride to summit viewpoints.
- Tibetan Culture: Participate in sang offering rituals at煨桑台 or visit nearby Aryun Monastery.
Visitor Essentials
- Best Time: July–August for油菜花; September for fewer crowds.
- Tickets: ¥60 (peak), ¥30 (off-peak); cable car ¥50 extra.
- Access:
- From Xining: 5-hour drive via G227 or direct bus (¥55, 6 departures daily).
- Tips:
- Altitude prep: Acclimatize in Xining first; carry oxygen tablets.
- Clothing: Layer for rapid weather shifts (0–20°C in summer).
Zhuoer Mountain merges geological wonder, ethnic heritage, and alpine beauty, earning its title as "China’s Most Photogenic Natural Viewing Platform".
