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At the July 1st Glacier in Gansu, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities focused on natural beauty and outdoor exploration:
Formed approximately 200 million years ago, the Qiyi Glacier is covered with snow year-round, vividly embodying the saying, "Green mountains never grow old, whitened by snow." From a distance, the Qiyi Glacier offers a unique landscape, resembling an inverted Milky Way with a dangling white mist. Up close, the glacier reveals slanting ice tongues, towering ice walls, draping ice curtains, and deep, sunken cirques, creating a mysterious and enigmatic scene.
A 5-kilometer pedestrian trail has been constructed near the glacier, along with a monument emblazoned with the inscription "Green mountains never grow old, but become white with snow." The tourist area encompasses approximately 4 square kilometers. During summer and autumn, visitors can witness the melting snow on the glacier tongue, cascading water in all directions, with cascading waterfalls that resonate throughout the valley. Snowcocks sometimes roost on the hillsides, while snow lotuses compete with ice crystals for beauty. Below, cattle and sheep roam the grassy slopes, and smoke curls from the shepherds' tents, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Sunan Yugur Autonomous County has a mostly alpine semi-arid climate, with the exception of Minghua District, which has a temperate arid climate. Its climate is characterized by long, cold winters and springs, and short, cool summers and autumns.
Best in summer
4 hours is recommended
The Qiyi Glacier boasts a unique landscape. From a distance, it resembles an inverted Milky Way, with white clouds dangling. Up close, the glacier reveals slanting glacier tongues, towering ice walls, draping ice curtains, and deep, sunken cirques, creating a mysterious and unfathomable scene. A 5-kilometer pedestrian trail and a monument commemorating the theme "Green Mountains Never Grow Old, Whitened by Snow" have been erected at the glacier, creating a tourist area spanning approximately 4 square kilometers.
Visiting in summer and autumn, you'll witness the melting snow on the glacier tongue, the water cascading in all directions, and the roar of cascading waterfalls resonating through the valley. Snowcocks sometimes roost on the hillsides, while snow lotuses compete with ice crystals for beauty. Below, cattle and sheep roam the grassy slopes, and smoke curls from the shepherds' tents, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
161 yuan/person
All day
The July 1st Glacier, named in honor of the founding of the Communist Party of China, is one of the largest glaciers in the Gansu Province. It is significant for both its natural beauty and its importance in understanding climate change due to its size and status as a high-altitude glacier. The area is part of the Qilian Mountains, a key ecological region for conservation in China.
The July 1st Glacier is located in Zhangye, Gansu Province, China. It can be accessed by taking a bus or taxi from Zhangye city center. The nearest airport is Zhangye Ganzhou Airport, from where visitors can continue by taxi or local transport. There is no metro system in Zhangye, so travel by taxi or private car is the most convenient option.
The July 1st Glacier is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is milder. The winter season (December to February) can be harsh with heavy snowfall and colder temperatures, making access more challenging. For photography, early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting.
The entrance fee to the July 1st Glacier varies based on the season, with the general cost ranging from 50 to 100 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the glacier. There is currently no online ticket booking system, so visitors must buy tickets onsite.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for the July 1st Glacier, as the site is not typically crowded except during peak tourist seasons. However, during major national holidays, it may be beneficial to arrive early to secure tickets.
To fully explore the July 1st Glacier, plan for at least 3-4 hours. This will allow you to visit the glacier, enjoy the surrounding areas, and take in the views from observation platforms. If you plan to hike or explore further into the surrounding areas, you may need more time.
Key highlights of the July 1st Glacier include:
Guided tours are available at the July 1st Glacier, with most guides offering services in Mandarin. If you require an English-speaking guide, it is best to arrange one in advance through local tour companies in Zhangye. Audio guides are not commonly available.
The best photography spots at the July 1st Glacier include:
A recommended route for visiting the July 1st Glacier includes:
Night visits and light shows are not available at the July 1st Glacier. The site is typically visited during daylight hours. Special tours can be arranged for group visits or in-depth exploration, but they generally take place during the day.
The July 1st Glacier is less crowded than many other tourist destinations, but it can still experience some influx of visitors during peak seasons (such as summer and national holidays). To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or during the off-peak months of spring or autumn.
Facilities at the July 1st Glacier include basic rest areas, public toilets, and food stalls selling snacks and drinks. For more substantial meals, visitors can head to nearby Zhangye, where there are a range of restaurants and shops.
While the July 1st Glacier is generally accessible to elderly visitors and children, some of the hiking trails may be challenging for those with mobility issues. It is advisable to check with local staff for accessibility options or request assistance if needed.
Cash (RMB) is the preferred method of payment at the July 1st Glacier. Mobile payments and credit cards are not widely accepted at the site, so it is recommended to carry cash for tickets and purchases.
There are basic food stalls at the glacier site that offer snacks, drinks, and local specialties. For more dining options, you will need to travel to Zhangye city, where there are numerous restaurants and cafés offering traditional Chinese and local Gansu cuisine.
Vegetarian and halal food options may be available in Zhangye, but options at the glacier site are limited. It is advisable to carry snacks or food if you have specific dietary needs.
Accommodation options near the July 1st Glacier are limited. The nearest major city, Zhangye, offers a variety of hotels ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. It is recommended to stay in Zhangye for more options and convenience.
Nearby attractions include:
There are a few souvenir stalls near the glacier offering items such as local handicrafts, traditional clothing, and small trinkets. The most common souvenirs include local textiles, jewelry, and postcards featuring the glacier and surrounding landscapes.
After visiting the July 1st Glacier, you can take a taxi or bus back to Zhangye. From there, you can continue to other destinations in Gansu Province or take a train or bus to nearby cities like Lanzhou or Jiayuguan.
