Live Your Best Lives
At Eboling Pass, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, and take a scenic drive through the Tibetan Plateau. The pass is also an ideal spot for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the light creates a magical effect on the landscape.
Located on Highway G227, the Eboling Pass is a popular stop on the road from Xining, Qilian, and other areas to Zhangye and Minle. At 3,685 meters above sea level, it's also the highest point along the Eboling Highway. Eboling offers a quintessential Qilian Mountain hilly grassland scene. Gazing out from the pass, visitors are greeted by a breathtaking expanse of lush greenery, a scene often cited as a souvenir.
The town of Ebao (also known as Ebo Town) where the pass is located is an ancient town on the Silk Road and an ancient castle city that was built in the Yuan Dynasty and its ruins still exist today. It is located in Menyuan County, Qinghai Province, and is also the location of the Qilian Mountain grassland, one of the "most beautiful grasslands in China" selected by "National Geographic China".
According to local residents, "Ebo" refers to the tall stone piles built by Mongolian herders on the grasslands. Mongolian herders deeply revere Ebo. Every time they pass by an Ebo, they circle it several times before piling stones on top, gradually increasing the pile. In fact, Ebo is a crucial landmark on the vast grasslands, guiding them through the windy and dusty weather without getting lost. Every year from July 13th to 15th, herders offer sacrifices to Ebo.
The climate is continental on the plateau. The Eboling Pass is the highest point on the Eboling Highway, offering typical Qilian Mountain hilly grassland scenery, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours
Free and open
Open all day
Eboling Pass is a historic mountain pass that served as an important route connecting various parts of Qinghai and Tibet. It holds cultural significance for the Tibetan people, and its dramatic landscapes make it a symbol of the rugged beauty of the Tibetan Plateau.
Eboling Pass is located in Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai. It can be reached by car or taxi from Xining, the capital of Qinghai. There are no metro services, so renting a car or joining a guided tour is the most convenient way to access the pass.
The pass is open year-round, but the best times to visit are between May and October when the weather is more favorable. Winter months can be very cold and snowy, making it less accessible.
There is no entrance fee for visiting Eboling Pass. Access is free, but if you plan to visit nearby attractions or require a guide, there may be additional costs.
No ticket booking is necessary for Eboling Pass itself. However, if you want a guide or a package tour, it’s best to book in advance, especially during peak travel season (May to October).
Exploring the pass and enjoying its surroundings takes around 1-2 hours. However, if you plan to hike or take photographs, you may want to spend a bit more time.
The breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Tibetan plateau are the main highlight. Also, stop by for photo opportunities at various vantage points along the road.
Guided tours are available, typically in Mandarin, but some guides may offer services in English. Audio guides are not commonly available.
The best viewpoints are along the main road through the pass, especially at the high points where the panoramic views of the plateau and snow-capped peaks are most impressive.
The most recommended route is to drive or take a taxi along the winding road through the pass. Stop at several scenic points along the way to enjoy the landscape and take photographs.
Night visits or light shows are not available. The best time to visit is during daylight hours for optimal views and safety.
It is not usually crowded. Weekdays, especially during off-peak seasons (spring and autumn), are the best times to avoid large groups.
There are limited facilities at Eboling Pass itself. No shops or food stalls are available, but you may find rest areas with basic amenities like toilets in the surrounding areas or nearby towns.
The pass is accessible by car, but the road can be narrow and winding, which may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. It’s best suited for those who can manage the elevation and terrain.
Cash is recommended as card or mobile payment options may not be widely accepted in the remote area around Eboling Pass.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly at Eboling Pass. However, you can find local eateries in nearby towns such as Xining, which offer Tibetan and local Chinese cuisine.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan food options are available in nearby restaurants, particularly in Xining. Halal food is also available due to the presence of a significant Muslim population in the area.
There are no hotels at the pass itself, but several accommodations are available in nearby Xining, including mid-range hotels and guesthouses.
Nearby attractions include the Kumbum Monastery, which is a major Tibetan Buddhist site, and the Qinghai Lake, which is a beautiful and popular tourist destination.
There are no souvenir shops at Eboling Pass. However, you can find Tibetan crafts, scarves, and traditional souvenirs in Xining.
After visiting, the best transportation options include taking a taxi or private car back to Xining. Public buses are also available but may be less convenient.
