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The Qingqing Yellow River Waterwheel Square in Guide is located on Nanbinhe Road on the south bank of the Yellow River in Guide County. It is a music square with a huge wooden waterwheel with a diameter of 20 meters as the main building. The quaint and elegant Yellow River waterwheel, the clear water and the red mountains outline a moving scroll of the Yellow River scenery. The waterwheel square is the best place to touch the clear Yellow River water up close and feel the mother river's girlhood.
The Yellow River is the clearest in Guide. The clear Yellow River flows through Guide for 76.8 kilometers. The river surface is clear and calm. The "girlhood" of the Yellow River is fully reflected here. The ancient waterwheel is connected to the stone tablet of "The Yellow River is the clearest in Guide". About 30 meters west of the waterwheel is the statue of the Yellow River Girl, and about 50 meters east of the waterwheel is the Guide Binshun speedboat on the clear Yellow River water.
Plateau continental climate;
Best time to travel in April
Mid-to-late April every year is the time when pear blossoms are in full bloom in Guide County, Qinghai Province. The whole city is covered with pear blossoms in a riot of color, and each pear blossom is like an elf, attracting tourists to enjoy the flowers and go for an outing. The grand annual Yellow River Cultural Tourism Festival is held at the Guide Yellow River Waterwheel Square.
free;
However, taking photos in the square will be charged separately.
All day
Yellow River Waterwheel Square is a cultural landmark highlighting the traditional waterwheel irrigation systems along the Yellow River. It symbolizes the agricultural heritage and ingenuity of local communities in Qinghai.
The square is located along the Yellow River in Qinghai. Visitors can reach it via local buses, taxis, or private car; walking is possible within the square area.
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds.
Entrance is generally free. Any special exhibitions or events may require tickets, available online or at the entrance.
Advance booking is usually unnecessary unless attending a special event or festival.
Approximately 1–2 hours to walk around the square, view the waterwheels, and take photos.
Guided tours are limited; mostly in Chinese. English or other language guides may need to be arranged in advance.
Start at the main entrance, walk along the riverside to observe the waterwheels, explore the central square, and finish with photos at viewpoints along the riverbank.
Night visits are allowed, and the waterwheels may be illuminated. Occasional cultural performances may occur during festivals.
Weekdays and early mornings are least crowded; weekends and holidays attract more visitors.
Public restrooms, benches, shaded areas, and small food stalls or kiosks are available around the square.
Yes, the square is mostly flat and suitable for all ages. Some areas along the river may have uneven surfaces.
Cash, cards, and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted at nearby vendors.
Small local restaurants and cafés offering Qinghai cuisine are nearby along the river or in adjacent streets.
Vegetarian options are available; vegan and halal options are limited but may exist in select restaurants.
Hotels, guesthouses, and hostels are available in nearby towns and city centers close to the river.
Souvenir stalls sell Tibetan handicrafts, river-themed items, postcards, and local snacks.
Taxis, private cars, or tour buses are recommended for onward travel to Qinghai Lake or other nearby attractions.
