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Qinghai Kanbula National Forest Park, located in Jianzha County, Yezhou, a Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Huangnan, Qinghai Province, is a national forest park rated 4A by the National Tourism Administration. Kanbula Forest Park features a classic Danxia landform, encompassing forest vegetation, religious culture, power station dams, canyon reservoirs, and Tibetan customs, blending natural and cultural attractions. Traveling along the Nanzong Valley, you'll find towering Chifeng Mountain and wind-eroded remnant hills on either side. Dense forests nestle within the mountains, and in autumn, when the leaves turn golden, the contrast between the mountains, water, and foliage is at its most stunning.
May to October is the most suitable time for travel, with July to August being the best time for travel
Recommended play time: 3-4 hours
Ticket price: 50 yuan per person
Loop ticket: 50 yuan entrance fee + 100 yuan bus ticket + 100 yuan boat ticket, totaling 250 yuan
Lake tour ticket: 50 yuan for entrance fee + 100 yuan for boat ticket, totaling 150 yuan
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Kembula National Forest Park is one of the key ecological reserves in Qinghai, aimed at preserving the natural forest ecosystem and its biodiversity. The park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna and is an important conservation site for species native to the region. It plays a vital role in maintaining the environmental balance and offers visitors a glimpse into the pristine natural beauty of Qinghai’s highlands.
Kembula National Forest Park is located in the Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai. It can be accessed by car or taxi from the nearest city, Xining, which is about a 3-hour drive away. There are no metro or bus services directly to the park, so a private vehicle or taxi is the most convenient option.
The park is open year-round. The best times to visit are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the forest is at its most vibrant. Winter can be quite cold, and the snow may make some trails difficult to access, while summer offers a lush landscape ideal for hiking and wildlife watching.
The entrance fee to Kembula National Forest Park is typically low, though it may vary. Tickets can be purchased at the park entrance. It's advisable to confirm the pricing ahead of your visit. There may not be an option for online ticket purchase, so buying tickets onsite is the usual process.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required. However, if you plan to visit during peak seasons, such as holidays or weekends, it may be a good idea to contact the park ahead of time to confirm availability, especially for guided tours or special services.
To fully explore Kembula National Forest Park, it typically takes around 4-6 hours if you're walking the main trails and stopping to enjoy the scenery. If you plan to hike to specific viewpoints or explore further areas, you may want to allocate a full day.
Guided tours are available and are typically offered in Mandarin. Audio guides may be available in some areas, but availability in languages other than Mandarin may be limited. It's recommended to inquire at the entrance or local accommodation about the availability of tours in your preferred language.
The best viewpoints are located at the higher altitudes within the park, offering sweeping views of the forest and surrounding mountain ranges. The riverbanks and forest edges are also prime spots for capturing the natural beauty of the area.
A recommended itinerary would be to start by walking along the main forest trail, which offers easy access to the park’s highlights. From there, hike towards the higher elevations for panoramic views, and finish with a visit to the river or lake areas to relax and take in the natural surroundings.
Night visits and light shows are not available in the park, as it is a natural reserve primarily focused on wildlife and ecological conservation. However, the clear skies at night make it a great spot for stargazing.
The park can be somewhat crowded during holidays and weekends, especially in the summer. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit during the off-peak months of spring or autumn, and on weekdays if possible.
There are basic facilities available within the park, such as public toilets and rest areas. Food and water may not be readily available, so it’s advisable to bring your own supplies. Small local shops may be found at the entrance or nearby areas.
Due to the park's natural terrain, certain areas may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors, especially the hiking trails and higher altitudes. However, the lower parts of the park are more accessible and can be enjoyed by children and elderly visitors with less strenuous walking.
Cash is typically required for payments at the park, as mobile payment systems like Alipay and WeChat may not be accepted at all locations. It’s advisable to carry cash or confirm with the park beforehand if mobile payments are an option.
There are limited dining options inside the park itself. However, small local restaurants and cafes may be found in the nearby towns and villages, offering traditional Tibetan cuisine such as yak meat, tsampa, and butter tea.
Vegetarian food options are available, particularly in the form of vegetable dishes and Tibetan bread. Vegan and halal options may be more limited but are available in larger towns like Xining.
There are no major hotels within the park, but visitors can stay in nearby towns or in Xining, where more options are available, ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels.
Small souvenir shops may be found near the entrance or in nearby towns, offering local Tibetan handicrafts, such as woolen scarves, prayer flags, and yak wool products.
The best transportation options are to return to Xining by taxi or car. From there, you can continue your journey to other attractions like Qinghai Lake or the Ta'er Monastery via bus or private vehicle.
