It's not that Switzerland is unaffordable, but the autumn season at Nyainqêntanglha is even more cost-effective!

Hi, I'm Xiao Man, a traveler who is irresistibly drawn to highland secret spots. Last autumn, while everyone was sharing Nordic scenery on social media, I secretly went to Nyainqêntanglha in Qinghai. Honestly, the autumn colors here were so stunning that I was still savoring the memories a month after returning! National Geographic didn't lie; this truly is the backyard of the gods.

【My Epic 4 Days 3 Nights Itinerary】
✅Day 1: Depart from Xining → 6-hour self-drive to Jiuzhi County → Check into a hotel in the county to acclimate to the altitude (3800 meters is no joke)
✅Day 2: Jiuzhi County → Nyainqêntanglha Scenic Area entrance → Hike at Fairy Lake → Camp by the lake (advance registration required)
✅Day 3: Early morning shoot of Fairy Lake reflections → Explore Demoness Lake → Return to the county in the afternoon for a hot spring soak to relieve fatigue
✅Day 4: Visit nearby Tibetan villages → Experience carving Mani stones → Return to Xining

🌟Highlights that will blow your mind: Every frame looks like a National Geographic cover
▫️Fairy Lake at dawn: When the first ray of sunlight shines on the 5369-meter main peak, the golden snowy peak reflects in the azure lake water, a beauty that leaves you speechless instantly.
▫️Demoness Lake secret spot: A 3-hour hike is needed to reach it, but it’s absolutely worth it! The red aquatic plants and yellow meadows by the lake intertwine, with colors as rich as an oil painting.
▫️Tibetan cultural experience: In the surrounding villages, you can follow herders on a pilgrimage around the mountain, feeling the most primal spiritual power.

📸Photo tips: How to instantly impress your friends on social media
→6 AM to 8 AM, the south side of Fairy Lake is the best spot; a telephoto lens can compress the space to capture the perfect reflection of the snowy mountain and lake.
→4 PM to 6 PM, the west side of Demoness Lake has the softest light; wearing a red jacket makes you stand out strikingly against the vast landscape.
→Drone is a must! From the air, the peaks and lakes of Nyainqêntanglha look like the fingerprints of the earth, incredibly breathtaking.

💡Practical TIPS
▪️Altitude sickness preparation: This is a very high-altitude area; it’s recommended to take Rhodiola a week in advance and avoid intense exercise immediately upon arrival.
▪️Environmental protection is important: The ecosystem here is fragile; be sure to take all your trash with you and do not pick any plants.
▪️Best time to visit: Late September to early October, when autumn colors are richest and the weather is relatively stable.
▪️Accommodation options: No lodging is allowed inside the scenic area; you can stay in Jiuzhi County or in tent hotels outside the park.

If you yearn for the true beauty of the wilderness, autumn at Nyainqêntanglha will definitely give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Keep this guide safe, and I hope you also get to encounter this backyard of the gods!