Stop scrolling through the Qinghai-Gansu loop and head to Qinghai’s “Pink Volcano” for an apocalyptic romance

While the black Yadan landforms of Heidushan still play out the “lonely moon,” the neighboring Yanzhi Mountain has already dyed the Gobi Desert into a flowing rouge palette—this is a color palette privately kept by China National Geography and a “Mars secret realm” hidden deep in Lenghu, where even the wind carries a gentle pink-purple hue.

🌄 Why must you go? These 3 reasons are truly special

1. Double geological marvel: Other places’ Danxia landforms only have monotonous color blocks, but here you find the collision of pink rock layers and black sandstone. At noon, the oxidized iron minerals reflect a pink-orange gradient, like God spilled a makeup box; the hour before sunset is even more stunning, as the mountains shift from orange-red to rose gold, with shadows tinted by a romantic filter.

2. So off-the-beaten-path you can have it all to yourself: Compared to the crowded Chaka Salt Lake, this place still retains its original wild charm. Walking along the wooden boardwalk, you often have an entire stretch of colorful hills to yourself. Occasionally, you’ll meet travelers driving with pets and realize you’re not filming a movie.

3. Ruins and romance in one frame: On the way, visit the Lenghu oilfield ruins, where rusted oil extraction equipment stands alongside pink mountains and black rocks. The clash of industrial toughness and natural softness creates a fascinating chemical reaction—every snapshot feels like a scene from Dune.

📸 Secret photo spots & tips, no “fake” photos here

• Core hidden gem: The natural sulfur lake 2 km from the mountains offers a “Rainbow Mountain + Emerald Lake” double view. Drone shots from above capture the stunning contrast between colorful ridges and turquoise water.

• Golden hour for sunset: From 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, stake out the Danxia viewing platform. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the light tracing over the rock layers. Pair with a white long dress or red windbreaker, and position the subject at one-third along the ridge for maximum loneliness and romance.

• New ritual: Don’t miss the newly opened Lengshan Coffee in the park. Hold a hot cocoa at the summit and watch the black Heidushan and pink Yanzhi Mountain meet in the distance—this “apocalyptic picnic” experience is one of a kind.

🚗 Babysitter-level guide, even beginners can confidently go

• No traffic pitfalls: Navigate to “Heidushan Yanzhi Mountain Scenic Area.” It’s 17 km from Lenghu Town. An SUV is best, but high-clearance sedans can also make it. The park is free but you must buy a 60 RMB round-trip shuttle bus ticket, which takes you directly to the core area without a 20 km hike.

• Hidden food & lodging: Don’t miss the “Petroleum Workers’ Restaurant” in Lenghu Town, where 50 RMB fills you up with lamb stew pancakes. For an immersive experience, choose the Mars Camp space capsule lodging, where you can shoot starry skies with the pink mountains at night.

• Must-have gear list: Wind and sand protection trio (sunglasses, magic scarf, jacket) + SPF50+ sunscreen are essential. Bring over 2 liters of water. Signal is spotty in the park, so download offline maps in advance.

⚠️ Remember these “rules”

These landforms took millions of years to form. Strictly stay on the boardwalk and do not step on the rock layers; violators may be fined 5,000 RMB. Drive slowly on gravel roads and prepare a spare tire to avoid punctures—rescue in the Gobi is no easy task.

Stop asking where the best photo spots on the Qinghai-Gansu loop are. When you stand on the pink rocks of Yanzhi Mountain and feel the wind sweeping sand past your feet, you’ll understand why this place is called the “Rouge of the Earth”—after all, not every mountain can hide romance in rock layers billions of years old.