A Must-Visit Summer Retreat: The Little Switzerland of Northwest China

Qilian Mountains In-Depth Travel Guide: The Perfect Encounter of Grasslands, Danxia Landforms, and Hidden Wonders
Spanning Qinghai and Gansu provinces, the Qilian Mountains combine grasslands, snow-capped peaks, and Danxia landforms, making it a natural wonder not to be missed in Northwest China. This guide will help you unlock the essence of the Qilian Grassland, Zhuo'er Mountain, and its back mountain.

1. Key Attractions at a Glance

1. Qilian Grassland
Summer (July-August) is the highlight season for the grasslands. The vast sea of rapeseed flowers in Menyuan stretches alongside snow mountains, creating a golden wave that reaches the horizon. We recommend driving along National Highway G227, where you can experience nomadic life such as horseback riding through flower fields, milking yaks, camping, and stargazing. Capture the morning mist with horses on the pasture at dawn, and enjoy roasted whole lamb under the starry sky at dusk to feel the healing charm of the "Little Switzerland of the East."

2. Zhuo'er Mountain
Here, the collision of Danxia landforms and grasslands reaches its peak. The beacon tower in the scenic area serves as a 360° viewing platform, with snowy Niuxin Mountain on the left and the red Danxia cliffs on the right. Bringing a telephoto lens is recommended to capture the layers. When the rapeseed flowers bloom in July, the secret flower field 300 meters east of the scenic shuttle bus terminal is a photo hotspot, with the best soft light around 5 PM.

3. Back Mountain of Zhuo'er
A free-access pristine secret area. Navigate to "Lunbuxia Guo Scenic Area Visitor Center," then walk 15 minutes or ride a horse (100 RMB per person round trip) uphill. The back mountain offers close-up views of Amindongso Snow Mountain, prayer flags, and mani stone piles, with chances to encounter wild ibex herds and capture the magnificent panorama of snow mountains and grasslands. It is recommended to arrive before 8 AM to avoid peak crowds.

2. Itinerary and Transportation

• 1-Day Highlights Tour: Xining → Qilian Grassland (horseback riding, flower sea) → Zhuo'er Mountain (Danxia viewing) → Back Mountain (secret hiking) → Return to Xining. Car rental costs about 600 RMB per vehicle, with flexible route adjustments.

• 2-Day In-Depth Tour: Day 1: Xining → Qilian County → Back Mountain camping (Milky Way watching); Day 2: Back Mountain sunrise → Zhuo'er Mountain → Amindongso Scenic Area → Return.

• Transportation Tips: Bus from Xining to Qilian County takes about 5.5 hours (100 RMB per person), local carpool to scenic spots about 20 RMB per person. Self-driving requires caution due to many curves on some road sections; novice drivers should be careful.

3. Accommodation and Food

• Recommended Accommodation:
◦ Mountain-top tent campsites (e.g., "Zhuo'er Mountain Stargazing Camp") for lying down and watching the Milky Way;
◦ Tibetan-style guesthouses (e.g., "Qilian Tianyu Jingdu") with windows opening to snow-capped pastures;
◦ County hotels (e.g., "Qilian Jiyuan Hotel") offering good value and complete facilities.

• Must-Try Foods:
◦ Kangguo lamb ribs (Salar restaurant), yak yogurt, Tibetan sweet tea;
◦ Avoid baked potatoes at scenic spot entrances—they are often undercooked and overpriced.

4. Practical Tips

1. Altitude Sickness: At about 3,100 meters elevation, avoid strenuous exercise, prepare Rhodiola and oxygen bottles in advance. Do not bathe on the first day and drink plenty of water.

2. Sun Protection and Warmth: UV rays are very strong; use SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats. Temperature difference between day and night exceeds 15°C; bring a windbreaker and a light down jacket.

3. Safety and Environmental Protection: Hike the back mountain in groups; do not enter undeveloped areas alone. Carry out all trash to protect the plateau ecology.

4. Cultural Respect: Turn prayer wheels clockwise; ask permission before photographing prayer flags or herders.

The beauty of the Qilian Mountains lies in the vastness of the grasslands, the passion of the Danxia, and the purity of the snow mountains. Whether galloping on horseback or quietly stargazing, this place fulfills all your Northwest China dreams. Pack your bags and embark on a romantic journey to this heavenly realm!