Wuwei Binggou River Travel Guide

1. Core Information Overview
• Scenic Area Positioning: A national nature reserve at the eastern end of the Qilian Mountains, integrating snow mountains, glaciers, forests, and meadows. Chai'erlonghai Lake (altitude 4008 meters) is the core hiking destination, known as the "Divine Lake Embedded in the Rocky Mountains."
• Best Travel Period: June to September (summer average temperature 15-22℃). Late August is the peak of wildflower bloom and abundant snowmelt, with a chance to witness the "June Snow" phenomenon.
• Transportation Hub: Starting from Leitai, 46 kilometers from the scenic area, about 1 hour by car.
2. Itinerary Planning
• Hiking Preparation
Energy Supply: Recommended to bring chocolate, beef jerky, etc.
Equipment Check: Windbreaker, trekking poles (available for rent in the scenic area at 20 yuan each), sunscreen, drinking water.
• Hiking Route
Sightseeing Bus: Take the first sightseeing bus from the scenic area entrance to Honghua Pasture, then transfer to the second bus to the wooden plank trail entrance.
Wooden Plank Trail Start → Despair Slope → Chai'erlonghai Lake
One-way 10 kilometers, altitude rises from 3,000 meters to 4,000 meters
0-9.5 km: Gentle wooden plank trail, with altitude markers every 1 km, offering distant views of the Mayaya Snow Mountain peaks. 9.5-10 km: "Despair Slope" gravel path, requiring hands and feet to climb; trekking poles are recommended for support.
Time Reference: 4 hours for those in good physical condition, 5-6 hours for average visitors.
• Heavenly Lake Scenery
Scenic Features: Emerald-colored lake water reflecting snow peaks; on clear days, the "Snow Mountain Reflection" phenomenon can be seen, with occasional highland eagles soaring.
• Return Descent
Ceremony Experience: Receive a hiking certificate at the scenic area exit.
3. Cost Details (per person reference)
Round trip: Tourist shuttle 50 yuan / carpool 90 yuan+
Entrance ticket 120 yuan (half price for students/seniors with ID) + sightseeing bus round trip 40 yuan
City hotels 100 yuan+ / scenic area homestays 500 yuan+, advance booking required in peak season
Recommended to bring 2 meals (about 30 yuan)
Trekking pole rental 20 yuan / windbreaker 60 yuan
4. Key Precautions
• Safety and Health
(1) The route is long; hike within your ability. Knees bear heavy pressure downhill; knee braces are recommended.
(2) At 4000 meters altitude, headaches and shortness of breath may occur. Recommendations:
Take altitude sickness medication one day in advance and carry oral glucose solution.
Rest 10 minutes every 500 meters of ascent; avoid running and alcohol.
(3) The mountainous area is often windy and rainy; always carry waterproof windbreaker and rain poncho. Seek shelter immediately if hail occurs.
(4) No shops along the route; carry drinking water, energy bars, and electrolyte effervescent tablets.
• Environmental Protection and Civility
There are many trash bins along the way; the highland ecosystem is fragile, strictly prohibit littering.
Do not step on or damage prayer flags or mani stones; obtain permission before photographing herders or Tibetan-style buildings.
• Emergency Contact
Scenic Area Rescue: In case of emergency during the hike, call the scenic area rescue hotline: 0935-6123456 (24-hour service).
Communication Tips: Signal is available in the first half of the wooden plank trail; no signal at Despair Slope and Heavenly Lake areas.