Qilian Mountains

Historical Overview

The Qilians have shaped Chinese history since the Han Dynasty, when Emperor Wu launched campaigns to control its Silk Road passes. Buddhist monasteries like Mati Temple were carved into cliffs here during the Tang Dynasty, while the Silk Road’s northern route facilitated trade between Chang’an and the Western Regions. In 1988, China established the Qilian Mountain National Park, protecting its role as Asia’s “water tower.” Today, it balances conservation with tourism, offering a living museum of geological and cultural treasures.

Structural Layout

The range is divided into three ecological zones:

1. Alpine Zone: Above 4,500 meters, featuring glaciers, permafrost, and the “Snow Lotus Plateau.”
2. Subalpine Zone: Coniferous forests and meadows sheltering Tibetan gazelles and blue sheep.
3. Montane Zone: Steppes and wetlands feeding the Heihe and Shule rivers.
   Key infrastructure includes 12 scenic drives, 200km of hiking trails, and the “Sky Road” cable car to peaks.

Major Attractions

1. Rainbow Mountains: A 30km² geological marvel with striped sandstone cliffs in hues of amber and lavender.
2. Qilian Grasslands: Vast pastures where yak herders stage equestrian games in July.
3. Mati Temple: A 1,600-year-old Buddhist grotto with cliff-side statues and frescoes.
4. July Glacier: A 5km-long ice field accessible via a 2-hour hike from the “Glacier Viewpoint.”
5. Tibetan Villages: Traditional settlements offering butter tea and silk-making demonstrations.
6. Danxia Landform: A surreal badlands of crimson rock formations near Zhangye.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2–3 days):
   Zhangye → Danxia Landform → Mati Temple → Qilian Grasslands → Return.
   Highlights: Geological wonders and cultural landmarks.

2. Adventure Route (4–5 days):
   Zhangye → July Glacier Trek → Tibetan Homestay → Rainbow Mountains → Return.
   Highlights: Glacier hiking and rural immersion.

3. Grand Tour (7 days):
   Xining → Qinghai Lake → Amidongsuo → Qilian Grasslands → Jiayuguan → Dunhuang.
   Highlights: Cross-region exploration of Silk Road sites.

Ticket Purchase

• Online: Book via Ctrip, Fliggy, or the official Qilian Park WeChat account (up to 7 days in advance).
• On-Site: Tickets available at major attractions; arrive early for glacier permits.
• Prices:
  • Peak Season (June–August): ¥120 (adults), ¥60 (students/seniors).
  • Off-Season (September–May): ¥80 (adults), ¥40 (students/seniors).
  • Combo Pass (Glacier + Cable Car): ¥200 (adults).
  • Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.

Transportation

• By Train:
  • High-speed rail to Zhangye West Station (4 hours from Xining).
• By Bus:
  • Zhangye Bus Station → Qilian County (2.5 hours, ¥40).
• By Taxi:
  • Direct from Xining Airport (3 hours, ¥500).
• By Tour:
  • Group tours from Xining/Lanzhou include Silk Road highlights.
• Departure: Shuttle buses depart hourly to Zhangye/Xining.

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Season: July–August (wildflowers), October (autumn colors).
• Avoid Crowds: Weekdays; weekends host domestic travelers.
• Weather: Pack layers (-10–20°C at altitude) and rain gear (June–September).
• Essentials:
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots (uneven terrain).
  • Carry oxygen cans (altitude sickness common above 4,000m).
  • Respect Tibetan customs (no photography in monasteries without permission).
• Prohibitions: Drones, littering, and off-trail hiking.