Qilian Mountain Grassland

Location

Qilian Mountain, Xining, Qinghai Province, China.

Reasons to visit

One of the most beautiful grasslands in China.

Our Ratings

Opening Hours

All day.

The Average altitude of Qilian Mountain Grassland(祁连山草原) ranges in the 4,000 meters to 5,000 meters above sea level, mountain snow formed a long and wide glacier landscape which is magnificent spectacle. More than 4000 meters altitude, where known as the snow line, the Qilian Mountains above the snow line often appears opposite biological phenomena. In the shallow layer of Snow Mountain, there are famous snow mountain meadow plant mushroom, precious medicinal materials Saussurea involucrata, and a snow mountain grass grows under the wind erosion of rock. Therefore, saussurea involucrata, silkworm, snow mountain grass are collectively known as the “three durable plants in winter” in Qilian Mountain snow line. Qilian Mountain grassland and its representative Damaying grassland is in the basin between Yanzhi Mountain and Qilian Mountain. Every year in July and August, the Qilian Mountain is still covered by snow, but grassland near Qilian Mountain is full of horses, cattle, sheep adorned among the grassland.

The four seasons of Qilian Mountains are never very clear, spring is not like spring, and summer is not like summer. The so-called "Qilian snow in June" is portraying of Qilian Mountain’s climate and natural landscape.

The primeval forest of Qilian Mountain scenic area is very charming. After the summer begins, among hills is a vast green sea. The primeval forest area of Qilian Mountain is 157000 hectares, more than 200 cubic meters of forest resources. It is one of the largest forests areas in Qinghai province. Here are spruce, Sabina chinensis, and poplar and whip hemp, black thorn, and other trees such as mountain willow shrubs. In addition, the dense forest of Qilian Mountain, there is many roaming herds running, or wandering, shows a strong, elegant ecosystem.

About Qilian Mountain

Qilian Mountain is an important mountain range in western China, and it is the habitat of many rare wild animals. Its natural landscape is unique, including snow-capped mountains, glaciers, forests, grasslands, wetlands and other ecosystems.

The Qilian Mountains are rolling, and you can see the vast and charming grasslands. Qilian Mountain Grassland is rated as one of the six most beautiful grasslands in China. Entering the Qilian Mountain Grassland is like entering a fairyland. In summer, the grassland is like an endless green carpet. You can see horses, cattle, sheep, red or yellow wildflowers in the green ocean.

Things to Do at Qilian Mountain Grassland

Ride a Horse on the Qilian Mountain Grassland

Riding a horse on the Qilian Mountain Grassland is a good way to experience the nomadic life of the local herdsmen. And it is joyful to ride a horse on the lush Qilian Mountain Grassland with the colorful wild flowers. You can experience the breeds on your face. You can feel the joy of riding horse at the Qilian Mountain Grassland. Kindly reminder, please pay attention to your safety while riding a horse on the Qilian Mountain Grassland.

Stay in the Tents of the Local Herdsmen

Staying in the tents of the local herdsmen is a good way to experience the nomadic life of the herdsmen. Tourists can stay overnight in the tents of the local herdsmen, take the authentic dairy products and the highland barley liquor. While communicating with the local herdsmen, you will know about the nomadic culture, customs of the local people and lifestyle of the local herdsmen. You will better know about the grassland culture and the harmony between humans and nature.

Bird Watching

Qilian Mountain Grassland is the habitat of many kinds of birds. If you are interested in bird watching, Qilian Mountain Grassland is a nice destination for you. Here you can see many rare birds.

Photography

Qilian Mountain Grassland is the paradise for photography lovers. Tourists can see and photograph the picturesque scenery and some wildlife. During the sunrise and sunset time, the sunlight is very suitable for photo taking at the Qilian Mountain Grassland. In the summer and autumn, the lush or golden Qilian Mountain Grassland is very suitable for photography. Photographer and photography lovers can catch and shoot many beautiful pictures of the Qilian Mountain Grassland and the wildlife here.

Experience the Traditional Festivals

There are local traditional festivals at the Qilian Mountain Grassland, like the Horse Racing Festival. Every summer, there will be many kinds of festivals and activities at the Qilian Mountain Grassland. During the festivals, tourists can watch the interesting activities like singing, dancing, wrestling and horse racing. You can experience the grassland culture and meet the local friendly people.

Best Time to Visit the Qilian Mountain Grassland

The best time to visit Qilian Mountain Grassland is June to September. June to September is the most beautiful time of the Qilian Mountain Grassland. During this time, the grasslands, trees and other plants are lush and green. The colorful wild flowers, blue sky and the white clouds make the Qilian Mountain Grassland more charming and beautiful. And you will also have chance to see the wild animals at the Qilian Mountain Grassland.

Tips at Qilian Mountain Grassland

1. The minority is mainly Hui Nationality, Tibetan, when travel to the region, pay attention to cultural differences. July to September is the peak tourist season; it is also the best season for travel, so the housing prices are higher.

2. Driving to a few tourist attractions around town, instead of seeing special tourist attractions, when you see good scenery, you can stop to look at.

3. There are many mountain roads, the road is narrow and curved, pay attention to safety driving. Within Mountain plateau climate, at least bring a set of outside and pants. Ultraviolet ray is strong in plateau, be sure to apply sunscreen.

4. The county food is developed; there are many restaurants like Sichuan food and Muslim food.

Transport

From Xining it would take all day long to Qilian by bus with present price 36 yuan. (Long-distance bus station is located in the north of end of Jianguo Road, about 600 meters away from the railway station in south)

Charter a car cost 2 Yuan per kilometer. If you want to charter a car, you must charter from Xining because it is difficult to charter SUV in Qilian.