Located at an altitude of 4,000–5,000 meters (13,000–16,000 feet), at the junction of Gansu and Qinghai provinces, Qilian Mountains National Park is a bright pearl on the Silk Road, featuring high mountains, grasslands, forests, glaciers, and deserts.
Qilian Mountain Scenic Spot, about a 6-hour drive from Xining, is the best place to see the mountain views in Qinghai Province. Heihe Grand Canyon in this scenic spot is the third largest canyon in the world. The main peak of the Qilian Mountains is Gangshika Snow Peak in Menyuan County, about a 3-hour drive from Xining City. July and August is the best time to see the cole flowers in Menyuan County.
If you want to enjoy the Qilian Mountain views in Gansu province, you should not miss Shandanjun Army Horse Breeding Farm, about a 2-hour drive from Zhangye City. This farm is the oldest and largest horse farm in the world. Horse riding experiences are readily available on the farm. Besides, the Danxia Landforms and Mati Temple are always must-sees on a Zhangye trip.
· Suitable for: mountain hikers, photography lovers, Tibetan plateau scenery lovers
· Best times to visit: July to August
· Access: about a 3-hour drive from Xining to see the main peak of the Qilian Mountains; Zhangye is about a 2-hour flight from Xi'an.
· Recommended visit time: 4 days
RecommendedSilk Road Tours:
· 6-Day Zhangye and Dunhuang Photography Tour
· the Silk Road tours pass/visit Zhangye and the Qilian Mountains
Qilian Mountain Scenic Spot
Qilian Mountains National Park
Located at an altitude of 4,000–5,000 meters (13,000–16,000 feet), at the junction of Gansu and Qinghai provinces, Qilian Mountains National Park is a bright pearl on the Silk Road
