Yaquan Mountain Cultural Scenic Area

Yaquan Mountain Cultural Scenic Area

The Yaquan Mountain Cultural Scenic Area is located at the foot of the Xiao Jishi Mountains in Gushan Town, south of the county town. Locally known as "Qili Temple," it is 160 kilometers from Xining City and over 50 kilometers from the county town, adjacent to the Chuan-Guan Highway. Qili Temple was formerly called "Cili Temple" and is referred to in Tibetan as "Manqu Dajierichao," meaning "Hermitage of Flourishing Medicinal Waters." The scenic area within the valley sits at an altitude of 3,200 meters and covers an area of approximately 53 square kilometers. The area boasts many valuable medicinal herbs such as cordyceps, rhubarb, codonopsis, and angelica, as well as numerous species of wild birds including the red-headed bird, warbler, and red monk. Major attractions include the Yaoshui Spring, renowned as the “Foremost Spring and Essence of Water,” the Qing Stone Cliff Gorge, and Lovers’ Cliff (also known as Bangchui Mountain). It is an ideal destination for eco-friendly leisure, wellness retreats, hiking adventures, jungle trekking, and rock climbing.

Opening Hours: Open all year round

Seasonal Features: The seasons are distinct. The scenic area features lush vegetation, with shady trees and blooming alpine flowers in summer, cool and pleasant weather in autumn and spring, and colder conditions in winter.

Tips & Services: From April to October, the climate is pleasant, making it the best time to visit. Winters are cold.

Regular Tourism Events: The annual "Hua'er" Folk Song Festival is held here on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month.

Scenic Area Address: Shanzhuang Village, Gushan Town, Minhe County, Qinghai Province

Information Source: Xining Municipal People’s Government