Qilian Mountain Scenic Grassland Area

Qilian Mountain Scenic Grassland Area

Qilian Mountain Scenic Grassland Area

The Qilian Mountain Scenic Grassland Area is located in Ebao Town in the eastern part of Qilian County, where the national highway Ningzhang Road and the provincial road Eqi Road intersect. It enjoys both the geographical advantage of providing access north to the Hexi Corridor in Gansu and east to the provincial capital Xining, as well as the resource advantage of boasting some of China’s most beautiful Qilian Mountain grasslands. The average elevation of the Qilian Mountain range is between 4…

The average elevation of the Qilian Mountains ranges from 4,000 to 5,000 meters. Above the altitude where high mountain snow forms long and broad glacial landforms, life generally ceases to exist. Yet, above the snow line of the Qilian Mountains, there often appears a remarkable reversal of this biological norm. Among the shallow snow, one can find famous alpine meadow plants such as the mushroom-shaped “Cordyceps-like” medicinal herb — and a type of snow mountain grass that grows beneath wind-eroded rocks. As a result, the snow lotus, Cordyceps-like herb, and snow mountain grass are collectively known as the “Three Friends of Winter” on the Qilian Mountain snow line.

The Qilian Mountain Grassland, with its representative great plain situated in the basin between the Yanzi Mountain and the Qilian Mountain, is a sight to behold. Every July and August, while the adjacent Qilian Mountain remains capped in silver snow, the grassland spreads out in endless waves of green, dotted with horses, cattle, and sheep. A gentle breeze brings a sense of returning to simplicity and entering a dreamlike state. The renowned great plain features flat terrain and lush water and grass, and is home to the world-famous Far East’s No. 1 pasture — the Shandan Horse Ranch.