Guide National Geopark

Guide National Geopark

Guide National Geopark is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a national geopark.

Guide National Geopark is a comprehensive geopark characterized primarily by its natural landform landscapes and geological relics, complemented by diverse ecological landscapes and rich cultural elements. It is located in Guide County, Qinghai Province, and includes three main areas: the Ashigong Area, the Yellow River Valley Area, and the Mawu Gorge Area, spanning 554 square kilometers, with the main geological relics covering an area of 113.6 square kilometers. The park features the colorful and magnificent Ashigong Seven-Colored Peak Cluster, the spectacular and ever-changing wind-eroded landforms of Mawu Gorge, the breathtaking beauty of the Yellow River scenery, and the steep, majestic Longyang Gorge. The diverse geological relics reflect the evolutionary history of the Tibetan Plateau during the geological period and also document the development of the Yellow River and the environmental changes in Guide. It serves as an excellent destination for sightseeing, leisure vacations, science education, and research, and is hailed as the “Little Jiangnan on the Plateau.”

The scenic area consists of thirteen cultural theme squares and seven Danxia gorges, among which the Nüwa Gorge, Thousand Buddha Gorge, and Tongtian Gorge are rare natural wonders in the world.

The Ashigong Seven-Colored Peak Cluster Scenic Area, as the core zone of Guide National Geopark, is situated in the Thousand Buddha Grand Gorge of Ashigong in Gareng Township, Guide County. Covering an area of 3,000 mu, with a total investment of 86 million yuan, it was constructed over five years. The scenic area embodies the concept of “the earth’s veins extend endlessly, rooted in the land; human connections endure through time, originating from emotion,” and centers on the theme of “Seven-Colored Peak Cluster, Descendants of Xuanyuan.” It is composed of 13 theme squares centered around the element of “earth” and seven uniquely shaped Danxia gorges in various colors. The Earth-Man-Heaven Museum, Nüwa Lake, and Nüwa Performance Stage are also integrated within the area, making it a cultural tourism destination rich in earth culture, featuring unique Danxia natural landscapes, and of high value for geological research and science education. It has been designated as a “National Geopark” and is also recognized as a “National AAA-Level Tourist Attraction.”

Travel Information

Transportation

Transportation in Guide is highly convenient and well-connected. It is 112 kilometers from the provincial capital Xining, 180 kilometers from Qinghai Lake, and 70 kilometers from Kanbula. The Xi-Jiu Highway passes through the county town, the Guide-Gonghe Highway leads directly to Qinghai Lake, and the Xun-Gui Highway goes straight to the Kanbula National Forest Geopark. Self-driving tours are very convenient.

Food

At local farmhouses, you can enjoy rustic home-style meals. Fresh vegetables are available year-round, and highlights include Yellow River carp, farmhouse chicken, potatoes with flatbread, and boiled corn. At Tibetan-style farmhouses, you can try yak butter tea and tsampa.

Accommodation

The county town has a relatively concentrated selection of three-star to one-star hotels, with prices varying between peak and off-peak seasons. In summer, standard rooms generally range from 220 yuan to 60 yuan. There are 100 locally distinctive farmhouses in Guide. Visitors can stay in these farmhouses to experience rural life.

Best Travel Season

Guide has a plateau continental climate, with an average annual temperature of 2°C–8°C, reaching up to 13.8°C in the hottest month (August). Annual precipitation ranges from 250 to 560 millimeters, and the frost-free period lasts 170 days. The elevation in the Three Rivers area of Guide is 2,200 meters, generally not causing altitude sickness. With long daylight hours and strong sunlight in Guide, it is advisable to bring an umbrella and sunglasses. The best travel season is from mid-April to October. The Yellow River Cultural Tourism Festival is held in mid-April, and from August to October, you can enjoy a variety of sweet and delicious fruits.