Huangyuan Gorge

Huangyuan Gorge

Huangyuan Gorge is located between the 35th and 90th kilometers of the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. The Huangshui River cuts diagonally across the northern part of Huangyuan County from the northwest to the southeast, while its largest tributary, Yaoshui River, flows from south to north. These two rivers divide Huangyuan into a narrow, “T”-shaped river valley basin, forming the “Three Gorges”—Xishi Gorge, Bayan Gorge, and Yaoshui Gorge. Towering mountains rise on both sides of the gorge, with steep ridges and jagged peaks standing opposite one another. The cliffs rise thousands of feet high, creating a majestic view that has been described as “a single heroic guard could hold the pass against ten thousand.”

Due to its strategically perilous terrain, Huangyuan Gorge has long been known as the “Throat of Qinghai and Tibet.” The gorge is filled with lofty mountains, rugged rocks, rushing waters, and picturesque scenery. Particularly eye-catching are the petroglyphs and cliff inscriptions carved into the steep rock faces, which often tempt travelers to park their cars and explore on foot.

Transportation:

Public Transport: Xining West Railway Station operates two daily trains to Huangyuan—one is Train 7581, departing at 8:25, and the other is Train K9803, departing at 21:25, with a travel time of about 40 minutes.

Self-driving: Xining – Beijing–Tibet Expressway – Xining–Huangyuan Expressway – Huangyuan Gorge, approximately 1 hour.

Notes: Huangyuan Gorge is a naturally formed rock formation. For safety, it is best not to climb the cliffs, but taking photos is highly recommended.