Yabulai Mountain

Yabulai Mountain

Yabulai Mountain

Yabulai Mountain is located in the eastern part of the Badain Jaran Desert, with an elevation of

200

over

100

kilometers, blocking the convergence of the two major deserts — Badain Jaran and Tengger. Due to crustal movements, the mountain features multiple fault lines, resulting in canyons that are several hundred meters high and extend for several kilometers in winding paths. These steep, towering cliffs and rock walls, with their uniquely shaped wind-eroded stones, stimulate the senses and psyche. The canyon also contains extremely high-quality springs that flow year-round, nourishing the growth of desert dates, elm trees, poplars, and more. On the precipitous cliff walls of this natural stronghold,

there is the Agui Temple,

built during the Tongzhi era

of the Qing Dynasty,

known as the

“Heavenly Window.”

Situated on the southern side of Yabulai Mountain’s main peak, the only access is a 300-meter-long stone path with a steep gradient. Especially near the 30-meter section leading to the cave, the slope reaches 70–80 degrees. The rest consists of sheer cliffs that are impassable to humans, making for an imposing sight.

Being in the incense-filled, continuous valley gives one a profound sense of the mystery of past and present lives. Not only does Yabulai Mountain have a unique geological structure, but it is also home to China’s only natural reserve for argali sheep. Locally known as "big-headed sheep," argali are adept at climbing steep and rugged rocks. They have large, gracefully curved horns. Due to the high collector value of their heads and the belief that their horns can ward off poison and evil, they were heavily hunted and driven to the brink of extinction. They are now a Class I protected animal in China.

The incense-filled, sprawling valleys make you feel the profound mystery of past and present lives. The Yabulai Mountain not only boasts unique geological formations but is also China’s only nature reserve for argali sheep. Locally known as "big-headed sheep," these animals can climb steep, rugged cliffs. Their massive and elegantly shaped horns, along with their highly valued heads, have made them targets for poaching due to beliefs that the horns can ward off poison and evil spirits, pushing them to the brink of extinction. They are now a Class I protected animal in China.