Guide National Geopark

　　    Guide National Geopark is a comprehensive geopark mainly featuring natural landform landscapes and geological relics, complemented by diverse ecological scenes and rich cultural attractions. It is located within Guide County in Qinghai Province and comprises three main zones: the Ashigong Area, the Yellow River Valley Area, and the Mawu Gorge Area, covering a total area of 554 square kilometers, with the main geological relics spanning 113.6 square kilometers. The park showcases the colorful and magnificent Ashigong Seven-Colored Peak Cluster, the stunningly unique wind-eroded landforms of Mawu Gorge, the breathtaking beauty of the Yellow River scenery, and the steep, majestic Longyang Gorge. The wide variety of geological relics reflects the evolutionary history of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau during different geological periods, as well as 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 of 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 (about 200 hectares), with a total investment of 86 million yuan, it took five years to complete. The scenic area embodies the concept that “the earth’s veins extend endlessly with roots in the land, and human connections endure through timeless bonds,” and is themed around the “Seven-Colored Peak Cluster and the Descendants of Xuanyuan on the Land of Earth.” It features 13 theme squares centered on the theme of “earth,” along with seven uniquely shaped Danxia gorges in various colors. The Earth-Man-Heaven Museum, Nüwa Lake, and Nüwa Performance Stage are also integrated into the landscape, making it a cultural tourism destination rich in earth culture, with extraordinary Danxia natural scenery and high geological research and science education value. It has been designated as a “National Geopark” and is also a “National AAA-level Tourist Attraction.”

　　    Travel Information

　　    Transportation

　　    Guide enjoys highly convenient transportation with access in all directions. 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 seat, the Guide-Gong Highway leads directly to Qinghai Lake, and the Xun-Guide Highway goes straight to 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 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 also 100 locally distinctive farmhouses in Guide where visitors can stay to experience rural life.

　　    Best Travel Season

　　    Guide has a plateau continental climate, with an average annual temperature of 2°C–8°C, a peak monthly average (August) of 38°C, annual precipitation of 250–560 mm, and a frost-free period of 170 days. The elevation in Guide’s Three Rivers area is 2,200 meters, generally not causing altitude sickness. Guide enjoys long daylight hours and strong sunlight, so it’s 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 sample a variety of sweet and delicious fruits.