Kangduo Gorge

　　Introduction      The Kangduo Gorge scenic area lies within the valley sections of the Yemu River and Chaba River in Kangduo Township and Zhuowa Tu Ethnic Township of Zhuoni County, belonging to the upper section of Yemu Gorge. It connects with the lower section of Yemu Gorge in Yeliguan Township of Lintan County, stretching over 30 kilometers in total. This area is part of the Qilian arc-shaped fold zone of the West Qinling Mountains. The peaks in the lower gorge rise sheer and steep as if hewn by axes, towering dramatically. Within the gorge, rocky cliffs stand close together, while the Yemu River roars below with crystal-clear, icy waters. Waterfalls cascade down the cliffs like ribbons. Visitors in the gorge may feel as though there’s no way in or out, as if they’ve entered a celestial realm detached from the mortal world.

　　      The mountaintops of the gorge feature plains and hills, with vast natural pastures where cattle and sheep roam freely and tents dot the landscape, offering extremely expansive views. To the north, Mount Baishi rises into the clouds, capped with snow and with its bare rock surfaces also appearing grayish-white, resembling a mirage from another world. To the west of Kangduo Gorge lies Zhuowa Tu Ethnic Township, where sparse Tu ethnic villages are scattered across the mountains. Ancient stilted wooden houses stand in neat rows, one after another, with the distant sounds of chickens and dogs echoing through the valleys.

　　 Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province