Huangyuan Gorge

　　Huangyuan Gorge is situated between kilometers 35 and 90 of the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. The Huangshui River runs diagonally from the northwest to the southeast across the northern part of Huangyuan County, while its largest tributary, Yaoshui River, flows from the south to the north. These two rivers divide Huangyuan into a narrow, “T”-shaped river valley basin, forming the “Three Gorges”—namely, Xishi Gorge, Bayan Gorge, and Yaoshui Gorge. On both sides of the gorge, towering mountains rise steeply, cliffs stand precipitously, and the peaks are sheer and majestic, creating a defensive landscape that is truly “a single man at the pass can hold off ten thousand.”

　　Due to its strategic and precipitous terrain, Huangyuan Gorge has been known since ancient times as the “Throat of Qinghai and Tibet.” The entire gorge features towering mountains, oddly-shaped rocks, surging waters, and picturesque scenery. Especially eye-catching are the petroglyphs and cliff inscriptions carved into the rock faces, which often compel travelers to stop 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 each journey taking approximately 40 minutes.

　　Self-Drive: Xining – Beijing–Tibet Expressway – Xining–Huangyuan Expressway – Huangyuan Gorge, about 1 hour.

　　Notes: Huangyuan Gorge is a naturally formed rock formation. For safety reasons, it is best not to climb the cliffs—just take photos.