The annual National Day Golden Week is just around the corner, and travelers from all over will embark on yet another journey. Autumn is the best season to admire red leaves. If you’re looking to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery while avoiding the crowds, the clear skies and picturesque landscapes of Yeliguan in Gansu are sure to meet all your travel needs for the holiday. Now, join us as we take an early look at Yeliguan and soak in its stunning beauty.
The Pristine Natural Scenery of Yeliguan
In September, Yeliguan’s autumn scenery is like a dream—lush with the essence of fall. A rich autumn atmosphere quietly drifts in with the gentle mountain breeze, casting dappled light over the highland grasslands. As far as the eye can see, the rolling hills are painted in layers of vibrant colors. Stepping into Yeliguan feels like entering a poetic painting. Autumn in Yeliguan resembles a warm-toned oil painting, with mountains and forests ablaze in red. It's the perfect time to visit scenic spots like Yeliguan National Forest Park, Yemu Gorge, and Qinigou to admire the fall foliage. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss it.
The Lifelike Ten-Mile Sleeping Buddha of Yeliguan
Upon arriving at the Yeliguan Town Visitor Service Center Plaza by car, the first sight to greet you is a naturally formed giant reclining Buddha that has "slept" for thousands of years. He wears a tall Buddhist crown, a dark yellow robe, and boots, with a serene expression, eyes slightly closed, lying on his back facing the sky—seeming alive, as if he might wake up any moment. In front of the Buddha lies a river flowing from west to east, dividing Yeliguan Town into northern and southern sections. According to locals, the visitor center plaza isn’t even the best spot to view the Buddha. The best vantage point—and a great place for photos—is the Taozhou Folk Museum on the northern hillside overlooking the river. The Taozhou Folk Museum is right next to the Gannan Farmers’ Uprising Memorial Hall. Both museums are open to the public free of charge year-round, housing a wealth of daily tools, production implements, and folk items from the Gannan people, offering significant insight into the region’s cultural heritage.
Yeliguan National Forest Park
About 15 kilometers west of Yeliguan Town lies Yeliguan National Forest Park. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, it boasts lush forests and blooming wildflowers, with clear springs singing in the valley and crystal streams flowing. The mountains are covered in vibrant red autumn leaves. Like a radiant ruby, it is nestled in the western part of the Yeliguan scenic area. The forest park, dense with shrubs and fresh air, is known as a natural oxygen bar. Following the winding mountain roads higher up the park, the towering peaks, steep cliffs, and upright pines along the roadside are a feast for the eyes. Further up, you’ll encounter many rare animals such as sika deer, black cranes, leopards, golden eagles, lammergeiers, snow leopards, crested partridges, golden cats, lynxes, whooper swans, stone martens, Mongolian gazelles, kites, and eagles.
Yelimu Grand Canyon of Yeliguan
Following the river downstream from Yeliguan Town, you’ll arrive at Yelimu Grand Canyon. The canyon is like a colorful chain woven from rugged cliffs, ancient pines, vines, waterfalls, and rapids. The cliffs rise sheer and steep, with mountain paths twisting through the mist along the contours of the land and water. The rocky peaks in the canyon stand close together, almost within arm’s reach. The Xiquan Waterfall plunges like a white silk ribbon from the cliffs, sometimes hiding behind them, sometimes spanning across the river. Arched bridges connect the landscape, creating a tranquil ink-wash painting slowly coming to life. In this vast valley, gazing up at the towering rocks and listening to the murmuring streams, surrounded by red leaves on both sides, the scene is truly enchanting.
Zhang Jizhong in Front of the New "Journey to the West" Themed Sculpture in Yeliguan
Located in Lintan County in southern Gansu Province, Yeliguan is about 154 kilometers (approximately a 2-hour drive) from Lanzhou. It is a national AAAA-level scenic area, hailed as an "Ecological Grand Garden and the Back Garden of Lanzhou." In addition to the attractions mentioned above, Yeliguan is also home to the national-level Lianhua Mountain Nature Reserve, the picturesque Tianchi Yehai, the marvelously carved Chibi Yougu Provincial Geopark, and the mystical Yin-Yang Rocks. These stunning natural wonders never fail to impress. Renowned producer Zhang Jizhong has even filmed several TV dramas here, including "Journey to the West" and "Age of Heroes." This October, with its crisp autumn air, a relaxing holiday in Yeliguan is sure to be an unforgettable experience.