Qinghai & Gansu Provinces Tour
Qinghai Province
Named after Qinghai Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake in China, Qinghai Province is located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in western China. The province covers an area of more than 720,000 square kilometers (about 278,000 square miles), making it the fourth largest in China. Its total population is about 5.5 million, among which Han, Tibetan, Hui, Tu, Salar Uygur, Mongolian and Kazak minority ethnic groups are represented. Xining is the capital and also the largest city of the province. Qinghai is a broad nature reserve, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, icy peaks, the Gobi deserts, and vast pastures. Over 250 wild animals found here are under national protection. They include wild camel, chiru, white-lipped deer, snow leopard, black stork and yak. In July, fields around Qinghai Lake are cover with yellow rape flowers, while flocks of rare birds, Tibetan Sheep and yaks will emerge before your very eyes. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Named after Qinghai Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake in China, Qinghai Province is located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in western China. The province covers an area of more than 720,000 square kilometers (about 278,000 square miles), making it the fourth largest in China. Its total population is about 5.5 million, among which Han, Tibetan, Hui, Tu, Salar Uygur, Mongolian and Kazak minority ethnic groups are represented. Xining is the capital and also the largest city of the province. Qinghai is a broad nature reserve, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, icy peaks, the Gobi deserts, and vast pastures. Over 250 wild animals found here are under national protection. They include wild camel, chiru, white-lipped deer, snow leopard, black stork and yak. In July, fields around Qinghai Lake are cover with yellow rape flowers, while flocks of rare birds, Tibetan Sheep and yaks will emerge before your very eyes. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Xining - 2250m asl
With a population of more than two million, Xining is the first city on the upper reaches of the Yellow River to achieve a population into the millions. There are about 37 nationalities living here, including Han, Hui, Tu and Tibetan. The local traditions and customs are influenced by these distinctive nationalities, in particular the Tibetan group. It is the political, economic, scientific and technological, cultural and traffic center of Qinghai Province. The activities of human beings in this region can be traced to 2100 years ago. During the Western and Eastern Han Dynasties, owing to its developing agriculture, the city was paid more attention due to its economic and martial significance. As well as being the important hinge between the central plains and the western part of China in ancient time, Xining was the most common passing channel of the famous Silk Road. Until now, it is still the only road by which to enter the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
With a population of more than two million, Xining is the first city on the upper reaches of the Yellow River to achieve a population into the millions. There are about 37 nationalities living here, including Han, Hui, Tu and Tibetan. The local traditions and customs are influenced by these distinctive nationalities, in particular the Tibetan group. It is the political, economic, scientific and technological, cultural and traffic center of Qinghai Province. The activities of human beings in this region can be traced to 2100 years ago. During the Western and Eastern Han Dynasties, owing to its developing agriculture, the city was paid more attention due to its economic and martial significance. As well as being the important hinge between the central plains and the western part of China in ancient time, Xining was the most common passing channel of the famous Silk Road. Until now, it is still the only road by which to enter the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Taer Monastery (also called Kumbum Mosque)
is a typical religious building with a history more than 400 years. Taer Monastery is a wonderful architectural complex contains 9300 structures, including Buddha halls, scripture halls, Buddhist pagodas and lamas residences. Kumbum Monastery is actually comprised of several temples, halls for scripture, Buddhist pagodas and monks' dormitory, and incorporates both Tibetan and Han architectural styles. The magnificent temples and halls are, in architecture, a perfect combination of the Han's style of palace buildings with upturned roof-eaves with Tibetan style under-eave walls and decorations. The spectacular Lamasery is scattered with tall ancient trees and Buddhist pagodas. Taer monastery is famous lama temple in China, it is the birthplace of lamaism shamanism founder Tsongkhapa, is also the center of northwest Buddhism activity. Taer Monastery is grand and imposing, is one of the famous six big lama temples in China (the other five temples are Tibet Sera monastery, Drepung, Tashilhunpo monastery, Ganden monastery and the Labrang monastery in Gansu province), and enjoys a high reputation throughout the country and Southeast Asia. Source: www.topchinatravel.com
is a typical religious building with a history more than 400 years. Taer Monastery is a wonderful architectural complex contains 9300 structures, including Buddha halls, scripture halls, Buddhist pagodas and lamas residences. Kumbum Monastery is actually comprised of several temples, halls for scripture, Buddhist pagodas and monks' dormitory, and incorporates both Tibetan and Han architectural styles. The magnificent temples and halls are, in architecture, a perfect combination of the Han's style of palace buildings with upturned roof-eaves with Tibetan style under-eave walls and decorations. The spectacular Lamasery is scattered with tall ancient trees and Buddhist pagodas. Taer monastery is famous lama temple in China, it is the birthplace of lamaism shamanism founder Tsongkhapa, is also the center of northwest Buddhism activity. Taer Monastery is grand and imposing, is one of the famous six big lama temples in China (the other five temples are Tibet Sera monastery, Drepung, Tashilhunpo monastery, Ganden monastery and the Labrang monastery in Gansu province), and enjoys a high reputation throughout the country and Southeast Asia. Source: www.topchinatravel.com
Dongguan Mosque
one of the largest mosques in northwest China with a history more than 600 years. Architecture of the mosque combines traditional Chinese style and the local features, with grand appearance and delicate, dazzlingly inside ornaments. The mosque has a prayer hall which can hold up to 3,000 people. Now this mosque serves as an educational center and institution of higher learning for Islamism, and also is the leading mosque in Qinghai. With its name "Xining Dongguan Great Mosque" shining at the top of a western-style entrance, the great mosque features a magnificent islamic architecture that combines together towers, walls and a temple-like main service hall. The mosque covers an area of 13602 square meters. Source: www.topchinatravel.co
one of the largest mosques in northwest China with a history more than 600 years. Architecture of the mosque combines traditional Chinese style and the local features, with grand appearance and delicate, dazzlingly inside ornaments. The mosque has a prayer hall which can hold up to 3,000 people. Now this mosque serves as an educational center and institution of higher learning for Islamism, and also is the leading mosque in Qinghai. With its name "Xining Dongguan Great Mosque" shining at the top of a western-style entrance, the great mosque features a magnificent islamic architecture that combines together towers, walls and a temple-like main service hall. The mosque covers an area of 13602 square meters. Source: www.topchinatravel.co
Northern Buddhist Temple
covers an area of 28000 square meters (about 6.9 acres) and it leans against Northern Mountain (also called Tulou Mountain) in a northern suburb of Xining City, hence the name. Featuring Buddhist architecture and Taoist architecture styles it is renowned by its name 'A Bright Pearl on the Southern Path of the Silk Road. The temple was constructed in Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) and it is the earliest example of religious architecture in Qinghai Province. It was built based on a natural faultage on the mountainside according to Danxia Landscape featuring stone alternating between softness and hardness. There are a total of 99 caverns with four layers including a single cave and cave groups inside Northern Buddhist Temple arraying from west to east. Residents call them the 'nine grottos and eighteen cavities'. They are connected by a plank road, which is built along a cliff, a small bridge, and a wandering corridor. Inside the caverns we can see frescos and sculptures carved on the wall. It is recorded that when Buddhism prevailed at the time, people were made to paint Zaojing design (a kind of decoration in the coping of the cavern) and the artistic frescos of Buddhism. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
covers an area of 28000 square meters (about 6.9 acres) and it leans against Northern Mountain (also called Tulou Mountain) in a northern suburb of Xining City, hence the name. Featuring Buddhist architecture and Taoist architecture styles it is renowned by its name 'A Bright Pearl on the Southern Path of the Silk Road. The temple was constructed in Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) and it is the earliest example of religious architecture in Qinghai Province. It was built based on a natural faultage on the mountainside according to Danxia Landscape featuring stone alternating between softness and hardness. There are a total of 99 caverns with four layers including a single cave and cave groups inside Northern Buddhist Temple arraying from west to east. Residents call them the 'nine grottos and eighteen cavities'. They are connected by a plank road, which is built along a cliff, a small bridge, and a wandering corridor. Inside the caverns we can see frescos and sculptures carved on the wall. It is recorded that when Buddhism prevailed at the time, people were made to paint Zaojing design (a kind of decoration in the coping of the cavern) and the artistic frescos of Buddhism. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Sun and Moon Mountain - 3448m asl
It is the boundary of the Loess Plateau and Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the agricultural area and the grassland farming area, monsoon area and non-monsoon area. On the east side of Sun and Moon Mountain, farmlands form a poetic picture in frontier place. And on the west side, the vast grassland and groups of sheep and caw form a nomadic picture. It is rarely to see the great difference between the two sides of this mountain. In the past, it was a vital communications centre between Central China and the southwest frontiers as well as the west regions. In 420, the first year of the Shengui reign under Emperor Mingdi in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), the monk Song Yun left Luoyang City for India to learn about Buddhism via Sun and Moon Mountain. Later on, Princess Wencheng passed Sun and Moon Mountain when she was going to marry Songtsen Gampo, King of the Tubo tribe. Source: www.topchinatravel.com
It is the boundary of the Loess Plateau and Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the agricultural area and the grassland farming area, monsoon area and non-monsoon area. On the east side of Sun and Moon Mountain, farmlands form a poetic picture in frontier place. And on the west side, the vast grassland and groups of sheep and caw form a nomadic picture. It is rarely to see the great difference between the two sides of this mountain. In the past, it was a vital communications centre between Central China and the southwest frontiers as well as the west regions. In 420, the first year of the Shengui reign under Emperor Mingdi in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), the monk Song Yun left Luoyang City for India to learn about Buddhism via Sun and Moon Mountain. Later on, Princess Wencheng passed Sun and Moon Mountain when she was going to marry Songtsen Gampo, King of the Tubo tribe. Source: www.topchinatravel.com
Qinghai Lake - 3207m asl
the largest saline lake in China historically known as Koko Nor or Kuku Nor. The names Qinghai and Kokonor both mean "Blue/Teal Sea" in Standard Mandarin and Mongolian. Twenty-three rivers and streams empty into Qinghai Lake, most of them seasonal. Five permanent streams provide 80% of total influx. Qinghai Lake is an important place in history which has been the traditional meeting place between Mongolian and Tibetan societies. Despite its salinity, Qinghai Lake has an abundance of fish. It reaches 28.71 m. (77.79 feet) at the deepest point but averages 19 meters (62.34 feet) overall. With an altitude of 3,195 m. (10, 482.28 feet) high, the climate surrounding is very cool. Source: www.topchinatravel.com - www.travelchinaguide.com
the largest saline lake in China historically known as Koko Nor or Kuku Nor. The names Qinghai and Kokonor both mean "Blue/Teal Sea" in Standard Mandarin and Mongolian. Twenty-three rivers and streams empty into Qinghai Lake, most of them seasonal. Five permanent streams provide 80% of total influx. Qinghai Lake is an important place in history which has been the traditional meeting place between Mongolian and Tibetan societies. Despite its salinity, Qinghai Lake has an abundance of fish. It reaches 28.71 m. (77.79 feet) at the deepest point but averages 19 meters (62.34 feet) overall. With an altitude of 3,195 m. (10, 482.28 feet) high, the climate surrounding is very cool. Source: www.topchinatravel.com - www.travelchinaguide.com
Chaka Salt Lake - 3069m asl
This natural crystallized saline lake is regarded as the eastern gateway to Qaidam Basin, which reserves the largest salt mine in the world. Lying at an altitude of 3,059 meters (10,036 feet), the lake is oval shape and covers an area of 105 square kilometers (40 square miles). The snow-white lake bed and the crystal blue water against the azure sky win it the reputation of ‘Mirror of the Sky’. Chaka Salt Lake has the longest history of exploitation (over 3,000 years) among all the salt lakes in the Qaidam Basin. The lake’s surface area is greatly affected by the seasons. It may reach up to 105 square kilometers (40 square miles) during the rainy seasons and reduce in size during the dry seasons. There are halite layers at the bottom of the lake and which reaches 15 meters (16 yards) at the thickest point and averages 5 meters (5.5 yards). There are many giant sculptures scattered along the lakeside upon entering the scenic area. These are formed from the deposit of salts and brine over a long period of time and they are fondly called the luxurious art of the land. There is a long railway track extending to the center of the lake. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
This natural crystallized saline lake is regarded as the eastern gateway to Qaidam Basin, which reserves the largest salt mine in the world. Lying at an altitude of 3,059 meters (10,036 feet), the lake is oval shape and covers an area of 105 square kilometers (40 square miles). The snow-white lake bed and the crystal blue water against the azure sky win it the reputation of ‘Mirror of the Sky’. Chaka Salt Lake has the longest history of exploitation (over 3,000 years) among all the salt lakes in the Qaidam Basin. The lake’s surface area is greatly affected by the seasons. It may reach up to 105 square kilometers (40 square miles) during the rainy seasons and reduce in size during the dry seasons. There are halite layers at the bottom of the lake and which reaches 15 meters (16 yards) at the thickest point and averages 5 meters (5.5 yards). There are many giant sculptures scattered along the lakeside upon entering the scenic area. These are formed from the deposit of salts and brine over a long period of time and they are fondly called the luxurious art of the land. There is a long railway track extending to the center of the lake. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Dachaidan Salt Lake - 3151m asl
Dachaidan Ghost Town - 2787m asl
Gansu Province
Located in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, northwest China, Gansu is one of the cradles of Chinese cultures. It occupies a total area of 450,000 square kilometers (173,700 square miles). Neighboring provinces are Shaanxi to the east, Sichuan to the south, Qinghai and Xinjiang to the west and Inner Mongolia and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region to the north. With a population of 23.7 million, this city has a multinational population which includes ethnic minority groups of Kazak, Mongolian, Tibetan, Hui, Dongxiang, Tu and Manchu. They mutually influence each other in the fields of economics, politics and culture and hold close ties with the Han people. They have thus developed a unique cultural community. Lanzhou, a well-known ancient city in China, is the capital of Gansu. It is the second largest city in northwest China, and also the political, economic and cultural center of the province. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Located in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, northwest China, Gansu is one of the cradles of Chinese cultures. It occupies a total area of 450,000 square kilometers (173,700 square miles). Neighboring provinces are Shaanxi to the east, Sichuan to the south, Qinghai and Xinjiang to the west and Inner Mongolia and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region to the north. With a population of 23.7 million, this city has a multinational population which includes ethnic minority groups of Kazak, Mongolian, Tibetan, Hui, Dongxiang, Tu and Manchu. They mutually influence each other in the fields of economics, politics and culture and hold close ties with the Han people. They have thus developed a unique cultural community. Lanzhou, a well-known ancient city in China, is the capital of Gansu. It is the second largest city in northwest China, and also the political, economic and cultural center of the province. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Dunhuang - 1140m asl
Known as Shazhou in ancient times, Dunhuang was served as a rest stop for traders as the gateway through which Buddhism, Islam and Christianity entered China. Dunhuang is located at the western end of Hexi Corridor in Gansu Province in northwest of China. It is 2000 kilometers west of Beijing, right on the silk road that caravans would take to get from China to the Middle East. It is a small oasis surrounded by high mountain, deserts and the Gobi Desert with Dang River as the city's water supply. Dunhuang is the important ancient city in the Silk Road, and it is the hub of highway communication in the northwestern plateau in China. Dunhuang means magnificent. In 11th century BC, some mineral nations lived here. In 111BC, the emperor of Han dynasty set up Jiuquan canton, and Dunhuang County was governed by it. The areas under Dunhuang's jurisdiction nowadays are the areas to the western and southern parts of Shule River in Gansu. From the two Hans to Southern and Northern Dynasties, Dunhuang was the thoroughfare between the middle part and the western part. The government of Dunhuang changed many times, but Dunhuang was always the capital of county, government office, town and province. Source: www.topchinatravel.com
Known as Shazhou in ancient times, Dunhuang was served as a rest stop for traders as the gateway through which Buddhism, Islam and Christianity entered China. Dunhuang is located at the western end of Hexi Corridor in Gansu Province in northwest of China. It is 2000 kilometers west of Beijing, right on the silk road that caravans would take to get from China to the Middle East. It is a small oasis surrounded by high mountain, deserts and the Gobi Desert with Dang River as the city's water supply. Dunhuang is the important ancient city in the Silk Road, and it is the hub of highway communication in the northwestern plateau in China. Dunhuang means magnificent. In 11th century BC, some mineral nations lived here. In 111BC, the emperor of Han dynasty set up Jiuquan canton, and Dunhuang County was governed by it. The areas under Dunhuang's jurisdiction nowadays are the areas to the western and southern parts of Shule River in Gansu. From the two Hans to Southern and Northern Dynasties, Dunhuang was the thoroughfare between the middle part and the western part. The government of Dunhuang changed many times, but Dunhuang was always the capital of county, government office, town and province. Source: www.topchinatravel.com
Mogao Grottoes
Unesco World Heritage
located precipice at on the east foot of the Mingsha Hill. First dug in 366 A.D., Mogao Grottoes is one of three noted grottoes in China for its fabulous frescos and statues. And in December 1987the Mogao Grottoes have been included into the List of the World Cultural Heritages by the UNESCO. Today, the total number of Mogao Grottoes is 492 in which there are over 2,800 sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals. There are five grottoes with a wooden structure. The Mogao Grottoes is the largest, oldest and the best-preserved Buddhist grottoes with the richest contents in the world today. The construction of the Mogao Grottoes began in the period of the Sixteen Kingdoms (about 366 A.D.), and the endeavor continued through the later dynasties, including the North Dynasty, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Western Xia and Yuan. Today, the grand dimension of the site is shown by 735 caves, with murals covering 45,000 square meters and colored clay statues 2,415 square meters. It is the largest and richest extant treasure house of Buddhist art in the world. Source: www.topchinatravel.com
Unesco World Heritage
located precipice at on the east foot of the Mingsha Hill. First dug in 366 A.D., Mogao Grottoes is one of three noted grottoes in China for its fabulous frescos and statues. And in December 1987the Mogao Grottoes have been included into the List of the World Cultural Heritages by the UNESCO. Today, the total number of Mogao Grottoes is 492 in which there are over 2,800 sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals. There are five grottoes with a wooden structure. The Mogao Grottoes is the largest, oldest and the best-preserved Buddhist grottoes with the richest contents in the world today. The construction of the Mogao Grottoes began in the period of the Sixteen Kingdoms (about 366 A.D.), and the endeavor continued through the later dynasties, including the North Dynasty, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Western Xia and Yuan. Today, the grand dimension of the site is shown by 735 caves, with murals covering 45,000 square meters and colored clay statues 2,415 square meters. It is the largest and richest extant treasure house of Buddhist art in the world. Source: www.topchinatravel.com
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring - 1227m asl
Crescent Moon Spring is 6km south of Dunhuang in the Singing Sands Mountains and is quite literally an oasis in the desert. The Spring's name derives from the crescent moon shape the small pool of spring water has taken between two large sand dunes. Although the area is very dry, the pool doesn't dry up as one might expect. Crescent Spring can be called a natural wonder in the Gobi Desert. Some say it reminds them of the eye of a beautiful woman, lucid, beautiful and amorous. Some say it looks like the mysterious, gentle and seductive lips of a pretty woman, or a slice of lush, sweet and crystal cantaloupe. Actually, it resembles a crescent fallen down into this desert. Having been lying among these sand dunes for thousands of years, although given many surprise attacks by sandstorms, Crescent Spring still gurgles clear, and still remains worthy as the first spring in the desert. Research has discovered that in this special crescent landform the wind created this depression, as the cross-ventilated theory states, the falling sands from the surrounding mountains would be sent back to the other side of nearby Mingsha Mountain. Thus, the sands do not smother the spring. And this particular earth movement keeps the sand dunes and spring eternally in a harmonious and almost paradoxical existence. Source: www.chinadiscover.net
Crescent Moon Spring is 6km south of Dunhuang in the Singing Sands Mountains and is quite literally an oasis in the desert. The Spring's name derives from the crescent moon shape the small pool of spring water has taken between two large sand dunes. Although the area is very dry, the pool doesn't dry up as one might expect. Crescent Spring can be called a natural wonder in the Gobi Desert. Some say it reminds them of the eye of a beautiful woman, lucid, beautiful and amorous. Some say it looks like the mysterious, gentle and seductive lips of a pretty woman, or a slice of lush, sweet and crystal cantaloupe. Actually, it resembles a crescent fallen down into this desert. Having been lying among these sand dunes for thousands of years, although given many surprise attacks by sandstorms, Crescent Spring still gurgles clear, and still remains worthy as the first spring in the desert. Research has discovered that in this special crescent landform the wind created this depression, as the cross-ventilated theory states, the falling sands from the surrounding mountains would be sent back to the other side of nearby Mingsha Mountain. Thus, the sands do not smother the spring. And this particular earth movement keeps the sand dunes and spring eternally in a harmonious and almost paradoxical existence. Source: www.chinadiscover.net
Jiayuguan Great Wall - 1734m asl
Unesco World Heritage
is a pass standing at the western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Different from the well-known sections built with stones or bricks, Jiayuguan Great Wall was built with rammed earth, making yellow its dominant hue and helping the pass blend harmoniously with the surrounding desert. The city where the pass is located is named after the pass, also called Jiayuguan, sitting in China’s northwest Gansu Province. Was built in the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) under the supervision of Feng Sheng, a founding general of the Ming Dynasty. When first completed, there were only ramparts surrounding the barracks. After 168 years of enhancements, the pass assumed its present appearance. Covering an area of 40,100 square yards (33,529 square meters), Jiayuguan Pass of Great Wall has a complex and integrated defensive system: an inner city, the central area with many buildings, an outer city, and finally a moat. Jiayu Pass was also a vital traffic fort along the Silk Road, the world's oldest trading route, connecting China, Central Asia and Europe. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Unesco World Heritage
is a pass standing at the western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Different from the well-known sections built with stones or bricks, Jiayuguan Great Wall was built with rammed earth, making yellow its dominant hue and helping the pass blend harmoniously with the surrounding desert. The city where the pass is located is named after the pass, also called Jiayuguan, sitting in China’s northwest Gansu Province. Was built in the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) under the supervision of Feng Sheng, a founding general of the Ming Dynasty. When first completed, there were only ramparts surrounding the barracks. After 168 years of enhancements, the pass assumed its present appearance. Covering an area of 40,100 square yards (33,529 square meters), Jiayuguan Pass of Great Wall has a complex and integrated defensive system: an inner city, the central area with many buildings, an outer city, and finally a moat. Jiayu Pass was also a vital traffic fort along the Silk Road, the world's oldest trading route, connecting China, Central Asia and Europe. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park - 1784m asl
is majestic and imposing, together with the unusual shapes and the gorgeous colors, making people are stunned by the creation of the nature. In a circumference of more than 10 square kilometers of range, there are bright colors as red, yellow, orange, green, white, graphite, gray, gray can be seen everywhere, decorating the numerous trenches and hills colorfully. The Danxia landform here was developed in about 200 million years ago before the Jurassic to Tertiary. Zhangye Qilian Danxia is mainly constituted by red gravel, sandstone and mudstone, with the imprint of a clear arid, semi-arid climate. It is a natural scenic spot perfect combining the sheer cliffs and steep mountains, strange, dangerous, beautiful of peaks pillars and the color of Xinjiang’s Colorful City. Source: www.topchinatravel.com
is majestic and imposing, together with the unusual shapes and the gorgeous colors, making people are stunned by the creation of the nature. In a circumference of more than 10 square kilometers of range, there are bright colors as red, yellow, orange, green, white, graphite, gray, gray can be seen everywhere, decorating the numerous trenches and hills colorfully. The Danxia landform here was developed in about 200 million years ago before the Jurassic to Tertiary. Zhangye Qilian Danxia is mainly constituted by red gravel, sandstone and mudstone, with the imprint of a clear arid, semi-arid climate. It is a natural scenic spot perfect combining the sheer cliffs and steep mountains, strange, dangerous, beautiful of peaks pillars and the color of Xinjiang’s Colorful City. Source: www.topchinatravel.com
Alike Monastery
Qilian Mountain Grassland - 2862m asl
The Average altitude of Qilian Mountain ranges in the 4000 meters to 5000 meters above sea level, mountain snow formed a long and wide glacier landscape which is magnificent spectacle. Qilian Mountain grassland and its representative Damaying grassland is in the basin between Yanzhi Mountain and Qilian Mountain. Every year in July and August, the Qilian Mountain is still covered by snow, but grassland near Qilian Mountain is full of horses, cattle, sheep adorned among the grassland. The four seasons of Qilian Mountains are never very clear, spring is not like spring, and summer is not like summer. The primeval forest of Qilian Mountain scenic area is very charming. After the summer begins, among hills is a vast green sea. The primeval forest area of Qilian Mountain is 157000 hectares, more than 200 cubic meters of forest resources. It is one of the largest forests areas in Qinghai province. Here are spruce, Sabina chinensis, and poplar and whip hemp, black thorn, and other trees such as mountain willow shrubs. In addition, the dense forest of Qilian Mountain, there is many roaming herds running, or wandering, shows a strong, elegant ecosystem. Source: www.topchinatravel.com
The Average altitude of Qilian Mountain ranges in the 4000 meters to 5000 meters above sea level, mountain snow formed a long and wide glacier landscape which is magnificent spectacle. Qilian Mountain grassland and its representative Damaying grassland is in the basin between Yanzhi Mountain and Qilian Mountain. Every year in July and August, the Qilian Mountain is still covered by snow, but grassland near Qilian Mountain is full of horses, cattle, sheep adorned among the grassland. The four seasons of Qilian Mountains are never very clear, spring is not like spring, and summer is not like summer. The primeval forest of Qilian Mountain scenic area is very charming. After the summer begins, among hills is a vast green sea. The primeval forest area of Qilian Mountain is 157000 hectares, more than 200 cubic meters of forest resources. It is one of the largest forests areas in Qinghai province. Here are spruce, Sabina chinensis, and poplar and whip hemp, black thorn, and other trees such as mountain willow shrubs. In addition, the dense forest of Qilian Mountain, there is many roaming herds running, or wandering, shows a strong, elegant ecosystem. Source: www.topchinatravel.com
Ebuzhen
Qinghai Cuisine
The high altitude and rugged terrain in Qinghai province means that agriculturally the land can only sustain a limited array of vegetables and fruit. However, it’s the ideal place for growing barley and raising yaks, both of which thrive in the cold climate. This means that signature Qinghai dishes tend to be hearty and full of yak-based products, from yak meat to yak butter. In short, Qinghai locals are always yakking on about something! Qinghai itself is populated by a wide variety of China’s ethnic minorities, but is dominated by the Han, Hui, and Tibetan people. Thus Qinghai cuisine is characterised by its simplicity and sustenance, with a unique blend of Tibetan and Hui Muslim influences adding a touch of flavour to each dish.
Gansu Cuisine
Thanks to the influence of the Hui ethnic minority, dishes in Gansu revolve around roasting, steaming, and braising beef or mutton, with very little consumption of pork or chicken. Since the Hui people are Muslim, they are prohibited from eating pork, and the cold weather in northern China has given the locals a fondness for hearty red meat over white meat. A range of seasonings are also employed in Gansu cuisine, with a preference for salty and spicy flavours. Gansu-style dishes tend to be very fatty, oily, and rich, so be prepared to put on a few pounds during your travels! Source: www.asiaculturaltravel.co.uk
The high altitude and rugged terrain in Qinghai province means that agriculturally the land can only sustain a limited array of vegetables and fruit. However, it’s the ideal place for growing barley and raising yaks, both of which thrive in the cold climate. This means that signature Qinghai dishes tend to be hearty and full of yak-based products, from yak meat to yak butter. In short, Qinghai locals are always yakking on about something! Qinghai itself is populated by a wide variety of China’s ethnic minorities, but is dominated by the Han, Hui, and Tibetan people. Thus Qinghai cuisine is characterised by its simplicity and sustenance, with a unique blend of Tibetan and Hui Muslim influences adding a touch of flavour to each dish.
Gansu Cuisine
Thanks to the influence of the Hui ethnic minority, dishes in Gansu revolve around roasting, steaming, and braising beef or mutton, with very little consumption of pork or chicken. Since the Hui people are Muslim, they are prohibited from eating pork, and the cold weather in northern China has given the locals a fondness for hearty red meat over white meat. A range of seasonings are also employed in Gansu cuisine, with a preference for salty and spicy flavours. Gansu-style dishes tend to be very fatty, oily, and rich, so be prepared to put on a few pounds during your travels! Source: www.asiaculturaltravel.co.uk