Qilian

Qilian – Dola

Qilian County – known as “Dola” in Tibetan and celebrated as the “Switzerland of the Orient” – is located in Haibei Tibetan Prefecture, Qinghai Province. Strategically positioned as the northern neighbor to the Hexi Corridor’s first access point on the ancient Silk Road, Qilian has earned the title “Northern Gate of Qinghai.” The county is home to diverse ethnic communities including Tibetan, Mongolian, and Hui peoples, who comprise 79.2% of the population. Qilian stands as a premier tourism destination on the Tibetan Plateau, renowned for three spectacular attractions: Heihe Valley, Zhuoer Mountain, and Arik Monastery.

Rape seeds flower is one of the feature in Qinghai and Qlian has one of the best rape seeds field

Heihe Valley For travelers weary of modern cityscapes and yearning to explore the pristine Tibetan Plateau, Heihe Valley offers an ideal adventure destination. The Heihe River, China’s second-longest continental river and revered as “The Mother River of Hexi Corridor,” originates from the Qilian Mountains and flows majestically through this stunning valley.

sheep herders are returning back home

Zhuoer Mountain Zhuoer Mountain showcases dramatic Danxia landforms composed of striking red sandstone and conglomerate formations. Located in Babao Town, the Zhuoer Mountain Scenic Zone offers breathtaking panoramic views from its summit. Local legend tells of Zhuoer Mountain and neighboring Niuxin Mountain as eternal lovers, standing guard on opposite sides of the Babao River while blessing the land of Qilian.

Zhuoershan in Qilian

Arik Monastery A 90-minute journey southeast from Qilian along an unpaved mountain road leads to this secluded Gelugpa monastery. Built during the 17th century, Arik Monastery was established to commemorate both the Third and Fifth Dalai Lamas, who once resided at this sacred site, making it a place of profound historical and spiritual significance.