Zhuo’er Mountain, located in Qilian County, Qinghai Province, is a breathtaking destination often dubbed “Little Switzerland in the East” for its stunning alpine scenery. Known as Zongmu Ma Glama in Tibetan, meaning “beautiful ruddy queen,” this mountain in the Qilian Mountain range showcases vibrant Danxia landforms, lush grasslands, and golden rapeseed flower fields. With its high-altitude vistas, historical beacon tower, and serene ambiance, Zhuo’er Mountain is a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a tranquil retreat. This guide will help you plan an unforgettable visit.
A Travel Guide to Zhuo’er Mountain
Why Visit Zhuo’er Mountain?
Zhuo’er Mountain is celebrated for its unique combination of crimson sandstone cliffs, verdant hills, and sprawling yellow rapeseed fields, creating a vivid contrast that’s a feast for the eyes. At an altitude of around 4,300 meters, it offers unobstructed panoramic views of the Qilian region, including the snow-capped Niuxin (Cow’s Heart) Mountain and the Babao River winding through Qilian County. The mountain’s historical significance, marked by a Western Xia Dynasty beacon tower, adds a cultural layer to its natural splendor. Ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful escape, it’s a less crowded alternative to Qinghai’s more famous sites like Qinghai Lake.
How to Get There
Zhuo’er Mountain is remote, located in the Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, approximately 280 km from Xining, Qinghai’s capital. Here are the main ways to reach it:
By Bus from Xining: Xining Automobile Passenger Transport Center operates shuttle buses to Qilian County (6 daily departures: 8:15 AM, 9:15 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:15 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM). The journey takes about 4–5 hours and costs ¥50–80. From Qilian County, take a taxi to Zhuo’er Mountain’s entrance (10-minute drive, ¥10–20).
By Train and Taxi: Take a high-speed train from Xining to Minle (Gansu Province, ~2.5 hours, ¥100–150), then hire a taxi to Qilian County (1–1.5 hours, ¥100–150). From Qilian, the mountain is a short 10-minute taxi ride (¥10). This route is faster but pricier.
By Car: Drive from Xining via National Highway 227 to Ebao Town, then follow the Eqi Highway to Qilian County (4–5 hours). Alternatively, take the route via Xihai Town and Jinyintan Grassland. Renting a car costs ¥300–500/day, offering flexibility to explore nearby attractions. Parking is available at the scenic area for ¥10–20.
Organized Tours: Join a group tour from Xining, often combining Zhuo’er Mountain with Qinghai Lake or Menyuan’s rapeseed fields. Tours cost ¥200–500/person, including transport and guides, and can be booked via platforms like Trip.com or local agencies.
Tip: The mountain is about an hour’s drive from Qilian County’s town center (Babao Town). Book return transport in advance, as taxis may be scarce later in the day.
Best Time to Visit
June to August (Summer): The ideal time to visit, when rapeseed flowers bloom in vibrant yellow, creating a surreal sea of color against green hills and red cliffs. Temperatures range from 10–20°C, but nights can be chilly. This is peak season for photographers and flower enthusiasts.
September to October (Autumn): Crisp weather and clear skies enhance visibility of the snow-capped peaks, with fewer crowds. Daytime temperatures are 5–15°C.
Winter (November to March): Snow blankets the mountain, offering stark beauty but colder temperatures (–10 to 5°C) and limited access due to weather.
Note: Mid-June to mid-July is the peak rapeseed flowering season, drawing larger crowds. Visit early in the morning for fewer people and better light for photography.
Weather Tip: Qinghai’s plateau climate is unpredictable, with strong UV rays and sudden rain. Check forecasts and pack layers.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM daily (may vary in winter due to weather).
Ticket Prices: Entrance fee: ¥60; Shuttle bus to viewing platforms: ¥20 (mandatory for most visitors); Total: ¥80/person; Discounts may apply for children under 1.2 meters or seniors (60+).
Booking: Tickets are purchased on-site. During peak seasons (July–August), arrive early to avoid queues. Some platforms like Trip.com offer pre-booking options.
Tip: The shuttle bus saves energy for the 1-hour climb to the top. Wear sturdy shoes, as the path can be steep.
What to See and Do
Zhuo’er Mountain offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural history, and serene activities:
Danxia Landform and Panoramic Views: The mountain’s red sandstone cliffs, a classic Danxia landform, contrast with green grasslands and yellow rapeseed fields. Climb to the main viewing platforms (1-hour hike) for a 360-degree vista of Niuxin Mountain, Qilian County, and the Babao River. On clear days, the scenery is among Qinghai’s finest.
Western Xia Beacon Tower: At the summit, visit a 9.3-meter-high replica of a historical beacon tower from the Western Xia Dynasty. Climb it for elevated views, though space is limited during peak times. The tower adds a historical touch to the natural landscape.
Rapeseed Flower Fields: From mid-June to July, the fields below the mountain burst into golden blooms, attracting photographers and artists. Walk along designated paths to capture the vibrant scenery without damaging the crops.
Hiking and Photography: The mountain has short trails around the viewing platforms, ideal for leisurely walks. The high altitude and clear air make it a haven for landscape photography, especially at sunrise (arrive by 6:00 AM).
Relax and Reflect: With fewer adrenaline-pumping activities, Zhuo’er Mountain is perfect for quiet contemplation. Enjoy the fresh air, simple local dishes at the café, and the serene Tibetan Plateau ambiance. It’s ideal for families or those seeking a low-key retreat.
Where to Eat
On-Site: A small café at the shuttle bus drop-off point offers basic meals like noodles, dumplings, and tea (¥15–30). Snacks and bottled water are also available. The selection is limited, so consider bringing your own food for a picnic.
In Qilian County: Babao Town has restaurants serving Qinghai specialties like hand-pulled noodles (lamian), yak meat, and barley-based dishes (tsampa). Expect meals to cost ¥20–50. Try local eateries near the town center for authentic flavors.
Tip: Pack snacks and water, especially if visiting early or staying for several hours.
Where to Stay
Staying in Qilian County is the most convenient option, as Zhuo’er Mountain is a day trip. Note that some family-run hotels may not be licensed to host foreigners, so book with reputable providers.
Qilian County (Babao Town): Qilian Hotel (3-star): Comfortable rooms with modern amenities, ¥200–400/night. Jinjiang Inn Qilian: Budget-friendly chain hotel, ¥150–250/night. Local Guesthouses: Basic but affordable, ¥80–150/night, though check for foreigner licensing.
Xining (for longer stays): Sofitel Xining (5-star): Luxury option, ¥600–1000/night, 4–5 hours away. Sanwant Hotel Xining (4-star): Mid-range, ¥300–500/night.
Booking: Use platforms like Ctrip, Booking.com, or Trip.com for reliable options. Book early in July–August due to high demand.
Tip: For sunrise visits, stay in Qilian to minimize travel time. Hostels or homestays in Qilian may offer a more local experience.
Tips for a Great Visit
Prepare for High Altitude: At 4,300 meters, altitude sickness is possible. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity if unacclimatized, and consider arriving in Xining (2,300 meters) a day early to adjust.
Dress in Layers: Temperatures fluctuate (5–20°C in summer). Bring a jacket, hat, and sunglasses for UV protection. Raincoats are useful for sudden showers.
Language Barrier: English is rarely spoken in Qilian. Learn basic Mandarin phrases or use a translation app like Pleco. Taxi drivers may not speak English, so have your destination written in Chinese (卓尔山).
Photography: The mountain’s colors pop at sunrise or sunset. Tripods are allowed, but drones may require permits.
Respect Nature: Stick to designated paths to protect the fragile ecosystem, especially in flower fields.
Combine Your Trip: Pair Zhuo’er Mountain with nearby attractions like Qilian Mountain Grassland (48 km), A’Rou Grand Temple (31 km), or Menyuan’s rapeseed fields (170 km) for a fuller Qinghai experience.
Final Thoughts
Zhuo’er Mountain is a hidden gem in Qinghai, offering a mesmerizing blend of Danxia cliffs, alpine meadows, and cultural history. Its remote location ensures a peaceful escape, while the vibrant landscapes rival more famous destinations. Whether you’re chasing golden rapeseed blooms, scaling the beacon tower, or simply soaking in the plateau’s vastness, Zhuo’er Mountain promises an unforgettable journey. Plan ahead, embrace the high-altitude adventure, and let this “ruddy queen” of Qinghai captivate your senses.
Happy travels!
