https://bh.trip.com/moments/detail/shandan-120488-133612025
cassius_fiorentino_84United States

Horseback Riding Chasing Clouds and Staying in a Mongolian Yurt, a Viral Healing Journey!

> "When horse hooves crush the dewdrops on grass tips, when prayer flags tear through the clouds at the 4120-meter pass—I finally understand that the Qilian Mountains are a love poem of freedom written for urban souls!" --- 🚗 Highlighted Itinerary (Worry-free version departing from Xining) Day 1: Cross the Grassland Sky Road · Encounter the Sea of Flowers in the Clouds Depart from Xining by self-driving in the morning, entering the most beautiful National Highway 227! Heiquan Reservoir is as blue as emerald, and from Dabanshan Viewing Platform, you can overlook the rapeseed flower sea in Menyuan (golden storm in July) 📸. Wear a white dress to shoot road photos (💡sit in the passenger seat to capture S-curves + snow mountain background). At noon, eat kangguo lamb in Ebao Town (about 40 RMB per person), the broth soaks into the potato noodles, delighting your taste buds! Afternoon: Head straight to the heart of the Qilian Mountain grasslands! Ride horses crossing streams (choose a reputable stable, 50 RMB/30 minutes), lie down in wildflowers to shoot a "Miyazaki-style" nine-grid photo, stay overnight in a Mongolian yurt (off-season about 120 RMB per person), drink freshly boiled yak milk by the bonfire while listening to Tibetan songs ⛺️. Day 2: Zall Mountain Wonderland · Three-day Unlimited Entry Ticket Early morning: Climb Zall Mountain (80 RMB ticket including shuttle)! Take the first sightseeing bus to secure a spot on the viewing platform, capturing red rock canyons + rapeseed fields + snow mountains in one frame. Wear a red cape to shoot "Oriental Switzerland" photos (⚠️The park offers a 3-day unlimited entry ticket, bookable on Trip.com for repeated access!). At noon, enjoy hand-pulled lamb in Qilian County, visit Arou Monastery and spin prayer wheels (free), and photograph the world's smallest prayer wheel corridor. Evening: Drive to Binggou Forest Sea, explore fir forests and streams, touch glacier water, and wait for the sunset reflecting golden mountains in the creek. Day 3: 4120-meter Pass Strike · Finale at Qinghai Lake 7:00 AM: Challenge the Dadongshu Mountain Pass (4120 meters)! Hang prayer flags and scatter lungta, wear down jackets + sunglasses to resist strong winds, and shoot the sea of clouds and winding mountain roads. At noon: Eat yak meat soup with bread in Gangcha County, follow the west road around Qinghai Lake chasing the deep blue water, stop at cliff secret spots to feed Huang fish. Bonus: During peak season, a grassland mini train (30 RMB) runs, entering the same hillside as in "Heidi and Grandpa"! --- 💡 Viral Secrets & Hardcore Tips - 📸 Photo Hotspots → Zall Mountain Beacon Tower: Wide-angle shots of Danxia landforms/grasslands/snow mountains in triple composition, best lighting in the morning for saturated colors → 4120 Pass: Use telephoto lens to compress prayer flags and winding roads, shutter speed 1/1000 sec to capture wind movement → Mongolian Yurt Morning Mist: Shoot at 6:30 AM with cooking smoke wrapped in golden light, set ISO to 400 to avoid noise - 🚗 Transportation Hacks → Rent an off-road vehicle in Xining (about 500 RMB/day split among 4 people), experienced driver and guide avoid rough gravel roads → Be cautious renting sedans! The Dadongshu Pass climb can cause altitude sickness, choose turbocharged models - 🏡 Accommodation Secrets → Grassland Mongolian Yurt: Immersive nomadic experience (search "Qilian Grassland Pastoral Homestay" on Trip.com) → For luxury lovers: "Qilian Secret Realm" guesthouse at the foot of Zall Mountain, floor-to-ceiling windows facing snow mountains (book 1 month in advance!) - ⚠️ Critical Details → 20°C temperature difference! Thin down jacket + sun hat + arm sleeves three-piece set to stay safe → No signal at the pass, download offline maps in advance → Avoid roadside "cheap horse riding"! Choose Trip.com-operated stables with insurance
View original text
*This content is provided by our partner and translated by AI
Posted: Jul 6, 2025
Submit
0
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Qilian Mountains

5/52 reviews
Shandan
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Qilian Mountains

Crossing the Qilian Mountain Grand Canyon

陌上行
Shuanglang

Escape the Summer Heatwave with These 8 Heavenly Destinations!

raine_0617
Mati Temple Scenic Area

8-Day In-Depth Tour of the Hexi Corridor

ScarlettMcAllister956
Qinghai Lake

【Qinghai In-Depth Travel Guide|6 Days 5 Nights Unlocking the Ultimate Romance of Northwest’s Hidden Gems】

maeva_4860
Qinghai Lake

Qinghai 5-Day Perfect Itinerary

BGR. Sam 3164
Zhuoer Mountain Scenic Area

A Secret Journey to the "Little Switzerland of the East"

Miles123~Mitchell
Qilian Grassland

Qilian Mountain Grassland | Summer Cool Paradise, Comprehensive Travel Guide (Recommended to Save)

Serendipity Isabella~Brooks87
Qilian Mountain Grassland

Qilian Mountain Grassland from June to August! The Ultimate Summer Escape

Aurora Hollister
Qilian Mountain

"Qilian Mountain Grassland Photography Guide: How to Capture 'Nordic-Style' Masterpieces"

Emily Donovan92
Army Horse Rance of Shandan

July Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel: Four Hidden Gem Cities

Thunderstorm424242
Grassland Team of No.1 Army Horse Ranch

99% of people haven't been here! Zhangye's colorful forbidden land is stunningly beautiful!

_1997_Mark_24
Chaka Salt Lake

Qinghai Lake Travel Guide

ceraceous_leona