Explore the Golden Pastures and Snowy Mountain Secrets of Qilian Grassland

📅 Day 1: Arrival in Qilian County → Arou Temple → Grassland Sunset 09:00-12:00 Arrival in Qilian County and Check-in Transportation: Drive from Xining along G227 National Highway for approximately 4.5 hours (280km), or take the Xining-Qilian County bus (two daily departures at 8:00 and 10:00, arriving around 12:00). Accommodation Recommendation: Stay at "Qilian Grand Hotel" in Qilian County (clean twin rooms with hot water, 5-minute walk to the food street). After checking in, take a short rest. Lunch Recommendation: "Old Ma’s Noodle Shop" in the county, serving beef stir-fried noodles and Qinghai-style yogurt. Average cost: 25 RMB per person. 13:30-15:30 Arou Temple Exploration Route: Drive 18km (30 minutes) from Qilian County, navigate to "Arou Temple." The entire route is paved, accessible by regular cars. Highlights: - A Tibetan Buddhist Gelugpa temple with free entry, featuring red walls and golden roofs against the backdrop of grasslands and snowy mountains—perfect for capturing "culture + nature" photos. - The main hall, over 300 years old, offers a chance to listen to monks chanting (maintain silence and avoid taking photos). - Behind the temple, there’s a prayer flag array. Capture "fluttering prayer flags + distant snowy mountains" shots. Dark-colored clothing enhances the visuals. Suggested Duration: 2 hours to leisurely explore and soak in the temple’s tranquil atmosphere. 16:00-18:30 Sunset at Arou Temple Grassland Viewing Platform Route: Walk west along the road for 5 minutes from Arou Temple to reach the free viewing platform (clearly marked). Experience: - In October, the meadows turn caramel-colored, dotted with grazing cattle and sheep. Find a flat spot to sit and wait for the sunset to paint the grasslands red. - Around 17:30, the lighting is ideal for capturing "grassland silhouettes at sunset." Use a long-focus lens to emphasize the layers of the grassland and the subject. - Bring a picnic mat, snacks, and hot milk tea to enjoy while waiting for the sunset, immersing yourself in the healing ambiance of the grassland. Return: After sunset at 18:30, drive back to Qilian County (30 minutes). 19:30 Dinner Recommended Restaurant: "Grassland Family Feast" in the county, serving hand-grabbed lamb and stir-fried wild onions. Average cost: 60 RMB per person. After dinner, stroll through the county’s night scene (the county is small, 1 hour is sufficient). 📅 Day 2: Zhuo’er Mountain → Qilian Grassland Exploration → Stargazing 07:30-08:00 Breakfast Breakfast Options: Hotel breakfast (porridge, steamed buns, eggs) or "Morning Light Breakfast Shop" in the county, serving fried dough sticks and soy milk. Average cost: 5 RMB per person. 08:30-12:00 Zhuo’er Mountain Scenic Area Route: Drive 10km (20 minutes) from Qilian County, navigate to Zhuo’er Mountain Scenic Area. Highlights: - Take the sightseeing bus to Viewing Platform No. 3 to capture panoramic views of "Danxia landforms + grasslands + snowy mountains." In October, the Danxia formations turn reddish-brown, contrasting beautifully with the golden grasslands. - Hike along the back-mountain grassland trail (1.5 hours). Walk on soft golden grass while admiring the main peak of Qilian Snow Mountain, Niuxin Mountain. Every shot feels like "walking in a painting." - Around 10:00, the lighting is soft. Take photos near the wooden fence along the trail for "grassland fence + snowy mountain" shots. White dresses add a fresh touch. Lunch: No restaurants in the scenic area. Bring self-heating meals or buy snacks in advance from the county. Eat at the rest area near the viewing platform (around 12:00). 13:30-17:30 Qilian Grassland Exploration (Horse Riding + Visiting Local Nomads) Route: Drive 25km (40 minutes) from Zhuo’er Mountain, navigate to "Qilian Grassland Core Area." The journey offers grassland views, with opportunities to stop and take photos. Core Experiences: - Horse Riding with Nomads: Visit nomads with official signs. Ride along grassland trails with a guide, experiencing "grasslands on horseback." Capture dynamic shots of "crossing streams on horseback." - Nomad Visits (free, requires prior contact): Enter nomad tents, drink freshly brewed butter tea, learn to make tsampa, and hear stories about the grasslands, experiencing Tibetan culture. - Grassland Free Activities: Find an empty grassland to shoot dynamic videos of "running across the grassland" or minimalist photos of "sky and grassland" while lying on the grass. Suggested Duration: 4 hours to fully enjoy the vastness of the grassland without rushing. 18:00-19:00 Return & Dinner Return: Drive back to Qilian County (40 minutes). Dinner: "Old Stove" in the county, serving yak meat hotpot with local potatoes and cabbage. Average cost: 40 RMB per person, warming both body and soul. 21:00 Stargazing (Optional) Location: Qilian County outskirts (5km from the county, navigate to "Qilian Grassland Stargazing Point," free entry). Experience: - October offers clear skies with minimal light pollution, allowing you to see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Use a tripod to capture "starry sky + grassland" time-lapse shots or phone night mode for "starry sky portraits" (use a flashlight to brighten the face). Return by 22:30 to rest. 📅 Day 3: Ebao Ancient City → G227 Grassland Section → Return 08:00-08:30 Breakfast Breakfast: Hotel breakfast or county breakfast shop. Eat well, pack up, and check out. 09:00-11:00 Ebao Ancient City Exploration Route: Drive 70km (1 hour) east along G227 National Highway from Qilian County, navigate to "Ebao Ancient City Ruins," free entry. Highlights: - The thousand-year-old Silk Road ancient city ruins feature earthy yellow walls on the grasslands, exuding historical charm. Climb the walls for panoramic shots of "ancient city + grassland snowy mountains." Ethnic-style clothing (e.g., Tibetan shawls) enhances the atmosphere. - Inside the ancient city, there are a few display boards detailing its history, ideal for history enthusiasts. - Outside the city, capture "ancient city gate + grassland" shots. Avoid harsh midday light (best before 10:00). Suggested Duration: 1.5 hours to explore and take photos without rushing. 11:30-13:00 G227 Grassland Section Scenic Drive Route: Drive east along G227 National Highway from Ebao Ancient City. The journey offers grassland views. Experience: - Stop at scenic spots with safe parking areas (temporary roadside parking available) to capture "road stretching into the grassland" depth shots. Use the car as a prop, leaning against the door while gazing at the snowy mountains. Fewer cars in October make it easy to create a deserted feel. - Stop at "Biandukou Viewing Platform" (free) to capture "G227 National Highway + grassland" panoramic shots. Although there are no rapeseed flowers in October, the golden grasslands remain stunning. Lunch: Around 12:30 in Ebao Town. Recommended "Ebao Halal Restaurant," serving yak meat soup and flatbread. Average cost: 30 RMB per person. 13:30 Return Return Route 1: Drive east along G227 National Highway to Xining (280km, 4.5 hours), ending the trip. Return Route 2: Drive east along G227 National Highway to Zhangye (150km, 2.5 hours), continuing to destinations like Zhangye Danxia and Matisi Temple. 🚗 Essentials & Tips for the Trip Clothing Suggestions: October temperatures in Qilian Grassland vary greatly (5-20°C). Dress in "onion layers" (thin sweatshirt + windproof jacket + fleece pants). Wear non-slip hiking shoes and bring a scarf, sunglasses, and hat (for wind and sun protection). Items to Prepare: Sunscreen (SPF50+), lip balm (dry grasslands), power bank, camera/phone (for photos), self-heating meals (no restaurants in scenic areas), thermos (for hot water). Transportation Tips: SUV recommended (better view, stable on grassland trails), regular cars also suitable (entire route paved). Download offline maps in advance (weak signal in some grassland areas). Cultural Respect: Avoid touching prayer flags or mani piles. Seek permission before photographing nomads or livestock. Wear modest clothing in temples and maintain silence. Environmental Protection: Carry all trash with you. Grasslands lack trash bins, so protect the ecosystem.