Must-Visit Spots in Qilian Mountains in Autumn

Must-Visit Spots in Qilian Mountains in Autumn In autumn, the air in the Qilian Mountains is filled with the fragrance of golden meadows. If autumn has a unique scent, it must be the scent of the Qilian Mountains. The valleys are colorful, and sunlight spills over the hillsides, as if a fairy tale world has suddenly appeared in reality. Visiting here for the first time, you’ll be so stunned by the beauty that you might find it hard to breathe, even doubting if this is the real world. This is a firsthand autumn travel guide for the Qilian Mountains. Ladies, if you want to go, save this quickly! 🚗 Itinerary Plan: 🕖 Depart from Xining at 7:30 AM, after a 3-hour drive arrive at Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Viewing Platform, then drive another hour to Qilian County. After lunch, head straight to Zhuo'er Mountain Scenic Area, arrive at Amindongso around 4 PM, enjoy the sunset on the mountaintop in the evening, and stay overnight in Qilian County. 📸 Must-Visit Spots: ✅ Zhuo'er Mountain Summit ✅ Amindongso Viewing Platform ✅ By the Babao River 🏞 Scenic Info: Zhuo'er Mountain ticket costs 60 RMB, Amindongso is free, accommodation in the county is recommended to be booked in advance, with standard rooms priced between 200-400 RMB. 🚙 Transportation: Self-driving is the most convenient option, the roads are in good condition, and the scenery along the way is excellent. 🏨 Accommodation: Qilian County offers various options; homestays near the scenic spots are recommended for a more authentic experience. 🎟 Tickets: Zhuo'er Mountain requires advance online booking during peak season. ⚠️ Note: Don’t miss the sunset at Zhuo'er Mountain! The light at that moment is so beautiful it makes you question life! Also, the temperature difference on the mountain between morning and evening is large, don’t forget to bring a down jacket! 📌 Practical Tips: ❶ The ultraviolet rays are strong in the plateau area, so apply sunscreen thickly. ❷ Bring an extra thick jacket; mornings and evenings can be really cold. ❸ For photography, bring a wide-angle lens; a regular lens can’t fully capture the grandeur here. ❹ Prepare snacks and water in advance, as options inside the scenic area are limited. ❺ For those prone to altitude sickness, it’s recommended to acclimate for two days before visiting and avoid forcing the trip. ❻ There are many Tibetan restaurants in the county; butter tea and hand-pulled lamb are worth trying. ❼ You will encounter herds of cattle and sheep along the way; drive slowly and don’t rush them. ❽ Be careful when taking photos; some slopes are windy and steep. ❾ On clear days, you can watch the Milky Way at night; don’t forget to look at the stars. ❿ The best times for photography are morning and evening when the light is softest. 📷 Photo Date: Mid-October 2023 Honestly, the autumn in the Qilian Mountains is so stunningly beautiful it’s breathtaking, and photos can’t fully capture the shock. Ladies, are you tempted? Which spot do you most want to visit? Share in the comments or ask me directly if you have questions—I’m happy to help!