Located in Lintan County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, the Yeliguan Tourist Area is situated at the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the western section of the Qinling Fold Belt, serving as a transitional zone between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau. Centered on Yeliguan Town in Lintan County, the tourist area consists of two connected zones: Chibi Valley (Red Cliff Valley) and Tianchi Yehai (Ye Sea Tianchi). It covers a total area of 20.2 square kilometers.
The scenic area integrates alpine lakes, Danxia landforms, subalpine meadows, and forest canyons, featuring original forests, subalpine meadows, and other pristine natural landscapes interwoven with highland terrace cultural landscapes, offering extremely high ornamental and recreational value. In December 2024, it was rated as a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Additionally, it has successively won titles such as National Geopark, National Forest Park, National Water Conservancy Scenic Area, and National Sports Tourism Demonstration Base, as well as honors like China's Top Ten Cultural and Ecological Tourism Destinations and China's Forest Oxygen Bar.
The unique geographical environment has nurtured rich animal and plant resources. The area is home to over 1,300 species of higher plants belonging to 433 genera in 122 families, including more than 30 rare plant species and 40 precious tree species, over 30 species of national rare animals, 37 species of endangered butterflies, and more than 120 species of precious wild medicinal herbs, making it an important treasure trove of Chinese herbal medicine resources in Northwest China.
History and Culture
Yeliguan has a long history. According to records, Shuichi County was established in 443 AD (the 4th year of Taiping Zhenjun in the Northern Wei Dynasty); in 518 AD (the 1st year of Shengui in the reign of Emperor Xiaoming), Qie Tiehu, a Qiang tribesman from Fuhan, declared himself king here; Shuichi County was maintained during the Sui Dynasty; in the late Tang Dynasty, it fell under the rule of Tubo, and Gongling City was built for garrison; during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was under the jurisdiction of Taozhou.
Historically, Yeliguan was an important post station and gateway to Tibet on the "Tang-Tubo Ancient Road" and "Tea-Horse Ancient Road," serving as a key channel for tea-horse trade between the Tibetan area and Gansu region, and witnessing the cultural exchange and integration of Tibetan, Hui, Han, and other ethnic groups.
It is the birthplace of the renowned Taozhou Hua'er, an annual Hua'er grand gathering famous at home and abroad. The area also preserves historical relics such as the Quantan Peasant Uprising Site, as well as multiple ancient castle ruins including Shuichi County Ancient City, Gongling City, Shiguan Fort, and Xincheng Fort. Remnants of ancient castles like Dashun City from the Song Dynasty and Shimiao Fort from the Ming Dynasty can still be found, with the ancient Qin Zhidao (Straight Road) winding through the mountains like a long dragon.
Main Attractions
Chibi Valley (Red Cliff Valley)
Located 5 kilometers west of Yeliguan Town, it is a typical Danxia landform. Amidst a sea of green, ochre-colored rock formations abruptly emerge. Fronting the Yemu River, the valley extends northward into the Baishi Mountains, stretching as deep as 20 kilometers. A small stream flows through the valley bottom, with both walls composed of red sandstone. Thousands of years of wind and rain erosion have shaped the walls into countless strange forms: some resemble red screens, others like lions and tigers leaping out, monks chanting sutras, or pythons twisting and turning. Walking through the valley inspires endless reverie.
Tianchi Yehai (Ye Sea Tianchi)
Located 5 kilometers north of Yeliguan between Baishi Mountain and Miaohua Mountain, it is an alpine barrier lake at an altitude of 2,610 meters. The lake is 5 kilometers long, with a width ranging from tens to hundreds of meters. The clear blue lake water ripples gently, surrounded by green mountains and blooming wildflowers. A Changye Temple stands on a hill by the lake, enshrining a statue of Chang Yuchun, a general from the early Ming Dynasty, hence the local name "Changye Pool." In midwinter, the lake freezes over, and the ice surface displays various mysterious ice patterns. Local residents traditionally gather on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month to observe these patterns and predict the next year's planting and harvest.
Gigantic Reclining Buddha
Created by nature's masterpiece, this gigantic reclining Buddha boasts a lifelike shape and serene demeanor, as if quietly guarding the land. It exudes a sense of mystery and solemnity, making people marvel at the magic of nature and standing as a unique natural wonder in the scenic area.
Yemu Gorge
The Yemu River runs through it, flowing eastward into the Tao River. The upper reaches feature a gentle terrain with lush natural pastures and the Lianzhu Gorge, a steep and narrow gorge with towering cliffs, jagged peaks, ancient trees clinging to rocks, and twisted branches hanging down. The lower reaches are dominated by dense forests, meandering clear streams, and secluded valleys.
Local Cuisine
Hand-Grabbed Mutton
Made from fresh local mutton, it is simply cooked to retain the original flavor. The meat is tender and free from muttony odor, often served with seasonings like salt and pepper. With a rich and mellow taste, it is a classic specialty of the Gannan region.
Veal
Veal is even more tender and is typically cooked by stewing, resulting in meat that melts in your mouth and is rich in nutrients, highly popular among tourists.
Braised Mutton
Mutton chunks are braised with various spices and seasonings, resulting in a bright red color, rich flavor, and appetizing aroma. It is an excellent dish to go with rice.
Stewed Rainbow Trout
Local rainbow trout has a delicate and fresh taste. When stewed, the soup is savory and the fish meat is tender and juicy, rich in protein—an unmissable delicacy in Yeliguan.
Big Plate Chicken
Prepared with free-range local farm chickens and ingredients like potatoes and green peppers, this dish is a feast for the eyes and palate. The chicken is tender and flavorful, the potatoes are soft and fluffy, and the sauce is rich and thick. It pairs perfectly with noodles.
Admission Tickets
Full-price ticket: 60 yuan/person
Half-price ticket: 30 yuan/person
Sightseeing bus full-price ticket: 22 yuan/person
Sightseeing bus half-price ticket: 11 yuan/person
Children, elderly people, and students can enjoy half-price or free tickets with valid certificates. Subject to actual pricing at the scenic area.
Opening Hours
Peak season: 07:30 - 19:00
Off-season: 09:00 - 16:00
For reference only. Opening hours may be temporarily adjusted due to extreme weather or special events. It is recommended to check the latest information through official scenic area channels before traveling.
Recommended Itinerary
Recommended one-day itinerary: After arriving at the scenic area in the morning, start with a visit to Yemu Gorge to experience the exquisite beauty and steepness of the canyon; have lunch in the scenic area to taste local specialties; in the afternoon, visit Chibi Valley (Red Cliff Valley) to admire the unique Danxia landform, then go to Tianchi Yehai to stroll along the lakeside and enjoy the tranquil scenery of the alpine lake; finally, view the Gigantic Reclining Buddha from a distance to conclude the trip.
Transportation
- 【Self-driving】From Lanzhou, take the Lanlin Expressway and transfer to National Highway 213, passing through Lintao, Kangle, etc. The whole journey is about 180 kilometers, taking 3.5 hours. From Hezuo City, the prefectural capital of Gannan, drive along National Highway 316 for about 90 kilometers, taking 2 hours.
- 【Public transportation】Take a bus from Lanzhou South Bus Station to Lintan County, then transfer to a bus or tourist shuttle to Yeliguan Town at Lintan County Town. The whole journey takes about 4.5 hours.
Must-See Attractions
- Tianchi Yehai: An alpine barrier lake landscape, 5 kilometers long and 2,610 meters above sea level, where you can view ice pattern wonders and Changye Temple culture.
- Chibi Valley (Red Cliff Valley): A 20-kilometer-deep Danxia canyon with bizarre red rock formations, experiencing the craftsmanship of nature.
- Yemu Gorge: A three-dimensional landscape combining canyons and forests, with unique characteristics of pastures in the upper reaches and forest seas in the lower reaches.
Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable sports shoes, as some attractions require walking, such as Chibi Valley and Yemu Gorge.
- The temperature difference between day and night in the plateau area is large. Bring a jacket for warmth, and prepare sunscreen products in summer.
- Respect the customs of local ethnic minorities and follow etiquette norms when entering religious sites.
- Pay attention to scenic area weather warnings in advance and avoid entering canyon areas during rainy days.
Notes
- Do not pick plants or feed wild animals in the scenic area to protect the ecological environment.
- The roads around Tianchi Yehai are narrow. Pay attention to safety during sightseeing and do not approach dangerous areas by the lake.
- Do not make loud noises or damage Danxia landform landscapes in Chibi Valley.
- Self-driving tourists must follow scenic area traffic guidelines and park vehicles properly.
- When purchasing local specialties, it is recommended to choose regular shops and confirm prices.