Heidu Mountain (黑独山)

Not far from the Emerald Lake is Heidu Mountain, known as the “moon-like place on Earth.” The Yardang landforms of this desolate and enigmatic destination evoke comparisons to the lunar landscape. While a real space trip may cost millions, a tour to this place can satisfy some degree of curiosity and will certainly evoke a feeling of awe in the visitor.

Emerald Lake in Mangya (茫崖翡翠湖)

Like the Emerald Lake in Da Qaidam, this is a group of salt pit lakes left behind from years of mining, covering an area of some 26 square kilometers. Larger than the one in Da Qaidam, this beautiful lake also has the privilege of being flanked by snowy mountains on one side and Yardang landforms on the other. Some tourists comment that this place somehow reminds them of the picturesque lagoons of Maldives.

Visitors can try a glass boat ride on the lake and enjoy serene nature; many would also post on social media pictures of themselves lying in the boat, wowing their friends who couldn’t help but like the photos.

Menyuan rapeseed flowers (门源油菜花田)

The spectacular scenery of golden rapeseed flowers attracts numerous visitors to Menyuan County each July. When visiting during the flowering season, people are greeted by a golden tapestry of rapeseed flowers stretching for over dozens of kilometers. The field is believed to be the largest plantation area of Brassica rapa in the world.

Driving west toward Qilian County, you will soon arrive at a stretch of flourishing grassland, crowned as one of six most beautiful grasslands in China. Not as vast as the Hulunbuir Grassland in Inner Mongolia, the Qilian Grassland does however have its own charm, stretching across mountainous terrain and with snowy mountains as its backdrop. Here you will come across horses in full gallop, guided by the capable hands of young riders who hold their reins with confidence. The wind tousles their hair, while excitement paints a rosy hue onto their cheeks.(Li Dan)