The Qinghai-Gansu Loop: Heidushan

Desolate, silent, coldly beautiful, and tranquil—this is Heidushan, the black desert of Mangya City in Qinghai. Starting from Lenghu Town, a drive of over twenty kilometers will bring you to this solitary peak, resembling an ink painting of the desert. Unlike the Altun Mountains and the Qilian Mountains, Heidushan's body is a deep black, with the surface of the sand dunes covered in black gravel and sand, creating a monochromatic ink painting. Heidushan is not a tourist attraction; to preserve its pristine appearance, the town government has set up a fenced road that allows vehicles to reach within about two kilometers of the mountain. From there, only hiking is permitted. This measure was taken because, before the protection was in place, many self-driving tourists climbed the mountain, leaving deep tire tracks that marred the beautiful and ethereal landscape. These scars will take a long time to heal. If you wish to experience the peace in solitude here, please do not damage its natural beauty. Respect and revere nature.