Mount Zhuoer | The Beautiful Red Queen of Danxia

Mount Zhuoer, known in Tibetan as "Zongmu Mayou Ma," meaning "Beautiful Red Queen," is a hidden paradise in the Qilian Mountains that combines the wonders of Danxia landforms with the gentle beauty of grasslands. Located in Babao Town, Qilian County, Qinghai Province, at an altitude of about 3,100 meters, it faces the sacred Tibetan mountain Niuxin Mountain across the river, creating a unique landscape where "one mountain embraces four seasons, two peaks reflect heaven and earth." The mountain is formed of red sandstone and conglomerate. In summer, the Danxia landform is covered with a carpet of grass, while in winter it creates a stunning contrast with the distant snow-capped mountains, resembling a three-dimensional oil painting. ➤ Scenic Spots Introduction ❶ Eye of Heaven In the eastern Ladong Valley, farmland, villages, small bridges, and flowing water create an ideal pastoral landscape. To the southeast lies a large primitive spruce forest that blends naturally with the foothills of Niuxin Mountain. Snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and dense forests create a Nordic-like scenery. ❷ Sky Bridge Temple Legend has it that this is the Buzhou Mountain recorded in the "Classic of Mountains and Seas." In midsummer, blue sky, white clouds, grasslands, Danxia landforms, flower fields, and the layered Qilian Mountains create a magnificent colorful panorama. ❸ Danbi Flower Sea When July arrives, rapeseed flowers at the foot of the mountain bloom in profusion. The red Danxia, green mountains, and yellow rapeseed create a vibrant color palette. Mount Zhuoer, surrounded by green hills, clear waters, and golden flower fields, presents a picturesque view. ❹ Thousand Soldiers Cliff With blue sky, white clouds, green grass, and rapeseed flowers as a backdrop, the scenery is extremely charming. Thousand Soldiers Cliff rises from the banks of the Babao River, with its southern slope almost vertical, featuring red cliffs and steep walls with an extraordinary presence. ❺ Western Xia Beacon Tower Legend has it that when the last emperor of Western Xia, Li Ni, fled to Qilian during the fall of his country, he built several beacon towers. The beacon tower on Mount Zhuoer is one of them. From the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire scenic area. ❻ Lunbu Xiaguo A uniquely shaped mountain peak that is tall and majestic, with a magnificent mountain body and a summit that reaches into the clouds. ➤ Best Travel Time: June to August ➤ 3-Day Itinerary D1: Xining → Qilian Morning: Take a bus from Xining to Qilian County. Enjoy the beautiful plateau scenery along the way, such as Qinghai Lake and Rubber Mountain. Afternoon: Arrive in Qilian County and check in to your hotel. You can explore the county town to adapt to the plateau environment. D2: Mount Zhuoer Scenic Area Morning: Take a sightseeing bus to the scenic area. Enjoy the Danxia landforms, alpine meadows, rapeseed fields, and other beautiful scenery. Afternoon: Continue exploring the scenic area, discovering some less-visited spots and experiencing the tranquility and beauty of nature. D3: Tour around Qilian Morning: Visit the Ami Dongso Scenic Area to experience the magnificence of the sacred Qilian Mountains. You can choose to hike or ride horses. Afternoon: Visit the Qilian Deer Farm, where you can get close to sika deer.