Autumn in Kang Le Grassland｜A Golden Pasture at the Foot of Qilian Mountains

🍂 Why Visit Kang Le Grassland in Autumn?​ Kang Le Grassland, located in Sunan County, Zhangye, lies hidden on the northern slopes of the Qilian Mountains. From September to October, the grassland appears as if dusted with gold: the once lush green meadows turn into a gentle golden-brown, while the dark green of the spruce and juniper trees contrasts vividly with the golden grassland. In the distance, the snowline of the Qilian Mountains becomes more distinct, and under the blue sky and white clouds, the white tents of herders dot the landscape like pearls scattered on a golden carpet. Best of all, you can avoid the summer tourist crowds and quietly listen to the wind, watch the cattle and sheep, and enjoy the tranquility of this "hidden gem" grassland.​ 📸 Top 3 Must-Visit Spots for Stunning Photos! Guaranteed 100% Instagram-Worthy​ 1. Grasslands Around Kanglong Temple (A Must-Visit Core Area!)​ Highlights: Kanglong Temple is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery on the grassland, with its red walls and golden roofs nestled among the golden grassland and spruce forests, with the Qilian snow-capped mountains as a backdrop. Capturing the "temple + grassland + snow mountain" panorama is breathtaking. The grassland near the temple is flat and open, with cattle and sheep grazing leisurely. Find a slope to sit on and take photos of "backlit figures + herds of cattle and sheep + snow mountains" for a perfect atmospheric shot.​ Activities: Arrive before 10 AM to catch the soft morning light and thin mist over the grassland, creating a fairyland-like effect in photos. You can also go horseback riding (led by herders for safety) to experience the vastness of the grassland, with the sound of hooves and the wind in your ears—a truly healing experience.​ Tips: Photography is prohibited inside the temple; please respect local customs. The grassland has strong UV rays, so wear a hat and sunglasses to avoid sunburn.​ 2. Machangtan Grassland (A Hidden Gem!)​ Highlights: Quieter than Kanglong Temple Grassland, the grass here turns golden in October, and the hills are dotted with pale purple wild chrysanthemums. The undulating mountains in the distance have soft lines, making "grassland hills + blue sky and white clouds" look as clean as a computer desktop wallpaper. At sunset, the grassland is bathed in orange-red light, with cattle and sheep returning to their pens and smoke rising from the herders' homes, creating a "grassland sunset + pastoral life" scene full of rustic charm.​ Activities: Take a leisurely 2km hike along the grassland trail (easy difficulty) and snap photos of "golden meadows underfoot + distant snow mountains." Bring a picnic mat and enjoy a simple lunch on the grassland (pack your own snacks and hot water, as there are no restaurants in the area). Listening to the wind while eating is incredibly relaxing.​ Pro Tips: Wear light-colored clothing (white or beige) to contrast with the golden grassland for better photos. Bring a small prop (like a red scarf) to add dynamic movement to your shots when the wind blows.​ 3. Qilian Mountain Viewing Platform (Panoramic Views!)​ Highlights: A 10-minute drive from the grassland takes you to the viewing platform, where you can look down on the entire Kang Le Grassland. The golden-brown grassland stretches out like waves, with the Qilian snow-capped mountains extending endlessly in the background. The spruce forests, like dark green belts, wind through the mountains, creating a layered landscape perfect for panoramic shots.​ Activities: The best light is between 3-5 PM when the sunlight casts rich shadows on the grassland. Use your phone's wide-angle lens to capture the panorama, and stand at the edge of the viewing platform for a "person in the scenery" effect without blocking the distant snow mountains.​ Note: The viewing platform is windy, so bring a light jacket to avoid catching a cold. Some sections of the road are gravel, so wear non-slip athletic shoes instead of high heels.​ 🍢 Nearby Food Recommendations​ Yugur-Style Hand-Pulled Lamb: Try the hand-pulled lamb at "Herders' Home" restaurants near the grassland. Made from local lamb, it is boiled in plain water and served with garlic sauce, free of any gamey taste. Priced at 80 RMB per pound, it pairs wonderfully with crispy fried dough twists.​ Butter Tea: Warm butter tea is perfect for cutting through the richness and warming you up. Priced at 12 RMB per pot, first-timers are advised to add less butter to gradually get used to the taste.​ Lamb Noodle Soup: Available in restaurants in Sunan County, the lamb noodle soup features chewy noodles and a flavorful broth. Priced at 15 RMB per bowl, it’s a great way to warm up after a day of exploring.​ 💡 Tips to Avoid Pitfalls​ Don’t venture deep into the grassland alone! Some areas have no signal and it’s easy to get lost. Always explore under the guidance of herders or park staff and avoid wandering off on your own.​ Check the weather in advance! Autumn grasslands occasionally experience light rain or sandstorms. On rainy days, the grassland paths can be slippery, so bring rain gear. On windy days, wear windproof goggles to protect your eyes from sand.​ Respect the herders’ way of life! Do not chase cattle or sheep, enter herders’ tents without permission (always ask first), or take photos without their consent to avoid misunderstandings.​ Autumn in Kang Le Grassland offers a quieter, more poetic charm compared to the bustling summer season. The golden pastures under the Qilian snow-capped mountains, with cattle, smoke, and sunsets, create a scene that soothes all weariness. If you’re looking for a serene and beautiful autumn getaway, this is the place to be!