2025 Maqin Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

When it comes to the four major sacred mountains in Tibet, people will think of Meili and Gang Rinpoche. But this time I came to A'ni Maqing Mountain, many people have never set foot on it. If you think this is Tibet, you are wrong. Actually, this is Guoluo in Qinghai❗️ - 🏔How to get there ✈️The general transportation is to fly to Xining, and then fly to Guoluo. 📍Navigate to 'Maqin County Snow Mountain No. 1 Tunnel', you can stop briefly, the snow mountain is within reach, and the glacier is under the snow mountain, but it is said that it has retreated 80 meters since the observation due to global warming! 📍Navigate to 'Weigele Dangxiong', you can walk closer to watch the sacred mountain, but the road along the way is particularly difficult to walk, all are rubble+curves+big pits, easy to get carsick and altitude sickness. - For Tibetans, the sacred mountain carries their faith. For me, it is already very lucky to be able to stand at the foot of the mountain and look up. - 📍Location: A'ni Maqing Mountain, Guoluo, Qinghai 📷Time: September 2023 🏔Altitude: Main peak 6282m

How to get into Qinghai? We need a keener perspective to open the mysterious treasure box on this land. 1. The Source of Mountains and Rivers Qinghai is known as the source of mountains and rivers. On this roof of the world, the mountains are towering, steep, and magnificent. Tanggula Mountains, Bayan Har Mountains, A'nyemaqen Mountains... countless towering peaks are her hard shell, more like her unyielding spine. A'nyemaqen Mountains. Photo by Zhao Jinde. Qinghai is the source of the three rivers: the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, and the Lancang River originate here. The network of water systems is like blood vessels covering the earth, bringing vigorous vitality to the world. The source of the three rivers, where the water and sky meet. 2. National Parks Qinghai, a national park demonstration province, what a proud title! Looking across China, no other place can accommodate such a vast area of national parks. Sanjiangyuan National Park, Qilian Mountains National Park, Qinghai Lake National Park... The total area of nature reserves in the province reaches 272,900 square kilometers, and national parks account for 75.66% of the total area of nature reserves in the province. If you start your journey in Qinghai, you will definitely experience the shock and excitement that an ordinary park walk cannot bring. Starting from Sanjiangyuan, all the way southeast to Longyangxia, Kanbula Forest Park, the clear Yellow River, Lajia Ruins... If you are lucky, you might even see the snow leopard in person. Snow leopard. If not, please don't regret it. Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and colorful human history. 3. Plateau Gem: Qinghai Lake This vast blue lake is known as the pearl on the plateau. Qinghai Lake in winter. It is China's largest inland lake and saltwater lake, and it is a treasure bestowed by nature. The phrase "harmony between man and nature" has a vivid embodiment here. Golden pastures by Qinghai Lake. A flock of water birds are active in the Qinghai Lake Bird Island wetland. Groups of naked carp. The annual Tour of Qinghai Lake International Road Cycling Race is a grand event for people in Qinghai to start their tour around the lake. Every summer, the world's attention will be focused here. Galloping along the lake. Dressed up to cheer for the Tour of Qinghai Lake. 4. Colorful Dreams The vastness of Qinghai lies in its vastness. Where is the beauty of Qinghai hidden? Perhaps in the paintings of nature. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple... there is always a color that can capture your eyes and soul. Menyuan rape flower sea. Photo by Zhang Hailin. The poetic home of Longyangxia. Qarhan Salt Lake, like a jasper falling from the sky. Li Jiaxia Reservoir, the Danxia landform is as magnificent as a painting. 5. My Qinghai, My Home The beauty of Qinghai lies in its people. Han, Tibetan, Hui, Tu, Salar, Mongolian and other ethnic minorities have lived and thrived here for generations. The integration and coexistence of multi-ethnic cultures is our characteristic and our strength!

Location: Donggecuona Lake, Madoi County, Golog Prefecture How to get there: Take the JiuMa Expressway and DeMa Expressway from Maqin County and exit at Huashixia Town. How to enter: Make a reservation in advance. [Activities Overview] ✅ Ani Maqing, the "Sacred Mountain of Tibet" Location: Maqin County, Golog Prefecture Activities: Participate in a煨桑 (incense burning) ceremony with local herders and conduct snowline monitoring with conservationists. ✅ Nianbaoyuze, the "Garden of the Gods" Location: Jiuzhi County, Golog Prefecture Activities: Embark on ecological expeditions through hiking and horseback riding, witnessing the magnificent remains of Quaternary glaciers and diverse wildlife. ✅ Donggecuona Lake, the "Home of Snow Leopards" Location: Madoi County, Golog Prefecture Activities: Explore snow leopard habitats, search for animal tracks, and enjoy a light hike on the plateau to discover the survival wisdom of alpine plants. ✅ Dulan, the "Hidden Paradise for Wildlife Viewing" Location: Dulan County, Haixi Prefecture Activities: Spend a full day observing the three major feline species: snow leopards, Pallas's cats, and lynxes. 🍴Food Recommendations Yak Hot Pot: Fresh yak meat, warm and delicious. Tibetan Tsampa: A staple food on the plateau, offering a strong sense of fullness. Butter Tea: A traditional Tibetan beverage, essential for combating altitude sickness. 📅Recommended Travel Time Best time to visit: June-September, with mild weather, clear lake water, and the most beautiful scenery. Winter specialties: December-February, the lake freezes over, presenting picturesque snowy landscapes, ideal for capturing minimalist scenery.

Here is a travel guide to Animaqing Mountain: Preparation - Documents: Bring your ID card and other valid documents. If you are eligible for discounts, bring your student ID, senior citizen card, etc. - Clothing: Prepare warm clothing such as down jackets, windbreakers, thermal underwear, hats, scarves, gloves, and snow boots to protect against the cold in the snowy mountain area. - Items: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, moisturizing skincare products, a thermos, rain gear, high-calorie snacks, and common medications such as anti-altitude sickness medicine, cold medicine, stomach medicine, and motion sickness medicine. Transportation - Self-driving: Depart from Xining and drive along the Jingzang Expressway, Xihe Expressway, and Dema Expressway. You can park and enjoy the snow mountain before the Snow Mountain No. 1 Tunnel. You can also depart from Maqin County and head to the scenic area via Xueshan Township or Xia Dawu Township. - Car rental: Rent a car in Maqin County to Xueshan Township or Xia Dawu Township, costing around CNY 800–1,000. - Public transportation: There are three buses from Xining to Dawu Town in Maqin County every day, departing at 8:45 am, 9:15 am, and 6 pm. The journey takes about 8 hours. Transfer to another bus in Maqin County. Accommodation - Maqin County: There are many accommodation options, such as Xigang Aviation Hotel, offering good accommodation conditions and services. - Xueshan Township: Close to the snow mountain, such as the accommodation above the post office in Xueshan Township, with affordable prices but relatively simple conditions. - Xia Dawu Township: There is an accommodation with a dry toilet and container form, costing CNY 100 per room. You can see the snow mountain when you go out. Attractions - Halong Glacier: The longest and largest glacier in the Yellow River Basin, 7.7 km long, covering an area of 24 square kilometers, with a vertical height difference of 1,800 meters. It can be seen from the Dema Expressway. - Zhihaidai Pass: You can see Dangxiong Glacier, which is close to the glacier, allowing you to admire the grandeur of the glacier up close. - Xingxiu Sea: The Yellow River enters the Xingxiu Sea Basin, forming lakes and water bodies of different sizes, resembling stars in the sky. Notes - Altitude sickness prevention: The average altitude of the scenic area is over 4,000 meters. Take anti-altitude sickness medicine in advance, avoid strenuous exercise during the trip, and prepare oxygen tanks. - Respect culture: Animaqing Mountain is one of the Four Sacred Mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. Respect local religious beliefs and cultural customs, and do not damage the environment or disturb the lives of local residents. - Road conditions: Some sections have poor road conditions, such as the unpaved road between Xueshan Township and Xia Dawu Township. Drive carefully, and adjust your itinerary in case of bad weather.

[One] Lajia Temple, originally named "Zaxi Gongdelin" (Auspicious Guang'an Temple), was later changed to "Ganden Zhaxi Jiong Temple" (Good and Auspicious Source). [Two] It is also called "Laga Zha Xijiang Nailin, also known as Lajia Temple or Jiaxiang Temple, is located at the foot of Aniqungong Mountain (meaning: Dapeng Spreading Wings) in Lajia Township, northeast of Maqin County, Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, on the north bank of the Yellow River. , was first built in the 34th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1769). [Three] Lajia Temple faces east and west, and the main Buddha statues enshrined here include Sakyamuni, Tsongkhapa, Padmasambhava, Thousand-eyed and Thousand-armed Avalokitesvara, Amritaṇa, and Six-armed Dharma Protector. The Lajia Monastery is centered on the Great Sutra Hall (Tosanglin), and consists of the Upper and Lower Tantric Colleges, the Medical College, the Kalachakra College, the Xiangsa College, as well as the Sakya Hall, the Panchen Lama's Palace, the Xiangsa Living Buddha's Residence, the Upper and Lower Pagoda Halls, etc. The buildings have formed a large-scale architectural complex with a rigorous layout, staggered layout, and integration of Han and Tibetan architectural arts. [Four] The temple's subordinate temples include Longge Temple in Jiuzhi County of this prefecture, Xiarihu Temple in Gande County and Ahandale Temple in Tianjunju of Haixi Prefecture. The Lajia Temple is a magnificent and well-preserved building with a wide influence. The temple has many famous monks and has written many articles. Some of these articles are highly valued in the Tibetan studies community and have become first-hand materials for Tibetan studies. The temple also houses a collection of religious and folk cultural relics. Rich, with high cultural relic value and research value. [PurpleHeart][DoubleHearts][GreenHeart]

Lari Temple is located in Maqin County, Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. It is an important temple of the Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhism. The following is a detailed travel guide: Basic information Full name: Lari Zhaxi Tongzhao Duoka Temple, which means "Auspicious Holy Mountain with Bright Light Stone Sutra Temple" Address: About 70 meters northeast of the intersection of Huancheng North Road and Huancheng West Road, Maqin County, Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Opening hours: 08:00-18:00 Tickets: Free Historical background and cultural characteristics Lari Temple is the dojo of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. The temple has major buildings such as the Yinming Academy, the Indian Eighty Great Accomplishments Hall, and three Sutra Halls. It has a reasonable layout and unique ethnic characteristics. There are more than 30 prayer wheels of various sizes, 111 pagodas, 4 stone scripture walls and prayer flags covering an area of ​​about 80 acres in the temple, showing a strong religious atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. Tour suggestions Suggested tour time: about 1 hour Transportation: You can take bus No. 1 to the Amnye Machen Cultural Square Station and walk to the Lari Temple Notes: When entering the temple, you need to take off your hat and sunglasses, keep quiet, do not take photos, and respect local folk customs.

Animaqing Mountain is located in the northwest of Maqin County, Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, in the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is part of the middle branch of the eastern section of the Kunlun Mountains, about 200 kilometers long and 60 kilometers wide. The main peak, Maqing Gangri, is 6,282 meters above sea level, covered with snow and glaciers all year round. The natural landscape here is magnificent and unique, with the Yellow River winding around its southeast side, forming a unique geographical feature. Animaqing Mountain has a continental plateau climate, and the best time to visit is from mid-June to mid-August each year. During this period, the climate is relatively pleasant, suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Transportation: From Xining, you can choose to drive along the S101 Xijiu Highway to Maqin County. You will pass through Guide and other places along the way, with a total distance of about 350 kilometers. After entering Maqin County, you can continue to drive to Dawu Town, which is at a high altitude, so you need to pay attention to altitude sickness. Accommodation: There are several accommodation options in Maqin County, such as West Hotel, Gesar Hotel, etc., with reasonable prices and high cost performance. Main attractions: Animaqing Mountain Geological Park: The park has Yin-Yang Kehe Scenic Area, Qinglonggou Scenic Area, etc., mainly featuring Quaternary glaciers, glacial landforms, and alpine karst landscapes, supplemented by Tibetan Buddhist culture. Laga Temple: Located in Maqin County, it is a historic Tibetan Gelugpa temple with magnificent architecture and many believers. Gesar King Legend: Maqin County is the hometown of the Tibetan hero Gesar King, and there are many cultural relics and legends related to Gesar King here. Hiking and Adventure: There are many hiking routes around Animaqing Mountain, such as navigating to the entrance of Snow Mountain No. 1 Tunnel and hiking about three kilometers to Zhihai Dai Pass, where prayer flags flutter and the scenery is picturesque. However, you need to pay attention to the intensity and safety of plateau hiking. Photography and Shooting: Bring a drone and camera to capture the magnificent scenery of Animaqing Mountain and the beautiful moments of glacier meltwater. Especially when flying a drone on a small slope next to the bay-style rest area, the view is excellent.

📍 Animaqing Snow Mountain is a famous snow mountain on the snowy plateau. In Tibetan, it means 'the grand snow mountain where the Yellow River flows through.' It is known as one of the 'Four Great Sacred Mountains' along with Gang Rinpoche in Tibet, Meili Snow Mountain in Yunnan, and Gado Juewo in Yushu. The Tibetan people call Animaqing 'Bokawa Jianggong,' one of the nine great creation gods who opened up the world. 📍 Drive 75 kilometers from Maqin County to the north slope of Animaqing, where there are well-developed glaciers. You can hike to see the glaciers and small snow mountain plants🍀 up close, feeling the charm of the sacred mountain on the plateau, and gaining a greater sense of reverence for nature. 📍tips: — Park your car at the entrance of Snow Mountain Tunnel No. 1, cross the guardrail on the opposite side of the road, and you can head towards the glacier. — The hiking path is mainly rocky, and you will need to climb over piles of rocks, so it's best to bring trekking poles. — The wind is strong, so don't forget your hat. The altitude is over 4300 meters, and altitude sickness can affect you, so be sure to gauge your limits.🈶 There are small cars that can drive directly to the glacier, and you can negotiate the price.

There are many sacred mountains in Tibet, but the most famous ones may be the four sacred mountains in Tibet 🏔 (Gang Rinpoche, Meili Snow Mountain, Amnye Machen, Gaduo Jowo). So the snow mountain Amnye Machen is as famous as Gang Rinpoche. It has an altitude of 6,282 meters and is covered with snow all year round❄️. It is a holy place for many Tibetan compatriots to worship, especially in the Year of the Horse, many people come to worship 🏔. Where to see it🚩The Amnye Machen Snow Mountain is located in Machen County, Golog Prefecture, Qinghai Province. It is one of the local landmarks. Starting from Dawu Township in Machen and going to Xueshan Township, there is a parking spot on the Dema Expressway where you can clearly see the snow mountain. What to see 🚩The snow-capped mountains are very majestic and shocking. There is a large Halon Glacier here, which can be seen right next to the highway. There are also alpine meadows in summer. It is especially beautiful if there are blue sky and white clouds. Notes: 1. The altitude here is over 4,000 meters, which is a high altitude area. Please walk slowly to prevent altitude sickness. 2⃣The ultraviolet rays are strong in high altitude areas, so be sure to take precautions against the sun. 3⃣If you want to get close to the snow-capped mountains, you must drive an off-road vehicle with four-wheel drive or above.

Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, with its capital in Maqin County, is located in the southeastern part of Qinghai Province, China. It borders Gannan Prefecture and Huangnan Prefecture to the east, Aba Autonomous Prefecture and Garze Prefecture to the south, is adjacent to Yushu Prefecture to the west, and is bordered by Haixi Prefecture and Hainan Prefecture to the north; it is situated at the junction of the Amdo and Kham cultures, and is an important part of the Silk Road's Henan Route and the ancient Tang-Tibetan Road. It is the homeland of China's Gesar culture and a typical microcosm of the natural and cultural resources of the Tibetan Plateau. The average elevation of Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is over 4,200 meters, characterized by a plateau continental climate. Within the territory of Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, there are peaks such as Amne Machin and Nyenbo Yurtse; there are the sacred lakes of Zharinamco and Eling, formerly known as Lake Bo, and their historical stories of Tibetan-Han intermarriage; there are famous ancient temples and cultural landscapes such as Ragya, Baiyu, and Chalang.

Animaqing in Guoluo, Qinghai, Gang Rinpoche in Tibet, Meili Snow Mountain in Yunnan, and Gado Juewo in Yushu, Qinghai, are known as the 'Four Sacred Mountains of Tibetan Buddhism'. As a Sichuanese who loves to travel to the northwest, I see Animaqing almost every year. ❤Recommendation: Many people choose to leave the province via Guangyuan when going from Sichuan to Qinghai or Xinjiang. In fact, taking the Dema Expressway (Delingha, Qinghai - Maerkang, Sichuan) through Aba County in Aba Prefecture and Jiuzhi County in Guoluo Prefecture to Qinghai, especially to the Gobi area in Haixi, is shorter in time, closer in distance, less crowded, and has great scenery. The key is that you can see Animaqing, one of the four sacred mountains, and the Dongji Cuo Na Lake formed by the melting water of Animaqing. You will also pass by the twin sisters of Nianbaoyuze - Lianbaoyeze. 📍Detailed address: The parking area at the entrance of the No. 1 tunnel of the snow mountain nearest to Dawu Town, Maqin County. 💰Average consumption: 0 ⏳Play time: More than 0.5h 📝Tips: ①The parking area cannot be occupied for a long time ②The altitude of the expressway in Guoluo Prefecture is relatively high, 3500+ ③The expressway fee is slightly higher ④Sometimes you will encounter roads with frozen soil subsidence, which are quite bumpy.

Snowy pure land, mysterious Golog. Golog in Qinghai is a mysterious paradise on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Snow-capped mountains and grasslands, herds of cattle and sheep, the distant blue sky, the beautiful scenery along the way, and the hospitable Tibetan friends can soothe the soul. Nearby attractions: Animaqing Snow Mountain|One of the snowy sacred mountains, the main peak is 6282 meters high Nianbao Yuzhe|The place where the gods live, winding in Golog Upper reaches of the Yellow River|The place where it flows twice, with nine bends and eighteen turns Baizha Temple|A gathering place for Tibetan stone carving art Vast Maqin Grassland Getangyaqi Hotel, located in the midst of snow-capped mountains and grasslands, where you can encounter local humanistic customs and plateau snow scenes as soon as you step out. Quality and comfortable accommodation space, exquisite and rich dining experience, is a rare experience on the snow-capped plateau thousands of kilometers away from the city. First floor space: The No.1 quality Western restaurant in Golog, Qinghai; Rich drinks + stylish coffee shop; Second and third floor space 18 guest rooms (double rooms, standard rooms, parent-child rooms); meet various customer accommodation needs (including breakfast) Hotel address: Maqin County, Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province (opposite the special police team)

On the way from Dari to Animaqing, I met a lot of interesting people. Since I arrived at the county last night too late, I went out a little later today. Its sunny, and Im used to the sun. Snowy mountains. Along the way, there are snow and dry grass blending hills. This kind of mountain we call him Zebra Mountain~ When the locals and monks are taking pictures, the locals and monks have been watching us from a distance, and they are taking a photo~ its a long Panshan Road, Su Shushu said, as long as There will be surprises when you get to the top of the mountain. Uncle Su said that you can't be wrong.

From Qinghai Lake, it is a fairy tale world.