[2024 Mangya Attraction] Travel Guide for Heidu Mountain (Updated Sep)
Mountains
Address:
Haixi Meng Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Mangya City
Recommended sightseeing time:
2-3 hours
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.
敦煌向导丁延飞
Heidu Mountain, a real-life version of a mysterious and lonely ink painting.
📍Heidu Mountain⛰️ A real-life version of a mysterious and lonely ink painting
Compared to bright colors
I prefer the purity of black and white
Some people say: black and white represent loneliness and desolation
Just like Heidu Mountain, after thousands of years of wind erosion
Only black and white are left, cold, lonely, and mysterious.
The wind in the northwest is wild and free.
My scattered hair is flying,
In front of me is an uninhabited wilderness,
The desolation that I can't see to the end.
The wind made me sway a little,
The sun is blocked by dark clouds, and it's a bit desolate on the road.
The desert in the northwest cannot grow roses,
But the wind and sand all over the sky are pouring out my love for this life.
Emma Simmons_41
Is Heidu Mountain in the northwest worth visiting?
Is Heidu Mountain worth visiting? ❌|||🚫 Say goodbye to photo fraud: Don't believe the exaggerated photos of Heidu Mountain on the Internet! The real Heidu Mountain is not as exaggerated as the photos, but it is definitely worth a visit.
📍 Location guide: Located near Lenghu Town, Qinghai Province, about 20 kilometers from the town. Self-driving or chartered car is the best choice, just navigate to "Heidu Mountain", you will find a different scenery.
🚶♂️ Hiking adventure: The surrounding area has been fenced off and there will be guards. It is about 6 kilometers from the side of the highway to the foot of the mountain. Although there is a parking lot, you need to walk, but the Gobi scenery along the way and the unique mountains are definitely worth your visit.
🖤 Heidu Mountain features: The shape of the mountain here is unique, and the mountain is covered with obsidian-like substances. The color gradually changes from black to gray to white from top to bottom, like a vivid ink painting.
📸 Photographer's paradise: Although the mountains are widely distributed, as long as you are patient to explore, you will definitely find those hidden large-scale positions. Need to go in
⚠️ Precautions: Heidu Mountain is located in the Gobi uninhabited area with a high altitude. Remember to bring enough drinking water and sunscreen. There is no signal here, and the drone may lose the image transmission, so please operate carefully. The signal is particularly poor all the way, there is a checkpoint that needs to be registered online🛜, it is recommended to pass by multiple people, a friend's other car waited at the checkpoint for 2 hours
🌬️ Wind power challenge: The wind power of Heidu Mountain is relatively large, please be extra careful when flying drones to avoid losing control.
🌱 Environmental protection appeal: While exploring this secret land, please do not damage the environment and protect this desolate and beautiful land.
🌟 Summary: Although Heidu Mountain is not as exaggerated as the Internet, its uniqueness and shock are definitely worth your personal experience. If you like this desolate and primitive natural scenery, then Heidu Mountain is definitely your best choice. Remember, safety first, environmental protection goes hand in hand!
Naomi345_Cooper
I made a special trip to the Northwest to take these photos at Heidu Mountain.
Do you think it was worth it?
Mysterious colors, quiet yet powerful
Every photo is a masterpiece
·
Yanzhi Mountain photo spot👇
You need to find a few overlapping Yanzhi-colored mountains to take a photo of several Yanzhi mountains in one frame, which is shocking!
·
Heidu Mountain photo spot👇
The location of Heidu Mountain is easy to find, and every photo is a blockbuster. If you want a stronger sense of oppression, you need a few high mountains in the background, and people standing in a lower place can achieve the feeling of people swimming in the painting
·
Finally, remember to bring a drone to take effect
-
LuminousWhisper
Three Trips to Qinghai: Always Amazed! Here’s the Ultimate Guide
||| I visited Qinghai in 2017 and 2020
The scenery in Qinghai amazed me back then
This May Day, I embarked on my third journey to Qinghai
I was even more shocked by the impact this land had on me!
This time, I finally explored the dazzling colors of Qinghai!
🚗 Self-Driving Route
Day1️⃣ Shanghai ✈️ Dunhuang - Lenghu Town
Day2️⃣ Lenghu - Heidushan - Petroleum Town - Eboliang
Day3️⃣ Eboliang - Water Yadan - Dongtai Jinaier Lake
Day4️⃣ Water Yadan - U-shaped Road - Blood of the Earth - Chaka Salt Lake - Dachaidan
Day5️⃣ Dachaidan Emerald Lake - Golden Light Tower - Delingha ✈️ Shanghai
This route is part of the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, starting from Dunhuang to Delingha, crossing the entire Qaidam Basin, passing through colorful salt lakes, various Yadans, and the ink-wash painting-like Heidushan, making one marvel at the wonders of nature!
Recommended Attractions
📍 Dachaidan Emerald Lake (Pics 9, 16, 17, 18) Must-Visit
Located in Dachaidan Town, the scenic area has colorful salt lakes, especially stunning on sunny days, great for aerial photography.
📍 Chaka Salt Lake (Pics 1, 15) Can Skip if Time is Tight
Located in Golmud City, it takes about one and a half hours from Dachaidan to reach, and another half-hour by scenic area bus to enter, which is time-consuming. Known for its green apple-colored salt lake, great for aerial shots.
📍 Dongtai Jinaier Lake (Pic 6) Free, Must-Visit
Located next to Water Yadan, known as the Maldives of Qinghai. Now has a sightseeing road to the lake. The color is superb, not to be missed!
📍 Water Yadan (Pics 7, 13) Recommended
The only water Yadan group in the world, a rare spectacle that might dry up someday. However, the accommodation conditions in the scenic area are average.
📍 Eboliang (Pics 8, 10) Can Skip if Time is Tight, Must-Visit for Star Lovers
A Yadan group deep in the Gobi Desert, resembling the surface of Mars, far from human habitation, making it a paradise for star photography. However, the road conditions are poor, and the journey is long, with expensive tickets. Can be skipped if time is tight.
📍 Heidushan (Pic 5) Free, Must-Visit
The most popular attraction in Lenghu Town in recent years, drive to the parking lot and walk in. The black and gray mountain structure creates a stunning ink-wash painting.
📍 U-shaped Road (Pic 2) Free, Must-Visit
A section of National Highway 315, park by the roadside, very photogenic.
📍 Blood of the Earth (Pic 14) Can Be Aerial Photographed When Passing By
National Highway 315, not very vivid to the naked eye and requires aerial photography to see the full picture. Aerial photography enthusiasts can take a quick shot when passing by.
📍 Petroleum Town (Pic 4) Free, Recommended
An abandoned petroleum town near Lenghu Town, can be visited after Heidushan.
📍 Delingha Golden Light Tower (Pic 3) Recommended
A solar power installation next to Delingha City, very sci-fi!
_TI***3k
Real-life Ink Painting - Heidushan
🌷Heidushan, an ink painting on the desert and Gobi, embodies the desolation, tranquility, solitude, and freedom of the great northwest.
🪻Heidushan, a name full of mystery, a place that invites exploration. It not only has unique landforms but also endless legends and stories.
💐If you are curious about the unknown, this is definitely a place worth visiting.
🎋Upon entering the Heidushan scenic area, you will be stunned by the sight before you.
🛤️The mountains, canyons, lakes, and other natural landscapes here are all unique. The black peaks stand tall and majestic, as if they are marks left by ancient giants. Clear streams flow through the canyons, with the sound of water like heavenly music. The lakes are like sparkling gems embedded in this vast land.
📍Location: Heidushan, Lenghu, Qinghai.
🚞How to get there: Drive and hike. Head from Lenghu towards Dunhuang, pass the checkpoint, and continue straight for a few minutes until you see a sign with the words 'Heidushan'. Turn right off the highway, follow the iron fence, find an entrance, and then hike for about 20 minutes to reach the mountain.
🚋Additionally, the place shown in the picture is Heidushan Jiupotai, a true ink Danxia painting. It is generally not recommended for self-driving friends to go there, as it requires deep crossing, there is no signal, and it is easy to get lost or stuck. Therefore, those who intend to go must make thorough preparations and be led by professionals.
Excal8burian
Friends all think I went abroad, the two extremes of nature
Our great Northwest has another super beautiful spot discovered by everyone🙋♀️
Magical world or illusory world
【Rainbow Mountain】
🌟Pinkish-white gravel, from a distance, the whole mountain appears pink, also known by netizens as Rainbow Mountain, Rouge Mountain😍
📍Address: From Da Qaidam towards Lenghu direction, not far on the right side when approaching Lenghu, inside Heidushan
【Heidushan】Heidushan
🌟Gray-black mountain body, 3200 meters above sea level, known for its unique gray-black mountain body and the snow on the mountain top
📍Address: Lenghu Town, Mangya City, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province (the two scenic spots are next to each other)
🚗Transportation: Self-driving + hiking (undeveloped scenic area, no driving into, need to walk)
⌚Opening hours: All day
🎫Ticket: Free
🧡Nearby attractions recommendation:
Qinghai Lake💧(China's largest inland lake)
Chaka Salt Lake🌊(Photographer's paradise, the sky that reflects everything)
Riyue Mountain⛰️(Princess Wencheng's entry into Tibet)
AOW. Gus 2677
Travel Guide to Rouge Mountain for Summer 2024
Rouge Mountain in Qinghai is a lesser-known tourist destination. The mountain contains various minerals that reflect a colorful spectrum under sunlight, giving it a pinkish hue from a distance, hence the name 'Rouge Mountain.' Here is a guide for visiting Rouge Mountain:
- Transportation Guide: Rouge Mountain is located about 15 kilometers northeast of Lenghu Town in Mangya City, Qinghai Province. Due to the lack of well-developed roads, it is recommended to hire a car to get there.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Rouge Mountain is in the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is softer, making the mountain colors more vibrant. Additionally, since summer temperatures can be high, it is advisable to visit during spring or autumn.
- Precautions:
- Rouge Mountain is not a developed tourist site; there are no entrance fees, but the roads are not well-developed, posing certain risks. Visitors should be cautious.
- A four-wheel-drive vehicle is necessary to reach Rouge Mountain. Be sure to follow local traffic rules and travel regulations.
- When taking photos on the mountain, prioritize safety. Avoid climbing steep slopes or entering dangerous areas.
- Protect the environment by not littering and preserving the natural beauty of the area.
- Travel Route: The travel route to Rouge Mountain can be customized based on personal preferences and time. Here is a possible itinerary:
- Day 1: Depart from Xining and head to Lenghu Town. Check into a hotel and rest.
- Day 2: Head to Rouge Mountain in the early morning to enjoy the sunrise and take photos. In the afternoon, visit Black Dushan to admire its unique black mountain terrain.
- Day 3: Return to Xining.
Precautions for visiting Rouge Mountain:
- Sun Protection: The summer sun in Qinghai is intense with strong UV radiation. Take sun protection measures such as applying sunscreen, wearing hats, and sunglasses to protect your skin from sunburn.
- Keep Warm: Rouge Mountain is at a high altitude with lower temperatures, especially with significant temperature differences between day and night. Bring enough warm clothing like down jackets and windbreakers.
- Prevent Altitude Sickness: The high altitude of Rouge Mountain may cause altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Take preventive measures in advance, such as taking altitude sickness medication and avoiding strenuous activities. Seek medical attention if severe symptoms occur.
- Environmental Protection: The ecological environment of Rouge Mountain is fragile. Visitors should protect it by not littering, not damaging vegetation, and avoiding smoking or cooking on the mountain.
- Safety: The roads to Rouge Mountain are not well-developed, posing certain risks. Be cautious while exploring the mountain, avoid climbing steep slopes, and stay away from dangerous areas. In case of bad weather or emergencies, evacuate promptly.
This guide aims to help you plan your visit to Rouge Mountain.
敦煌
Heidu Mountain, a real-life version of ink wash painting
If you are tired of the green mountains and waters and the colorful world, then come to Heidu Mountain to experience the visual feast brought by the simple black, white, and gray!
Do you think what you see before your eyes is the moon? That's not right, this place is the most moon-like place on Earth----Heidu Mountain.
Heidu Mountain is located 13 kilometers away from Lenghu Town, Mangya City, Qinghai Province, at an altitude of about 2800 meters. This is not a painting; this is a real-life version of ink wash painting. Black gravel is irregularly scattered on the sand dunes. This is Heidu Mountain in Lenghu, Qinghai. You can depart from Dunhuang, cross the Dangjin Mountain, and navigate to Heidu Mountain via National Highway 215 to get there. But now vehicles are prohibited from entering because the soil in the Heidu Mountain area is loose and fragile. The passage of vehicles would create ruts that are difficult to recover, and the naturally formed appearance is easily damaged, so you can only walk about three kilometers to get in. It is recommended not to stay too long and not to go too deep, as this is a truly uninhabited area, with no people, no signal, no coordinates, and it is best to travel in pairs. There are no residents here, few people stop by, no vegetation, and it has not been developed, existing desolately and quietly on this land.
The surface of the mountain is all black rocks, which change with the heavens and the earth, and the color of the mountain can turn yellow, very cool and magical. Climbing to the top of the mountain, you can enjoy the vast ink painting, feel the loneliness of interstellar travel, and quietly wait for the sunset on the moon in the evening, giving you a sense of being on an alien planet. If you plan to take a big loop around Qinghai and Gansu, please don't miss this place, but please do not destroy its natural appearance.
Regarding accommodation, there are hotels and hostels a dozen kilometers away from Lenghu Town near Heidu Mountain, but not many, so it's best to book in advance. As for dining, Lenghu Town can meet everyone's basic dietary needs. This is a natural free attraction, with no admission fee, which also means no assistance, so it is advised not to venture too far because it is easy to lose signal and get trapped. As long as you follow the repaired route, there should be no problem.
The best time to visit Heidu Mountain is from May to September. If you are not a strong-minded person, it is not recommended to come to Heidu Mountain alone. But if you are like me, willing to find peace in solitude and let go of yourself in the wilderness, then I suggest you must come and see, 'It's better to see once than to hear a thousand times'!
S@muel H3rn@nd3z
The black 'Lunar Landscape' of the Great Northwest
I highly recommend a niche and cool place—Heidushan, a world of black and white, simple and pure. The Yardang landform of Heidushan ⛰️ is known as the 'Lunar Landscape on Earth🌝'.
⚠️: Proceed with caution at Heidushan!!! Do not drive in, do not drive in
(There have been incidents reported online saying: When they went there, the fence was knocked down, and they thought it was open, but after entering, the police 👮 came. Later, they learned from the police that the tire tracks take a long time to disappear, and currently, it is not open to the public.)
⚠️Therefore, be a responsible tourist and enter on foot🚶♂️! If you cannot walk 🚶♂️ or do not want to explore this beautiful scenery, I suggest you do not choose 'Heidushan⛰️'
Heidushan⛰️ is located next to Lenghu Town, very close by, because Lenghu Town is at the junction of Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang provinces, so the control is quite strict‼️
‼️: If you drive 🚘 here, park your car 🚘 on a vacant lot outside Heidushan, outside the railing, and then enter on foot🚶♂️. There is also a small oil town nearby, and if you have enough time, you can visit both
⚠️1️⃣I do not recommend coming here too late, as there is nothing to see after dark. It takes about ⌚️35-40 minutes to walk 🚶♂️ to the foot of the mountain. Some guides say it takes 20 minutes, but that's misleading—it's a round trip of 1.5 hours, plus you need to allocate time for sightseeing. Please manage your time accordingly
2️⃣The wind on the mountain is very, very strong and extremely dangerous, and the slopes are steep, so be sure to pay attention to safety⚠️. Safety comes first under any circumstances‼️ Do not venture deep into the mountains, as they are vast and without signal, and it's easy to get lost. Be sure to assess your capabilities and proceed with caution, and do not go alone—always have company‼️ Find a local guide)
‼️‼️The photos show traces of tire tracks, so please make sure to walk 🚶♂️ and protect the natural beauty
JAYCEON HOLT
The place on earth that most resembles the surface of the moon - Heidu Mountain in Qinghai!
If you are like me, willing to find peace in solitude, and empty yourself in the wilderness, then I suggest you must come here! This is not a place where there is no grass, the place that most resembles the surface of the moon "Heidu Mountain in Qinghai" It is the most unique scenery in the vast mountains of the northwest, the pure black and white create its appearance like the surface of the moon. It also gives it a unique feature of alternating black and white mountain colors, full of the charm of Chinese classical ink painting. It's as if, a peak walked out of an ink painting. Until now, I found a place called "Heidu Mountain", it is desolate, lonely, and cold, this desolate and tragic landscape will shock you. This ink-like scenery makes loneliness even more lonely. If your heart is strong enough, you must go once.
Recommended itinerary:
Explore Qinghai · Chaka Salt Lake · Aiken Spring 8 days and 7 nights (private group)
D1. All over the country—Xining
D2. Xining—Riyue Mountain—Daotang River—Qinghai Lake—Chaka Salt Lake—Delingha
D3. Delingha—Chaka Salt Lake—Dachaidan Emerald Lake—Dachaidan
D4. Dachaidan—Beautiful Highway G315 National Road—Dongtaijinaer Lake (passing by)—Water Yadan—Xitaijinaer Lake—Mangya
D5. Mangya-Aiken Spring (Devil's Eye)—Mars No. 1 Highway—Boluo Transfer Well (Oil Town)—Dunhuang
D6. Dunhuang—Mogao Grottoes—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring—Shazhou Night Market—Dunhuang City
D7. Dunhuang—-Son of the Earth—Mirage—Guazhou Taste Melon—Jiayuguan—Zhangye Danxia—Zhangye
D8. Zhangye—Biandukou—Qilian Mountain Grassland—Gangshika Snow Peak—Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea—End of Xining