Guanegou National Park: A Verdant Gem of Glacial Lakes and Ancient Gorges

The Hidden Paradise of Dangchang

1.Located in Dangchang: County, Longnan, Gansu Province, Guanegou National Park is a massive ecological sanctuary covering approximately 17,637 hectares. Originally known as "Guan'ekou" (关恶口), a name derived from ancient Tibetan meaning "parallel deep trenches," the park consists of two primary valleys: Daheba and Guanegou. Today, it is recognized as a National 5A Scenic Area and a premier geological park, boasting a forest coverage rate of 75.1%.

A Landscape of Three Zones

The park's 32-kilometer length is famously divided into distinct sections that offer a transition through diverse ecosystems. The first 14 kilometers are characterized by a chain of 15 colorful lakes, each shimmering with hues of emerald, turquoise, and azure. This is followed by an 18-kilometer stretch of dense primeval forests, dominated by ancient pines and cypresses. At its deepest reaches, the park ascends into alpine meadows and dramatic snow-capped peaks that remain frozen throughout the year.

Geological Marvels and Waterfalls

Guanegou is often described by experts as a "Geological Park" of immense aesthetic value. The narrow gorges and vertical cliffs feature unique rock formations like the Tongtian Gate and Wentian Rock. The park is also a land of water, home to numerous spectacular falls including the Pearl Waterfall, Tiger Mouth Waterfall, and the Guan'e Flying Waterfall, which cascade down the red rock faces. One of the most serene spots is Minghu (Moon Lake), which reflects the sun's golden rays at dawn to create a sacred atmosphere for the local community.

Ancient Legends and Cultural Heritage

The park is steeped in history and folklore. It houses the ruins of the Yangma Ancient City (羊马古城), a military fortress built on a mountain peak over 800 years ago during the Yuan Dynasty. Local legends also link the park to the classic epic Journey to the West, claiming that Monk Sha hid sacred scriptures in the "Earth Scripture Gorge" (地书峡) and eventually transformed into the "Guan'e Reclining Buddha" mountain range. To this day, local Tibetan and Qiang residents continue to offer devotion to these figures through traditional Tangka paintings and rituals.