The Melody of the Highland: Jinyintan Prairie and the Secrets of the Atomic City

A Prairie of Gold and Silver

1.Located in Haiyan: County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, Jinyintan Prairie (Golden and Silver Beach) gets its evocative name from the flowers that carpet its vast expanse. The prairie covers an area of 1,100 square kilometers and is divided into two sections by rivers. To the north lies the Golden Beach (Jin Tan), where golden Potentilla fruticosa flowers bloom brilliantly; to the south is the Silver Beach (Yin Tan), covered in pristine white Potentilla glabra flowers. During the peak summer season (July to September), the blooming flowers interweave with the lush green grass, creating a breathtaking tapestry of gold, silver, and emerald under the deep blue highland sky. Herds of yaks and sheep graze leisurely, resembling pearls scattered across a green velvet carpet, forming a classic idyllic scene of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,,.

The Birthplace of a Love Song

Jinyintan is not just a natural wonder; it is a place of profound romance and cultural significance. It is widely known as the birthplace of the world-famous Chinese folk song, "In That Distant Place" (Zai Na Yao Yuan De Di Fang). In the 1940s, the legendary songwriter Wang Luobin visited this prairie and met a beautiful Tibetan girl named Salma Zhuoma. Inspired by her beauty and the stunning landscape, he penned the timeless lyrics that have touched generations. The prairie has since become a symbol of pure love and a pilgrimage site for music lovers, who come to feel the romantic atmosphere that once inspired the "Singing King of the West",.

The Mystery of the Atomic City

Beneath the serene beauty of the wildflowers lies a heavy and secretive history. In the 1950s, this vast grassland was chosen as the site for Factory 221, China's first nuclear weapons research and development base. For decades, Jinyintan vanished from maps, becoming a restricted military zone known simply as the "Atomic City." It was here that China developed its first atomic and hydrogen bombs. Today, the secrecy has been lifted, and the Atomic City Memorial Hall stands on the prairie, documenting the hardships and glories of the scientists and workers who lived here. Visitors can explore the preserved remnants of the base, witnessing a stark contrast between the tranquil natural scenery and the monumental history of national defense etched into the land,,,.

A Sanctuary for the Soul

Today, Jinyintan Prairie offers a unique blend of natural splendor, romantic culture, and historical gravity. Whether you are driving through the "Gold and Silver" flower fields, visiting the solemn ruins of the Atomic City, or simply sitting on the grass listening to the wind, the prairie offers a profound sense of peace. It is a place where history meets nature, where the softness of a love song coexists with the hardness of steel and concrete relics. The air is fresh, the sky is high, and the spirit of the plateau is palpable, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both visual beauty and spiritual depth,.