Qiyi

The "Blue Tear" of the Qilian Mountains

Located in the northern foothills of the Qilian Mountains within the jurisdiction of Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province, the Qiyi Glacier (July 1 Glacier) is a magnificent alpine wonder. Situated approximately 90 kilometers from downtown Jiayuguan, it is celebrated as "China's most beautiful low-altitude glacier" and the "Blue Tear of the Qilian Mountains". With an altitude ranging from 4,300 to 5,100 meters, the glacier's tongue extends down to 4,300 meters, making it one of the most accessible modern valley glaciers in China. Unlike many remote glaciers that can only be viewed from afar, Qiyi Glacier allows visitors to get up close and physically touch the ice, offering a rare opportunity to witness a "solid river" flowing in slow motion amidst the rugged plateau landscape.

A Frozen Crystal Palace

The glacier covers a total area of about 3.8 square kilometers and spans a length of 4 kilometers. It presents a spectacular array of glacial features that resemble a crystal palace carved by nature. Visitors can observe towering "ice pagodas" (seracs) that stand like forests, deep blue ice crevasses that shimmer like sapphires, and dramatic ice waterfalls that hang from the cliffs,. Under the summer sun, the surface of the glacier glistens, creating a stark and beautiful contrast with the surrounding bare rock and the distant snowy peaks of the Qilian range. This landscape is often described as the "Blue Eye" of the mountains, guarding the Hexi Corridor for millennia.

History and the "July 1st" Name

The glacier was historically known to the local Yugur people as "Transparent Mengke," which translates to "Blue Glacier". Its modern name, "Qiyi" (July 1st), commemorates the date of its first survey by the Chinese mountaineering and scientific expedition team on July 1, 1958. Historically, this area was a vital water source for the Hexi Corridor; legends say the glacier is the scales of a Dragon King who turned into ice to save the region from drought. For centuries, it served as a landmark for travelers on the Silk Road and a sacred site for local herdsmen who would offer sacrifices to the ice to pray for rain and harvest.

The Visitor Experience

1.Visiting Qiyi: Glacier is an adventure that combines hiking with cultural immersion.

• 2.Close Encounter: The site is known for being the "most easy-to-approach" glacier. From the parking area, visitors can hike along wooden boardwalks or rent horses to reach the edge of the ice tongue. Standing next to the massive wall of ice provides a shocking contrast between the warmth of the summer sun and the ancient cold of the glacier.
• 3.Photography: The site is a paradise for photographers. The texture of the ice, the "ice mushrooms," and the layers of the glacier offer endless compositions, especially in the morning light when the ice appears most translucent.
• 4.Yugur Culture: The journey to the glacier often involves passing through Yugur ethnic territory. Visitors can see traditional felt tents, taste yak butter tea and hand-grabbed mutton, and perhaps witness local festivities like the "Wèi Sāng" (burning aromatic plants) ceremony, adding a rich cultural layer to the natural excursion,.