Where the Red Cliffs Meet the Emerald River: Kanbula National Geopark and the Sanctuary of Achung Namdzong

A Geological Masterpiece on the Plateau

Located in Jainca County of the Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province, Kanbula National Geopark (also known as Kanbula National Forest Park) offers one of the most striking visual contrasts in Northwest China. Situated at the dramatic intersection of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau, the park is renowned for its unique Danxia landforms—red sandstone formations that have been eroded over millions of years into towering pillars, square mountains, and deep canyons. These fiery red cliffs stand in stark juxtaposition to the lush green forests and the brilliant turquoise waters of the Lijiaxia Reservoir, creating a landscape often described as "Guilin on the Plateau" or "Jiangnan of the North".

The Harmony of Red Mountains and Green Water

1.The visual soul of: Kanbula is the interplay between the "Red Mountains" and the "Green Water". The park borders the Yellow River to the north, specifically the section formed by the Lijiaxia Hydropower Station. Unlike the muddy yellow torrents usually associated with the river, the water here settles into a crystal-clear, emerald-green lake due to the reservoir, reflecting the blue sky and the surrounding red sandstone cliffs. Visitors can drive along winding mountain roads that offer panoramic views of this "High Gorge Rising from Flat Lake," or take a boat cruise to drift between the towering Danxia peaks, experiencing the grandeur of the landscape from the water level.

The Sacred Nanzong Valley

Beyond its geological wonders, Kanbula is a place of profound spiritual significance. Deep within the Nanzong Valley (Nanzong Gou) lies the Achung Namdzong Temple (Nanzong Si), a sacred site of the Nyingma (Red Hat) school of Tibetan Buddhism with a history spanning over 1,000 years. History records that during the persecution of Buddhism by the Tubo King Langdarma in the 9th century, three monks fled from Central Tibet to this secluded valley to preserve the lineage. They later ordained Lhalung Pelgyi Dorje here, ensuring the survival and subsequent revival of Tibetan Buddhism in the region. Today, golden-topped temples cling to the precipitous red cliffs, and meditation caves used by monks for centuries can still be seen, adding a layer of mystical solemnity to the stunning natural scenery.

A Gallery of Natural Sculptures

2.The Danxia landforms in: Kanbula are characterized by their variety and vivid shapes. Erosion has carved the red rocks into forms resembling castles, towers, pillars, and humans. Famous formations include the "Fairy Party" (Xiannü Juhui), a group of slender rock peaks that look like celestial beings gathering in the forest, and "Qiangqi Gang". The area is also rich in vegetation, with birch, elm, and wildflowers softening the rugged stone outlines. In autumn, the foliage turns golden and red, adding yet another layer of color to this already vibrant palette. Whether viewed from the high-altitude observation decks or from the valley floor, Kanbula presents a three-dimensional landscape painting of immense beauty and cultural depth.