The Last Caravan: Mohe Camel Farm and the Spirit of the Plateau Pioneers

A Living Monument on the Gobi

1.Located in Ulan: County, within the vast Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province, the Mohe Camel Farm (Mohe Luotuochang) stands as a unique testament to a bygone era. It is historically known as the "Cradle of the Camel Spirit" and is recognized as the oldest existing camel farm in Northwest China. Situated along the historic Silk Road and the ancient Tang-Tibet Road, this destination offers a distinct blend of stark Gobi desert landscapes, red revolutionary history, and the enduring resilience of the "Ship of the Desert." Unlike the lush green pastures found elsewhere in the province, Mohe presents a rugged, desolate beauty characteristic of the Qaidam Basin, where history is etched into the wind-swept earth.

The Legend of the Transport Corps

2.The soul of Mohe Camel: Farm lies in its profound history connected to the liberation and construction of Tibet and Qinghai. Established in 1953, it was originally part of the "General Transport Corps of the Tibet Independent Detachment." In an era before modern highways and railways connected the high plateau, it was the camels and the tenacious pioneers of Mohe who carried thousands of tons of supplies—grain, salt, and equipment—across the treacherous snowy mountains and deserts to Lhasa. Walking through the farm today, visitors can see the well-preserved historic buildings, including the original headquarters, barracks, and storage facilities built from earth and wood in the 1950s. These structures, with their slogans and simple architecture, serve as a time capsule, transporting you back to the years of arduous struggle and selfless dedication.

The Camel Spirit Museum

To truly understand the significance of this location, a visit to the Mohe Camel Farm History Museum is essential. The museum houses a collection of precious historical artifacts, photographs, and documents that narrate the heroic journeys of the camel caravans. It tells the story of how the "Camel Spirit"—characterized by loyalty, endurance, and silence—became a symbol of the national spirit during the development of Western China. It honors the bond between the people and these majestic animals who braved the harsh elements together. The museum provides a deep cultural dive, contrasting sharply with the natural scenery outside, offering a narrative of human perseverance against nature's toughest odds.

A Scenic Stop on the Gobi

Today, Mohe Camel Farm has transformed from a purely functional transport unit into a scenic spot integrating history, culture, and leisure. Visitors can wander through the Populus Euphratica (Hu Yang) forests that dot the area, providing a splash of golden color against the grey desert backdrop in autumn. You can observe herds of camels grazing in their natural habitat, their bells jingling softly in the wind, a sound that echoes the ancient caravan trade. The area is also known for its salt-alkali land scenery and the nearby Chaka Salt Lake context, making it a perfect cultural stopover for travelers on a road trip through the Haixi region. Whether you are a history buff interested in the "Red Culture" of China or a photographer seeking the raw textures of the plateau, Mohe Camel Farm offers a poignant and memorable experience.