The Back Garden of the Gods: Exploring the Glacial Wonderland of Nianbao Yuze

A Mythical Stone Kingdom

1.Located at the border of Jiuzhi County in the: Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province, Nianbao Yuze is a majestic mountain range belonging to the eastern branch of the Bayan Har Mountains. Known in Tibetan as the "God's Stone Mountain," it is revered as the birthplace of the Golog people and serves as a sacred destination for pilgrims. The highest peak reaches an altitude of 5,369 meters, standing as a silent sentinel over a high-altitude wilderness that has remained relatively untouched by modern industry. In 2005, it was designated as a National Geological Park, covering an area of 3,469 square kilometers, showcasing one of the most complete glacial landform systems in China.

The Geological Textbook of Glaciers

Nianbao Yuze is a spectacular display of Quaternary glacial activity. The landscape is defined by its rugged, sharp ridges, steep granite cliffs, and classic U-shaped valleys carved out by ancient ice. Visitors are greeted by a surreal horizon of jagged "horns" and "cirques" that resemble rows of stone towers or swords piercing the sky. Below these towering peaks lie moraine-dammed lakes and wide glacial troughs filled with alpine meadows. The area acts as a vital watershed, with streams on the southern slope flowing into the Yangtze River system and those on the northern slope eventually feeding the Yellow River.

The Legend of the Three Daughters

Beyond its geological significance, Nianbao Yuze is steeped in profound Tibetan folklore. According to local legend, Nianbao Yuze was an elderly man of great virtue who married his three beautiful daughters to a brave hunter. These daughters are said to have transformed into the region's mountain peaks and lakes, creating the three main basins: Upper, Middle, and Lower Golog. Every year on the 4th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar, a grand mountain god festival is held here. Monks and herdsmen gather to perform rituals, chant prayers, and offer sacrifices to the mountain, praying for a bountiful harvest and the protection of their livestock.

A Labyrinth of Three Hundred Lakes

One of the most breathtaking features of Nianbao Yuze is its "haizi"—a collection of over 300 alpine lakes scattered throughout the valleys. The most famous are Fairy Lake (Xiannü Hu) and Demon Lake (Yaonü Hu). Fairy Lake, located at the entrance, is a vast, crystal-clear body of water that reflects the surrounding snow peaks like a mirror. A trek through the marshy transition zones leads to the more secluded and mysterious Demon Lake, which is often described as being even more enchanting and evocative than its counterpart. During the summer months of July and August, the shores of these lakes are carpeted in a vibrant sea of wildflowers, creating a "Back Garden of the Gods" that is a dream for hikers and photographers.

A Sanctuary for Adventurers

Nianbao Yuze offers a raw and challenging environment for outdoor enthusiasts. While the peaks offer moderate climbing difficulty for professionals, the area is best known for its circumambulation (Kora) routes. Trekking between the two main lakes usually takes several hours and requires navigating through high-altitude swamps and rock fields. For those who choose to camp, the nights offer a profound silence broken only by the wind, with views of the Milky Way stretching across the deep blue plateau sky. It is a place where the grandeur of nature meets the depth of human faith, offering a soul-stirring experience at the roof of the world.