The Golden Gallery of the Qilian Mountains: Xianmi National Forest Park and the Original Qinghai

The Largest Forest in Qinghai

1.Located in the eastern part of Menyuan Hui: Autonomous County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Xianmi National Forest Park represents a side of Qinghai often hidden from the typical image of arid plateaus or vast lakes. Covering an area of 148,000 hectares (1,480 square kilometers), it is the largest continuous forest area in Qinghai Province and a significant component of the Qilian Mountains National Park. The park sits at an altitude ranging from 2,400 to 4,800 meters, creating a dramatic vertical landscape that transitions from lush river valleys to dense coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and finally to snow-capped peaks. Known as "The most beautiful original scenery in Qinghai," Xianmi offers a pristine ecological environment where the Loess Plateau meets the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, creating a unique transition zone rich in biodiversity and natural beauty.

A Hundred-Mile Gallery of Colors

The park is renowned for its spectacular seasonal transformations, particularly in autumn. The Menyuan River (also known as the Haomen River) cuts through the park, flanked by mountains covered in dense forests. This corridor is famous as the "Hundred-Mile Birch Gallery." In September and October, the vast stands of birch and red birch trees turn brilliant shades of gold and crimson, contrasting sharply with the deep green of the spruce and the azure sky. This visual feast transforms the valley into a living oil painting. In summer (July and August), the landscape is a sea of green, dotted with alpine flowers like globeflowers, edelweiss, and gentians, making it an ideal retreat from the heat. The vertical zonation of vegetation allows visitors to experience the shift from broadleaf forests to coniferous taiga and alpine shrublands within a single journey,.

The Land of Gods and Myths

The name "Xianmi" is derived from the Tibetan words "Seming" or "Xianma," which can be interpreted as "Land of Gods" or "Land of Marsh," reflecting the region's abundant water and spiritual significance. Historically, this area was a crucial passage on the Qingtang Ancient Road, a southern branch of the Silk Road that connected the Central Plains with the western regions. Today, it is a melting pot of cultures where Tibetan, Hui, Tu, and Mongolian communities coexist. The Hongya Temple (Xianmi Temple), a Gelug sect Tibetan Buddhist monastery, sits nestled against the mountains facing the river, adding a profound sense of serenity and history to the wild landscape. Local legends often link the surrounding peaks to dragon deities, emphasizing the harmony between the local people and nature,.

An Ecological Sanctuary

Xianmi is not just a scenic spot but a vital ecological sanctuary. The core area, Xianmi Canyon, preserves primeval forests that shelter rare wildlife such as black bears, snow leopards, blue sheep, and red deer. Visitors hiking through the forest trails breathe in air rich in negative oxygen ions and may spot traces of these elusive animals. High-altitude glacial lakes like Taolan Lake and Black Dragon Lake are scattered like jewels in the mountains, formed by ancient glacial movements. These lakes, surrounded by silence and snow peaks, offer a pristine reflection of the sky and are perfect for those seeking solitude and connection with the raw power of nature.