Emerald Gateway to the Highland: Exploring the Mythic Landscapes of Yeliguan

The Garden of Gannan

1.Situated at the transition zone between the: Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau, the Yeliguan Scenic Area is a breathtaking sanctuary of natural and cultural beauty in Lintan County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Often referred to as the "Garden of Gannan," this vast landscape encompasses diverse terrains, ranging from lush primitive forests to dramatic high-altitude lakes and unique geological formations. The area is divided into several key sections, including Lianhua Mountain, the East and West Gorges, and Yehai Lake, each offering a distinct experience of the frontier's raw majesty.

The Spiritual Peak of Lianhua Mountain

Rising to a height of 3,578 meters, Lianhua Mountain (Lotus Mountain) is the spiritual heart of Yeliguan. From a distance, the peak resembles a blossoming lotus flower, an image that has earned it the title of "West Kongtong". It serves as a sacred site for both Buddhist and Taoist faiths, housing numerous temples and grottoes carved into its precipitous cliffs. The mountain is renowned for combining the steepness of Huashan with the verdant elegance of Emei, acting as a beacon for pilgrims and hikers alike.

2.Geological Wonders: Red Cliffs and Sleeping Buddhas

3.West of the town lies the Chibi: Grotto (Red Cliff), a world of striking ochre-colored sandstone. Stretching for 20 kilometers, these red cliffs have been sculpted by wind and water into shapes resembling screens, tigers, and monks, creating a vivid contrast against the surrounding greenery. Equally famous is the "Ten-mile Sleeping Buddha," a natural mountain formation that perfectly mimics a reclining deity, a sight that is particularly evocative when viewed under the moonlight. These formations form part of a recognized provincial-level geological park.

A Tapestry of Highland Nature

Yeliguan is characterized by its exceptional forest coverage of 63% and overall vegetation rate of 92%, making it one of the most vibrant "natural oxygen bars" in the region. The Yemu River flows through the area, carving out deep canyons such as the Lianzhu Gorge, where waterfalls cascade down sheer cliffs. To the north, Yehai Lake (an alpine barrier lake) provides a serene mirror for the surrounding peaks, reflecting the quiet resilience of the highland ecosystem. This combination of water, stone, and forest led Vision and Adventure magazines to rank Yeliguan among the world's most essential travel destinations.