Guoluo

Temperatures vary sharply between day and night in highland areas, so bring warm clothing even when traveling in summer.

Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai is home to snow-capped mountains, glaciers, highland lakes and vast wildlife habitats. Its landscapes are open and largely untouched, making it well suited to a highland trip focused on nature.

• Animaqing Snow Mountain, Guoluo: One of the four sacred mountains of the Tibetan region, with the majestic main peak, Maqing Gangri. Along the way, you can visit the Halong Glacier and Dangxiong Glacier in Guoluo to experience the snow mountains and glaciers up close.

• Guoluo Nianbaoyuze Travel Guide: Known as the “garden of the gods,” this area is best known for Fairy Lake and Demoness Lake. The scenic area may still be closed or subject to restricted development, and visitors can generally only view it from outside. Do not enter the core area or cross the area illegally.
• Donggecuona Lake, Guoluo: One of the larger freshwater lakes in Guoluo Prefecture, at an elevation of 4,090 meters. Its waters are a deep blue, and wildlife such as Tibetan wild asses and Tibetan gazelles can often be seen in the surrounding wetlands. The area is also suitable for drone photography.

• Xingxinghai, Guoluo: Located in Madoi County, this wetland landscape lies at the source of the Yellow River. Numerous lakes are scattered across the vast grasslands, and visitors may see herds of wild animals along the route. The landscape remains largely untouched.

• Gesarlinka, Guoluo: Located at the highest point in Dari County, it is home to China's largest statue of King Gesar. From the top, you can overlook Dari County and the Yellow River's spectacular braided waterways.

Recommended Classic Self-Drive Route

Guoluo is vast, and the attractions are far apart, so self-driving or hiring a car with a driver is the most suitable way to explore the area. You can depart from Xining and plan a large loop without repeating the route.

• Day 1: Xining → Longyangxia Grand Canyon → Gonghe County (to acclimatize to the altitude; about 3.5 hours by car).

• Day 2: Gonghe County → Donggecuona Lake → Huashixia Town (visit a highland lake; about 4 hours by car).

• Day 3: Huashixia Town → Animaqing Snow Mountain → Weigele Dangxiong Glacier → Machen County (view the glacier up close; about 3 hours by car).

• Day 4: Machen County → outskirts of Nianbaoyuze → Jiuzhi County (view the sacred mountain peaks from outside the scenic area; about 4 hours by car).
• Day 5: Jiuzhi County → Dari County (Gesarlinka) → Banma County (learn about the Yellow River wetlands and epic culture; about 4.5 hours by car).
• Day 6: Banma County → Guide National Geopark → Xining (return to Xining; about 5 hours by car).

Transportation and Accommodation Tips

• Getting around: Guoluo Prefecture has no major airport. The prefectural capital, Machen County, has a small airport, but flights are limited. The more convenient option is to fly to Xining first and then rent a car for a self-drive trip.
• Choosing a vehicle: An SUV or off-road vehicle is recommended. Some sections leading to the glaciers, the southern shore of Donggecuona Lake and the more remote parts of Xingxinghai are unpaved gravel roads or bumpy tracks. Sedans have low ground clearance and can easily scrape their undersides.
• Where to stay: Accommodation is relatively well developed in Machen, Jiuzhi and Dari counties, where oxygen-enriched hotels are a good choice. Madoi County is over 4,300 meters above sea level, so the risk of altitude sickness is relatively high. Unless required by your itinerary, it is best not to stay overnight there.

Preventing Altitude Sickness and Travel Safety

The average elevation across Guoluo is above 3,700 meters, with some areas exceeding 4,500 meters. Altitude sickness requires particular attention.

• Prepare in advance: You can take Rhodiola rosea for the seven days before departure, and bring ibuprofen, portable oxygen and a pulse oximeter. If your blood oxygen level falls below 85%, rest immediately and use oxygen.
• Plan your first day carefully: On the first day after arriving at high altitude, do not take a bath or wash your hair, drink alcohol or do strenuous exercise. Give your body time to adjust.
• Stay warm and protect yourself from the sun: The temperature difference between day and night is substantial at high altitude. Bring a waterproof outdoor jacket or light down jacket even in summer. UV radiation is strong, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
• Driving safety: Some roads may be affected by permafrost subsidence, so drive carefully and keep your speed down. Follow local traffic regulations, and do not travel through uninhabited areas at night. Keep your distance from wildlife, and never chase or feed it.

Food and Cultural Experiences

• Local specialties: Try braised yak, yak yogurt, tsampa and sea buckthorn drinks. The sweetness and ingredients used in yak yogurt vary. You can also try Yellow River salmon in Longyangxia Town.
• Cultural experiences: Guoluo is the birthplace of the epic *King Gesar*. You can visit the China Gesar Culture Museum or go to Gesarlinka in Dari County to learn about Tibetan culture. When entering religious sites, observe the relevant customs, such as not stepping on thresholds or pointing at Buddha statues.

Best Time to Travel

• May to September: Plants turn green and the lakes are clear, making this a good period for viewing natural scenery and wildlife. The grasslands are at their most lush from July to August.
• October to April of the following year: Temperatures are low, and some roads may be covered in snow or ice. This period suits travelers who want to see blue ice and experience a wilderness landscape, but prepare in advance for the cold and slippery conditions.