Qilian Mountain Grassland from June to August! The Ultimate Summer Escape

June to August marks the most picturesque season in Qilian Mountain Grassland, with average temperatures between 15-25°C. The pastures turn emerald green like carpets, while the rapeseed flower fields in Menyuan bloom spectacularly (peaking in mid-July). The snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and flower seas intertwine, creating scenes straight out of a Hayao Miyazaki animation. Must-Experience Highlights • Snow Mountains Meet Grasslands: The Qilian Mountain snow peaks contrast beautifully with the green meadows. • Tibetan Culture: Experience nomadic life and traditional foods like tsampa and butter tea. • Hidden Gems: Escape the crowds at tranquil spots like Biandukou and Eboling Pass. 🗺️ Two-Day Itinerary Day 1: Xining → Backside of Zhuoer Mountain → Qilian County • Zhuoer Mountain Backside (Free): Navigate to "Zhuoer Mountain Backside Visitor Center," parking fee ¥10, 10-minute walk. Stunning photo ops with Danxia landforms and rapeseed fields. • Ebao Town: Lunch recommendations include knife-cut noodles and kangguo mutton (affordable at ¥30-50/person). • Qilian Mountain Grassland: Explore freely along the way, recommended stop at Eboling Pass (Qinghai-Gansu border, 3,685m altitude, bring windproof gear). • Accommodation: Qilian County hotels or Tibetan homestays (standard rooms ¥200-300/night, some include breakfast). Day 2: Qilian County → Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea → Xining • Menyuan Flowers: Recommended spots - Qingshizui Round Hill Viewing Platform (360° panorama) and Dabanshan Viewing Platform (ideal for drone shots). • Return Trip: Stop by Qinghai Lake Cliff (near Gari Monastery, ¥10 ticket, photogenic spot), arrive in Xining by evening. 🍜 Food Recommendations • Must-try: Hand-grabbed mutton, yak yogurt, Qilian earth hotpot (affordable in Ebao Town restaurants). • Caution: Bargain for horseback riding (recommended ¥80-100/hour). ⚠️ Travel Tips • Altitude Sickness: Above 3,000m, avoid strenuous activity; consider taking rhodiola in advance. • Temperature & Sun Protection: Sunscreen + sunglasses by day, windproof jacket by evening (windbreakers recommended). • Transportation: Self-driving preferred (Xining car rental ¥200-400/day); otherwise hire private cars (¥400-600/day, carpooling more economical). 🏠 Accommodation Suggestions • Qilian County: Choose homestays near Ladongtai Village for Tibetan experiences (some offer free Tibetan costume photos). • Menyuan: Book early during peak season; prioritize county town hotels (better facilities). 🚗 Transportation Notes • From Xining: Scenic drive along G227 Highway, mind speed limits. • From Zhangye: Enter via Biandukou (3-hour drive, good road conditions). 📌 Hidden Gems • Donggeer Viewing Platform: Free Qinghai Lake viewpoint where yellow fish can be spotted. • Qinghai Lake Cliff: Near Gari Monastery, 15-minute walk required, be cautious.