Qilian Mountains
The Qilian Mountains are a high, glacial mountain range straddling northeast Gansu and Qinghai provinces in China. Known for rugged peaks, high passes, and alpine ecosystems, they form a natural barrier linking the Hexi Corridor to the east with northeastern Tibet beyond the Bayin Glacier. The range offers long-distance hiking, high-altitude crossings, and dramatic canyon scenery, with key passes and camping zones accessible from regional towns.
Learn More
Geography
| Continent | Asia |
|---|---|
| Region | East Asia |
| Subregion | East Asia |
| Country | China |
| State | Qinghai and Gansu provinces |
| County | Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture |
| Timezone | AsiaShanghai |
| Latitude | 36.5 |
| Longitude | 96.5 |
| Maps |
3:59 AM LOCAL TIMEThe Qilian Mountains are a formidable, high-altitude range extending roughly 600 kilometers across northeast Gansu and southern Qinghai, serving as a climatic and cultural corridor between the deserts of the northwest and the Tibetan Plateau to the southwest. The range's highest point is Gongger Snow Mountain or Bairen Feng at about 5713 meters, visible over surrounding valleys and often capped with year-round snow. Lower elevations descend to around 2900 meters near passes and valley basins, supporting a mix of grassland, shrubland, and patches of forest — primarily Picea and Quercus species — transition zones that are vital habitat for native wildlife like Tibetan antelope and wild yak. Major passes such as Shuangyang Pass and Qiliang Pass historically facilitated trade and migration, while the range's remote northern ranges are less settled but increasingly popular for backcountry camping, glacier crossing, and trans-mountain routes. Key access points include towns and stations like Xining and Haiyan, with trailheads leading to high passes, alpine lakes, and river canyons; infrastructure is variable, and conditions require preparation and local guidance for serious routes.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Sun Dec 14, 2025, 2:46 AM