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Sanlanbahai Village, Jiezhi Town, Xunhua Salar Autonomous County, Haidong City, Qinghai Province
An important cultural landmark and sacred site of the Salar ethnic group in Qinghai
Camel Spring or Luotuo Spring (Chinese: 骆驼泉 Luotuo quan), is an important cultural landmark and sacred site for the Salar ethnic group in Xunhua Salar Autonomous County, Haidong City, Qinghai Province. It is located in Sanlanbahai Village of Jiezhi Town, near the Jiezhi Grand Mosque, about 5 kilometers from the county seat. This spring is not only a national AAA-rated tourist attraction, but also regarded as a spiritual symbol and birthplace of the Salar people.
Luotuo Spring is widely recognized as the cradle of Salar culture. Its story stretches back more than 700 years, rooted in both oral history and religious devotion.
According to legend, in the 13th century, two brothers named Gare Mang and Ahe Mang, ancestors of today’s Salar people, led their people eastward from Samarkand in Central Asia in search of a new homeland. They carried with them sacred belongings: a copy of the Quran, soil and water from their homeland, and a white camel to guide their journey.
After traveling across vast and challenging terrains, they reached what is now Xunhua County. At this very spot, the white camel—exhausted from the long journey—suddenly transformed into a white stone, and a crystal-clear spring gushed from the ground. Interpreting this as a sign from Allah, the brothers and their people settled there, giving rise to the first Salar village in China.
Today, this miraculous event remains deeply embedded in Salar identity. At the site, a white stone camel sculpture commemorates the legend, and the spring still flows, connecting generations of Salar people to their ancestry. Luotuo Spring is not just a scenic spot—it is a living symbol of migration, faith, and perseverance.
Though Luotuo Spring is modest in size, it offers a richly textured cultural experience that blends natural beauty, ethnic history, and Islamic tradition.
Luotuo Spring and the White Camel Sculpture
As you enter the main gate, your eyes will first catch the reflective pool in which stands a white stone statue of a camel. This statue is a direct tribute to the ancestral camel from the migration story and serves as the visual heart of the spring. The still waters around it reflect the greenery and blue sky, making it an ideal spot for peaceful reflection and photography.
Salar Culture Exhibition Hall
Before visiting the spring itself, make a stop at the Salar Culture Exhibition Hall within the scenic area. This museum offers a detailed narrative of the Salar migration, traditional crafts, clothing, religious practices, and their integration into Chinese history. Though small, the exhibit is intimate and educational, giving deeper context to the surrounding sacred landmarks.
Tranquil Gardens and Historic Structures
The area surrounding the spring is lush with willow trees, flowering shrubs, and seasonal roses. In spring and summer, the blooming landscape provides a delightful contrast to the more arid nearby hills. Scattered through the garden are two preserved courtyards and examples of traditional residential architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, including a Ming-era fence tower, characteristic of local building style.
Though unassuming in scale, this part of the site radiates an atmosphere of quiet harmony and cultural depth.
Visit the Nearby Jiezhi Grand Mosque
Located less than 100 meters from Luotuo Spring, the Jiezhi Grand Mosque is another must-see highlight in Xunhua. Originally constructed in 1370 (the third year of the Ming dynasty’s Hongwu reign), it has undergone several renovations and expansions—most notably in the Qing Dynasty and again in 1931.
The mosque stands today as Qinghai Province’s second-largest Islamic structure, with distinctive Arabic architectural elements. The prayer hall is crowned by a grand central dome flanked by four 23-meter-high minarets, giving the complex an impressive and majestic presence.
Visitors are welcome to respectfully admire the mosque’s ornate calligraphy, decorated archways, and the tranquil prayer grounds, though non-Muslim guests should observe proper etiquette.
Ancestral Tombs of Gare Mang and Ahe Mang
Close to the spring and mosque lies the joint tomb of the Salar founding brothers, Gare Mang and Ahe Mang. Marked by simplicity and surrounded by two ancient elm trees, the tomb has a rustic charm and spiritual gravity. The thick branches of the elms arch gently over the tomb, forming a natural canopy that locals believe to be divinely placed.
The tomb is a pilgrimage site for many Salar people, who come to pay respects to their ancestors and seek blessings for their families.
Suggested Visit Route
To get the most out of your visit, we recommend the following 1–2 hour self-guided walking route:
1. Enter through the main gate and stop by the Salar Culture Exhibition Hall to understand the significance of what you are about to see.
2. Proceed to the Camel Spring, admire the white camel statue, and soak in the surrounding natural beauty.
3. Visit the Jiezhi Grand Mosque nearby to appreciate its architecture and religious significance.
4. End your visit with a quiet moment at the Ancestral Tombs, reflecting on the migration journey that gave rise to this unique community.
This route provides a well-rounded experience, blending myth, history, spirituality, and architecture.
Nearby Attractions for a Cultural Day Trip
While Luotuo Spring can be explored in just a couple of hours, it fits beautifully into a longer cultural tour around Haidong. Other nearby attractions include:
Mengda Heavenly Lake (Mengda Tianchi)
Known for its cool summer temperatures (average 25°C)
Lush forests, alpine scenery, and a peaceful lakeside trail
A popular summer getaway for locals seeking to escape the heat
Qutan Monastery (Qutansi)
A Ming Dynasty imperial temple complex
Features striking architecture blending Tibetan and Han styles
Historically significant and rarely crowded
Combining Luotuo Spring, Jiezhi Mosque, Mengda Heavenly Lake, and Qutan Monastery offers an excellent “Haidong Cultural Heritage Route”, ideal for travelers interested in ethnic diversity, natural scenery, and historical landmarks.
The most ideal time to visit Luotuo Spring is from June to October, particularly in the late afternoon to early evening. During this time:
* The soft golden light before sunset casts a magical glow on the spring and surrounding foliage.
* The cooler temperatures make walking comfortable, even in the height of summer.
* The combination of peacock-blue reflections, shadowed camphor trees, and the ancient courtyard buildings create a visually poetic scene.
For travelers who prefer a quieter atmosphere, early mornings in spring and autumn on non-holiday weekdays offer a peaceful and meditative experience.
Although lesser-known than popular destinations like Qinghai Lake or Chaka Salt Lake, Luotuo Spring offers a meaningful and enriching stop for travelers interested in ethnic culture and history. Many travelers explore Qinghai for 4 to 7 days, combining nature and culture. A popular route might look like this:
Day 1–2: Xining arrival – Kumbum Monastery – Dongguan Mosque
Day 3: Drive to Xunhua County – visit Luotuo Spring, Jiezhi Mosque, and Mengda Heavenly Lake
Day 4–5: Explore Qinghai Lake, Erlangjian Scenic Area, and Heimahe Sunrise
Day 6–7: Visit Chaka Salt Lake and return to Xining
Due to the remote location of Xunhua and the infrequent public transport, it’s highly recommended to hire a private car with a local driver, especially if you plan to visit Luotuo Spring, Mengda Heavenly Lake, and Qutan Monastery in one day.
For those seeking authentic Salar cultural experiences, some local guesthouses also offer home-stay style accommodation and Salar cuisine such as beef noodles, sweet milk tea, and hand-grilled lamb skewers.
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