Ask a Question
Xijiu Highway, Guide County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province
Explore the vibrant Danxia landforms at Ashigong Colorful Peaks
Guide National Geopark, nestled along the banks of the Yellow River in northeastern Guide County, Qinghai Province, is famous for its multicolored Danxia landforms. Just 70 kilometers from Xining city and 60 kilometers from Kanbula National Forest Park, this geopark is a popular day-trip destination for travelers exploring the Xining area.
Although the geopark spans a large area that includes Ashigong Gorge, the Yellow River Valley, and Mawu Gorge, the main developed and ticketed attraction is the Ashigong Colorful Peaks Scenic Area. When people refer to visiting the Guide National Geopark, they’re usually talking about this specific site.
Ashigong Scenic Area: The Star of the Park
Located in Ashigong Gorge, this area is the most iconic part of the geopark, renowned for its brilliant Danxia landscapes. The gorge stretches from Yangquanyuan (a narrow mountain valley) in the east to Daka Gully in the west. The Garan River winds through the gorge like a golden ribbon, and its erosive force has shaped the dramatic terrain—cliffs, ridges, and rolling slopes that appear carved by nature itself.
The area’s most spectacular feature is the Colorful Peaks Forest—a collection of stone pinnacles and ridges composed of seven distinct layers of sandstones and gravels in hues of red, orange, grayish green, and white. Over millions of years, wind and water erosion sculpted the horizontal and vertically fractured rock layers into towering stone peaks, walls, and pillars.
The peaks are grouped into several gorges, each with unique geological and visual appeal. Highlights include:
Each gorge presents its own variation of the colorful, layered rock formations that make Ashigong a photographer’s paradise.
Mawu Gorge Area
Located 30 kilometers south of Guide County, Mawu Gorge is known for its wind-eroded formations. These natural sculptures—called ventifacts—developed during the late Early Pleistocene period. They range in size from tiny indentations to large hollows several meters wide, and are scattered across the wind-facing rock walls, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape.
Yellow River Valley
The Yellow River flows from west to east across the entire Guide region, carving wide valleys and terraced riverbanks between hills and basins. In this area, the water remains unusually clear and calm, forming a jade-green ribbon that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding red cliffs of Danxia landforms. It's one of the most scenic river stretches in western China.
Though the entire geopark is extensive, the core tourist area (Ashigong Colorful Peaks) is relatively compact—just 1–2 kilometers from the entrance to the inner scenic zones. Electric sightseeing shuttles are available for convenience.
Most visitors follow this route:
Start at the Entrance Plaza and Geopark Museum, which offers a detailed sand table model of the park, explanations of Danxia geology, and displays of minerals native to Qinghai.
Take a shuttle to Nuwa Gorge, the most photogenic area.
Enjoy photography among the vividly colored peaks and tranquil ponds reflecting red cliffs and green water.
Return to the main gate via shuttle after 2–3 hours of exploration.
Xining, Gold & Silver Grassland, Qinghai Lake, Chaka, Kanbula National Forest Park
Guide has a plateau continental climate, with an average annual temperature between 2–8°C and peak summer highs around 38°C in August. Rainfall is moderate (250–560 mm annually), and the area enjoys a frost-free period of 170 days.
Altitude: Around 2,200 meters, making it relatively safe from altitude sickness.
Weather Tips: The sun is intense due to high elevation, so bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella.
Best Season: From mid-April to October.
April: Yellow River Cultural Tourism Festival
August–October: A great time to sample fresh, sweet fruits from local orchards
Geological Origins
The colorful Danxia landforms at Guide were shaped between the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods, when the region was a vast inland lake basin. Red sandstone and gravel sediments accumulated at the lakebed. Later, tectonic uplift and erosion over hundreds of millions of years carved the flat lakebed into today's stunning formations of peaks, cliffs, and caves.
Respect local customs: The region is home to the Tibetan ethnic minority. Be mindful of religious beliefs and local traditions.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as some paths involve climbing stairs or walking on uneven terrain.
Bring a good camera or phone, as the scenery is incredibly photogenic, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Qinghai is vast, with scenic spots spread far apart and limited public transportation. For the most convenient and enjoyable experience, we recommend self-driving or booking a private car tour. Traveling with Top China Travel, we provide:
Let us help you enjoy a seamless and unforgettable journey through the wild beauty of Qinghai.
From on request
From on request
From on request
We are member of
Follow us on
