Yanzhi Mountain Forest Park (焉支山森林公å›) covers an area of 680 square kilometers, with its main peak, Maomao Mountain, reaching an elevation of 3,978 meters, while the park itself sits at 2,919 meters above sea level. As an offshoot of the Qilian Mountains, Yanzhi Mountain, also known as “Rouge Mountain,” gets its name from the plants growing on it. The juice of these plants resembles rouge, which the local women used for makeup. The park is often referred to as the “Little Yellow Mountain of Hexi” due to its picturesque landscapes. It boasts lush vegetation, evergreen pines and cypresses, vibrant flowers, and an abundance of wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and birds.
Yanzhi Mountain has a rich history and cultural significance. During the Western Han Dynasty, the Xiongnu people famously lamented, “Losing Yanzhi Mountain means our women lose their beauty; losing Qilian Mountain means our livestock won’t thrive.” The legendary poet Li Bai wrote a famous verse about the mountain, expressing its enduring allure despite the harsh northern snows. Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty once received envoys from 27 countries at Yanzhi Mountain, and the Red Army of the Western Route left behind battle sites in the area.
A notable site within the park is Zhongshan Temple, located at the mountain’s peak. The temple’s front part, Yuhuang Hall, features elegant architecture with flying eaves, carved beams, and painted rafters. The rear part of the temple stands on a sheer cliff, inspiring many poets and calligraphers to leave their marks on the rocks and trees.
The park’s rugged terrain includes densely forested mountains, impressive rock formations, and clear streams that flow through deep valleys. Wildlife such as roe deer, badgers, and wild goats can often be spotted in the forested areas. During summer and autumn, the mountains are covered with blooming sandan flowers, creating a stunning red landscape. The sight of the rising sun illuminating the mist and clouds adds to the park’s enchanting atmosphere.
A major event at Yanzhi Mountain Forest Park is the annual temple fair at Zhongshan Temple, held on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month. The fair attracts a large number of visitors and features a lively array of activities, including traditional Qin opera performances, local delicacies, and unique products. This vibrant event offers a blend of ancient and modern folk customs, drawing friends from all over to enjoy the festivities.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Admission: 45 RMB Sightseeing Bus: 10 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0936-2819905 |
Location and Transportation
Yanzhi Mountain Forest Park is located 45 kilometers southeast of Shandan County in Zhangye City, Gansu Province. It is situated across the Junma Grassland, facing the Qilian Mountains. To reach the park, visitors can take a tourist bus from Shandan Bus Station. The bus to Yanzhi Mountain departs daily at 10 AM.
