Yinmachi Alpine Meadow

Yinmachi Alpine Meadow lies in Hekou Township and Jiehekou Town on the northern border of Lan County and Kelan County, covering an area of 38 square kilometres and embracing villages such as Loufangping and Liangweigou.

The main peak stands at an altitude of 2,236 metres. On the mountain top stretches more than 800 mu of flat open grassland, forming a subarctic alpine meadow. In summer, the meadow turns into a green carpet dotted with blooming wild flowers.

The surrounding mountains are covered with primeval coniferous forests, broad-leaved forests and shrubberies. A great variety of wild animals live here, including deer, musk deer, leopards, wild boars, brown eared pheasants, mountain fowls and hares. Local specialties include wild mushrooms, flax, oats and potatoes.

The region has cold winters, making it an ideal place to enjoy snow-covered forests and engage in snow sports. It boasts cool summers and serves as a perfect summer resort. Water resources are abundant. Streams run from west to east down the eastern slope, forming numerous small waterfalls and pools.

According to local folklore, this mountain was once a pasture for military horses raised by garrison troops guarding the frontier in ancient times. Yuchi Jingde, a famous general of the Tang Dynasty, once resided here. The pool where the general watered his horses was later named Yinmachi (Horse-Watering Pool), hence the mountain got its present name.

Endowed with abundant natural scenery and simple folk customs, Yinmachi Mountain is a wonderful leisure resort for visitors to appreciate the pristine natural environment and farming traditions.

Transportation is convenient. County and township roads branch off National Highway 209 toward Loufangping and Liangweigou, leading directly to the mountain top with a driving distance of only 6 kilometres.

Tourists may stay at Yinmachi Villa in Loufangping Village, or choose the beautiful rural village of Wangjia Village to taste farmhouse dishes and live in local farmhouses and experience rural life.