Zhalong Valley Scenic Area, 13 kilometers away from the main park, is famous for its extraordinary landscapes. Here the mountains are vividly green and the woods serene. Towering pines and cypresses grow in clusters, azaleas bloom in profusion, and clear streams gurgle along. It is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and natural wonders.

Following the stream uphill, a 2,000-meter-long mountain path winds through the woods all the way to the Medicinal Spring Waterfall. Along the route lie crystal-clear cold pools and secluded winding trails. Rock formations such as the Bear Embracing Mountain, Mother and Child Worshipping Buddha, Herbalist Elder and Reclining Ox Rock are vividly shaped. The perfect combination of nature’s extraordinary craftsmanship and artistic charm will refresh your mind and spark endless imagination.

Spring arrives late on the Qinghai Plateau. When it touches Zhalong Valley, the foot of the mountain is already bathed in bright spring sunshine, covered by rolling green waves in the lovely late spring. Yet the mountain tops still retain the freshness of early spring. Having survived the harsh winter, small azalea bushes stretch out their lush green leaves, weighed down by dense clusters of purple blossoms. Interspersed among them are large azalea shrubs with tangled roots and interlaced branches. Their bowl-sized flowers come in pure white, soft pink and deep purple hues.

The whole mountain turns into a sea of blossoms, just like a fairyland. If you have never been here in person, you might mistake this scenery for an elaborate oil painting created by a master artist. Gentle breezes sweep across the hills, stirring waves of flowers. Delicate fragrance drifts out from the blossom sea, permeating the entire mountains, blending with the air and sky, and drifting deep into the valleys. Even the spring water flowing from the source carries a fresh, sweet scent.

The park is crisscrossed by gullies and boasts an extensive water system. The Datong River, known as Jilaqu in Tibetan and formerly called Haomen River, is the largest waterway in the forest area. Originating in Muli, Tianjun County of Qinghai, it flows through six counties: Tianjun, Gangcha, Menyuan, Huzhu, Tianzhu and Yongdeng.

Running from northwest to southeast for 67 kilometers within the forest zone, it is a major tributary of the Yellow River. Together with 18 local branches, it forms a comb-shaped landform. The Datong River alternates between rapid torrents and gentle currents, with varying widths along its course, creating a unique landscape of looping peaks and mountains encircling flowing waters. Dense woods, singing birds and fragrant flowers abound here, presenting a rich variety of natural scenery.

Ticket Price: 62 yuan per person

Opening Hours: 07:00 – 19:00

Location: Zhalonggou Village, Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, Haidong, Qinghai Province