Hidden Qilian Secret Realm Nearby, an Ecological Painting Beautiful in All Seasons

As the dazzling pearl of the eastern section of the Qilian Mountains, it integrates Danxia landforms, primeval forests, alpine meadows, and streams and waterfalls. Known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Longshang," it is doubly certified as both a forest park and a natural secondary forest protection area. Whether you are a deep traveler looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle or an eco-explorer seeking the essence of nature, Tulugou offers a soul-stirring natural journey with its pristine and pure scenery. The beauty of Tulugou begins with its unique geographical structure. The park is located at the junction of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Loess Plateau, and the Mongolian Plateau. The special geological changes have created the peculiar landscape of "four seasons in one valley, different weather every ten miles." Spring is the awakened secret realm. From late March to early May, the ice and snow melt, streams babble, and plants that have slept all winter sprout new buds. Wildflowers bloom one after another across the hills, dotting the tender green grass and contrasting beautifully with the snow-capped mountains in the distance that have not yet fully melted. Summer is a natural summer resort. When the city of Lanzhou suffers from intense heat, the average temperature here is only about 20°C, making it an excellent cool secret spot. The dense forest acts like a giant green umbrella, blocking the scorching sun. Sunlight filters through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the crystal-clear streams, shimmering with sparkling light. Autumn is a spilled palette. From mid-September to late October is the most beautiful season in Tulugou. The leaves on the mountains lose their green and don colorful attire. The golden birch, fiery red maple, and dark green spruce intertwine, creating breathtaking beauty. Driving up the road, the forests on both sides look like flowing oil paintings, and every snapshot is a masterpiece that needs no filter. Winter is a tranquil kingdom of ice and snow. After November, snowflakes fall, covering the entire scenic area in silver and white, with jade-like trees and branches. Streams freeze into sparkling ice waterfalls hanging on steep cliffs, resembling natural ice sculptures. Hidden deep in the Qilian Mountains, Tulugou has not been overly commercialized and retains its most original natural appearance. Unlike popular scenic spots crowded with people, it has its own unique tranquility and grandeur. ✨Travel Guide✨ 🎨Best Time🎨 May to October is the golden period. Summer average temperature is around 20°C, perfect for escaping the heat; September to October features colorful leaves on the mountains, ideal for photography. Spring has wildflowers dotting the valleys, and winter is covered in silver snow, suitable for visitors who enjoy peaceful snowy landscapes. 📕Route Planning📕 Half-day highlights tour (for time-constrained visitors): Take the shuttle to Sancha Village, then detour to Great Tulugou to see geological wonders — check in at the 22-meter-high "Sky Window," a natural cave window to enjoy the rare sun and moonlight pillars; then visit "Hidden Dragon Cave," where ice stalactites never melt all year round. Next, head to Gouzhang Prairie to see the open grassland against the distant mountains. On the way back, stroll along the forest trail of Small Tulugou and listen to the "valley harp" of the streams. The whole trip takes about 4 hours. Full-day deep tour (immersive experience): Enter from the main gate early morning to see the "Welcoming Lion" shaped rock and the "Three Peaks Competing" mountain scenery in Front Tulugou; in the morning, explore Great Tulugou, discovering Camel Hump Ridge, Tongtian Gate, and other spots to learn about the formation secrets of Danxia landforms; have lunch and rest in Sancha Village; in the afternoon, walk through Small Tulugou, wandering among dense spruce and birch forests, occasionally encountering squirrels and tits; at dusk, visit the prairie viewing area to watch the sunset, with the afterglow bathing the grassland, creating a full atmosphere. 🚌Transportation Guide🚌 Self-driving from Lanzhou takes about 2.5 hours. Navigate to "Tulugou National Forest Park," enjoying the transitional scenery between the Loess Plateau and Qilian Mountains along the way. Public transport is available from Lanzhou West Bus Station to Yaojie or Liancheng by shuttle bus; upon arrival, transfer to a private minivan to reach the scenic area, which takes relatively longer. 💡Notes💡 The scenic area is at an altitude of 1998 - 3165 meters with large temperature differences. Even in summer, bring a light jacket; wear comfortable sports shoes for hiking as some sections have gravel; ultraviolet rays are strong in the mountains, so bring sunscreen; there are many mosquitoes in the forest, so prepare insect repellent; the area is an ecological protection zone, so do not pick plants or disturb animals, and carry out all trash.