The autumn colors of Binggou River are absolutely stunning

Travel notes for Binggou River, Wuwei, Gansu 🏔️ Key Information - Address: Qilian Town, Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, Wuwei City, Gansu Province (deep in the Qilian Mountains, national forest park) - Ticket Price: 120 RMB/person 🎫, online advance purchase supported, entry with ID card - Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00-18:30; weekends/Oct 13-Nov 30 8:30-18:30; Oct 1-6 7:30-18:30 (entry stops at 18:30) ⏰ - Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for cool weather and flower viewing 🌼, Autumn (September-October) for mountain autumn scenery, snow may fall on the summit after September ❄️ Transportation - Public Transport: From Wuwei city → tourist shuttle (search “Wuwei Bus Group” on WeChat to buy tickets, one-way 25 RMB) 🚌; direct shuttle available from Wuwei East Station/Leitai Scenic Area - Self-driving: Navigate to “Qilian Mountains Binggou River Scenic Area,” 40 km (40 minutes) from Wuwei city, 300 km (3.5 hours) from Lanzhou 🚗, parking available in the scenic area - Carpool/Charter: Round-trip carpool from the city costs about 50 RMB per person, more cost-effective for groups Must-See Highlights - Natural Secret Spot: Check in at the Quaternary glacial relics, see the stunning glacial erosion landforms; stroll along the Qilian forest sea wooden walkway, breathe fresh oxygen for a healing experience 🌲 - Cultural Experience: The Great Khan’s Camp (1:1 restoration of the Tuyuhun royal site), Honghua Princess Ranch, explore millennia-old legends 🏕️ - Popular Photo Spots: Half-acre square pond (reflecting sky and clouds, poetic photo opportunities), starry sky camp (China National Geographic certified stargazing site) 🌌 - Hiking Challenge: Chai’er Longhai hike (20 km round trip, 1000 m elevation gain, highest altitude 4007 m), you may encounter marmots along the way and enjoy the heavenly lake view at the summit Tips - Clothing: Large temperature difference between day and night (15°C at the foot / -4°C at the summit), wear quick-dry clothes + wool base layer + shell jacket + anti-slip hiking shoes 👟, bring gloves, knit hat, and trekking poles - Gear: Bring altitude sickness medicine, thermos, energy snacks, raincoat (weather is changeable), limited dining options in the scenic area so bring your own dry food 🍪 - Notes: Altitude around 3000 meters, avoid strenuous exercise; respect Tibetan customs, do not step on prayer flags or take photos of locals without permission; hiking Chai’er Longhai requires signing an agreement in advance, start early and allow enough time.