Subei Mongolian Autonomous County Travel

Subei Mongolian Autonomous County, Jiuquan, Gansu - a secret place at the foot of the Qilian Mountains, the only Mongolian autonomous county in Gansu. A 3-day 2-night in-depth tour includes glacier exploration, plateau ecological sightseeing, Mongolian cultural experience and special food tasting.

1
The only Mongolian Autonomous County in Gansu
5000+
Glacier altitude (meters)
80%
Ethnic minority proportion
25+
Specialty foods
Panoramic view of Transparent Mengke Glacier in Subei
Transparent Mengke Glacier - Qilian Secret Land
The largest glacier in the Qilian Mountains, with a dreamlike plateau spectacle formed by crystal-clear ice tower forests

3-Day 2-Night Secret Tour of Subei County

Explore the spectacular glacier scenery, roam the plateau wetland, experience Mongolian customs, and taste grassland delicacies

Trip Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Transparent Mengke Glacier, Yanchiwan, Mongolian Customs Park
Suitable For
Outdoor adventurers, culture lovers
Per Capita Budget
¥800-¥1200
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Glacier Exploration
Transparent Mengke Glacier
Itinerary Highlights

Arrive at Subei County, adapt to the plateau environment, then head to Transparent Mengke Glacier to admire the spectacular ice tower forest landscape. Return to the county in the evening to experience Mongolian cuisine.

Attraction Arrangement
Transparent Mengke Glacier
The largest glacier in the Qilian Mountains, with an altitude of over 5000 meters. The crystal-clear ice tower forests form a dreamlike plateau spectacle, known as the "Pearl of Qilian".
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Subei Hotel
  • Glacier Reception Station
  • Yurt Experience
Food Recommendations
  • Hand-grasped Mutton
  • Butter Tea
  • Yak Meat
Plateau Tips
  • Adapt to the plateau environment in advance
  • Keep warm as the glacier temperature is low
  • Avoid strenuous exercise
02
Plateau Wetland
Yanchiwan Nature Reserve
Itinerary Highlights

Spend the whole day visiting Yanchiwan National Nature Reserve, observe wild animals such as Tibetan antelopes, and enjoy the plateau wetland scenery.

Attraction Arrangement
Yanchiwan National Nature Reserve
An important plateau wetland ecosystem in China, inhabited by rare animals such as Tibetan antelopes and wild yaks, it is an excellent location for ecological photography.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • About 120 km from the county seat to Yanchiwan
  • Off-road vehicle required
  • No gas stations along the entire route
Photography Tips
  • Telephoto lens is a must
  • Animals are active in the morning and evening
  • Maintain a safe distance
Notes
  • No noise in the reserve
  • Do not feed wild animals
  • Take away all garbage
03
Mongolian Customs
Mongolian Customs Park · Return Trip
Itinerary Highlights

Visit the Mongolian Customs Park in the morning to experience traditional activities such as archery and horse riding. Buy local specialties of Subei in the afternoon and end the trip.

Attraction Arrangement
Subei Mongolian Customs Park
A living museum displaying the traditional culture of the Mongolian people in Subei, where you can enjoy ethnic singing and dancing, taste special foods, and experience nomadic life.
Practical Information
Experience Projects
  • Mongolian song and dance performances
  • Horse riding and archery experience
  • Traditional handicraft making
Specialty Recommendations
  • Dried Yak Meat
  • Butter
  • Mongolian Embroidery
  • Wild Yellow Mushrooms
Return Trip Suggestions
  • Dunhuang Airport is about 200 km from the county seat
  • It is recommended to reserve sufficient time
  • Oxygen cylinders can be carried for backup

Must-Try Foods in Subei Mongolian Autonomous County

Hand-grasped Mutton

A special food of Subei, made from plateau-raised sheep with tender meat and no muttony smell, it is the highest etiquette for Mongolians to receive guests.

Butter Tea

A traditional Mongolian drink, boiled with butter, tea leaves and salt, rich in nutrition, it is an excellent product for keeping out the cold and warming up in plateau areas.

Dried Yak Meat

A plateau specialty, made from Qilian Mountain yak meat, with firm meat and unique flavor, it is an ideal travel food and souvenir.

Travel Tips for Subei Mongolian Autonomous County
Best Travel Time
  • Summer (June-August): The most pleasant climate
  • Autumn (September-October): The most colorful scenery
  • Avoid the severe cold period in winter (November-April)
Must-Experience Projects
  • Glacier hiking
  • Wildlife observation
  • Yurt accommodation
  • Enjoying ethnic singing and dancing
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥150
  • Accommodation: ¥150-¥300 per night
  • Catering: ¥60-¥100 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥300
  • Total: ¥800-¥1200
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What to do about altitude sickness? → Adapt in advance and prepare oxygen cylinders
  • How close can you get to the glacier? → Need to be led by a guide and keep a safe distance
  • What are the Mongolian festivals? → Nadam Fair (July-August)
  • What are the specialties of Subei? → Dried yak meat, butter, yellow mushrooms

Explore Travel in Each District and County of Jiuquan City