Kunlun Mountains, also known as Kunlun Xu, Kunlun Hill or Jade Mountain. In Chinese Taoist culture, Kunlun Mountain is known as "the ancestor of ten thousand mountains". It is a sacred mountain in ancient Chinese mythology and is regarded as a fairy mountain where gods live by Taoism.
Overview
Kunlun Mountains are one of the largest mountain chains of central Asia, are also the backbone of the mountain system in western China. The mountain range originates in the Pamirs Plateau, the westernmost region of China, which is the source of all the great mountain ranges in Asia, such as the Himalayas, the Tianshan Mountains, and the Sulayman Mountain.
Broadly speaking, many mountains belong to the branch of the Kunlun Mountains. Geographically, Kunlun Mountains are roughly in line with the Qinglin Mountains and Huai Rivers from east to west. It happens to divide the north and south of China. And the mountain range branches northward from Altyn Tagh mountains - Qilian Mountains - Helan Mountains - Yin Mountains - Yan Mountains - Greater Khingan Mountains - Changbai Mountain. To the south, it branches out Bayan Har Mountain-Hengduan Mountain and connects the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau-Nanling-Southeast Hills - Hangzhou Bay. The mountains that build the framework of China's territory basically originate from the Kunlun Mountain Range, so it's called the "ancestor of ten thousand mountains".
Legend of Kunlun Mountains
Attractions of Kunlun Mountains
According to legend, the fairy lord of Kunlun Mountains is the Queen Mother of the West. The "Yao Chi" recorded in many ancient books is the Heihai lake at the source of the Kunlun River. It is 4,300 meters above sea level. The lake is clear and groups of birds and wild animals haunt with magnificent views. Pass through Yeniu Valley, there are precious rock paintings. Not far from the Heihai lake is the place where the legendary Jiang Taigong has practiced the Chinese philosophy Five Elements for 40 years.
Yuxu Peak & Yuzhu Peak
Yuxu Peak and Yuzhu Peak are wrapped with snow and surrounded by clouds and mists all year round. The legend says they're the incarnations of the two younger sisters of the Jade Emperor. The well-known Kunlun June Snow Wonder is formed here. Now both peaks are open to the outside world in Qinghai province as the holy places for pilgrimage and practice.
Kunlun Spring
Golmud River
Originating from the Kunlun Mountains, the middle reaches of the Golmud River have eroded thousands of slates for a long time, forming a one-step natural wonder with the cliffs facing each other and tens of meters deep.
Kunlun Mountain Pass
The Kunlun Pass has a towering terrain, cold and humid climate, thin air, unique ecological environment, and spectacular natural scenery. There are rolling mountains, abrupt snowy peaks, and vast grassland. Although the permafrost of the Kunlun Pass does not melt all year round, the meadows on the surface of the permafrost are full of green pastures. Every summer season, the grass is full of bright and dazzling wildflowers, which is really beautiful.
Kunlun Bridge
Kunlun Bridge is also known as a one-step natural risk bridge. Located at the foot of Kunlun Mountains, in the south of Golmud, about 50 kilometers away from Golmud city, it is a major danger on Qinghai-Tibet Highway. The total length is only over 4 meters, and it is a reinforced concrete bridge. The magnificence of Kunlun Bridge is not in the bridge itself, but in the rock cliffs and deep streams under the bridge.
How to Get to Kunlun Mountains?
You can choose to arrive in Xining by plane or train. Then take the train to Golmud. We suggest you take the chartered car to Kunlun Mountain Pass and the charter fee is about CNY 800. Kunlun Mountain Pass is about 160 kilometers away from Golmud and it takes about 3.5hrs to the pass.
Email response within 0.5~24 hours.
Typically Asked Questions from Our Clients
Asked by Ana ***
2022-05-16
I am from Guatemala City in Central America, I have been to Tibet. I have a little knowledge of Taoism and Budism which I love and respect . Thank you for existing .
Dear Ana, I'm glad that our article can show you something interesting. We will keep working to show you more and better articles.