Guoluo

Golog is at a high altitude, with a marked difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Even in summer, bring warm clothing.

Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is often called the “Safari of China.” It brings together snow-capped mountains, glaciers, wetlands, and vast grasslands. With an average elevation of over 4,000 meters, it retains a largely untouched highland landscape.

• Animaqing Snow Mountain: One of the four sacred mountains of the Tibetan region, with its main peak, Maqing Gangri, covered in snow year-round. You do not need to undertake a long hike to see it: the parking area near Snow Mountain Tunnel No. 1 on the Dema Expressway offers close views of the mountain and glaciers.

• Donggecuona Lake: Red grasslands and wetlands surround the lake. The northern shore has paved roads and is relatively easy to walk around, while much of the southern shore is unpaved. Along the way, you may spot wildlife such as kiang and Tibetan gazelles.
• Nianbaoyuze: Although the core area is currently closed, you can still view Fairy Lake and the Nianbaoyuze peaks from a distance when heading to Hongtu Pass or Mentang First Bend of the Yellow River.

• Xingxinghai, Mado: This is one of the signature landscapes of Mado, known as the “county of a thousand lakes.” Streams and wetlands are scattered across the high-altitude grasslands, making it a suitable place to observe wildlife and experience the plateau ecosystem of Golog.
• Awancang Wetland: The braided channels of the Yellow River run through the wetlands. After navigating to the mountaintop parking area, you can see Tibetan-style red houses on one side and a broad view of the Yellow River’s nine bends on the other.

• Lari Temple: Located in Dawu Town, Maqin County, the temple is built along the mountain slope. From the temple area, you can look out over the entire town and see Animaqing Snow Mountain in the distance. The views are especially expansive at sunset.

Classic 5-Day Self-Drive Loop (Starting from Xining)

This route links snow-capped mountains, lakes, wetlands, and wildlife-viewing areas, and is suitable for a self-drive trip with plenty of time.

• Day 1: Xining → Qinghai Lake → Gonghe County. Explore Qinghai Lake along the eastern lakeside road, then arrive in Gonghe County in the evening for your overnight stay. At a relatively lower elevation, it is a suitable place to acclimatize after first arriving on the plateau.

• Day 2: Gonghe County → Donggecuona Lake → Maqin County. Pass highland lakes and red grasslands along the way, then view Animaqing Snow Mountain from a distance near the Dema Expressway in the afternoon. Stay overnight in Maqin County.
• Day 3: Maqin County → Lari Temple → Nianbaoyuze area → Jiuzhi County. Visit Lari Temple in the morning and plan to enjoy the sunset there. Head to Jiuzhi County in the afternoon, taking in the highland grasslands along the way.

• Day 4: Jiuzhi County → Awancang Wetland → Mado County. View the braided channels of the Yellow River at Awancang Wetland, then continue to Mado County. At an elevation of over 4,200 meters, Mado is not recommended for overnight stays.

• Day 5: Mado County → Xingxinghai → Gonghe County/Xining. Head to Xingxinghai early in the morning to observe wildlife, then return to Xining via the expressway to end the trip.

Transportation and Road Conditions

• Getting there: Flights to Golog Maqin Airport are limited, and usually require a transfer in Xining or Chengdu. The more convenient option is generally to fly to Xining first, then rent a car and drive, or hire a private vehicle from Xining to Golog.
• Driving conditions: The Dema Expressway and major national highways are generally in good condition. However, roads to some lakes and remote areas, such as the southern shore of Donggecuona Lake and the inner areas of Xingxinghai, may be unpaved gravel roads or roads affected by permafrost subsidence. An SUV or off-road vehicle is recommended. Ordinary cars may have difficulty getting through and are more likely to scrape their undercarriages.
• Electric vehicle note: Golog has relatively few charging stations, and their maintenance is not always reliable. Electric vehicles are not recommended for long-distance self-drive trips, to reduce the risk of running out of power along the way.

Altitude Sickness Prevention and Safety Tips

• Altitude warning: The prefecture has an average elevation of over 4,000 meters, while Mado County is about 4,200–4,300 meters above sea level. You can take rhodiola one week in advance. After arriving, try to spend your first night in lower-altitude Xining or Gonghe County to give your body time to acclimatize.
• Choosing accommodation: When staying in higher-altitude places such as Maqin County and Jiuzhi County, prioritize hotels with centralized oxygen supply. If altitude sickness becomes severe at night, do not try to push through it; go promptly to the local hospital emergency department for oxygen.
• Avoid staying overnight in Mado if possible: Unless you have sufficient oxygen equipment and an emergency plan, staying overnight in Mado County is not recommended because the risk of altitude sickness is high.
• Wildlife: You may encounter kiang, Tibetan gazelles, Tibetan foxes, and even wolves along the way. Keep a safe distance, and do not get out of the car to chase or feed them. This helps avoid disturbing the animals and protects your own safety.
• Environmental protection and local etiquette: Golog is part of the Three-River-Source Nature Reserve, whose ecosystem is fragile. Take all your rubbish with you when you leave. When entering a temple, do not step on the threshold or point at Buddha statues with your finger. You should also respect local Tibetan customs.

Essential Packing List

• Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night is significant on the plateau. Even in July and August, bring a fleece-lined shell jacket or a lightweight down jacket. A hat, scarf, and gloves can help protect you from wind and cold.
• Medication: Consider bringing ibuprofen to relieve headaches caused by altitude sickness, and glucose oral solution or sweets for an energy boost. You can also bring vitamin C and erythromycin ointment, which can help prevent cracking in the nose and lips in the dry highland climate.
• Oxygen: It is recommended to buy portable oxygen canisters in advance at a pharmacy or local hospital. You can also prepare an oxygen bag.
• Sun protection: Ultraviolet radiation is strong at high elevations, so bring SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.