01City Guide
Zhuoer Mountain Scenic Area
卓尔山景区
All Ages
Admission
Jun-Aug: admission and sightseeing shuttle usually cost CNY 60-80 together.
Typical Visit
Allow time for the shuttle and the main boardwalk walk.
Quick Facts
Ticket
Free entry from May to July 2026; register visitors and the vehicle plate at the east gate and sign the liability waiver.
Hours
Apr 20-Oct 31: 08:00-18:00; Nov 1-Apr 19: 08:30-18:00.
Transport
No direct metro. Use self-drive or the fixed-stop shuttle.
Duration
Allow time for entry registration, fixed stops, and west-gate exit before closing.
Best Time
Visit within seasonal hours, preferably in clear weather
Visitors
Self-drive or shuttle visitors
How to Visit
1
Time your arrival around the seasonal schedule.
Peak season, from April 20 to October 31, is 08:00-18:00; low season, from November 1 to April 19, is 08:30-18:00. Plan entry, visiting time, and exit within the applicable hours.
Tip:Do not arrive close to 18:00, when registration, shuttle travel, and mountain-road access will leave little usable visiting time.
2
Complete the current entry registration at the east gate.
Entry is currently free from May through July 2026. At the east gate, register all visitors and the vehicle plate number, then sign the liability waiver as required.
Tip:Do not use historical paid ticket prices for this trip budget; free entry does not allow visitors to skip registration or ignore on-site management.
3
Drive through from the east gate to the west gate.
Private vehicles enter from the east and leave from the west. The road is not a loop; sedans can use it, but there are many bends and steep sections.
Tip:Do not expect to turn back for photos after entering. Drivers should keep speeds low and avoid stopping on bends, crests, or narrow road sections.
4
Take the shuttle if you are not self-driving.
A shuttle is available for about CNY 30, with roughly four fixed stops. Confirm the day's stop order and final departure arrangement before boarding.
Tip:The shuttle cannot stop on demand like a private car, so allow for the wait for the next vehicle if you stay longer at one stop.
5
Follow the stop sequence, then exit from the west gate.
Visit the meadow, forest, snow-mountain viewpoints, and prayer-flag area in the direction of travel; keep walking to short viewpoint distances after getting off.
Tip:The area is at high altitude, windy, and includes uneven slopes. Reduce stops and descend with the vehicle if you develop headache, shortness of breath, or worsening weather.
Highlights
- The route shows a clear vertical mountain landscape, from foothill meadow and forest to snow-covered peaks.
- The east-to-west through-route gives self-driving visitors a defined direction without repeating the same mountain road.
- Fixed shuttle stops link the main viewing areas, allowing non-drivers to cover the core sights.
- Alpine meadow, mountain forest, and distant snowy peaks work well as a sequence of short viewing stops.
Insider Tips
✦The free-entry arrangement applies only to the current May-July 2026 period; do not use past prices or this free status when budgeting for a later trip.
✦Registration and the liability waiver are part of the current self-drive entry process. Carry identification and allow the driver time to complete them.
✦A sedan can pass through, but that does not make the road easy: repeated bends and slopes can cause motion sickness and driver fatigue, especially in rain, snow, or low cloud.
✦Wind-exposed viewpoints feel cold. Bring a windproof outer layer; UV exposure remains strong even on cloudy days.
✦Do not leave the road or get out in undesignated stopping areas, where this can obstruct traffic and create risks on slopes and bends.
More Qilian Attractions
02City Guide
Qilian Mountain Grassland
祁连山草原
Admission
Free along public road sections; private pasture access and activities are separate on-site transactions.
Typical Visit
Flexible roadside stops as part of a driving day
03City Guide
Binggou Forest Scenic Area
冰沟林海景区
Admission
No unified ticket gate or admission charge.
Typical Visit
About 1 hour for the core walk; 2-3 hours for a fuller visit
04Nature Escape
Qilian Mountains Scenic Area
祁连山风景区
Admission
No unified ticket; individual stops have separate entry, fee, and parking rules.
Typical Visit
Flexible selected stops within a daylight driving day
05Built Heritage
Arou Temple
阿柔大寺
All Ages
Admission
CNY 15 for adults
Typical Visit
30-60 minutes
06Historic Walk
Ebao Ancient City Ruins Park
峨堡古城遗址公园
Admission
The ruins park and Ancient City Museum are separate visits; do not assume shared tickets.
Typical Visit
Short daylight stop for the ruins; allow separate time only if visiting the museum.