Longshou Mountain Nature Reserve in Shandan County, Zhangye

Longshou Mountain (龙首山), historically known as Ganjun Mountain (甘浚山), stretches across the northern part of the Hexi Corridor (河西走廊). It belongs to the Northern Mountains system of the corridor, extending from Linze (临泽) in Zhangye (张掖) in the west to Jinchang (金昌) in the east. It forms a natural geographical boundary between the Hexi Corridor and the Alxa Plateau (阿拉善高原).

Most of the mountain area is located within the Qilian Mountain National Nature Reserve (祁连山国家级自然保护区). Unlike developed scenic areas, Longshou Mountain is not a mature commercial tourist attraction. It is characterized by Gobi landscapes, mountain valleys, Han Dynasty beacon towers, ancient defensive ruins, and unique geological formations. The Shandan section (山丹段) is located north of Shandan County (山丹县), facing the Qilian Mountains (祁连山) across the Shandan Basin (山丹盆地) to the south. The average elevation ranges from 2,100 to 3,400 meters, with the main peak, Dongdashan Mountain (东大山), reaching 3,616 meters.

There is no unified entrance ticket, and most wilderness areas are free to visit. However, some protected management areas and conservation sites prohibit unauthorized entry.

Travel Tip: Longshou Mountain is a long mountain range rather than a single “Longshou Mountain Scenic Area.” Visitors mainly explore several outdoor locations such as Shandan Longshou Mountain Pass (山丹龙首山口), Shimen Canyon (石门峡谷), Dakouzi (大口子), and Jinchuan National Mining Park (金川国家矿山公园) in Jinchang (金昌). Most routes are self-driving and hiking experiences with limited facilities.

Best Time to Visit Longshou Mountain

Seasonal Recommendations

June to September: Summer offers comfortable temperatures. Some shaded slopes have sparse grasslands and shrubs, making it the best period for self-driving trips, outdoor exploration, and canyon hiking.

October to November: The weather is clear and dry, and the layered colors of the Gobi mountains are especially beautiful for photography. However, temperature differences between day and night become significant.

December to May: The region is cold and windy, and some mountain passes may be covered with snow. Ordinary visitors are not recommended to travel during this period due to harsh conditions and limited facilities.

Best Visiting Time

Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photographing the Gobi mountain scenery, while also offering distant views of the snow-covered Qilian Mountains. Visiting one individual location usually takes around 2–3 hours. If combining several locations, it is recommended to reserve a full day.

Transportation Guide to Longshou Mountain

Self-driving

Navigate to Shandan Longshou Mountain Pass (山丹龙首山口) or Shimen Canyon (石门峡谷). The area is about 15–25 kilometers north of Shandan County. Some sections are gravel rural roads, so an SUV is highly recommended. Ordinary cars should drive carefully and avoid undeveloped mountain valleys.

Public Transportation

There are no direct tourist buses to Longshou Mountain. Visitors need to arrange a private car, taxi, or charter service from Shandan County.

Recommended Travel Combination

Longshou Mountain can be combined with Shandan Horse Ranch (山丹军马场), Shandan Giant Buddha Temple (山丹大佛寺), and Han-Ming Dynasty Great Wall Ruins (汉明长城遗址) to create a one-day northern Shandan exploration route.

🌄 Core Highlights of Longshou Mountain

Longshou Mountain Pass (Dakouzi, 大口子)

Longshou Mountain Pass was historically an important route connecting the Hexi Corridor with the Alxa Plateau. The area features Gobi canyon landscapes, ancient Han Dynasty beacon tower ruins, and wide-open mountain views. Standing at the mountain pass, visitors can overlook the entire Shandan Basin and enjoy panoramic views toward the distant Qilian Mountains. The location offers an excellent perspective for understanding the geography of the Hexi Corridor.

Shimen Canyon (石门峡谷)

Located deep inside Longshou Mountain, Shimen Canyon features exposed rock cliffs, clear geological layers, mountain streams, and sparse grassland vegetation. The canyon is suitable for short and easy hikes, allowing visitors to experience the rugged beauty of Gobi mountains and valleys while avoiding crowded tourist areas.

Longwang Temple Ruins (龙王庙遗址)

The Longwang Temple ruins are located on a mountaintop along the northern slope. The site offers wide views across the surrounding wilderness and preserves traces of an ancient temple. However, ordinary visitors are not recommended to hike to the summit because the route is difficult and the terrain is challenging.

Han and Ming Dynasty Great Wall and Beacon Tower Ruins (汉明长城、烽燧群)

Along the southern foothills of Longshou Mountain are numerous remains of rammed-earth beacon towers and sections of ancient walls from the Han and Ming dynasties. These ruins represent the ancient military defense system that protected the Hexi Corridor and the Silk Road.

Jinchuan National Mining Park (金川国家矿山公园, Eastern Longshou Mountain)

Located in the eastern section of Longshou Mountain in Jinchang (金昌), Jinchuan National Mining Park is associated with one of Asia’s famous nickel mining areas. The park provides geological viewing platforms, industrial heritage landscapes, and science education experiences. Unlike the wilderness areas of Longshou Mountain, it is a more developed tourist site.

Accommodation and Local Food

Visitors usually stay in Shandan County (山丹县), as there are no hotels or guesthouses inside the mountain area. Local Northwest China specialties include hand-pulled lamb dishes, lamb noodle slices, and stir-fried “Paopao” noodles (炒炮仗). Before entering the mountain area, travelers should prepare enough drinking water and food because there are no shops or restaurants in the wilderness.

Travel Tips and Safety Notes

1. A large part of Longshou Mountain belongs to the Qilian Mountain National Nature Reserve (祁连山国家级自然保护区). Some areas are restricted for conservation purposes. Visitors must follow protection regulations, avoid unauthorized driving or camping, and never enter undeveloped remote valleys.
2. The elevation ranges from approximately 2,200 to 3,400 meters. The Gobi region has extreme temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, bring a windproof jacket. Strong ultraviolet radiation requires sunglasses, sunscreen, and sun protection.
3. Many outdoor roads are gravel tracks, and some sections have weak or no mobile phone signals. Download offline maps in advance, avoid entering alone, and travel with companions whenever possible.
4. Canyon trails are limited, with many loose rocks and uneven surfaces. Wear durable hiking shoes with good grip, stay away from cliffs, and pay attention to falling rock risks.
5. Protect the fragile desert ecosystem. Carry all rubbish away, avoid disturbing wildlife such as blue sheep and other mountain animals, and do not chase or frighten wild creatures.
6. Please note that Gansu Province has two places named Longshou Mountain (龙首山). The one introduced here is the Northern Mountain Longshou Mountain of the Hexi Corridor (Shandan–Jinchang area, 山丹-金昌). It should not be confused with Linxia Longshou Mountain Park (临夏龙首山公园), which is a temple and urban leisure park in Linxia County (临夏县).