Golog Administrative Divisions

Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (果洛藏族自治州) is located deep in the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and is one of the core areas of the Three-River-Source National Park (三江源国家公园). As one of the most culturally distinctive Tibetan regions in Qinghai, Golog is not only an important ecological conservation area but also one of the major birthplaces and inheritance areas of Gesar culture (格萨尔文化), the world’s longest heroic epic.

The prefecture covers an area of approximately 76,000 square kilometers and is located between the Animaqing Mountains (阿尼玛卿山) and Bayan Har Mountains (巴颜喀拉山). It administers 6 counties, with the prefectural government located in Dawu Town (大武镇), Maqên County (玛沁县). The prefecture has around 44 township-level administrative divisions and 188 administrative villages.

Due to its vast territory and diverse landscapes, Golog has developed a tourism pattern centered on snow mountains, plateau lakes, grasslands, wildlife conservation, Tibetan Buddhism, and ethnic culture. The entire prefecture preserves one of the most original plateau ecosystems in China, making it an ideal destination for ecological exploration, cultural experiences, photography tours, and high-altitude adventure travel.

The administrative structure of Golog can be summarized as the “Six Counties of the Plateau Secret Land”. Each county has its own tourism characteristics, ranging from the sacred Animaqing Snow Mountain and the source of the Yellow River to Gesar culture villages and red tourism heritage sites.

Maqên County (玛沁县): Gateway to Animaqing Snow Mountain and Cultural Center

Maqên County is the political, economic, and cultural center of Golog Prefecture, with the prefectural government located in Dawu Town (大武镇). The county is the main gateway for exploring Animaqing Snow Mountain (阿尼玛卿雪山), one of the four sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism and an important pilgrimage destination for Tibetan communities.

The county is also home to Lajia Monastery (拉加寺), a famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery located along the Yellow River valley. Visitors can experience traditional Tibetan religious culture, local handicrafts, and intangible cultural heritage activities such as Tibetan calligraphy and traditional performing arts.

Maqên is suitable for travelers interested in sacred mountain landscapes, Tibetan culture, and plateau ecology.

Mado County (玛多县): Source of the Yellow River and “County of Thousand Lakes”

Mado County is located in the northern part of Golog and is famous as the source region of the Yellow River. Known as the “County of Thousand Lakes”, it contains numerous high-altitude lakes and wetlands, forming one of the most important ecological areas in the Three-River-Source region.

The county’s most famous attractions include the Yellow River Source Niutou Monument (黄河源牛头碑), Zhaling Lake (扎陵湖), and Eling Lake (鄂陵湖), which represent the birthplace of China’s mother river. The area also preserves traces of the ancient Tang-Tibet Road (唐蕃古道), making it valuable for both ecological and historical tourism.

Mado is especially suitable for wildlife observation, plateau photography, and ecological research tours.

Dari County (达日县): Heartland of Gesar Epic Culture

Dari County is regarded as one of the core areas of Gesar culture (格萨尔文化), the traditional Tibetan heroic epic that has been passed down for generations through storytelling and performance.

The county features the Gesar Lion-Dragon Palace (格萨尔狮龙宫殿) and Gesar cultural exhibition facilities, where visitors can learn about the legends, artistic traditions, and oral heritage of the epic.

Dari provides an excellent opportunity for travelers seeking deeper understanding of Tibetan history, mythology, and traditional culture.

Gande County (甘德县): Living Heritage of Gesar Storytelling

Gande County is known for Derwen Epic Village (德尔文史诗村), an important location for the living transmission of Gesar storytelling traditions.

Local communities continue to preserve traditional Tibetan singing, storytelling, and village customs. Travelers can experience authentic Tibetan village life, traditional performances, and the unique cultural atmosphere of the plateau.

Gande is ideal for cultural tourism, folk experiences, and immersive Tibetan community visits.

Banma County (班玛县): Red Heritage and “Southern Qinghai Jiangnan”

Banma County is one of the most culturally and ecologically diverse areas in Golog. It is the only area in Qinghai visited by the Red Army during the Long March, making it an important red tourism destination.

The Red Army Valley Revolutionary Site (红军沟革命遗址) is a nationally protected cultural heritage site. Beyond its revolutionary history, Banma is also famous for the Maqin River Primeval Forest (玛可河原始森林), Tibetan stone villages, and traditional Tibetan architectural landscapes.

Because of its relatively humid climate and rich vegetation, Banma is often called the “Jiangnan of Southern Qinghai” (青南小江南).

Jiuzhi County (久治县): Ecological Wonderland and Tibetan Performing Arts

Jiuzhi County is located in the southeastern part of Golog and is known for its magnificent grasslands, alpine landscapes, and Tibetan cultural traditions.

The county is famous for Nianbao Yuze Mountain (年保玉则), a once-popular alpine scenic destination known for glaciers, lakes, and snow peaks. Due to ecological protection requirements, the scenic area is currently closed, and visitors should check the latest regulations before planning a visit.

Jiuzhi also preserves traditional Tibetan performing arts, including horseback Tibetan opera (马背藏戏), making it an excellent destination for experiencing plateau culture and natural landscapes.

Administrative Division Table of Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Note: The above administrative divisions are compiled from publicly available government information. Due to possible adjustments in township administration and different Tibetan transliteration methods, travelers should confirm the latest local information before departure.