Helan Mountains primeval forest, A pristine forest paradise for hikers and nature lovers

10 kilometers east of Bayan Hot Town, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

The leeward slope of Helan Mountain

4.7

Introduction

Helan Mountain, located at the southern edge of the central Mongolia plateau, is the largest north-south mountain range in northwest China and has received much attention due to its unique natural and cultural landscapes. Belonging to the Yinshan mountain range, Helan Mountain reaches an elevation of 3656.1 meters, has a typical continental climate, and exhibits typical characteristics of temperate arid and semi-arid mountain forests. It is a transitional zone between grasslands and deserts, with a complex and diverse range of flora and fauna and a clear gradient distribution. Helan Mountain is an ideal research and experimental base for numerous animal and plant species and a great classroom for ecological conservation education. In 1992, it was approved as a national nature reserve, and in 1995, it was included in the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve. In addition, in the depths of Helan Mountain, one can see unique landscapes such as strange stones, sacred springs, rock paintings, and ancient temples. Among them, Guangzong Temple and Fuyin Temple are the largest Tibetan Buddhist temples in western Inner Mongolia, with towering towers and a mysterious and ancient feel. The temple area is filled with fresh air and surrounded by green trees, and the buildings complement the mountain forest, forming a quiet, fresh, and sacred natural landscape.

Address

10 kilometers east of Bayan Hot Town, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

Opening hours

8:00am-6:00pm

Transportation

Visitors can choose to ride the sightseeing car inside the scenic area to reach Songtao Mountain Villa, and start the climbing journey from here (you can also choose cable car to go up the mountain). Generally, it takes about 40 minutes to walk to Qingsong Ridge. From Qingsong Ridge, visitors can cross the "Gorge Suspension Bridge" to reach Cherry Valley. After about an hour's walk in the gorge, you can reach the road and wait for the sightseeing car to return to the gate of the scenic area.