Mandela Mountain Petroglyphs
曼德拉山岩画群
More than 6,000 ancient rock carvings cover a black basalt hill, depicting everything from hunting and herding to religious symbols. It is known as the 'Dunhuang of the grasslands.'
The Mandela Mountain petroglyphs lie in Mengenbulag Sumu in the eastern part of Alxa Right Banner. More than 6,000 petroglyphs are carved into black rock across roughly 18 square kilometers, dating from the Neolithic to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Their subjects include hunting, herding, dancing, vehicles, temples, and a range of animals. It is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, often called a 'gallery of art' and the 'Dunhuang of the grasslands.' The Inner Mongolia Museum also holds petroglyphs from this site. A visit involves following a trail up the rocky hill and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Touching and rubbing the petroglyphs are prohibited. The site is about 200 kilometers from Badain Jaran town, a full day's drive round trip with few supplies along the way, so fill up on fuel.
Opening hours
Open daytime; check on site
Nearby sights
- Bilutu Peak
- Nuoertu Lake
- Yindeertu Spring
- Badain Jaran Temple & Miaohaizi Lake
- Badan Lake
- Eribugai Grand Canyon
- Haisenchulu Rock Forest