Laji Mountain Pass
拉脊山口
A mountain pass at about 3,820 meters on the road from Xining to Guide, lined with prayer flags and cairns, with views toward the Qilian foothills.
The Laji Mountains form the watershed between the Huangshui Valley and the Yellow River valley. Highway S101, the Xining–Guide road, crosses Laji Mountain Pass at about 3,820 meters. The pass has prayer flags, a Tsongkha lhatse cairn, and a viewing platform. In summer, the high alpine meadows on both sides burst with wildflowers, and on clear days the views are wide. After the pass, the road descends into the Guide river valley, dropping about 1,500 meters. Park carefully to take photos, and make way for passing traffic. Anyone experiencing altitude sickness should avoid strenuous activity. In winter, snow and ice make driving conditions treacherous, so drive with caution.
Opening hours
All day