Maduo & Yellow River Source
The source of the Yellow River, with the “sister lakes” of Gyaring and Ngoring, the Ox Head Monument and Xingxiuhai; Tibetan wild asses and Tibetan gazelles are a common sight in this Yellow River Source section of Sanjiangyuan National Park.
Maduo County lies in the northwest of Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai, at an average altitude of over 4,200 m. Known as “the first county at the source of the Yellow River”, it is home to the Yellow River Source Park of Sanjiangyuan National Park. The Yellow River emerges from the Yueguzonglie Basin, flows through Xingxiuhai into the “sister lakes” of Gyaring and Ngoring, then continues east past Huangheyan, south of Maduo's county town. The highlights are the Ox Head Monument atop Cuowa Gaze Hill between the two lakes and the deep blue waters of Ngoring Lake. Tibetan wild asses, Tibetan gazelles, black-necked cranes and wolves are often seen on the grasslands, and the night skies are exceptionally clear. Northeast of town, Huashixia is a supply stop on the G214 and the Gonghe–Yushu Expressway, and from there you can head north to Donggi Conag Lake. The climate is alpine and cold: Jul–Aug is the best time, though even in midsummer nights can drop below freezing, and the rest of the year is bitterly cold and windy. It's about 6–7 hours' drive from Xining to the county town. Maduo has no civilian airport; the nearest are Golog Maqin Airport and Yushu Batang Airport. The Ox Head Monument is about 80 km from town, mostly on gravel roads — a 4x4 and traveling in a group are recommended, and bring altitude sickness medication and warm clothing. Visitor access to Sanjiangyuan National Park is controlled, so confirm opening and reservation policies before you go. Allow 2–3 days and stay in the county town to acclimatize.
Top sights
- Ngoring Lake – The largest freshwater lake at the source of the Yellow River, at about 4,270 metres above sea level, with deep blue water. It is known wit…
- Ox Head Monument – A copper yak-head monument on a hilltop between the two lakes, at about 4,600 metres above sea level, and a signature photo spot at the sou…
- Gyaring Lake – The first large lake in the Yellow River source area, its water appears grayish white due to sediment, and it is connected to Ngoring Lake…
- Xingsu Hai – A high-altitude marshland west of Gyaring Lake, where countless pools sparkle like stars in the sunlight, once regarded by early explorers…
- First Bridge on the Yellow River – A road bridge along the Yellow River south of Maduo County town, known as the “First Bridge on the Yellow River” and a classic photo stop f…
- Huashixia – A high-plateau town in northeastern Maduo, along National Highway G214 and the Gonghe–Yushu Expressway, and the main supply stop for trips…
- Donggi Cona Lake – A high-plateau lake cradled by mountains in northern Maduo, ringed by snow peaks, with deep blue water and few visitors. Best suited to sel…
Where to eat
- Yilong Lao Chao Paozhang – The most-reviewed halal noodle shop in Maduo county town. Its signature is stir-fried firecracker noodles, hand-made sh…
Itineraries
- Golog, Yushu & Nangqian: 10-Day Deep Kham Itinerary – Head south from Xining via Guide, Maqên, and Madoi to Yushu and Nangqian, venturing deep into the Kham region of the Sa…