Jishi Gorge & Yellow River Rafting
积石峡·黄河漂流
The Yellow River gorge known as “Guiding the River at Jishi,” where red Danxia cliffs frame a clear stretch of river called the “Clear Yellow River.” Visit by car or take a raft ride.
Jishi Gorge is where the Yellow River passes from Qinghai into Gansu. The phrase “guiding the river at Jishi, then on to Longmen” in the Book of Documents (Shangshu, “Tribute of Yu”) refers to this place. The gorge runs about 25 km, with steep red Danxia cliffs on both sides. After sediment settles in the upstream reservoir, the Yellow River in the Xunhua section runs a vivid emerald green, and locals say the river runs clearest in Qinghai. A riverside road lets you drive and enjoy the views. Between the county seat and the Jishi Gorge area you can book Yellow River rafting, where a raft or speedboat trip takes about an hour in summer. Prices and opening times vary by operator, so check on site, and always wear a life jacket. The gorge is on the way to Mengda Tianchi and can be combined with a visit to the Mengda Mosque.
Opening hours
Open all day (rafting about 9:00 AM–6:00 PM in summer)