Biandukou Pass
扁都口
An ancient pass through the Qilian Mountains leading to Qinghai. In July, hundreds of thousands of mu of rapeseed flowers on both sides of the valley bloom alongside snow-capped peaks, making it a must-stop on the Qinghai–Gansu Loop.
Biandukou Pass lies in the southern part of Minle County. It is a canyon route cutting through the Qilian Mountains, known in ancient times as Dadoubagu Valley. For centuries it was the main road from the Hexi Corridor to Qinghai, and Emperor Yang of Sui once passed through here on an inspection tour of the west. Today National Highway G227 (Zhangye–Xining, popularly known as 'China's most beautiful Highway 227') runs through the valley, and it is a required stretch for those entering the Qilian Mountains from Zhangye on the Qinghai–Gansu Grand Loop. In early to mid-July, hundreds of thousands of mu of rapeseed flowers bloom on the hillsides on both sides of the pass, forming a classic scene with the Qilian snow, grasslands and grazing cattle and sheep. The Biandukou Ecological Leisure Tourism Area beside the highway (free or with a token fee) has viewing platforms, boardwalks and windmills, and you can walk into the flower fields. The canyon also has smaller sights such as Shifo Cliff and Heifeng Cave. It is about 1 hour by car from Zhangye city center, and many travelers stop for 1–2 hours on the way from Zhangye to Qilian County or Menyuan, so there is no need for a special round trip. Outside the flowering season, the canyon road is still spectacular, with snow peaks and golden grasslands in autumn. Note: the altitude is about 2,800 m, so it is windy and cool, so bring a jacket. On flowering weekends, crowds are heavy and parking is tight. Do not drive into the flower fields.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Shandan Horse Ranch
- Mati Temple (Matisi Grottoes)
- Yanzhi Mountain
- Xiakou Ancient Fort & Han-Ming Great Wall
- Zhangye Shanxi Guild Hall
- Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple
- Ganzhou Market (Night Food Market)
- Muta Temple (Wooden Pagoda Temple)