Located about 110kms southeast of Xining in Qinghai Province, this stunning nature reserve is a complete contrast to the barren land which covers much of Qinghai.
The reserve surrounds the Heavenly Lake (also known as Tian Chi) which sits atop Xiqing Mountain. The park boasts thick forests, rare trees, beautiful tropical flowers, a number of different species of wildlife, cascading waterfalls and many nature trails to follow.
Mengda Nature Reserve is very popular with hikers who are looking for something slightly different to the norm. The climate is wet and mild, which ensure that the countryside stays lush and green year round, making for lovely scenery.
The nature reserve has gained in popularity over recent years. Tourists are visiting it more often and as such, the areas around it are developing. It is still far from being ‘ruined’ by tourists and makes a great escape from any city. If the thought of climbing the mountain does not appeal to you, you could make the journey on horseback. A popular day trip is to ride a horse up and down, taking in the sights as you go.
Getting There & Away
There is an airport in Xining which largely services domestic flights. Transfers from Beijing take just 2 hours and once in Xining, it is possible to catch a bus or taxi to the foot of Xiqing Mountain. The journey from Xining takes approximately 2 hours.