Guide National Geopark

The Yellow River takes its name and colour from the loess it cuts through further east; here in Qinghai it has not reached that ground yet, and the water running past Guide is clear and green, which local signage makes a point of. Above the town, the Aspen Valley geopark holds danxia formations of red sandstone and conglomerate eroded into towers, walls and ridges rising several hundred metres, with a road and walkways climbing among them. The contrast of the clear river, green irrigated fields and pear orchards on the valley floor with the bare red rock above is the character of the place.

What you actually see

• The clear Yellow River - green water before the loess reaches it.
• The danxia towers - red rock formations above the valley.
• The orchards - pear and apricot on the irrigated valley floor.
• The walkways - paths and viewpoints among the formations.

When to go

May to October, with pear blossom in April and fruit in late summer; autumn is clearest. Winter is cold and some services close. Midday sun flattens the red rock colour.

Honest expectations

Entry plus compulsory shuttle is charged. The site is at around 2,200 metres and involves climbing. Guide is a few hours from Xining and facilities are modest.

Nearby

Kanbula lies east; Xining is north.