The Best Viewing Spot for the Highest Peak in the Northern Section of the Kunlun Mountains, with Snowy Peaks Stretching Like a Beautiful Painting, Open to the Public for Free

People often say: In everyone's heart, there is a mountain of their own! This statement can be interpreted broadly or narrowly. Broadly, it can refer to many connotations, while narrowly, it may mean that everyone has a favorite mountain in their heart. Some people like the Three Mountains and Five Sacred Peaks, some like the Penglai Immortal Mountains, some like snowy mountains and glaciers, but I believe many people also yearn for the towering Kunlun Mountains, known as the ancestor of all mountains.

The Kunlun Mountains are a very mysterious mountain range, regarded as the source of the Chinese dragon vein and the birthplace of myths and legends. It is said that the heavenly realm stands atop the mountains, with passages to other worlds. For thousands of years, layers of mist have shrouded it. Historically, countless emperors tried to find it, but most returned empty-handed. Yet in reality, it truly exists.

The Kunlun Mountains, also known as Kunlun Xu, Kunlun Qiu, or Jade Mountain, are the main backbone of China's western mountain system. Starting from the eastern part of the Pamir Plateau in the west, they stretch across Xinjiang, Tibet, and Qinghai, with a total length of about 2,500 kilometers and an average altitude exceeding 5,000 meters. They hold a prominent position in Chinese cultural history as the "ancestor of all mountains."

During the "Mysterious Kunlun, Source of Three Rivers" field trip, our itinerary over several days was centered on Golmud at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains. Every day, looking out the car window, we could see the towering, majestic, and magical Kunlun peaks. Especially on the third day, when we headed to the Kekexili National Nature Reserve, we followed the Kunlun Mountains all the way and even got a close-up view of the highest peak in the eastern section of the Kunlun Mountains—Yuzhu Peak.

Yuzhu Peak is located in Xidatan, Golmud City, Qinghai Province, about 160 kilometers from the city center. It takes about two hours to drive to the viewing platform. Also known as Kekesai Jimen Peak, its highest altitude is 6,178 meters. It is one of the six famous peaks in Qinghai Province exceeding 6,000 meters and the highest peak in the eastern section of the Kunlun Mountains. Legend says it is the incarnation of Princess Yuzhu, the daughter of the Queen Mother of the West.

Although it is already July, when we were on our way to Yuzhu Peak, we could see undulating white snowy peaks from afar. According to a local friend traveling with us, Yuzhu Peak has a continental climate, with an average annual temperature of minus 5 degrees Celsius and extreme minimum temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees. The mountaintop is crisscrossed with glaciers, and the snow never melts all year round.

Standing on the viewing platform and looking into the distance, Yuzhu Peak is not an isolated peak; for dozens of kilometers, there are continuous rolling snowy mountains. These peaks appear to be above 5,000 meters. Since we were on a viewing platform at 4,200 meters, we flew the drone to an altitude of over 480 meters, yet we still found it difficult to see the scenery behind the peaks. All we could see was a mysterious appearance.

1. The Yuzhu Peak viewing platform is located on the way from Golmud to Kekexili and the sources of three rivers. It has a parking lot and restrooms, is open for free, and does not require tickets. It is a great place for sightseeing, resting, and taking photos.

2. The viewing platform is at an altitude of about 4,200 meters, which is a high plateau area. Vigorous exercise should be avoided as much as possible, and running or jumping is strictly prohibited, otherwise altitude sickness can easily occur.

3. There are no restaurants along the way. Please bring drinking water, dry food, or light meals before setting out. At the same time, the temperature changes greatly on the plateau and the ultraviolet rays are strong, so be prepared for cold protection and sun protection.