Scenic Drive Through Qilian Mountain to Zhongwei

8 Jul 18

It was a raining day. Today was driving day, relaxing and listening to music. The drive will take us back to Zhongwei. If not for the rain, the drive would be particularly scenic as we drove through the Qilian Mountains valleys. Along the way, we saw traditional villages with mud houses, farmlands totally inundated with the blooming yellow flower of  rapeseed, huge green patches of young maize as well as vast field of wheat.

Our driver, Xiaowang took the route that cut through Qilian Mountains, avoiding major highways.

Part of the route, the roads parallel the Datong River, and with mountains flanking both sides, surely add to the beauty of the sceneries. Truly, it's spectacular and picturesque .

 

We arrived at Shapotou, about 10 km west of Zhongwei to have a view of the bend of Yellow River.
BTW, Yellow river is 1900 km long and is the second longest river in China. Historically, the river and Chinese civilization are synonymous. It originates in Qinghai and flow through 9 provinces including Gansu and Ningxia. It also meandered its way through Qilian Mountain before it  emerges towards the plain at Zhongwei and Yinchuan.

 Tonight, Xiaowang bought us dinner. The baby lamb, the restaurant special was delicious. Together local vegetables, our dinner was indeed satisfying.

Our driver, Xiaowang has been very professional and drove us safely over 4000 km in 14 days. Job well done.

 

We stayed at this comfortable hotel