The hidden gem behind Zhoe'r Mountain that you don't know is the heavenly pasture from 'Heidi and Her Grandfather'

Day 3: Zhoe'r Mountain - Zhangye 🗺️ Itinerary: 📍 Behind Zhoe'r Mountain ⬇️ 📍 Binggou Forest Sea ⬇️ 📍 Zhangye City Having prepared a detailed travel guide, we were determined to avoid the crowded front mountain ticketed area of Zhoe'r Mountain for a better experience. We contacted the owner of a homestay at the foot of the mountain in advance, who arranged for us to visit the back of Zhoe'r Mountain. The fee for guidance was 100 yuan per vehicle, considering the winding and often muddy mountain roads, and since we didn't have an off-road vehicle, we gave up on finding our own way. The fee also included the cost of the parking lot at the foot of the mountain, which was okay. After parking, you can arrange to ride horses up the mountain with the herders. As the altitude increases, the colors in the view keep changing. Mature wheat is golden, unripe highland barley is dark green, podded rapeseed is yellow, and there are the distant Danxia landforms, with shades of brown, orange, and vermilion, dotted with dark green - the scenery is breathtaking! The back mountain is very suitable for flying drones, with the Danxia and colorful 'carpet' as a backdrop, it's easy to take a 'photo of a lifetime'. A magical morning, we rode horses, chased sheep, and even led cows. 🗺️ Bonus: Self-driving guide for the back mountain: The hidden gem behind Zhoe'r Mountain that you don't know is the heavenly pasture from 'Heidi and Her Grandfather', and also a secret paradise for rebellious travelers If you are an experienced driver with a capable off-road vehicle, you can consider finding your own way. Navigate to 🧭【Qilian Riverside Farmhouse】, turn right ➡️ and drive straight down a small road to the end. The back mountain has already built a visitor center, and it is estimated that it will soon become a ticketed area. Take the opportunity to visit it now while it's still not well-known 🫡 The Binggou Forest Sea, which took two hours to find, is also a paradise-like existence. The cold snow water flows down from the mountain top, and dead wood lies across the rocks. Locals were picnicking, and we were playing in the water. If it weren't for a sudden heavy rain, the kids would probably have played by the stream until dusk. We seriously overstayed our planned time, so Mati Temple had to be postponed to the next day. On the way, we encountered the Danxia landforms. Even under a mix of sun and clouds, the colors were still very vivid. What a lively spectacle it must be under the bright sun? 🗺️ Self-driving route review: Actually, we took a detour to Binggou Forest Sea, and after playing, we had to take even more detours from 🛣️302 Provincial Road to 🛣️227 National Road and then to 🛣️Zhangwen Expressway to Zhangye. I personally recommend the following route: Zhoe'r Mountain - Binggou Forest Sea - Erga Highway - 213 Provincial Road - Yeniugou Township - Sunan County - Zhangye This unconventional route, which traverses through the belly of the Qilian Mountains, promises even more enchanting scenery. If any friends go and try it out, remember to share!