Zoige Grassland & First Bend of the Yellow River 若尔盖草原与黄河九曲第一湾Ruò'ěrgài Cǎoyuán yǔ Huánghé Jiǔqū Dì-yī Wān

Highland marsh, grazing yaks and the Yellow River looping across the plain at sunset

Best time: Jun–Sep
Time needed: 1–2 days
Days to budget: 1½ days
Stay in: Zoige
Region: Sichuan
Type: Nature
Listed as: 4A scenic area

Why go to Zoige Grassland & First Bend of the Yellow River

The Zoige grassland spreads across Sichuan's northern edge at around 3,500 m, part of one of the world's largest high-altitude marshes. Near Tangke, the Yellow River coils across the plain and swings almost completely round to head back into Qinghai, and a hillside stairway beside Suokezang Monastery gives the classic view, best at sunset. Boardwalks at Flower Lake (Huahu) lead out into the wetland, bright with flowers in early summer.

The story

The marsh soaks up rain and snowmelt like a giant sponge and supplies a large share of the upper Yellow River's flow. It is also one of the main breeding grounds of the black-necked crane, and yaks still graze it in summer.

What to see at Zoige Grassland & First Bend of the Yellow River

First Bend of the Yellow River 黄河九曲第一湾: At Tangke the river meets the White River and turns sharply, tracing a wide S across the plain. A viewpoint on the hill above is the classic sunset spot, reached by escalator or on foot.
Suokezang Monastery 索克藏寺: A Tibetan monastery at the top of the bend. Staying nearby lets you see sunrise and sunset light on the river, and the hill behind it is the best vantage.
Flower Lake 花湖: A wetland of pools and meadows with a raised boardwalk, built on steel frames to protect the grass. In summer wildflowers bloom, and the air is thin at around 3,500 metres.

How to visit Zoige Grassland & First Bend of the Yellow River

Tangke is the main target, about 60 km from Zoige town, and the First Bend itself takes two to three hours; arrive before sunset, then walk down the ridge in good weather. Flower Lake is a separate stop on the grassland, so check at the ticket office how it is reached and whether the sightseeing bus is part of the ticket. A day trip from Zoige town covers both; overnighting at Tangke gives sunset and sunrise.

How to get to Zoige Grassland & First Bend of the Yellow River

Take the train from Chengdu to Huanglong Jiuzhai station (about 2 hours), then it's roughly 2.5 hours by road north across the grassland to Zoige town. Tangke and the First Bend are about 70 km (1–1.5 hours) further west.

Where to stay

Stay in Tangke, the small town beside the bend, for sunset and sunrise and short drives to the viewpoints. Zoige town has more beds but is basic and about an hour back down the road.

What to eat

Yak-meat hotpot 牦牛肉火锅: Slices of yak with wild mushrooms cooked in a simmering broth, a common choice in Zoige town's Tibetan restaurants.
Tibetan yoghurt 酸奶: Tibetan families here make their own yoghurt, often stirred with highland barley flour.
Tsampa 糌粑: Roasted highland barley flour, the staple of the plateau, mixed into tea or yoghurt.

Tips for visiting Zoige Grassland & First Bend of the Yellow River

The grassland sits around 3,500 m; nights are cold even in midsummer and snow can fall in any month, so bring warm layers and strong sun protection.
Stay overnight in Tangke to catch sunset over the bend; a stairway leads up to the viewing platform.
Foreign visitors can travel here, but keep your passport handy for hotel registration and roadside checks, and book rooms that accept foreign guests in advance.

On the map

Open Zoige Grassland & First Bend of the Yellow River on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.

Open Zoige Grassland & First Bend of the Yellow River on the map