Heidu Mountain Travel Guide

Heidu Mountain (also known as "Heishan Gobi") is located near Lenghu Town, Mangya City, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province, and is known as **"the place that looks most like the moon"**. This is an undeveloped primitive wilderness where the black mountain body and white gravel create a strong visual impact, evoking a strong sense of solitude and exoticism. Here is a practical guide: --- ### **1. Core Highlights** - **Geological Wonder**: The mountain is entirely black (containing minerals), with the surface covered in white salt and alkali, resembling an ink painting. - **Ultimate Solitude**: Walking alone in the vast and boundless Gobi Desert feels like being on an alien planet. - **Starry Sky Secret Spot**: No light pollution; on clear nights, the Milky Way hangs above the black mountains. --- ### **2. Transportation Guide** **How to Get There?** - **Starting Point**: - Major transport: Fly to Dunhuang or Golmud, then self-drive or charter a car (Dunhuang departure recommended, about 2.5 hours by car). - Navigation point: **Lenghu Oilfield Base Ruins** (ruins) → continue along National Highway G215 towards Mangya for about 15 km → turn right at the **"Heidu Mountain" sign** onto a dirt road. - **Key Coordinates**: - Entrance location: `38.441°N, 93.192°E` (search "Heidu Mountain" on Baidu/AutoNavi maps to locate nearby). **Road Conditions Tips**: 1. **Last 10 km require off-road driving**: - The road from the highway to the mountain foot is soft sandy gravel, **a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle is a must** (two-wheel-drive vehicles easily get stuck, rescue is difficult). - No navigation signal! Download offline maps in advance and follow tire tracks. 2. **Strictly no entry on rainy days**: Muddy roads will trap vehicles 100%. --- ### **3. Travel Suggestions** - **Best Time**: - **Season**: April to October (extremely cold and windy with sandstorms in winter; avoid midday sun in summer). - **Light and Shadow Moments**: One hour after sunrise or two hours before sunset (the black mountain contrasted with golden light is most stunning). - **Photography Spots**: - Close-up: Go deep into the mountain gullies to capture texture details (focal length 24-70mm). - Panorama: Climb the hillside for overhead shots of the black and white contrasting land and road (focal length 70-200mm). - Portraits: Wear bright-colored clothes and stand on the mountain ridge silhouette (recommended red/white). - **Duration**: Allow 3-4 hours for in-depth shooting. --- ### **4. Important Notes (Must Read!)** 1. **Environmental Rules**: - Wheels must not crush the mountain! The black surface is extremely fragile; tire marks take 50 years to recover. - Walk on existing trails and avoid stepping on vegetation. 2. **Safety Risks**: - No signal, no supplies, no rescue; travel in groups (at least two vehicles). - Bring enough drinking water, snacks, vehicle recovery boards, air pump, satellite phone (rental available). 3. **Weather Warnings**: - Sandstorms can occur anytime; evacuate immediately if wind speed exceeds level 6. - Large temperature difference between day and night (30°C daytime, 5°C night); bring windproof jackets. --- ### **5. Nearby Attractions** - **Lenghu Oilfield Base Ruins**: Visit the abandoned "oil ghost town" on the way and shoot apocalyptic ruins (5 km from Heidu Mountain entrance). - **Mars No.1 Road**: Cross the Robliang Yardang (advance reservation required) to experience Mars-like terrain (about 80 km from Lenghu Town). - **Mangya Emerald Lake**: A turquoise salt lake (2 hours by car from Heidu Mountain), perfect for stunning drone shots. --- ### **6. Accommodation Options** - **Lenghu Town**: - Budget: `Yadan Star Hotel`, `Mangya Jinkun Hotel` (about 200-400 RMB/night, book at least 1 month in advance during peak season). - Camping: Wild camping allowed on the Gobi outside town (beware of wind). - **Premium Experience**: - Mars Camp (inside Robliang): Capsule accommodation, immersive Mars experience (about 1200 RMB/person, including meals). --- ### **7. Photography Equipment Checklist** | Category | Recommendation | |----------|----------------| | Camera | Full-frame body (high ISO capability) | | Lenses | Wide-angle (16-35mm) + Telephoto (70-200mm) | | Accessories | Tripod (essential for star photography), ND filter (for long exposure in daylight), drone (must bring!) | | Protection | Camera sand cover, lens cleaning wipes | --- **Important Reminder**: Heidu Mountain is not a scenic area, no entrance fee but **no basic facilities**. Respect nature, take all your trash with you, and leave only footprints!