The vibrant colors of Qilian Mountains in late autumn

A vibrant autumn scene of snow-capped mountains, forests, and rivers is unfolded under blue skies in the Dahe township section of the Qilian Mountains National Park on Oct 9, 2024. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

On Oct 9, the Qilian Mountains National Park, specifically in the Dahe township section of Sunan Yugur autonomous county, Zhangye, Gansu province, presented a breathtaking autumnal spectacle. Under clear blue skies dotted with white clouds, a diverse landscape unfolded, featuring snow-capped mountains, lush forests, vast grasslands, wetlands, deep canyons, and winding rivers. This tapestry of natural wonders created a stunning visual masterpiece of autumnal colors.

As autumn deepens, the Qilian Mountains National Park in Sunan county has been touched by cold fronts and snowfall. The mountaintops are now blanketed in pristine white snow, while mist and clouds weave through the valleys. The vegetation below has undergone a dramatic transformation, with meadows, broadleaf forests, and shrubs changing from vibrant greens to warm yellows and rich reds, painting the landscape in a dazzling array of earthy hues.

In recent years, thanks to intensified conservation efforts within the Qilian Mountains National Park, Sunan has seen a significant increase in forest and grassland coverage. This has led to a marked improvement to the local ecosystem. Wildlife populations have flourished, expanding their territories and creating a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The result is a captivating ecological tableau that showcases the beauty of environmental stewardship and natural balance.