Baersi Snow Mountain in Sunan Yugur autonomous county, Zhangye, Gansu province. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

In early autumn, the unique ethnic charm and ecological beauty of the Qilian Mountains become major attractions for tourists. The Yugur people, who have traditionally relied on the mountains for their livelihood, are now reaping the benefits of this natural splendor.

The Yugur are a unique ethnic minority in Gansu province and primarily reside in Sunan Yugur autonomous county at the foot of the Qilian Mountains. This area is rich in natural resources, and is home to nearly 60 percent of the Gansu Qilian Mountain National Nature Reserve.

Red deer among alpine meadows in Sunan Yugur autonomous county, Zhangye, Gansu province [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

In recent years, Sunan Yugur autonomous county has been dedicated to preserving its "green home" with clear waters and blue skies. They have implemented integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and deserts. As a result, the overall ecological environment has significantly improved: soil and water conservation rates have reached 84 percent, natural grassland vegetation coverage is at 70.3 percent, forest coverage is 10.41 percent, the air quality is excellent 89 percent of the time, and the drinking water quality compliance rate is 100 percent.

Lu Zepeng, head of Dahe township in Sunan, stated that with the increasing number of tourists, the local government is adopting more comprehensive ecological protection measures. These include enhancing the environmental management of camping sites and organizing herders to patrol grasslands and nature reserves to minimize the impact of tourism on the environment. Looking ahead, they plan to develop winter tourism by creating snow mountain viewing routes to attract visitors year-round with "scenery of all four seasons."