Qíliánshān

The eastern Qilian Mountains rise between the river valleys of the Tibetan Plateau and the dry lands of the Hexi Corridor. Long ridges alternate with valleys, grassland and patches of coniferous forest; snow remains on the higher peaks. Streams from these mountains feed the Huang and Datong rivers on one side and the inland rivers of the corridor on the other. Passes through the ranges connect the highland pastures with settlements beyond them.