Huatugou

Huatugou (花土沟) is a town in Qinghai, China, and the administrative center of Mangya City. Located in the western part of Qinghai within the Qaidam Basin, it is surrounded by an expansive landscape of desert, mountains and salt lakes. The town is one of the main settlements in this remote part of the province and serves as a local center for transportation, services and the petroleum industry.

Huatugou is best known for its stark highland scenery and its connection with the oil and mineral resources of the surrounding region. Its remote location also makes it a useful base for travelers exploring the unusual landscapes of western Mangya, where vast deserts, colorful salt lakes and rugged mountain terrain contrast sharply with the more densely populated parts of eastern Qinghai.

The town is near a small salty lake called Gaz Hure Hu. In the low hills near town, if you go wandering, you can see oil derricks, as oil is the economic mainstay of the area, and perhaps small black pools of thick tar seeping to the surface.

Huatugou is a small oil-drilling town at 38°08'60"N, 90°52'00"E and 2,859 m. Perhaps there was more of a boom time in years past or hope of a boom yet to come, because many three-story concrete buildings stand empty. The town is near a small salty lake called Gaz Hure Hu. In the low hills near town, if you go wandering, you can see oil derricks, as oil is the economic mainstay of the area, and perhaps small black pools of thick tar seeping to the surface.

Important! Huatugou is a closed town. A closed town means that foreign visitors are not allowed to travel to or through the town without first getting a permit from the Aliens Entry and Exit Administration (AEEA) office of the PSB station in the town from which they will be traveling to the closed town.

Getting an Alien Travel Permit (ATP) is usually a straightforward process. All cities and most towns of any size have an AEEA office inside a central PSB (public security bureau or police) station. The AEEA office is also where you would go to get your visa extended.

The AEEA officers are usually friendly and usually know a bit of English. Let the AEEA officer know you want to go to Huatugou on your way to Xinjiang. An ATP costs ¥50. You get a folded form about the size of your passport;The permitted destinations written inside in Chinese only.

In Golmud, the bus station will not sell you a ticket to Huatugou unless you have an ATP. Similarly, the bus station in Dunhuang will not sell you a ticket to Huatugou unless you have an ATP. (Dunhuang is not itself a closed town, but the route to Dunhuang goes through a number of closed towns.) Some travelers have reported success in flagging down the bus just after it left the station and paying the fare on board without having a permit. There are several checkpoints on route, but travelers report that buses are rarely stopped.

Lodging staff in closed towns are required to report foreign guests. This seems to be generally overlooked in a transit hub like Huatugou, but you'll likely be reported if you stay in any other town in the area or if you stay in Huatugou for more than a day. If an official finds someone without a permit, travelers report they usually claim ignorance of the rules and are usually scolded and then restricted to their lodging and closely watched by hotel staff until they get on the next bus out of town. If you are belligerent with the officer, or if s/he has had a bad day for some other reason, you may be required to take a bus back in the direction from which you came.

Huatugou developed with the exploration of petroleum and other mineral resources in the Qaidam Basin during the 20th century. The discovery and development of the Huatugou Oilfield led to the growth of the settlement as an important center for the petroleum industry. In 2018, Mangya was established as a county-level city, with Huatugou serving as its administrative center.

Huatugou has a typical highland desert climate because of its location in the Qaidam Basin and its high elevation. The climate is dry throughout the year, with relatively mild summers and very cold winters. Compared with the wetter areas of eastern Qinghai, Huatugou receives very little precipitation and has low humidity. Most rainfall occurs during the summer, while the rest of the year is generally dry and sunny. The surrounding mountains and vast desert landscape also contribute to large differences between day and night temperatures.

A small airport exists for those working in the oil industry. There are direct flights to and from Golmud and Dunhuang starting at around ¥600.

• 38.19983790.841891 Haixi Mangya Airport (海西茫崖机场), Haixi Mangya Airport, ☏ +86 977 8255888.  (updated Oct 2026)

the bus station is in the main road

• Bus from Golmud - takes 6-7 hours, departs from golmud at 12:00, foreigners need an Alien Travel Permit that you can get in the psb
• Bus from Dunhuang - there is a bus from Dunhuang - but, the bus station in Dunhuang will not sell you a ticket to Huatugou unless you have an ATP, You can't get this permit in Dunhuang because it's in another province, so you have to do the ride to the psb in Golmud, and from there to take the bus to Huatugou. (as to April 2011)

• 38.25121390.8051652 Mangya Railway Station (茫崖站, originally known as Huatugou Railway Station). The Golmud-Korla Railway was completed in 2020 making it possible to reach Huatugou by train for the first time. Passenger trains from Golmud run only about once every 3 or 4 days. The journey time is about 5 hours and the fare is ¥64.50 for a hard seat or ¥123.50 for a hard sleeper. Unfortunately, as of March 2021, there are still no passenger trains to or from destinations west of Huatugou, although there are trains running from Korla to Ruoqiang, so it's probably only a matter of time before train services are extended to cover the full length of the line.  (updated Mar 2021)

• 38.07490191.0018591 Mangya Emerald Lake (茫崖翡翠湖), Huatugou Town, Mangya City, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture; at the eastern edge of Lake Gasi and the southeastern side of Huatugou Town, ☏ +86 18997373326. Mangya Emerald Lake is a large artificial salt lake on the southeastern side of Huatugou. The lake is known for its bright green and blue waters, which vary in color depending on the concentration of minerals and the lighting conditions. Surrounded by the dry landscape of the Qaidam Basin, the colorful lake contrasts strongly with the surrounding desert and salt flats.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 38.11290.5782 Aiken Spring (艾肯泉), Moherbuluke Village, Huatugou Town, toll-free: 0977-8258898Country code missing. Aiken Spring is a geothermal spring located at the foothills where the Qimantag and Ahati mountains meet. The spring continuously bubbles from the ground, while minerals deposited around the spring have created reddish and yellowish rings. Viewed from above, the spring resembles a large eye, earning it the nickname “Eye of the Earth.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 38.12525990.8116973 Gasikule Lake (尕斯库勒湖), Along National Highway 315, Huatugou Town. Gasikule Lake is a large salt lake located in the western part of the Qaidam Basin. Its surroundings consist of extensive salt flats and desert landscapes, while the lake and nearby salt formations create a distinctive high-altitude landscape. The lake is also associated with salt springs and colorful mineral formations in the surrounding area.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 38.22279290.9406894 Qianfo Cliff (千佛崖), Youyuangou, northeast of Huatugou Town. Qianfo Cliff is a distinctive Danxia landscape in Youyuangou northeast of Huatugou. Long-term erosion by wind and rain has shaped the red sandstone cliffs into numerous formations resembling Buddhas, bodhisattvas and arhats. The cliffs form one of the characteristic landscapes around Huatugou and can be viewed from higher ground in the valley  (updated Sep 2026)
• 38.16606290.9357145 Oil Sand Mountain (油砂山), Near Huatugou Oilfield, south of Huatugou Town. Oil Sand Mountain is a geological and petroleum landscape associated with the development of the Huatugou oilfield. Oil-bearing strata and exposed geological formations can be seen in the area, while oilfield equipment and pump jacks are scattered across the surrounding landscape. The site also has historical importance as one of the early areas of petroleum exploration in the Qaidam Basin.  (updated Sep 2026)

• 38.252590.85751 Mongolian Fire Festival (蒙古族祭火节). It is held to pray for peace, prosperity and the well-being of families and livestock, and local celebrations may include fire-worship rituals, bonfires and traditional dancing.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 38.26590.8712 Chinese Farmers' Harvest Festival (中国农民丰收节). The Chinese Farmers’ Harvest Festival is a celebration of the agricultural and pastoral harvest season. In Huatugou, local celebrations have included ethnic music and dance performances, traditional sports such as tug-of-war and archery, as well as local food.  (updated Sep 2026)

• 38.25482890.8749481 Qinghai Goji Berries (青海枸杞), Next to the southeast gate of the Huatugou Farmers' Market. Qinghai goji berries and black goji berries are local agricultural products that can be used to make tea.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 38.25469890.8748362 Dried Yak Meat (牦牛肉干), Mangya Ruida General Merchandise Store. Dried yak meat is a popular snack in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau region. It is convenient for travelers and can be purchased as a gift.  (updated Oct 2026)

• 38.25763790.8774151 Sizzling-Oil Fish (炝锅鱼), No. 27 Qianjin Road, Mangya City, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, toll-free: +86 977 0977-8252108. It is known for its signature qiangguo fish, a spicy fish dish seasoned with chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. The dish has a bold, aromatic flavor and is a good option for visitors looking for a local Chinese dining experience.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 38.25774590.8776052 Old Beijing Lamb Hot Pot (Qianjin Road Branch) (老北京涮羊肉（前进路店）), 80 meters east of the intersection of Minzu Road and Qianjin Road, Mangya City, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It specializes in Beijing-style lamb hot pot, featuring thinly sliced lamb cooked in hot broth and served with traditional dipping sauces. It offers visitors a chance to try a well-known dish from Beijing while dining in Huatugou.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 38.25736590.8773463 Local favorites: Dry-pot duck, spicy shrimp, *diguo* chicken (braised chicken with flatbread), and charcoal-pot fish. (家门口干锅鸭香辣虾地锅鸡碳锅鱼), Located on the east side of Minzu Road, 50 meters south of the intersection with Qianjin Road, Mangya City, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Its menu includes dry-pot duck, spicy shrimp, diguo chicken (braised chicken served with flatbread), and charcoal-pot fish. These dishes feature bold seasonings and are well suited to sharing with family or friends.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 38.25706690.8766244 Sangu Maocai (Mangzhou Commercial Street Branch) (三顾冒菜（茫州商业街店）), Mangzhou Commercial Street, Mangya City, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. This dish consists of meat, vegetables, tofu, and other ingredients cooked in a flavorful, often spicy broth. The restaurant is an option for visitors looking for a quick meal with the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 38.25641890.8780955 Little Mustache Lamb Rice Noodle Soup Shop (小胡子羊肉粉汤馆), 20 meters northeast of the intersection of Kunlun Road and Qianjin Road, Mangya City, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. specializing in lamb soup with vermicelli or rice noodles. Served in a hot, savory broth, the dish makes for a hearty meal and is a good option for visitors looking to try a warming lamb soup popular in northwestern China.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 38.25827790.8779176 Zhang Family Beef Offal Soup (张家牛杂汤), Next to Yinshi Business Hotel, Huatugou Town, Mangya City, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. specializing in beef offal soup. The dish features assorted cuts of beef offal simmered in a rich broth, sometimes with radish and fresh herbs.  (updated Oct 2026)

• 38.25545790.8768161 Shuyi Grass Jelly (Kunlun Road Branch) (书亦烧仙草(昆仑路店)), 140 meters southwest of the intersection of Kunlun Road and Qianjin Road, Mangya City, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Its drinks often combine tea with ingredients such as grass jelly, fresh fruit, and other toppings, offering a variety of flavors and textures. It is an option for visitors looking for a refreshing drink while exploring Huatugou.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 36.30021998.0901992 Hushang Auntie Fresh Fruit Tea (Haixi Dulan Commercial Street Branch) (沪上阿姨鲜果茶(海西都兰商业街店)), Commercial Street, Chahanwusu Town, Dulan County, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. known for its fruit teas, milk teas, and drinks made with fresh fruit and other ingredients. Its menu combines traditional tea flavors with modern drink options, offering a variety of refreshing choices for visitors looking for a takeaway beverage in Huatugou.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 36.29896398.0903573 Mixue (Dulan County, Renmin Street Middle Section Branch) (蜜雪冰城（都兰县人民街中段店)), Storefront located on the middle section of Renmin Street, Chahanwusu Town, Dulan County, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. A popular Chinese beverage chain offering affordable ice cream, fruit teas, lemon drinks, and milk teas. It is known for its budget-friendly prices and refreshing drinks, making it a convenient option for a quick treat on a trip around Huatugou.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 36.932298.4797664 Cotti Coffee (Xinghai Commercial Street Branch) (库迪咖啡(兴海商业街店)), Located next to the well-known snack shop, near "Jiahe Bainian Home Furnishings" (Xinghai Commercial Street Branch) in Xiligou Town, Ulan County, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Cotti Coffee serves espresso-based drinks such as lattes and Americanos, along with flavored coffees, fruit drinks, and seasonal beverages. It offers a variety of hot and iced drinks at affordable prices, making it a convenient stop for coffee lovers.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 38.25547790.8768945 Lucky Cup (Mangya Branch) (幸运咖(茫崖店)), 140 meters southwest of the intersection of Kunlun Road and Qianjin Road, Mangya City, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. offers a range of coffee drinks, including Americanos, lattes, and flavored coffees, as well as fruit drinks and other iced beverages. Known for its affordable prices and convenient takeaway options, it is a casual choice for a quick coffee break.  (updated Oct 2026)

Just two hotels are allowed to accommodate foreigners in the town. One is in the budget price range, and the other in the middle price range.

There are many other places to stay, some cheap and some expensive, but if you are a foreigner, they probably won't let you sleep there and just will call the PSB.

• 38.25113590.8498941 Mangya Mountain-View Boutique Guesthouse (City Government Branch) (茫崖观山美墅精品客栈(市政府店）).  (updated Oct 2026)
• 38.25399790.864422 Mangya Junhao Hotel (茫崖君豪酒店).  (updated Oct 2026)
• 38.24523390.8438153 Mangya Haorun Hotel (茫崖豪润大酒店), Mangya Haorun Hotel 238 meters north of the intersection of Huanxi Road and Chuangye Road, Mangya City, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.  (updated Oct 2026)

Twice daily minibuses run the 65 km in 1.5-2 hours for ¥15 between Huatugou and Shimiankuang (石绵矿 literally: asbestos mine), a tiny worker hamlet north of a large surface-level asbestos mine.

The first is at 9:00 (Beijing Time), from the main road in front of the bus station.