Maomao Shan | Maomaoshan
🏔️ Overview
Maomao Shan is a prominent mountain in Gansu Province, China, rising along the eastern reaches of the Qilian Shan mountain system near the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.
The summit reaches approximately 4,070 meters (13,353 feet) above sea level. Although considerably lower than the great glaciated summits farther west in the Qilian Mountains, Maomao Shan is a substantial mountain in its own right, with more than 1,000 meters of topographic prominence.
Maomao Shan lies in the Wuwei region of Gansu, near Tianzhu—also known as Bairi—Tibetan Autonomous County. The surrounding landscape forms a transition between the high mountains of northeastern Tibet, alpine grasslands, cultivated valleys, and the drier terrain of north-central China.
The mountain is particularly interesting geologically because the Maomao Shan segment of the Haiyuan Fault passes through this part of the eastern Qilian region. The fault system is one of the major active tectonic structures accommodating deformation along the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.
Unlike many famous Chinese mountains, Maomao Shan is not a developed hiking or mountaineering destination. Reliable English-language descriptions of established summit trails and climbing routes are scarce, making it more important as a geographic, ecological, and geological landmark than as a conventional tourist peak.
⚡ Fast Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Continent | Asia |
| Country | China |
| State/Province | Gansu |
| Prefecture-Level City | Wuwei |
| County/Region | Tianzhu (Bairi) Tibetan Autonomous County area |
| Mountain Range | Qilian Shan |
| Parent Peak | Not clearly identified in accessible topographic sources |
| Elevation | 4,070 m / 13,353 ft |
| Prominence | 1,068 m / 3,504 ft |
| Isolation | 33.31 km / 20.70 mi |
| Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN) | Gangshika Feng |
| Coordinates | Approximately 37.1751° N, 103.1516° E |
| Chinese Name | 毛毛山 |
Topographic values above follow Peakbagger where available. Some other mapping databases give slightly different elevations or prominence figures.
📍 Location
Maomao Shan lies in Gansu Province in north-central China, within the broader eastern Qilian mountain region.
Its coordinates place the summit at approximately 37.175° N, 103.152° E. Administratively, the mountain is associated with the Wuwei area and Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, which is also commonly called Bairi Tibetan Autonomous County in Tibetan-oriented geographic sources.
The Qilian Shan extends for hundreds of kilometers along the northeastern side of the Tibetan Plateau, primarily across Gansu and neighboring Qinghai Province.
Maomao Shan occupies the eastern part of this enormous mountain system. The landscape here differs considerably from the more remote western Qilian Mountains, where peaks such as Kangze’gyai rise above extensive glaciers and broad high-altitude basins.
Eastern Qilian terrain includes a mixture of:
- Alpine and subalpine grasslands
- Rocky ridges
- Broad valleys
- Grazing lands
- Mountain streams
- Forest patches at suitable elevations
- High plateaus and rolling uplands
The mountain’s location also places it close to a major transition between the Tibetan Plateau and the lower, drier landscapes to the northeast.
📏 Elevation & Prominence
Maomao Shan has an elevation of approximately 4,070 meters (13,353 feet).
Peakbagger gives the mountain a topographic prominence of approximately 1,068 meters (3,504 feet), meaning that the summit rises more than a vertical kilometer above the highest saddle connecting it to higher terrain.
That is substantial prominence for a mountain of this elevation.
Peakbagger calculates Maomao Shan’s topographic isolation at approximately 33.31 kilometers (20.70 miles). Its nearest higher neighbor is Gangshika Feng, located to the west-southwest.
Gangshika Snow Peak rises considerably higher, reaching approximately 5,254 meters in the Lenglong Ling section of the Qilian Mountains.
Some databases differ slightly in their measurements. PeakVisor, for example, lists Maomao Shan at 4,070 meters but calculates approximately 1,087 meters of prominence. Open mapping sources also identify a nearby summit point called Ximaomao Shan at roughly 4,074 meters.
These small discrepancies likely reflect differences in digital elevation models, summit coordinates, contour interpretation, and the way individual summit points are represented.
For consistency, Mountain Field Guide uses the Peakbagger figures of 4,070 meters elevation, 1,068 meters prominence, and 33.31 kilometers isolation.
🪨 Geology
Maomao Shan lies within one of Asia’s most geologically active mountain-building regions.
The wider Qilian Mountains form part of the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Their development is ultimately connected with the immense continental collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
That collision did not affect only the Himalayas. Compression has been transmitted far north and northeast across the Tibetan Plateau, producing uplift, crustal shortening, folding, thrusting, and major strike-slip fault systems.
One of those structures is the Haiyuan Fault.
The Maomao Shan Fault Segment
The name Maomao Shan is especially important in tectonic research because scientists recognize a Maomao Shan segment of the Haiyuan Fault.
The Haiyuan Fault system consists largely of left-lateral strike-slip faults. In this type of fault, blocks of Earth’s crust move primarily sideways relative to one another.
Researchers divide part of the fault system near Tianzhu into several major segments, including:
- Leng Long Ling
- Jinqiang He
- Maomao Shan
- Laohu Shan
Geological investigations have measured displaced river channels, terraces, landforms, and other features along these faults to determine how quickly the crust has moved over thousands of years.
Published estimates for the Maomao Shan segment vary depending on the landforms studied, dating methods, and time periods examined. The important point is that this is an active tectonic landscape, not an ancient mountain system that has completely ceased developing.
Mountain Building and Erosion
Tectonic uplift is only one part of Maomao Shan’s landscape evolution.
Once rock is elevated, erosion begins reshaping it through:
- Freeze-thaw weathering
- Running water
- Mass movement
- Rockfall
- Snow
- Wind
- Seasonal temperature changes
Repeated freezing and thawing can fracture exposed rock, while streams gradually cut valleys into the uplifted terrain.
The modern mountain is therefore the product of two opposing forces: tectonic processes raise and deform the landscape while erosion continually wears it down.
🌿 Flora & Fauna
Maomao Shan belongs to the wider ecological landscape of the eastern Qilian Mountains, where altitude, temperature, precipitation, slope direction, and soil conditions create several vegetation zones.
Above roughly 3,000 meters in much of the Qilian region, alpine and subalpine meadow ecosystems become increasingly important.
Typical vegetation across the broader eastern Qilian landscape can include:
- Alpine grasses
- Sedges
- Low flowering plants
- Cushion-forming plants
- Shrubs
- Mosses and lichens
- Meadow vegetation
- Conifer forests at suitable lower elevations
Vegetation becomes increasingly sparse toward exposed ridges and the highest elevations.
The relatively short growing season means many plants must complete flowering and seed production during a brief summer period.
Wildlife
The broader Qilian Mountains support an impressive collection of high-altitude wildlife.
Species recorded from Qilian ecosystems include various combinations of:
- Blue sheep
- Himalayan marmots
- Pikas
- Red foxes
- Wolves
- Mountain ungulates
- Raptors
- Alpine birds
Snow leopards also inhabit parts of the wider Qilian Mountains, although their presence should not be interpreted to mean that visitors are likely to see one on Maomao Shan itself.
Wildlife distribution can vary enormously across a range this large. Habitat around a specific summit may differ from the forests, valleys, grasslands, or protected areas where individual species have been documented.
Livestock grazing is also an important part of many eastern Qilian landscapes, where high meadows have traditionally supported pastoral communities.
🥾 Hiking & Climbing Routes
Maomao Shan should not be treated as a conventional hiking destination with a well-documented summit trail.
English-language mountaineering information for the mountain is extremely limited. Peakbagger currently lists no recorded ascents or attempts in its user database, although that does not prove that the mountain has never been climbed.
Local residents, herders, researchers, surveyors, or Chinese climbers may have traveled extensively through the area without their journeys appearing in international climbing databases.
There is currently insufficient reliable information to describe a named standard route, trailhead, climbing grade, or established summit itinerary.
Anyone considering travel into the Maomao Shan area should therefore research current conditions locally rather than relying on generalized online route descriptions.
Potential challenges include:
- Elevations above 4,000 meters
- Limited mapped trails
- Uncertain road access
- Rapid weather changes
- Remote valleys
- Navigation difficulties
- Cold temperatures even during warmer months
- Possible access restrictions
- Long distances from emergency services
At 4,070 meters, altitude is also a genuine concern. Visitors arriving rapidly from low elevations may experience headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, or other symptoms of acute mountain sickness.
🏔️ Field Guide Tip: Do not assume that a mountain shown clearly on a digital map has an established hiking route. For Maomao Shan, confirm access, local regulations, road conditions, and route information before traveling into the backcountry. Carry offline navigation and emergency communication when venturing beyond settled areas.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
For general travel in the eastern Qilian Mountains, the warmer months typically offer the most practical conditions.
Late Spring
Late spring can bring improving road conditions and increasing access to higher valleys, although snow may remain on shaded slopes and high passes.
Cold nights should still be expected.
Summer
Summer generally brings the mildest temperatures and the greatest biological activity in the alpine meadows.
Wildflowers and grassland vegetation are most noticeable during the growing season, making summer particularly attractive for landscape observation.
However, the Qilian Mountains receive an important portion of their annual precipitation during the warmer months. Rain, thunderstorms, cloud, and rapidly changing mountain weather can occur.
Early Autumn
Early autumn may provide colder but clearer conditions as vegetation begins to turn and summer rainfall decreases.
Nighttime temperatures can fall rapidly at altitude, and early snowfall is possible.
Winter
Winter conditions can be severe.
Heavy snow, extreme wind chill, short daylight hours, frozen roads, and difficult access make high-elevation travel significantly more demanding.
For most visitors interested in exploring the region rather than undertaking a specialized winter expedition, summer and early autumn are generally more practical.
🧭 Nearby Mountains & Attractions
Maomao Shan lies within a region containing several important mountain landscapes.
Gangshika Snow Peak
Gangshika Snow Peak is Maomao Shan’s nearest higher neighbor according to Peakbagger.
Rising to approximately 5,254 meters, Gangshika is one of the better-known high summits of the eastern Qilian Mountains and is the highest point of the Lenglong Ling subrange.
Its much greater elevation produces a distinctly more alpine environment, including permanent snow and glacial terrain.
Qilian Shan
The broader Qilian Shan is one of northwestern China’s major mountain systems.
The range stretches across Gansu and Qinghai and helps form the northeastern boundary of the Tibetan Plateau.
Its snowfields, mountain watersheds, grasslands, forests, wildlife habitat, and dramatic relief make the Qilian Mountains ecologically important far beyond their individual summits.
Kangze’gyai
Farther west lies Kangze’gyai, the highest summit of the greater Qilian mountain system.
At approximately 5,827 meters, Kangze’gyai is dramatically higher and more heavily glaciated than Maomao Shan.
The two peaks demonstrate just how varied the Qilian Mountains are—from the glaciated expedition peaks of western Qinghai to the grassland-and-ridge landscapes of eastern Gansu.
Wushao Ling
Wushao Ling is an important mountain pass and geographic landmark northwest of Maomao Shan.
Mountain passes through this region have historically provided critical routes between different parts of Gansu and the Hexi Corridor.
💡 Fun Facts
- Maomao Shan’s Chinese name is 毛毛山.
- The summit reaches approximately 4,070 meters, placing it well above the elevations of most mountains outside High Asia.
- It has more than 1,000 meters of topographic prominence.
- Its nearest higher neighbor is Gangshika Feng, approximately 33 kilometers away in terms of topographic isolation.
- Maomao Shan belongs to the eastern part of the enormous Qilian Shan mountain system.
- The mountain’s name is also used for an important segment of the Haiyuan Fault.
- Scientists study the surrounding region to understand how deformation continues along the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.
- Mapping databases do not agree perfectly on the summit elevation and prominence.
- A nearby mapped point called Ximaomao Shan is listed at approximately 4,074 meters in some geographic databases.
- Despite its substantial elevation and prominence, Maomao Shan has very little widely available English-language climbing documentation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Maomao Shan?
Maomao Shan rises to approximately 4,070 meters (13,353 feet) above sea level.
Where is Maomao Shan?
It is located in Gansu Province, China, in the Wuwei region near Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County.
What mountain range is Maomao Shan in?
Maomao Shan belongs to the Qilian Shan, the extensive mountain system running along the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.
What is Maomao Shan’s prominence?
Peakbagger gives Maomao Shan approximately 1,068 meters (3,504 feet) of topographic prominence.
PeakVisor calculates a slightly higher figure of approximately 1,087 meters.
What is Maomao Shan’s isolation?
Its topographic isolation is approximately 33.31 kilometers (20.70 miles).
What is Maomao Shan’s nearest higher neighbor?
Peakbagger identifies Gangshika Feng to the west-southwest as the nearest higher neighbor.
Is Maomao Shan an ultra-prominent peak?
No. An ultra-prominent peak requires at least 1,500 meters of topographic prominence. Maomao Shan has approximately 1,068 meters.
Is there a hiking trail to the summit?
No reliably documented established summit trail could be confirmed from the available English-language sources.
That does not necessarily mean local routes do not exist, only that visitors should not assume there is a marked or maintained tourist trail.
Has Maomao Shan been climbed?
A complete climbing history could not be confirmed. Peakbagger currently contains no user-recorded ascents or attempts for the summit, but this should not be interpreted as evidence that nobody has ever reached it.
Is Maomao Shan a volcano?
No. Maomao Shan is associated with the tectonically active northeastern Tibetan Plateau and Qilian Mountains rather than a volcanic mountain system.
Why is Maomao Shan geologically interesting?
The mountain lies near the Maomao Shan segment of the Haiyuan Fault, an active strike-slip fault system studied extensively by geologists investigating deformation around the northeastern Tibetan Plateau.
🔗 Related Articles
Continue exploring the mountains of China and the wider Qilian system:
- Qilian Shan
- Gangshika Snow Peak
- Kangze’gyai
- Altun Shan
- Mountains in China
- Highest Mountains in China
- Mountains by Country
🔗 Related Hiking and Safety Guides
Because Maomao Shan is remote and poorly documented as a hiking destination, preparation and navigation are especially important:
- The Ten Essentials for Hiking
- What to Do If You Get Lost Hiking
- Best Satellite Communicators for Hiking
- Best Hiking Headlamps
📚 Sources
- Peakbagger — Maomao Shan — Primary topographic reference for elevation, prominence, isolation, coordinates, Qilian Shan classification, and nearest higher neighbor.
- PeakVisor — Maomao Shan — Cross-reference for elevation, prominence, coordinates, and regional geography.
- Mapcarta — Ximaomao Shan — Open geographic data used to cross-check the nearby Ximaomao Shan name, elevation, coordinates, and Wuwei location.
- Oxford Academic — Source Parameters and Tectonic Origin of the 1996 June 1 Tianzhu Earthquake — Geological research describing the Maomao Shan segment of the Haiyuan Fault and the tectonic setting around Tianzhu.
- Scientific Reports — Assessment of Ecotourism Suitability in Qilian Mountain National Park — Peer-reviewed regional context for the environment, conservation, and landscapes of the Gansu Qilian Mountains.
