Gonggashan (Minya Konka) Photo Spot: Heishicheng (Black Rock City)

Heishicheng (Black Rock City) is one of the furthest photo spots of Minya Konka Mountains from the west side. It is located at a mountain top near Xinduqiao near the original G318 national highway from Xinduqiao to Yajiang that one can see the whole range of Minya Konka West as well as the peak of Mt. Yala and Mt. Yamu in distance. The location is at the elevation of around 4300m above sea level.

Mt. Gongga from Heishicheng

Location and Getting There

Heishicheng(Black Rock City) Photo Spot is located 40km west to Xinduqiao and by driving it takes around 1h to get to on very good road. The photo spot is accessible by normal cars. Heishicheng is not a location but rather a large area of high ground with open views and some high points visitors walk up to gain better views. This place is one of the most accessible locations to take photos of Minya Konka due to good and paved roads even though the distance is far to the mountains.

There is also a good photo spot for Mt. Yala and Mt. Yamu on the road pass of G318 near Heishicheng.

Travel Season

Heishicheng is open to visitors all year round. The best seasons are from June to November. In summer you have 50% chance of seeing foggy weather but the mountains are green. In autumn and winter the chance of clear days are higher but the mountains are not green(March to early May). Spring may see more snow than winter and other seasons.

Driving up Heishicheng

Heishicheng Landscape

Prayer Flags and Mt. Yala

Minya Konka Range

Suggestions and Planning

The direct distance to Minya Konka Range from Yuzixi is around 70km. Using phone cameras can get okay photos of the mountains and views but recommend to use a professional camera for better photos. Flying drone is allowed in Heishicheng Sunset time is usually between 7pm and 8:15pm. We suggest you to plan for at least 1.5h driving up this place to have sufficient time to find a good spot and plan some walking time up the high point.

There is no hotel or lodge up by Heishicheng. Camping is allowed. There is a Gao’er Temple nearby if you are interested in visiting monastery. Heishicheng may be the safest place to go for sunset because the driving is on good and paved road, even with driving in the dark it is still safer than other photo spots where one needs to be driving in the dark on unpaved and bumpy roads.

Ticket Information

No admission fee is required for Heishicheng.