The July 1st Glacier, lying in the Qilianshan Mountain Range, 130km southwest of Jiayuguan (the nearest of its kind in the world from a city), got its name because it was discovered on this date by a Sino-Soviet geological exploration team not long before the relationship between China and Soviet Russia deteriorated.

The glacier, extending from 4,300m to 5,150m above sea level, covers a total area of 5 square kilometers. The average thickness of the glacier is 78m with a maximum obliquity of less than 45 degrees, making it relatively easy for ordinary travelers to ascend. There is a well worn 5km trail that runs along the side of the glacier that is the best way to see this area, and get back in time for tea. There is also an epitaph here, of unknown origin, that the Chinese are quick to gather around for holiday snaps.

Since the weather around the glacier is rather mercurial, you are advised to take with you an umbrella or a mackintosh, along with a thick overcoat.