The Yanzhi Mountains, also called the Shandan Mountains, are located south of the Hexi Corridor, about 50 km southeast of the urban area of Shandan County in Gansu, China. They rise from their base of about 2,900 metres to a maximum elevation of 3,978 m and are part of the Qilian Mountains.
Etymology There are multiple different writings of their name.
The common one is said to be the phonetic equivalent of Eshi, the name of a Chanyu's wife.
Another version has the explanation that during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, the mountains are said to have been rich in red orchids which were used to make rouge or yanzhi for cosmetic products.《五代诗话》卷一引《稗史汇编》：“北方有焉支山上红蓝，北人採其花染緋，取其鲜者作胭脂，妇人粧时用此颜色，殊鲜明可爱。”
History During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, the general Huo Qubing led an army deep into the Hexi Corridor, occupying the Qilian Mountains and annihilating more than 30,000 enemy troops as well as capturing over 100 prisoners, including the Xiongnu chieftain's wife, Eshi. According to , the Xiongnu people at the time sang sorrowfully: "We lost the Qilian Mountains, and our livestock failed to thrive; we lost the Yanzhi Mountains, and our women lost their beauty."《史记·匈奴列传》：“汉使驃骑将军 去病 将万骑出陇西，过焉支山千餘里，击匈奴，得胡首虏万八千餘级，破得休屠王祭天金人。”张守节《正义》引《括地志》：“ 焉支山一名删丹山，在甘州删丹县东南五十里。《西河故事》云：‘匈奴失祁连、焉支二山，乃歌曰：“亡我祁连山，使我六畜不蕃息；失我焉支山，使我妇女无颜色。’其慜惜乃如此。”’
Emperor Yang of Sui once received envoys from 27 countries at the Yanzhi Mountains.
According to the Tangut encyclopedia Sea of Meanings, yaks raised in the Yanzhi Mountains were renowned specialties.
In literature In the Tang Dynasty, the poet Li Bai wrote the famous line: "Though I dwell in the Yanzhi Mountains, do not say the northern snow is cold", expressing its allure despite the bitter coldness.
Forest park Today, Yanzhi Mountain Forest Park has been established over 680 square kilometres including the highest peak of the range, Maomao Mountain (3,978 m). Zhongshan Temple is located on its top. The park has been dubbed "Little Yellow Mountain of the Hexi Corridor", referring to Huangshan.
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