Nature never stops surprising us.

At about 4,500 meters above sea level among the Qilian Mountains, stones are embellished with bright orange lichens, a unique composite organism.

Lichens come in different shapes and sizes. Here, the orange patterns resemble turtle, jelly fish, fish, and anything you want to associate with.

Series Introduction:

Qilian Mountains – a world unto itself

Qilian Mountains are part of a critical mountain range in northwest China, home to numerous animals and plants that the country considers as treasures.

In this series, CGTN Nature's crew takes you on a journey into the mountains, valleys, and deserts... presenting you the true Qilian, a different landscape.

(All photos by CGTN Nature film crew.)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)