Shandan County is located in the Gansu Province of China, situated at the border of Inner Mongolia to the north and Qinghai to the south. It falls under the administration of the prefecture-level city of Zhangye and serves as an important site along the historic Silk Road.
The region is primarily known for its extensive pastures and horse breeding. Historically, these horses were referred to by the Han people as "heavenly western horses." The local lakes provide the necessary water source for the animals grazing in the area's pastures.