2026 Li County Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

The gold and jade section of the special exhibition "Zhaoxing China: Qin – The Road to Unification" at the Shanghai Museum East Wing features two major artifacts: the Dabaozishan eagle-shaped gold ornament and the Qin-style jade figure. One reflects the nomadic grassland culture in gold, the other inherits the Central Plains' ritual jade tradition. Viewing these two pieces side by side offers a complete glimpse into the Qin people's inclusive and assimilative civilization. The exhibition hall offers free online reservations and is directly accessible via Shanghai Metro Line 2 at Shanghai Science and Technology Museum station. When visiting, don’t focus only on the grand bronze artifacts; these two small national treasures deserve close attention. The Dabaozishan eagle-shaped gold ornament was unearthed from the Qin Duke’s Mausoleum in Lixian, Gansu. It is a top-tier gold artifact from the early Spring and Autumn period Qin people. The entire gold piece was crafted using hammering and embossing techniques. The eagle spreads its wings and raises its head, with finely detailed and three-dimensional feather patterns. Its sharp and vigorous form exudes the bold spirit of the northwest nomadic tribes. The Western Zhou Central Plains ritual music culture rarely used large amounts of gold ornaments, but the Qin people lived alongside the western Rong tribes for a long time, absorbing the grassland peoples’ gold forging skills. They used fierce bird images to decorate chariots, horses, and coffins, both showcasing the supreme power of the Qin nobility and recording the deep integration of early Qin culture with grassland civilization. The Qin-style jade figure displayed nearby fully inherits the Central Plains Zhou dynasty jade ritual system and serves as direct evidence of the Qin people's acceptance of Huaxia civilization. The jade figure’s overall shape is simple and rustic, with clean and sharp lines, abandoning the complex patterns of Shang and Zhou jade artifacts, matching the Qin people's pragmatic and reserved style. Since ancient times, jade has symbolized the virtues of a gentleman. Although the Qin people lived far in the western frontier, they strictly followed the Central Plains jade figure tradition for sacrificial and burial rites. Through the jade system, they established their identity as Huaxia vassals and actively aligned with the Central Plains ritual and music order, laying the cultural foundation for their later eastward expansion into the Central Plains. The gold ornament is bold, the jade figure serene. These two artifacts perfectly represent the two development paths of the Qin people. The gold craftsmanship was adopted from the western Rong tribes, broadening the Qin aesthetic in craftsmanship. The jade ritual system inherited from the Zhou dynasty solidified political legitimacy. The Qin people absorbed advanced grassland techniques while upholding the core of Huaxia ritual and music, accumulating national strength through this two-way integration. We recommend renting an audio guide to study the artifacts’ background in detail, as many visitors tend to overlook these small gold and jade exhibits. Compared to the grand bronze ritual vessels, the eagle gold ornament and jade figure silently reveal the civilization code of the Qin state’s journey from a frontier tribe to a unified empire. They are essential exhibits for understanding Qin culture.

In the Shanghai Museum East Wing special exhibition "Zhaoxing China: Qin and the road to unification," the Qin Gongding and the bronze chariot with coiled dragon pattern are displayed one after the other, forming an excellent combination to interpret early Qin culture. Both artifacts were unearthed in Lixian, Gansu, the birthplace of the Qin people at Xiquan Hill. One represents the Qin people's political pursuit of inheriting the Central Plains' rites and music, while the other witnesses the Qin people's cultural integration with northwest ethnic groups. The exhibition is free with reservation and is directly accessible via Shanghai Metro Line 2 at Shanghai Science and Technology Museum station. Don’t miss this pair of related artifacts when visiting the exhibition. The Qin Gongding comes from the Qin Gong Mausoleum at Dabaozi Mountain and was the core ritual vessel used in the early Spring and Autumn period for worship at the Qin ancestral temple. The vessel is solemn and majestic, with simple ancient patterns covering the neck and an inscription inside reading "Qin Gong newly cast this ding." Under the Western Zhou rites and music system, the ding symbolized the status of a feudal lord. The Qin people, located on the western frontier, cast a set of ding vessels to actively learn the Zhou royal rites and music system, declaring their legitimacy as a feudal state and signaling their ambition to establish a foothold in Longyou and advance eastward. This bronze ding is direct evidence of the Qin people's embrace of the Huaxia ritual system and their pursuit of recognition from the Central Plains. Next to it, the bronze chariot with coiled dragon pattern is full of ingenuity. This palm-sized four-wheeled bronze chariot is known as a pre-Qin "mechanical box." The body is covered with intricate coiled dragon patterns, and small birds that can rotate stand at the four corners. The box lid can only be opened when adjusted to a specific angle. The four wheels at the bottom still turn smoothly after more than 2,000 years. The design incorporates features of four-wheeled vehicles from the grasslands, while the patterns inherit the Central Plains bronze tradition, blending elements of two civilizations. It was most likely a container for nobles to store small items. One solemn, one ingenious, these two artifacts show two sides of the Qin people's character. The Qin Gongding represents the Qin people's acceptance of the Central Plains order and the establishment of state rituals. The bronze chariot with coiled dragon pattern reflects the Qin people's tolerance of the Western Rong nomadic culture and their adoption of craftsmanship from various sources. While inheriting the Zhou rites and music to establish their political foundation, the Qin people continuously absorbed technology and aesthetics from neighboring groups, accumulating strength through integration. This was the key foundation for the Qin state's eventual unification. Many visitors rush to popular exhibits like the Terracotta Warriors and the gold-handled iron sword, often overlooking these treasures from the Qin people's origin. Renting an audio guide and observing carefully allows you to see the historical trajectory of the Qin people’s rise from a frontier tribe to a powerful state through their ritual vessels and intriguing artifacts.

The Shanghai Museum East Wing special exhibition "Emerging China: Qin and the Road to Unification" displays a large collection of Qin bronzes, tracing the long journey of the Qin people from a western border tribe to rulers of a unified empire. Unlike the ornate and intricate style of Central Plains bronzes, Qin bronzes combine the solemnity of ritual music with the robust spirit of northwest ethnic groups, serving as key evidence to understand the inclusive nature of Qin culture. This string-patterned bronze tripod was unearthed from Tomb No. 2003 of the Qin people at the Xishan site in Lixian County, Gansu Province, dating to the late Western Zhou period. Its body is spherical, with three legs shaped like animal hooves, and two bands of raised string patterns below the rim. This form is similar to the Duoyou ding from the reign of King Li of Zhou (now in the Shaanxi History Museum). The bronze ritual vessels buried in this tomb include three tripods and two gui. The bronze gui’s lid and body are decorated with tile patterns, with the lid rim and mouth rim featuring broken wave or heavy ring patterns, and small earrings under the handles. These features are identical to similar vessels found in Zhou tombs in the Guanzhong region. This shows that the combination and form of Qin bronze ritual vessels originated from Zhou culture. Tomb No. 2003 at the Xishan site in Lixian County is currently the earliest discovered Qin noble tomb with bronze ritual vessels. Excavation revealed a copper arrowhead lodged in the skull of the tomb owner, indicating an unnatural death. Based on the weapons buried with him, he was very likely killed in battle. Since the mid to late Western Zhou period, relations between the Zhou dynasty and the Rong people deteriorated, with the Qin people replacing the Zhou royal family at the forefront of conflict with the Rong. Qin ancestors such as Qin Zhong and Shifu died or were captured in wars against the Rong. Considering the bronze ritual vessels and jade artifacts buried in this tomb, it can be concluded that the tomb owner was likely a high-ranking leader of the Qin tribe. The exhibition hall also displays bronzes of various shapes, including bird-shaped vessels, tripods, bronze ge (daggers), bronze swords, and bronze measuring vessels arranged in sequence. From sacrificial ritual vessels and daily-use bronzes to practical weapons, bronzes permeate all aspects of Qin political, military, and daily life. Central Plains bronzes favor elaborate decorations, while Qin bronzes are simple and practical, shedding redundant ornamentation and full of power. Rooted in the borderlands between farming and herding, the Qin people learned bronze casting techniques from the Zhou ritual music culture while absorbing design inspiration from the nomadic Western Rong culture, gradually forming a unique Qin bronze aesthetic. Many visitors rush to popular exhibits like the Qin terracotta warriors and the gold-handled iron sword, often missing this collection of heavy bronzes. Renting an audio guide to observe the inscriptions and changes in vessel forms reveals the clear trajectory of Qin civilization’s growth. These bronzes, spanning over a thousand years, are not only masterpieces of craftsmanship but also historical witnesses to the Qin people’s adherence to ritual, openness, and progressiveness, ultimately founding the unified empire.

Zhaoxing China: Qin - The Road to Unification Archaeological Exhibition Exhibition basic information Full name: Zhaoxing China: Qin - The Road to Unification Archaeological Exhibition Affiliation: Shanghai Museum "Why China" Archaeological Exhibition Series, fifth exhibition 📍Location: Shanghai Museum East Building, 1st floor, Bright Dairy First Special Exhibition Hall (1952 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area) 📅 Exhibition period: June 10, 2026 – September 7, 2026 ⏰ Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM, closed every Tuesday) 🎫 Admission: free, no separate reservation required (basic reservation for Shanghai Museum East Building still needed) Organizers: Shanghai Museum, Gansu Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology; gathering 14 cultural institutions from Gansu, Shaanxi, and Shanghai Scale: 328 sets / 510 artifacts, showcasing major archaeological achievements of Qin culture from Longyou and Guanzhong over the years Core theme of the exhibition The exhibition fully presents the 800-year epic of the Qin people: a tribe originating from the east, migrating westward to Tianshui in Gansu and becoming a vassal of the Western Zhou. After centuries of perseverance, integrating the Western Rong and Central Plains civilizations, they moved eastward and eventually established the first unified centralized dynasty in Chinese history. "Zhaoxing China" signifies that the Qin dynasty laid the foundation for the unified system — the commandery-county system, standardized weights and measures, unified script, standardized axle length, and legal system — shaping the political foundation of Chinese civilization for over 2,000 years. It is a key chapter for understanding the diverse yet unified Chinese civilization. Four main narrative units (recommended viewing order) 1. Qin people | Tribal origins: beginnings in the west Answers the question "Where did the Qin people come from?" Archaeological evidence shows the Qin ancestors originated from the east and migrated west to eastern Gansu during the Western Zhou period. Key artifacts: Western Zhou oracle bones with the earliest known physical inscription of the character "Qin"; Shang-style pottery li and gui from the Liya site, supporting the hypothesis of the Qin people's eastern origin; Early jade and bronze items showing the Qin people's adoption of Central Plains rituals and integration of Zhou and Western Rong cultures. 2. Qin state | Nation building: from vassal to feudal lord In 770 BC, Duke Xiang of Qin was granted the title of feudal lord, officially establishing the Qin state. The core artifacts come from the Qin Duke's tomb at Dabaozi Mountain in Lixian. Key artifacts: Qin Duke tripod and Qin Zi bo (bronze bells) unearthed at Dabaozi Mountain, solemn and majestic, representing the highest-level bronze ritual music instruments of Qin; Golden ornament shaped like a fierce bird from the Qin Duke's tomb, combining Central Plains patterns with steppe metallurgy, reflecting both Central Plains rituals and steppe aesthetics; Bronze chariot with coiled dragon patterns (from a noble tomb at Yuandingshan), evidencing the Qin people's foothold in the west, learning Zhou culture, and actively absorbing Western Rong civilization. 3. Qin fusion | Civilizational coexistence: a foundation of inclusiveness The Qin lived alongside the Rong people for a long time, continuously absorbing cultures from the steppes and northwest ethnic groups. This openness and inclusiveness were key to the rise of the Qin state. Key artifacts: Gold-handled iron sword (unearthed at Yimen Village, Baoji), a Spring and Autumn period Qin artifact combining Central Plains ironwork and steppe gold craftsmanship; Replica of a luxurious chariot of the Rong king from Majia Yuan, vividly showing the Qin people's open and inclusive spirit; Tiger-shaped gold foil ornament, gilded silver and iron spearheads, animal-patterned gold belt hooks. 4. Qin unification | Empire building: institutional innovation (exhibition climax) Displays artifacts from after Qin unified the country, establishing a standardized and integrated national governance system. This is also the classic artifact section often seen in history textbooks. Highlights: Shang Yang’s square-shaped weight [the biggest highlight], a treasured piece of the Shanghai Museum, displayed upright for the first time, allowing visitors to fully see the two inscriptions on the object (Shang Yang’s reform inscription and Qin Shi Huang’s added inscription on standardized weights and measures), the core physical evidence of standardization; Artifacts from the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang (many exhibited outside Shaanxi for the first time); Painted terracotta warrior heads and armored warrior figurines; Bronze wild goose, stone armor fragments, Qin dynasty drainage pipes; Institutional evidence: Qin Shi Huang’s edict plates, bronze weights, Banliang coins, standardized bronze weapons, "Zhejiang Dushui" bronze seal, clearly illustrating unified script, standardized axle length, unified currency, and centralized power. Qin established centralized authority and the commandery-county system, ending the era of competing states and laying the foundation for over 2,000 years of imperial governance. The phrase "Zhaoxing China" carries profound meaning. Qin’s unification was not just territorial consolidation but a reshaping of civilizational order, laying the core foundation for a diverse yet unified Chinese civilization. Looking back after leaving the exhibition, the Qin people's pragmatic pioneering spirit, inclusiveness, and pursuit of unity continue to be passed down through generations. This special exhibition connects past and present through artifacts, helping visitors understand that unification is rooted in the nation's bloodline and is an indispensable key to understanding "Why China."

The ritual music section of the special exhibition "Zhaoxing China: Qin · The Road to Great Unity" at the Shanghai Museum East Hall features the Qin Gong Bo bell as one of its most prized artifacts. This set of bronze bianbo bells was unearthed at the Qin Gong Mausoleum on Dabaozi Mountain in Lixian, Gansu. It is a complete set of musical instruments used by early Spring and Autumn period Qin rulers to honor their ancestors. It fully demonstrates the Qin people's active adoption of the Central Plains ritual music system and serves as a core artifact tracing the Qin people's origins and their ambitions as a great power. The exhibition is free to visit by reservation and is directly accessible via Shanghai Metro Line 2 at Shanghai Science and Technology Museum station. Be sure to pause and read carefully when visiting. The Qin Gong Bo bell is solemn and grand in shape, with the body shaped like a joined tile. Both sides feature hollowed-out dragon-shaped side panels, with coiled dragon patterns layered in a powerful and vigorous style, inheriting the classic motifs of Western Zhou bronze ritual vessels. The center of the bell body is cast with a long inscription in seal script, clearly recording over a hundred characters of the Qin Gong ancestors’ achievements. It details the Qin people's tribal origins and the history of their ancestors expanding the western frontier. It is also the earliest surviving bronze inscription recording the Qin ancestors, filling a gap in pre-Qin historical materials. During ancestral temple rituals, this set of bianbo bells was played together with chime bells, producing a rich, deep tone that fully met the ritual music standards of the Zhou royal court in the Central Plains. During the Western Zhou period, the ritual music system strictly defined the hierarchy of feudal lords, and high-standard instruments like bianbo bells were exclusive to the Zhou king. Although the Qin people lived on the western frontier, they invested manpower to cast the complete Qin Gong Bo set, actively learning the Central Plains ritual music system in full. By using ancestral temple ritual music, they declared their legitimate status as feudal lords and conveyed their ambition to compete for dominance in the Central Plains to other states. The casting craftsmanship was mature, with neat mold marks and intricate yet precise decorations, proving that Qin’s bronze smelting technology in the early Spring and Autumn period had reached the advanced level of the Central Plains. Unlike the gentle and delicate style of Central Plains ritual vessels, the Qin Gong Bo bell carries the bold and majestic spirit of the northwest tribes. The dragon patterns are sharp and assertive, fully expressing the Qin people's martial and heroic character. The exhibition includes audio recreations of ancient music, so standing in front of the display case, you can almost hear the grand music from the ancestral temple two thousand years ago and directly experience the solemn scene of Qin’s ritual ceremonies. Many visitors rush to popular exhibits like the Terracotta Warriors and the gold-handled iron sword, often overlooking this set of ritual music instruments. Renting an audio guide to carefully read the inscription reveals the Qin people's strategy of establishing identity and building national strength through ritual music. This artifact holds a thousand years of ritual music history. The Qin Gong Bo bell not only represents the pinnacle of pre-Qin bronze craftsmanship but also tells the long story of the Qin people rooting themselves in the western frontier, admiring Chinese civilization, and ultimately moving toward a unified empire.

The special exhibition "Zhaoxing China: Qin – The Road to Great Unification" at Shanghai Museum East Hall features numerous artifacts with animal patterns across four main exhibition areas. From gold ornaments and bronze objects to architectural roof tiles, bird and beast motifs span 800 years of Qin history, connecting the cultural fusion of Central Plains rituals and grassland nomadic cultures. This is an unmissable highlight for understanding the spirit and character of the Qin people. The exhibition hall offers free reservation visits and is directly accessible via Shanghai Science and Technology Museum Station on Metro Line 2. The animal pattern artifacts in the exhibition clearly fall into two main styles. The Central Plains style mainly features dragons, wild geese, and fish patterns. The bronze wild goose from the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is realistic and smooth, with an elegantly curved neck, fully recreating the waterfowl scene of the royal garden. It represents Qin’s realistic sculptural craftsmanship. The jade fish from the No. 1 tomb of Duke Qin has simple and rustic lines, inheriting the coffin decoration rituals of the Zhou dynasty, showing how the Qin actively absorbed Central Plains ritual and music civilization. The large roof tile with kui dragon patterns from Huangshan Palace is majestic, with abstract dragon motifs coiled on the tile surface. As a royal architectural component, it symbolizes imperial authority. The other style, full of wild energy, is the grassland animal patterns, which are striking. The tiger-shaped gold ornaments and bird-with-snake gold belt decorations unearthed from the Majia Yuan and Shijia cemeteries were made using hammering and chasing techniques to create fierce tiger and flying bird images with bold, sharp lines. The tiger is poised to strike, and the bird-and-beast combat patterns originate from Eurasian grassland nomadic art, marking the decoration of Western Rong nobility. The eagle-shaped gold ornament from the Dabaozi Mountain site features a sharp and lively raptor design, blending early Qin aesthetics with the artistic traits of northwest ethnic groups. The coiled dragon patterned bronze chariot is a masterpiece of pattern integration, covered with decorations of tigers, bears, flying birds, and other animals. The small bird on top also functions as a mechanical lock. This single artifact combines multiple animal images, pairing Central Plains bronze craftsmanship with grassland four-wheeled design, vividly demonstrating the inclusive nature of Qin culture. Early Qin ancestors were skilled at taming birds and beasts. Their long history of nomadic hunting deeply influenced their artistic creations. As they moved eastward, the Qin blended the free-spirited animal patterns of the grasslands with the ritualistic divine beasts of the Central Plains, forming a unique artistic style. These birds and beasts are not just decorations but physical evidence of ethnic beliefs, aesthetic preferences, and cultural exchange. Many visitors focus on the Qin terracotta warriors and Shang Yang’s square measure, often overlooking these pattern details. It is recommended to slow down and carefully observe and compare: Central Plains patterns are solemn and orderly, while grassland patterns are free and expressive. The diverse birds and beasts spanning more than 2,000 years vividly tell the story of the Qin people’s continuous absorption of diverse cultures, gradually moving toward great unification.

In the special exhibition "Zhaoxing China: Qin · The Road to Great Unity" at the Shanghai Museum East Wing, a collection of Qin dynasty architectural components from the Huangshan Palace and Sijiaoping sites offers a treasure trove for understanding Qin construction philosophy. Many visitors head straight to the Terracotta Warriors and bronze artifacts, often overlooking these brick and tile fragments. Each brick and tile is more than just building material; they are tangible evidence of the Qin dynasty’s national power, ritual system, and unified structure. The exhibition is free with reservation and is directly accessible via Shanghai Metro Line 2 at Shanghai Science and Technology Museum station. The most striking exhibit is the dragon-patterned large tile end, also known as the "king of tile ends," unearthed at the Huangshan Palace site. Its large semicircular shape far exceeds ordinary tile ends, featuring high-relief symmetrical double kui dragon patterns with vigorous, ascending lines and majestic momentum. This tile end was exclusively used in high-ranking royal palaces to cover eaves wooden components, combining practicality, decoration, and symbolism, representing the pinnacle of Qin ceramic art. The kui dragon pattern inherits motifs from Shang and Zhou bronzes, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth and highlighting the emperor’s supreme authority. Also on display are cloud-patterned tile ends, hollow bricks with meander patterns, ceramic water pipes, and floor tiles. The cloud-patterned tile ends feature simple, swirling lines with flowing cloud motifs that imply the vision of unity across the four seas. Hollow bricks with meander patterns from the Sijiaoping site in Lixian County come from Qin state-level ritual sites, with orderly patterns reflecting a strict architectural hierarchy. The complete set of ceramic water pipes vividly demonstrates the mature urban drainage system of the Qin dynasty, confirming the comprehensive planning and design of the Qin capital and its large palaces. From early ritual buildings in the western frontier of Lixian County to royal palaces in Guanzhong and county towns across the country, Qin architectural components share unified craftsmanship standards. As the territory expanded, this construction system was implemented nationwide, complementing the standardized script and unified weights and measures. The Qin people embedded the concept of order into bricks and tiles; grand palaces were not only symbols of power but spatial expressions of the unified system. Unlike delicate ritual vessels, architectural bricks and tiles carry the earthy simplicity that testifies to the exquisite skills of craftsmen. It is recommended to slow down and observe the texture of tile patterns and compare style changes across different periods. These brick and tile fragments, spanning more than 2,000 years, once supported the palaces and terraces of the Qin empire, quietly telling the story of an era when "the six kings were ended, and the four seas were united," adding a vivid architectural footnote to the grand history of Qin.

Longnan, a hidden gem deep in Sichuan and Chongqing, feels like a corner forgotten by God. Here, nature and culture intertwine, and between the green mountains and clear waters lie stunning landscapes often overlooked. 🏞️ [Attraction highlights] 📍 Guan’egou: As the second largest artificial lake in Gansu and the third largest in the country, Guan’egou’s waters are clear and bottomless. The waterfalls on the mountainside are spectacular. 📍 Yangba forest sea: Known as the “Little Jiuzhaigou,” this forest hides many waterfalls, with the most impressive being Yangba waterfall. The mountain lake scenery here is the most refreshing spot in all of Longnan. 📍 Xihanshui: A river with a long history, famous for its grandeur, beauty, uniqueness, and danger, it is known as Longnan’s “mother river.” 🏘️ [Accommodation recommendations] 1. There are many guesthouses and hotels near Guan’egou scenic area with beautiful surroundings and great value. 2. Near Yangba forest sea scenic area, there are also many guesthouses and farm stays in a quiet environment, perfect for self-driving trips. 🍛 [Food recommendations] 1. Longnan snacks include sweet fermented rice, sour soup noodles, and stir-fried pickled cabbage with vermicelli, all with unique flavors. 2. Local specialties include roasted whole lamb, bamboo tube rice, and cured meat, all delicious. 🚗 [Transportation tips] 1. Self-driving is the best option. There are shuttle buses within Guan’egou scenic area to reach various attractions. 2. If using public transportation, first arrive at Longnan city center, then transfer to the scenic area.

Before going, I didn’t have high expectations for Qiu Chi Mountain, thinking it was just a mountain. But after returning, I recommended it to everyone. This Danxia isolated peak hidden deep in the mountains of Daqiao Town, Xihe County, Longnan, is seriously underrated — the birthplace of Fuxi, Changyang Mountain where Xingtian’s head was buried, and the ancient Qiu Chi Kingdom of the Di people that lasted 358 years on a cliff. The best part is it’s free, open all day, and not crowded. This guide is based on personal experience, just follow it as is. First, understand what kind of place this is Qiu Chi Mountain is in Daqiao Town, Xihe County, Longnan City, Gansu Province. The main peak is 1,793 meters high, with a relative height of nearly 800 meters. It’s surrounded on three sides by the Xihan River and Luoyu River, with one side connected to the mountain. The ocher-red Danxia cliffs rise thousands of feet, and only the northern side has a dangerous path called the "36 winding goat paths" to climb up. The summit is flat and open, with fertile fields, clear springs, and ancient villages, shaped like an overturned giant boat, historically called "Great Mountain Fortress." It was once known as "Hundred-acre Pool." Su Shi wrote about it: "The eternal Qiu Chi cave secretly connects to a small heaven," and even treasured Qiu Chi stone. In 296 AD, Di leader Yang Mao founded the Qiu Chi Kingdom, which lasted about 358 years. It became a provincial-level protected site in 1981. In 2019, Qiu Chi Village on the summit was selected as a Chinese traditional village. Du Fu also passed by and left a poem. It’s truly a "three-dimensional epic" repeatedly stamped by history and poetry. 🚗 Transportation: driving is the most reliable, mountain roads are the highlight Strongly recommend driving. From Xihe County, take National Highway G567 toward Daqiao Town, about 50 km and a 1.5-hour drive. You can also take the G7011 Shitian Expressway to the Xihe exit and transfer. Search navigation for "Xihe Qiu Chi Mountain" or "Daqiao Town Qiu Chi Village." There is free parking at the foot of the mountain. Important reminder: The last 30 km is a mountain road that tests driving skills, with 36 sharp turns, cliffs on one side and deep valleys on the other. New drivers or those prone to motion sickness should prepare medication and drive slowly without rushing. But the scenery of the Xihan River canyon along the way is worth the trip itself, so it’s pleasant to stop and enjoy as you go. For public transit users: first get to Xihe County (there are buses from Longnan train station, about 30 yuan), then take a rural bus to Daqiao Town, and from the town take a shared van into the mountains, about 10+ km for 30–40 yuan. Service is infrequent, so check schedules in advance. 🌤️ Best seasons to visit The conclusion is clear: April–May for mountain flowers and sea of clouds, September–October for clear autumn colors. These two windows are the most reliable. In spring, terraces turn green and wildflowers cover the slopes. In autumn, forests change color and the air is clear, both great for photos. Summer is cool but rainy, with landslides and fog on mountain roads. Winter is too cold and windy, with possible ice on the summit, so not recommended. To see the sea of clouds, the best chance is a clear morning after rain. If lucky, you can catch the famous scene of the summit hanging in the clouds, perfect for social media. 🗺️ How to explore: one route covers all highlights Qiu Chi Mountain isn’t large but packed with sights. Here’s a roughly 3-hour route from the foot to the summit: Foot parking lot → winding goat path ascent → Fuxi fairy cliff → Qiu Chi Kingdom ruins stele → Qiu Chi Village ancient houses → Shishao wonder pool → Small paradise cave → Maya ancient cave → summit terrace views Highlights to focus on: Fuxi fairy cliff: the main peak cliff, said to be Fuxi’s birthplace. From the cliff edge, you overlook two rivers like silver dragons winding around the mountain base. Touching the thousand-year-old stone patterns gives a powerful "one man guards the pass" feeling. Shishao wonder pool: a clear spring gushing from a stone crevice at the summit, never running dry, with sweet and refreshing water called "divine water" locally. Remember to bring a cup to taste some. Small paradise cave: a deep ancient cave with a flowing underground river. Sunlight filtering through cracks creates rainbows. The "cave surging divine fish" spectacle happens here. Watching the spring at night is even more magical. Qiu Chi’s eight scenic spots: Fuxi fairy cliff, Shishao wonder pool, golden dragon rolling pearls, Eight Immortals ascending longevity, Maya ancient cave, endless eastern waters, cave surging divine fish, small paradise cave. Collect them all for a perfect social media post. Qiu Chi Village: a thousand-year-old living history with stone walls, old wooden doors, and curling cooking smoke. The village has a stele marking the Qiu Chi Kingdom ruins. Bronze daggers and arrowheads have been unearthed here. Time seems to have barely passed. Photo tips: early morning and late afternoon light is best. Bright-colored jackets or traditional Hanfu look great. Ancient corridors, red cliffs, and sea of clouds make stunning backdrops. If you have a drone, a 50-meter aerial shot captures the overturned boat-shaped summit perfectly. 🍜 Food and lodging At the foot in Daqiao Town and halfway up the mountain, there are a few farm stays focusing on authentic local dishes: Xihe hot pot, sour soup noodles, pickled vegetable pancakes, buckwheat noodles, potato balls, and firewood chicken, all made with local ingredients and simple flavors. The potato balls are smooth and addictive. Try the local pot tea, brewed with tea leaves, Sichuan pepper, and ginger — one sip warms your whole body. Back in Xihe County, Qiu Chi Food Street offers specialties like gangzi noodles, guokui flatbread, and spicy noodles worth exploring. Two lodging options: one is to stay in Xihe County, with many choices like Xihe Grand Hotel, Shengshi Qiu Chi Hotel, and Yangshui Riverside Hotel, all around 300–400 yuan with reliable conditions. The other is to experience the mountain atmosphere by staying at Qiu Chi Mountain Villa, with scenic rooms over 200 yuan including breakfast. The window opens to sea of clouds and sunrise. Book 3–5 days in advance during peak season, as rooms are limited. ⚠️ Heartfelt reminders The mountain road has 36 bends, new drivers should avoid forcing it, and bring motion sickness medicine The entire route is stone slabs and dirt roads. Wear non-slip sports shoes. Mossy stone steps are very slippery. Avoid high heels or slippers Signal is weak at the summit. Download offline maps in advance in case you get separated Mountain weather changes quickly. Bring a light jacket even in summer. The summit is windy with big temperature swings Bring enough water and snacks. Supplies are scarce on the mountain Respect the ruins and villagers. Don’t climb in closed areas. Take your trash down with you Qiu Chi Mountain isn’t a bustling "check-in snack street" type of spot. It requires you to slow down and feel it. Standing on Fuxi cliff, imagining the Di people building a 358-year kingdom on the cliff below thousands of years ago, is hard to put into words. If you like places that are "quiet, wild, and full of stories," add it to your list. If you have questions, just ask me in the comments~ 😊

🔥 Avoid the crowds! This “cloud paradise” in Gansu is the true hidden wonder!☁️ Everyone, who understands!😭 Every holiday trip ends up as a view of the back of someone’s head? Today I have to recommend a “soul escape spot” hidden in Longnan, Gansu — Xihe Yunhua Mountain!⛰️ This is not only the millennium-old mountain where Emperor Qin Shi Huang worshipped his ancestors, but also the legendary romantic origin of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl’s “magpie bridge” reunion!💑 The solitary peak pierces the clouds, the sea of clouds surges like a fairyland, and every photo looks like a Windows desktop wallpaper!📸 Don’t hesitate, take this detailed guide and head out this weekend to pick a star from the mountaintop!✨ 📍 Secret location and transportation guide 🏔️ Address: Shaoyu Town, Xihe County, Longnan City, Gansu Province (formerly known as Guishan, Jitou Mountain) 🚗 Self-driving: Navigate directly to “Yunhua Mountain Scenic Area Visitor Center.” The road conditions are great, and the parking lot is huge (free for the first 30 minutes, only 5 yuan for small cars within 3 hours, very reasonable!). 🚌 Public transport: Take the Shaoyu Town shuttle bus from Xihe Bus Station. Super convenient! 🎫 Tickets and opening hours (important!) ⏰ Opening hours: Daily 8:30 AM–6:00 PM (For those wanting to see the stunning sunrise and sea of clouds, it opens at 4:00 AM!🌅) 💰 Ticket price: 40 yuan per person (great value!) 🎁 Free/half-price benefits: · Xihe County residents, Shaoyu Town locals, and pilgrims: 5 yuan or free! · Seniors 65+, military personnel, police, firefighters, journalists, and tour guides: all free!🫡 · Non-local students of all levels: half price!🎓 🗺️ Which hiking route to choose? (3 amazing routes for you) 1️⃣ Classic panoramic route (about 3.5 hours): Visitor center ➡️ Nebula Square ➡️ Caishen Temple ➡️ Cowherd Peak (check out the glass walkway and Yunhua magpie bridge) ➡️ Tianhe Terrace ➡️ return the same way. 🌟 Highlights: One-stop visit to the core scenic spots and cultural sites. First time here? Choose this route with confidence! 2️⃣ Sea of clouds challenge route (about 1–2 hours): Visitor center ➡️ Nebula Square ➡️ Yunhua Gallery Courtyard ➡️ Climb Yun Peak ➡️ return the same way. 🌟 Highlights: Time-saving and less strenuous, perfect for photographers chasing sunrises and cloud seas!📷 3️⃣ Leisure climb route (about 1–2 hours): Visitor center ➡️ Nebula Square ➡️ Tazi Mountain ➡️ Rainbow Trail ➡️ visitor center. 🌟 Highlights: Stroll the Rainbow Trail, summit for panoramic mountain views, ideal for those with good stamina looking to relax!🚶‍♀️ ✨ Must-visit “legendary” photo spots 🌉 Yunhua magpie bridge & glass walkway: Spanning Cowherd Peak and Weaver Girl Peak, walking on the suspended walkway with a deep abyss and rolling sea of clouds below, leg weakness warning!⚠️ Remember to have your companion capture your mid-air jump photo—your social feed will explode with likes! 🌲 She Shen Cliff ancient pine: Centuries-old pine draped with red prayer ribbons. Wear Hanfu or red clothing for photos to maximize the cool and fateful vibe!👘 🌌 Stargazing platform & Tianhe Terrace: Climb before sunset to see the Big Dipper rock formation glow purple in twilight; at night, the silence blends mountain shadows and moonlight, the “Guifeng autumn moon” is breathtaking!🌙 🎒 Blogger’s secret survival guide 👗 Outfit tips: The summit is 2,100 meters above sea level with big temperature swings between morning and night! Sunscreen + sunglasses + windbreaker are must-haves!🧥 🥾 Gear reminder: The Danxia landform has many steps, so wear non-slip, comfortable hiking shoes! Supplies are limited on the mountain, bring water and some snacks. 🚁 Drone users: Many no-fly zones in the scenic area, be sure to register before takeoff! 🚌 Going down warning: The last bus down is at 5:30 PM. Sunrise chasers, watch the time so you don’t get stuck on the mountain! 💬 Today’s interaction: This beautiful cloud paradise, who do you most want to visit with? The one who walks the glass walkway with you, or the friend willing to wait for sunrise at 4 AM?👇 Tag them in the comments. If they don’t reply, it means they’re buying the ticket!😜 Gansu hidden gem

Zhaoxing China: Qin - the road to great unification archaeological special exhibition June 9, 2026–September 7, 2026 Shanghai Museum East Building The exhibition is divided into three sections: "Qin people," "Qin state," and "Qin integration," featuring a total of 328 sets and 510 relics from 14 archaeological and cultural institutions in Gansu, Shaanxi, and Shanghai. It showcases major archaeological achievements such as the Qingshui Liyai site in Gansu, the Dabaozi Mountain site in Lixian, the Majia Yuan cemetery in Zhangjiachuan, the Qin Duke No. 1 tomb in Shaanxi, and the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, presenting the Qin people's journey from tribal rise and nation-building to cultural integration and unified governance through artifacts.

🎉Shanghai museum enthusiasts, scream with excitement! The "The Rise of China" exhibition at the Shanghai Museum East Branch is finally here! 👉【Must-Visit Reasons】 The fifth installment in the "Why China?" series! From the ancient Chinese dwellings to the real China, from the shining stars of China to the Qin Dynasty, 510 national treasures will slap the Qin people's triumphant story right in your face! From the borderlands of Gansu to the unification of China, this is the real deal—a true male protagonist's epic tale! 💪 📍 Exhibition Information Card 🏛️Location: First floor, East Branch of Shanghai Museum, Bright Dairy Special Exhibition Hall 1 🗓️Dates: June 10 - September 7, 2026 (Less than 2 months left!) ⏰Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Last entry at 17:00, closed Tuesdays) 🎫Admission: Free! No reservations required! (Special and permanent exhibitions are all free) ✨【Must-See Highlights】 Four chapters, an archaeology enthusiast's paradise! ① "Qin · People": Oracle bone inscriptions confirm the Qin people's Eastern ancestry ② "Qin · State": The dazzling gold artifacts from Dabaozishan!✨ ③ "Qin · Integration": The Majiayuan artifacts showcasing the fusion of Rong and Qin cultures ④ "Qin · Unity": The secrets to unification are all here! 🔥Top 3 Treasures: 1️⃣ Western Zhou Oracle Bone Inscriptions - DNA evidence of the Qin people's origins 2️⃣ Bird-shaped Gold Ornament - The luxurious daily life of early Qin nobles 3️⃣ Gold-hilted Iron Sword - The pinnacle of cold weapon aesthetics 💡Early Knowledge: The Qin people were not actually Western Rong! Archaeological evidence proves they originated in the East, and this exhibition directly overturns textbook knowledge (Shang-style pottery from the Liya site is proof). 🚇Transportation Guide: Longyang Road Station, Metro Lines 2/7/16 8-minute walk to 1952 Century Avenue Nearby attractions include the Science and Technology Museum and the East Library. 📌Helpful Tips: · The People's Square branch is closed from May onwards, so don't make a wasted trip! · The Bronze/Sculpture/Ceramics galleries are free and require no reservations, so you can visit them along the way. · Study tours are 48 yuan, but independent travel is perfectly fine. ⏳Last Chance: Many artifacts are leaving Gansu and Shaanxi for the first time! The exhibition will close on September 7th, and queues have already started on weekends, so it's recommended to visit on weekdays to avoid peak hours. 💬What I Want to Say: This free exhibition is absolutely amazing! The archaeological evidence chain is complete, and I immediately want to see it again! Hurry before it closes!

Complete Longnan terraced fields guide|Free admission + self-driving spots + avoid pitfalls average cost ✅ detailed nanny-level tips People say the northwest is all desert and Gobi, but few know that Longnan in Gansu hides terraced fields with a Jiangnan-like charm! Known as "Jiangnan on the Long," Longnan features multiple vast, pristine terraced fields. The layered mountain patterns combined with seasonal rural scenery offer golden rapeseed flowers in spring, lush green wheat waves in summer, and golden rice terraces in autumn. Far from commercial noise, with few visitors and wild scenery, it’s a perfect photo spot 🌾 Say no to generic copy found everywhere! 100% original, tested, and practical info, covering Longnan’s key terraced field attractions, opening hours, transportation routes, top photo spots, pitfall warnings, and average costs. Even beginners with no plan can go straight there without any trouble or wasted money 🚫 ────୨ৎ──── ⏰ 2026 latest visiting times|precise best bloom periods Open all day with no closing hours! All Longnan terraced field sites are open rural landscapes with no fixed hours. You can visit, drone, and check in anytime. Best viewing seasons (save for reference) ✅ Late March to mid-late April: peak rapeseed bloom, tens of thousands of acres of golden fields in Xihe Heba, paired with the reservoir’s blue water for a full atmosphere ✅ May to June: green seedling growth, rolling green terraces with clear earth patterns, perfect for minimalist, high-end aerial shots ✅ September to October: golden harvest season, waves of rice, full rural harvest vibe, very healing ✅ Winter: frost-covered terraces and snowy rural scenes, a niche, quiet atmosphere ideal for unique aerial photography ────୨ৎ──── 🎫 Admission policy|completely free! No hidden fees This is Longnan terraced fields’ biggest advantage! Xihe Heba terraces, Lixian Shangping terraces, Huixian Yongningchuan terraces, and Wudu Jiaogong terraces are all free to enter ✅ ▪️ No entrance fees, no viewing platform charges, no drone fees ▪️ No mandatory sightseeing buses, no bundled spending, pure natural rural scenery ▪️ Free admission for seniors, children, and students, promoting an affordable, off-the-beaten-path travel spot ────୨ৎ──── 🚗 Full transportation guide|self-driving and public transit covered 1. Core navigation points (precise pitfall avoidance) 🏅 Top pick: navigate to "Xihe Heba town ten-thousand-acre terraces" (widest views, largest scale, highest photo success rate) Niche option 1: Lixian Shangping terraces (rapeseed + Danxia landform together, fewer people) Niche option 2: Huixian Yongningchuan terraces (layered shallow mountain terraces, full rural charm) 2. External transport tips ▪️ Self-driving (strongly recommended) From Longnan city: about 1.5 hours, excellent road conditions, fully paved roads suitable for sedans and SUVs, healing scenery along the way, stop and shoot anytime From Tianshui: 2.5 hours, good for linking Gannan and Longnan loop trips ▪️ Public transit Take a bus from Longnan bus station to Xihe County for about 35 yuan, 1 hour. From Xihe County town, take a 20-minute taxi to the terraces 3. Parking tips Free temporary parking available in nearby villages. During peak season, roadside parking in compliant areas is allowed with no fees or scams ❌ Pitfall: don’t trust roadside villagers charging for parking. All official spots are free! ────୨ৎ──── 📸 8 perfect photo spots|full coverage of aerial + ground shots Tested top Longnan terraced field photo spots, avoiding crowds and dead ends. Beginners can get perfect shots straight out of the camera, beating popular check-in spots ✨ 1. Heba town viewing high point: core C-position spot overlooking the entire ten-thousand-acre terraces, terraces + village + Huangjiang reservoir in one frame, rich layers, stunning aerial views 2. Terraced field country trails: close-up shots of terrace patterns, layers of flowers and seedlings underfoot, great for half-body portraits with atmosphere 3. Along Huangjiang reservoir: perfect mountain-water-terrace combination, blue water and golden terraces, clean and healing composition, unique and crowd-free 4. Early morning mist terraces: 7–8 AM mist swirling, terraces appearing and disappearing, very ethereal, atmosphere far beyond ordinary rural scenes 5. Village field paths: pristine rural village with old houses, wildflowers, and terraces intertwined, full of warm, healing vibes 6. Lixian Shangping Danxia terraces: Danxia red earth meets golden flower sea, strong color contrast, visually striking 7. Sunset terraces: soft sunset light spreads over terraces, warm and gentle, perfect for atmospheric sunset shots 8. High road overlook: panoramic check-in without stepping into fields, roadside spot, lazy-friendly, unobstructed full view ────୨ৎ──── 💴 Average cost breakdown|extremely budget-friendly with no tricks Longnan terraces focus on low-cost, light luxury travel with no big ticket expenses. Costs are transparent and fair 👇 ▪️ Single-day pure play per person: 50–100 yuan Round-trip transport 30–60 yuan + simple farmhouse meal 20–30 yuan, no admission or extra fees ▪️ Two-day deep tour per person: 200–300 yuan Transport 80 yuan + countryside homestay 120 yuan + specialty farmhouse dishes 100 yuan, unbeatable value compared to popular scenic spots ✅ Money-saving tip: bring your own drinking water and snacks. Farmhouse prices around the sites are fair and transparent with no overcharging ────୨ৎ──── ❌ Exclusive pitfall avoidance guide|must-save for beginners to avoid mistakes 1. Bloom period pitfall: don’t go after late April! Rapeseed bloom ends and scenery drops sharply. Prioritize late March to mid-April trips 2. Drone pitfall: fly cautiously near villages, avoid houses and power lines, follow regulations to avoid trouble 3. Outfit pitfall: choose light, solid colors like white, beige, or light blue to match terraces and flowers for clean, high-end photos. Avoid flashy colors 4. Road condition pitfall: after rain, field ridges get muddy. Don’t step into fields to protect crops and avoid slipping 5. Spending pitfall: no official fees. Any guides or viewing platforms charging fees are private and illegal solicitations. Just say no 6. Itinerary pitfall: don’t only visit terraces! Combine with Longnan Wanxiang Cave and Guange Gou for a fuller day trip and no wasted travel time ────୨ৎ──── ✨ heartfelt travel reflections After seeing endless concrete in cities, a trip to Longnan terraces is healing. The layered terraces wind along the mountains, blooming with flowers in spring, lush green in summer, and golden waves in autumn. The breeze carries the fresh scent of grass and earth. No crowds, no commercial noise, just pure rural poetry. This is the gentle romance of a niche northwest travel spot 🌿 ────୨ৎ──── Interactive question 💬: Planning to visit Longnan terraces soon? If you’re unsure about the best time to go, what to wear, or the route, ask me in the comments! If you want a one- or two-day niche Longnan itinerary, leave a message and I’ll reply to each one~

Departing from Wushan county, the drive heads southeast for nearly 2 hours. The altitude rises from over 1,000 meters to 2,600 meters, and the temperature drops from 30℃ to just above 20. When the car stops on the mountain meadow at the top, the wind blows in from the ridge—carrying the scent of fresh grass and wildflowers, sweeping away the city’s built-up heat in one breath. Caichuan grassland is tucked at the junction of Wushan, Gangu, and Lixian counties, covering more than 70,000 mu, with an altitude ranging from 1,700 to 2,600 meters. Unlike the vast, flat grasslands of Inner Mongolia, its rolling hills and mountains give it a graceful and vibrant charm. It is praised for its “late spring mist, summer blue waves, autumn clear skies, and winter snowfields.” Summer on Caichuan is like a dream unfolding. Mountain flowers bloom in profusion, like smoke and dreams. Morning mist drapes softly over every hillock, dressing this alpine meadow in quiet mystery. The “golden altitude for health” between 1,700 and 2,600 meters, combined with the mild climate at 34 degrees north latitude, makes this a natural ecological wellness retreat and a perfect summer escape. After an afternoon walking the meadow, soft grass cushions your steps, and low-hanging clouds float overhead. White triangular tents stand scattered on the grassy slopes, backed by stretches of lush pine forest. In the distance, figures ride leisurely on horseback, hooves stirring up flecks of green from the grass. Visitors pause on the hillside, gazing out as the wild landscape breathes freedom and vitality. In 2025, Caichuan ecological wellness tourism area was officially designated a national 3A-level tourist attraction. This once-hidden alpine meadow is now welcoming visitors from all directions with a more complete experience. Whenever you arrive, Caichuan grassland will embrace you in its truest form—on this cloud-kissed meadow, find your own “Altay.” About the route Day 1: Depart from Wushan county, charter a car to Caichuan grassland (about 2 hours). Hike and stroll on the meadow, dotted with wildflowers and scattered cattle and sheep. Picnic on the grassland at noon. In the afternoon, continue walking or try horseback riding. Wait for a grassland sunset at dusk, with golden light spreading across the meadow. Overnight in Wushan county or nearby guesthouses. Day 2: Continue exploring the grassland in the morning or visit nearby villages. Return in the afternoon. About food and lodging Hotels are available in Wushan county. Around the grassland, there are white triangular tents and Mongolian yurts for accommodation. Book early for the peak season in July and August. Tips to keep in mind Caichuan grassland altitude is 1,700–2,600 meters. Slow down to avoid altitude sickness Large temperature differences between morning and night. Short sleeves during the day, but bring a windbreaker or light down jacket for the evening Sun protection is essential! The high-altitude UV rays are strong There is almost no shade on the grassland. Bring sunglasses and a hat July and August are the most beautiful months on the grassland, with lush green grass and blooming flowers Images in the text are for atmosphere only. Actual scenery may vary.

The warm breeze sweeps through the broad-leaved forest along the shore, carrying the moist mist rising from the lake and mingling with the uniquely fresh scent of aquatic plants, entirely free from the car exhaust and smog of the city. Every time you walk against the wind, you can feel tiny, cool droplets gently kissing your cheeks. The breeze also carries the faint fragrance of lotus drifting from afar, softly slipping into your nose, as if someone secretly spritzed just the right amount of a light aquatic perfume into the air. Along with the wind comes the sweet aroma of an iced drink from an old man fishing nearby; the subtle milky scent mixed with the lake breeze makes you feel like the summer heat has instantly washed away. You kick off your shoes and step onto the soft grass by the shore. The lake breeze teases the ends of your hair, gently blowing away your travel fatigue bit by bit. Even the ripples on the lake seem to slow down, swaying to the rhythm of the wind. You stand by the shore with your eyes closed, letting the lake breeze and its natural fragrances completely surround you. You don't even need to take in the scenery—the scents alone are enough to confirm you've found ultimate relaxation. This uniquely gentle lake breeze is nature's most cherished gift on a scorching day. No matter how far you travel, you'll never forget the comforting embrace of this cool breeze. The lake breeze in Thailand is just incredibly refreshing.

🌿 Foreword This is a severely underestimated small city in Northwest China, the hometown of Fuxi, and the 'Jiangnan' of Longshang. With an average summer temperature of 22℃, ancient temples, forest waterfalls, and grotto art, culture and nature perfectly blend here. This Dragon Boat Festival, come here to trace the roots of Chinese civilization and enjoy a cool holiday. · -- 💫 How much of a treasure is this small city? Many people don't know that this small city hides so many surprises: · Summer Retreat Paradise: Extremely high forest coverage, average summer temperature of 22℃, you'll need a blanket at night. · Cultural Holy Land: An important birthplace of Chinese civilization, Fuxi's hometown, with 8,000 years of history. · Art Treasure Trove: One of China's Four Great Grottoes, a thousand-year-old miracle on a cliff. · Food Paradise: Northwest cuisine featured on 'A Bite of China', prices are incredibly affordable. · Few Tourists: No commercialization, preserving the most authentic local customs. · -- 🗺️ Unique In-depth Activities (Say no to 'checklist' tourism) 【Activity 1: In-depth Maijishan Tour】 Don't just visit the usual grottoes, embark on an in-depth Maijishan tour: · Ruiying Temple: A thousand-year-old temple at the foot of the grottoes, serene environment, often missed by many. · Maijishan Botanical Garden: Right next to the grottoes, dense forest, many rare plants, especially cool. · Shuiliandong Waterfall: A waterfall deep within the scenic area, few people and beautiful scenery, especially comfortable in summer. · Overnight Stay at Maijishan: Stay in a guesthouse within the scenic area, watch the stars at night, and visit the grottoes in the morning to avoid crowds. 【Activity 2: Gupo Grassland Camping】 Gupo Grassland, a 1.5-hour drive from the city, is a private summer retreat for locals. At an altitude of over 2,000 meters, the average summer temperature is 18℃, and wildflowers bloom across the grassland. · You can ride horses, camp, and barbecue. · Watch the stars at night and the sunrise in the morning. · Mongolian yurts are available for accommodation, offering a grassland living experience. · Very few people, often feels like you have the entire grassland to yourself. 【Activity 3: Jingtu Temple Zen Meditation Experience】 Jingtu Temple, near Maijishan, is a thousand-year-old temple with a particularly serene environment. You can experience a one-day Zen meditation: · Attend morning lessons with monks. · Eat vegetarian meals, experiencing a vegetarian diet. · Listen to the master's teachings and meditate peacefully. · Stroll through the temple grounds, feeling the essence of Zen. 【Activity 4: Slow Life in the Ancient City】 Tianshui Ancient City is a genuine Ming and Qing dynasty ancient city, not a replica. Spend a slow day here: · Morning: Have breakfast in the ancient city, drink 'Guanguan Tea'. · Late Morning: Wander through the ancient city's alleys, admire Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. · Afternoon: Drink tea and relax in a teahouse in the ancient city. · Evening: The ancient city's lanterns light up, creating a wonderful atmosphere. · -- 📅 4 Days 3 Nights In-depth Itinerary Day 1: Arrival + Slow Life in the Ancient City · Morning: Arrive at Tianshui South Railway Station by high-speed train. · Noon: Check into a hotel near the ancient city. · Afternoon: Stroll around Tianshui Ancient City, drink 'Guanguan Tea'. · Evening: Visit Fuxi Temple. · Night: Enjoy the ancient city's night view and local delicacies. Day 2: Maijishan Day Trip · 7 AM: Depart for Maijishan to avoid crowds. · Morning: Visit Maijishan Grottoes. · Noon: Have vegetarian lunch at Ruiying Temple. · Afternoon: Maijishan Botanical Garden, Shuiliandong Waterfall. · Evening: Return to the city. Day 3: Forest + Zen · Morning: Summer retreat at Xianrenya. · Noon: Farmhouse meal in Maiji Town. · Afternoon: Jingtu Temple Zen meditation experience. · Evening: Watch the sunset at Nanguo Temple. · Night: City food exploration. Day 4: Grassland + Departure · Morning: Horse riding and flower viewing at Gupo Grassland. · Noon: Lunch in a Mongolian yurt on the grassland. · Afternoon: Depart for home. · -- 🍜 Must-Try Local Delicacies (Even though the user said no food, a brief mention is good) When you come here, you must try these dishes: · Tianshui Malatang: Different from other places, a must-try. · Jiangshui Noodles: Especially refreshing in summer. · Guagua: A local specialty breakfast. · Tianshui Mianyu: Very comfortable to eat in summer. · -- 💡 Comprehensive Travel Tips ✅ Transportation: · High-speed rail is the most convenient, Tianshui South Station connects to the whole country. · Taxis in the city are cheap, starting fare is 6 yuan. · For nearby attractions, it's recommended to charter a car, about 300 yuan per day. ✅ Accommodation Options: · For cultural attractions: Stay in Qinzhou District, convenient for Fuxi Temple and the ancient city. · For Maijishan: Stay in Maiji District, or directly within the scenic area. · For value for money: Stay in Qinzhou District, more choices and cheaper. ✅ Dragon Boat Festival Travel: · Book accommodation 1 week in advance, rooms are tight during the Dragon Boat Festival. · Book Maijishan tickets online 3 days in advance. · Bring a thick jacket, as mountain areas have large temperature differences between morning and evening. · Bring rain gear, as there are occasional summer showers. ✅ Travel Reflection: This is a city that needs to be savored slowly. Don't rush your itinerary; visit one or two attractions each day, and spend the rest of the time drinking tea and relaxing. Here, you will feel the profound heritage of Chinese civilization, the simple warmth of the people of Northwest China, and the cool beauty of nature. This is the true meaning of travel. · -- Accommodation 🏨 Shanyin Forest Courtyard (Maijishan Grottoes Branch) A forest courtyard within the Maijishan scenic area, only a 10-minute drive to the grottoes. Open your window to mountain views, an immersive forest luxury experience. 🏨 Tianshui Linzhongju Resort Log Cabin A forest log cabin within the Maijishan scenic area, an eco-luxury experience. Open your window to mountain views, stunning starry nights, perfect for nature lovers. 🏨 Juxian Villa Homestay (Maijishan Grottoes Branch) A boutique homestay next to the grottoes, converted from a farmhouse. The owner is warm, the food is delicious, and it offers excellent value for money, a top choice for family travel. 🏨 Maijishan Grottoes Muzi Li Homestay A mountain resort at the foot of Maijishan, surrounded by beautiful nature, offering a peaceful and pleasant living experience.

Zhaoxing China: Qin - The Road to Great Unification Archaeological Special Exhibition This is the fifth phase of the Shanghai Museum's "Why China" archaeological exhibition, held this time in the East Hall of the Shanghai Museum. It brings together 14 museums from Gansu and Shaanxi, showcasing a total of 328 sets and 510 artifacts, many of which are first-class cultural relics, appearing outside their local museums for the first time here. "Zhaoxing" means to initiate and lay the foundation. The Qin Dynasty was the first great unified empire, laying the territorial, institutional, and cultural foundations for what later became "China," hence the name. When we face these exhibited artifacts, gazing at their faded and mottled surfaces, we see the unique beauty of time’s imperfections. Every artifact here is stunning and tells its own story. The charioteer figurine from the No. 2 Bronze Chariot and Horse of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (P2–P3) has a solemn expression, focused posture, and a mottled face, yet its spirit remains vivid. The craftsmanship of the bronze chariot is exquisite; though the brilliant finish on the bronze has faded, its scars are time’s letters to us. The coiled dragon-patterned bronze chariot model (P4), unearthed from a mid-Spring and Autumn period Qin noble tomb at Yuanding Mountain in Lixian, Gansu, is the treasure of Lixian Museum. Though small (only 8.8 cm tall), it encapsulates the early Qin people's reverence for the chariot as a symbol of power and ritual, and foreshadows the grandeur of the bronze chariots of the First Emperor’s mausoleum. Some say it is China’s earliest toy—a child’s chariot. The small birds on the corners can rotate to unlock, and the four wheels move, exquisitely crafted and innocent, also the earliest prototype of the automobile. The coiled serpent-patterned flat round bronze wine vessel (P5), also from the mid-Spring and Autumn period Qin noble tomb at Yuanding Mountain, Lixian, now housed in the Gansu Qin Culture Museum, was not a "pot" for holding wine but a "wine mixer" used by ancient nobles to adjust the strength of their wine during banquets. Especially notable are the four small birds on the lid that can rotate 360 degrees—this is a unique piece and the earliest tool used by a bartender, the earliest champagne mixer. The Warring States lacquerware tube with gold and silver inlay (P6) was a ritual vessel. Its core value lies in showcasing the Western Rong tribes’ pursuit of "gold and jade filling the hall" luxury aesthetics during the Warring States period, as well as the craftsmanship achievements of cultural fusion between East and West. Perhaps the inspiration for modern AV designers comes from this; today’s water cups draw from it, showing that excellent designers’ products converge from different paths. The pottery figurine (P7) is from the Terracotta Army pits of the First Emperor’s Mausoleum, representing an armored infantry soldier, one of the core forces forming the main Qin army formation. Each figurine has a unique face, known as "a thousand people, a thousand faces." This is the charm of the Terracotta Warriors. This flat round bronze wine vessel with a drum-shaped body and bird lid with double dragon design (P8) is most striking for its unique design: the lid features a reclining bird with bright eyes and slightly spread wings; the spout is a long-necked beast head with wide-open mouth and glaring eyes; the handle is shaped like a dragon looking back, with curled horns, tongue out, and tail coiled, vivid and lifelike. The lid and handle are connected by a chain, both practical and decorative. Only a few of these survive, a unique innovative type from the late Western Zhou period, representing the transition of Western Zhou bronze craftsmanship from solemn and heavy to lively and delicate. Its main function was for mixing wine and ritual washing. The image on P9 shows a ceremonial chariot used by Western Rong nobles during the Warring States period, hailed by experts as China’s most luxurious chariot, and one of China’s "Top 100 Archaeological Discoveries of the Century" in 2021. "Why China" is an annual exhibition at the Shanghai Museum, an important showcase promoting China’s long history and a brilliant display of Chinese culture. Every artifact deserves close attention; every artifact is a source of pride for the Chinese people.

🏨 Hotel Location (Core Area) Meihao Hotel (Tianshui Wushan Ningyuan Avenue Branch) · Address: No.1 Ningyuan Avenue, Chengguan Town, Wushan County (County Core Area) · About 3km from Wushan Station, 5 minutes by taxi · Downstairs: Huadong Shopping Center, Commercial Street · Within walking distance: People's Square, Yuanyang Lake Park, County Museum 🚗 Transportation (Stay → Travel) · External Arrival · Train: Direct to Wushan Station (Lanzhou → Wushan about 2h, Tianshui → about 1h) · Self-driving: Navigate to "Meihao Hotel Wushan Ningyuan Avenue Branch" · Within the County · Taxi: Starting fare 5 RMB, usually within 10 RMB inside the county · Bus: Routes 1/2/3 cover main attractions, fare 1–3 RMB · Hotel: Free parking + charging stations 🍜 Nearby Food (Walking/Short Distance) 1. Near the Hotel (within 500m) · Gutan Guanguan Tea: Intersection of Ningyuan Avenue and Xingming Street, local morning tea · Longshang Yupin Buffet: Hotpot + BBQ, 30/49 RMB, near Chengmen New Village · Ningyuan Avenue Night Market: Opens at dusk, lamb stew with bread, iron plate squid, Wushan cold noodles 2. Must-eat in Wushan (Citywide) · Wushan Rangpi/Cold Noodles: Thin, chewy, with sesame sauce + chili oil · Chive Buns: "China's Chive Hometown," full and fresh filling · Jiangshui Noodles: Sour and refreshing, served with tiger skin chili peppers and braised ribs · Wushan Cold Water Fish: Longtai/Simen Town farmhouse cuisine, fresh and tender · Sweet fermented rice, fried dough rings, cured meat: classic snacks 🏞️ Attractions (County + Surroundings) 1. Around the Hotel (Walking/Taxi) · Yuanyang Lake Park (1.6km): Walking, night views · Wushan Museum (1.3km): View painted pottery and cultural relics · Ningyuan Ancient City Wall: Ming Dynasty ruins, county center 2. Must-visit Attractions (Self-driving/Charter) · Shuilian Cave Grottoes (Lashao Temple) (4A) · World's Largest Cliff Carved Buddha (42.3m), Danxia landform + grottoes · About 20km from the county, 20 minutes by car, ticket about 40 RMB · Wushan Hot Springs ("Northwest's No.1 Hot Spring") · High-temperature mineral spring, 53°C, fluoride and silicon therapy · About 30km from the county, 40 minutes by car · Caochuan/Yunwu Mountain Grassland · Alpine meadows, cattle and sheep, windmills, great summer resort · About 40km from the county · Mutisi, Luban Mountain · Grottoes, Danxia peaks, hiking trails 📅 Classic 2-Day Itinerary (Starting from Hotel) Day 1 Culture + Hot Springs · Morning: Shuilian Cave Grottoes (2.5h) · Noon: Lunch in Luomen Town · Afternoon: Wushan Hot Springs (2–3h soak) · Evening: Return to hotel → Ningyuan Avenue Night Market Day 2 Grassland + Countryside · Morning: Caochuan Grassland (2h) · Noon: Nanping/Longtai farmhouse meal (eat cold water fish) · Afternoon: Yuanyang Lake + county stroll (museum, square) · Evening: Hotel rest / Huadong Shopping Center ✅ Practical Tips · Season: Best from April to October; summer for cooling, winter for hot springs · Gear: Shuilian Cave stairs are steep, wear non-slip shoes · Accommodation: Meihao includes free breakfast, laundry, parking, late checkout · Food: Breakfast with buns + Guanguan tea; main meals with Jiangshui noodles, cold water fish

⛰【Attraction Guide】 📍Detailed Address: Qinhan Avenue, Chengguan Town, Lixian County, Longnan City, Gansu Province 🚗Transportation Guide: Take Lixian Bus Route 2 in Lixian County and get off at Haipeng Furniture City Station, then walk 160 meters; or take Lixian Bus Route 1 or 2 and get off at Dongcheng Primary School Station, then walk 410 meters to reach the site. 🕙Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays 💰Ticket Price: Free 🌟Highlights: In the autumn of 1936, according to the deployment of the Central Military Commission, the Second Front Army of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army set out from Hadapu in three columns: left, center, and right, marching eastward through Lixian County towards Liangdang and Kang County. They conducted battles in Cheng County, Huixian County, Liangdang County, and Kang County, establishing a revolutionary base. Left Column — The 6th Army Corps, led by Commander Chen Bojun, Political Commissar Wang Zhen, and Chief of Staff Peng Shaohui, attacked Lixian County on September 1 but failed. They then passed through Yacheng, Yongping, Gucheng, Honghe, and Yanguan, taking the route through Xiaotianshui to Huixian and Liangdang. Center Column — The Second Front Army Headquarters, commanding the 4th Division of the 2nd Army and the 32nd Army, led by He Long and Ren Bishi, passed through Shangping and Xiaping in Lixian County, Jiangkou, and Longshan, heading towards Xihe and Cheng County. Right Column — The 6th Division of the 2nd Army, led by Division Commander He Bingyan and Political Commissar Liao Hansheng, passed through Quanshui, Baihe, Qiaotou, Tanping, Wangba, and Sanyu in Lixian County, heading towards Taishihe in Xihe County. The "Cheng-Hui-Liang-Kang Campaign" successfully captured the four county seats of Cheng County, Kang County, Huixian County, and Liangdang, establishing the Gansu-Shaanxi-Sichuan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, with Gan Siqi as Secretary, centered in Huixian County. Soviet governments were established successively in Cheng County, Huixian County, Kang County, and Liangdang, and the Longnan Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Detachment was formed. After the establishment of local revolutionary party, government, and mass organizations, vigorous land reform and anti-landlord movements were carried out. The people actively raised grain and funds for the Red Army and supported the expansion of the Red Army. More than 2,000 youths from various counties in Longnan joined the Red Army. 📌Tips: There is a parking lot in front of the hall

Must-stay in Lixian|Chenxin Hotel, your one-stop spot for eating and shopping convenience✨ When visiting Lixian, choosing the right hotel is really important! Highly recommend Chenxin Hotel (Qinren Square / First People's Hospital branch) Great location, new environment, high cost performance, surrounded by attractions and delicious food~ ✅ Prime location! Step outside to the main check-in spots · Walking distance to: Qinren Square, Qin Culture Museum (4A), Qin-Han Water Park, Wetland Park · Close to South Bus Station, convenient for driving or taxi · Night market, supermarket, and food stalls right downstairs, enjoy hot noodles and chicken soup noodles anytime ✅ Super new and clean hotel, comfortable stay Opened in 2025, minimalist modern style, bright and tidy rooms · King bed / twin beds / family rooms / chess rooms, all room types available · Private bathroom, 24h hot water, central air conditioning, free parking · Soft bedding, good soundproofing, a great rest for your trip ✅ Must-visit Lixian route (all conveniently nearby) 1. Qin Culture Museum (walking) → See Qin dynasty artifacts and learn about the hometown of the First Emperor of Qin 2. Qishan Wuhou Shrine / Three Kingdoms Cultural Industry Park (20-minute drive) → Liuchu Qishan ruins 3. Western Han Water Scenic Line, Cuifeng Viewpoint → Stunning mountain, water, and cultural photo spots 4. Evening stroll at the night market / Qinren Square to experience the small town’s lively atmosphere ✅ Summary When in Lixian, if you want convenience, great photos, delicious food, and a good place to stay, Chenxin Hotel is the perfect choice! New hotel, great location, high cost performance, suitable for travel or business trips~ 📍 Address: Building 4, Nancheng Mingyuan, Chengguan Town, Lixian (Near Qinren Square, First People's Hospital)

Time to get inspired! Who says you can't enjoy Zhangjiakou in winter? 🏔️ The vast snowy scenery of Grassland Sky Road + the thrilling experience at Taiwu Ski Resort This detailed guide is a must-save! ⛷️🌄 【Day 1: Self-Drive + First Skiing Experience】 🌅 Morning: Grassland Sky Road A paradise for self-driving enthusiasts! 🚗💨 Winding snowy roads + endless grasslands, every shot looks like a blockbuster 📸 Recommend waking up early to catch the sunrise, the mist is super dreamy~ ⚠️ Note: Some sections are closed in winter, check road conditions in advance~ 📍 Navigation: East Entrance of Grassland Sky Road 🚗 Transport: Recommended to rent a car or self-drive, about 1.5 hours from the city ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (recommended in winter) 🍲 Noon: Chongli County Iron Pot Stew A must-try for food lovers! 🔥 Firewood-cooked lamb stew with frozen tofu, warming and affordable Highly recommend "Lao Ma's Iron Pot Stew" 📍 Address: Chongli County 🚗 Transport: 40 minutes drive from the west entrance of Grassland Sky Road ⏰ Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM 🏂 Afternoon: Fulong Ski Resort Beginners, come quickly! 👶 Lots of beginner-friendly areas, hiring an instructor is super worth it~ The rental hall is fully equipped and convenient 📍 Address: Chongli County 🚕 Transport: 10 minutes by taxi ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (night session until 9:00 PM) 🌙 Evening: Taiwu Town Stay in a fairy-tale European-style town! 🏰 The night lights are super romantic, every photo is Instagram-worthy Recommended stay: "Hyatt Place Hotel," includes breakfast + hot springs ♨️ 🚗 Transport: 15 minutes drive from Fulong Ski Resort ⏰ Check-in: After 2:00 PM 【Day 2 & 3 itinerary equally exciting...】 🌟 Helpful Tips: 1️⃣ Rent ski clothes in advance, prices double in town! 2️⃣ No gas stations on Grassland Sky Road ⛽️, start with a full tank! 3️⃣ Budget about 1500 RMB per person (including accommodation and skiing) 4️⃣ Chongli has many ski resorts, beginners are recommended to choose Fulong~ Any questions, call me in the comments~ 💬 Looking forward to your travel photos! 📸

This is a 2-day 1-night travel guide for Longnan, with a budget controlled around 1000 yuan, for your reference: Longnan Travel Guide (2 Days 1 Night) 1. City Introduction Longnan is located in the southern part of Gansu Province, situated between the Qinling and Bashan Mountains. It is a mountainous city known for its natural scenery and ethnic culture. Here you can find rich historical sites and beautiful landscapes, such as Dangqu Ancient Town in Dangchang County, Wawu Mountain in Wen County, and the Danxia landform in Lixian County of Wudu District. Longnan has distinct four seasons and fresh air, making it a great place to escape the summer heat and experience ethnic minority culture. 2. Itinerary Day 1 Morning: Arrive in Longnan and visit Dangqu Ancient Town Dangqu Ancient Town has a long history, preserving Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and traditional folk customs. It is suitable for strolling, photography, and experiencing the rich regional culture of Longnan. Free admission. Noon: Taste Longnan specialty lunch Recommended to try Longnan’s cured meat, buckwheat pancakes, tofu feast, and other local delicacies. Budget about 50 yuan. Afternoon: Visit Wawu Mountain National Forest Park Wawu Mountain offers beautiful scenery, including primeval forests, waterfalls, and abundant flora and fauna. Entrance fee about 80 yuan, transportation and light hiking costs about 30 yuan. Evening: Stay at a local budget hotel or guesthouse Price around 150-200 yuan per night. Dinner can be chosen at the guesthouse or snack shops, budget about 50 yuan. Day 2 Morning: Visit Lixian Danxia Landform Scenic Area The Danxia landform is colorful and spectacular geological wonder, great for photography and hiking. Entrance fee about 60 yuan. Noon: Local farmhouse lunch Experience authentic farmhouse dishes, budget about 50 yuan. Afternoon: Return to the city, stroll local markets or small streets, buy specialties Shopping budget about 50 yuan. Evening: End the trip and return 3. Budget Details (Per Person) Item Cost (yuan) Transportation (round trip and local) 200 Entrance Fees 140 Accommodation 180 Meals (2 days) 150 Shopping and others 50 Total 720-770 Note: With a sufficient budget, 1000 yuan is enough to cover all expenses and still have room for a more comfortable experience. 4. Tips Longnan is mountainous, so it is recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes and prepare sun protection and mosquito repellent. The climate is cool in summer, suitable for escaping the heat; it is colder in winter, so keep warm. Transportation mainly relies on chartered cars or local buses, plan your routes in advance. Respect local ethnic minority customs and ask for permission before taking photos. Wishing you a wonderful travel experience in Longnan! If you need more detailed transportation routes or accommodation recommendations, feel free to let me know.

Rooted in Xichui, with the Western Han as its vein and the Qin style as its soul, Lixian County, the ancestral land of Emperor Qin, holds the richest millennium-old cultural heritage in the heart of Longshan. This is the poetic homeland of the reeds and rushes in the "Qin Feng" section of the Book of Songs, the historical starting point of the Qin Empire’s eastward unification. Nestled between the Gan and Dui rivers and guarding Longnan, it inherits the ancient charm of pre-Qin times and blends the spirit of the Three Kingdoms. The bronze echoes of the Gansu Qin Culture Museum, the Qin tomb splendor of the Dabaozi Mountain site, and the millennia-old smoke signals of the Qishan Wuhou Shrine intertwine and reflect each other. Every breeze carries the distant Qin style, and every inch of land bears the roots of civilization, quietly settling into poetry over time. The Urban 118 Select Hotel Longnan Lixian Bus Station County Government Center Branch is located at the transportation hub and administrative core of this Qin-style ancient city. It offers a quality and warm boutique business lodging, thoughtfully accommodating every business traveler and tourist arriving here, continuing a peaceful stay that meets the heritage of the Qin ancestral land. Upholding the Urban 118 Select brand’s original intention of “refined craftsmanship, delightful surprises everywhere,” we weave the ancient Qin charm of Lixian, the clear and gentle waters of the Western Han, and the simple warmth of the Longshan people into every texture of the hotel. Rejecting excessive luxury, we outline a relaxed and comfortable light business travel space with minimalist elegance and practical comfort. The warm touch of natural materials, delicate Qin cultural elements, and the interplay of transparent, flowing light and shadow create a charming atmosphere. From the bright and orderly public areas to the finely crafted room details, every step reveals a sense of ease: “step out to reach the administrative hub, step in to enjoy a quiet corner.” We have embedded the profound pre-Qin cultural heritage, the fresh breath of Western Han waters, and the heartfelt warmth of Lixian into this space, so you don’t need to travel far—just open the door and be embraced by the millennium-old poetry of Lixian. Each room is a private tranquil haven. The clear window views frame Lixian’s dawn and dusk; you can welcome the morning light and cityscape at sunrise and fall asleep peacefully with the lights and gentle breeze at night. High-quality soft bedding ensures a good night’s sleep, independent bathrooms wash away fatigue, and high-speed internet, quiet spaces, and comprehensive amenities meet the core needs of both business work and restful sleep. Every detail offers the comfort of home. With sincere and attentive service, we safeguard every traveler’s peace of mind—from a warm breakfast at dawn to thoughtful care around the clock, all delivered with heart. Every guest coming for business or travel can find a long-lost sense of belonging in this unfamiliar city. Embark on a Qin heritage journey and seek the elegance of Longshan. Urban 118 Select Hotel Longnan Lixian Bus Station County Government Center Branch is not just a stopover on your journey but your exclusive safe haven in Qin-style Lixian. May you slow down here, feel the weight of cultural heritage, savor the authenticity of life, and carefully cherish the timelessness and warmth of Lixian.

✨ Discover Gansu's Little Switzerland! Every snap of this 140,000-mu alpine grassland is wallpaper-worthy🏞️ 📍【Exact Location】 Southern Gangu County, Tienshui City · The Origin of Qin People's Horse Herding Altitude 1760-2716 meters (10℃+ cooler than the city❄️) 🎫【Travel Tips】 ▪️Tickets: Free (10 RMB sanitation fee at entrance booth) ▪️Best Time to Visit: · June to August🌿 Grassland like a green carpet + sea of wildflowers · September to October🍂 Golden wheat waves in autumn · December to February⛄️ Snowy forest fairyland 🚗【Transportation Guide】 Highly recommend self-driving! Experienced drivers, take note: ✔️From Tienshui City → 1.5 hours direct (navigate to "Gupo Grassland") ✔️From Gangu County → 1 hour arrival ⚠️Mountain road warning: Six consecutive hairpin turns! SUV recommended 📸【Top 5 Photo Spots】 1️⃣ Grassland Windmill Cluster: Pretend you're in the Netherlands! Huge white windmills against blue sky, super healing 2️⃣ Shigu Mountain Peak: Climb to 2625 meters for a panoramic view of the grassland (same perspective as in "Shuijingzhu"📜) 3️⃣ Heitan Ancient Temple: 700-year-old Yuan Dynasty temple hidden in the mountains⛩️ 4️⃣ Viewing Pavilion: 360° panoramic viewing platform, perfect for sunrise and sunset🌄 5️⃣ Roadside Shots: Stand under the windmills to shoot stylish road photos instantly ⏳【One-Day Itinerary】 07:30 Depart Tienshui → Fill up gas⛽️ 09:00 Pay 10 RMB to enter grassland → Head straight to windmill area for photos 11. 00 Experience herder life🐎 (Horse riding 50 RMB/hour) 12. 30 Enjoy authentic farmhouse meal🍲 (Highly recommend mushroom stewed chicken!) 14:00 Conquer Shigu Mountain⛰️ (1-hour hike to the summit) 16. 00 Meditate and copy sutras at Heitan Temple📿 17. 30 Wait at the viewing platform for the golden sunset 19:00 Return trip with a grassland roast whole lamb feast🍖 🏕️【Overnight Options】 ▪️Camping: Bring your own tent to watch the Milky Way🌌 (Temperature drops sharply at night, bring a down sleeping bag!) ▪️Homestay lovers: Recommend "Yunxi Nanshan" private courtyard🎋 (80 RMB per person including breakfast) 🍜【Foodie Must-Try List】 ✅Top 3 must-try dishes: 1. Freshly roasted whole lamb (crispy outside, tender and juicy inside) 2. Hand-pulled lamb with garlic cloves🧄 3. Gangu specialty sour and spicy jiangshui noodles ⚠️【Safety Tips】 🔸Gas stations are all at the foot of the mountain! Fill up before heading up 🔸No signal throughout the grassland📵 Download offline maps in advance 🔸Mosquito repellent + sunscreen + sunglasses = lifesaving trio 💡Bonus: This route can also connect to Gangu Elephant Mountain + Jiang Wei's Tomb. Type 1 for the full itinerary~

This hotel is located near Nancheng Mingyuan on Nanbinhe Road. The hotel's decoration style is very modern and minimalist. The rooms are clean and hygienic, and the service is also very good. Visited the Water Park and the Qin Culture Museum. Tried local specialties like hot noodle skin and chicken soup shredded noodles, which were very good.

While most people flock to Hainan to escape the cold or to Northeast China for skiing, this small city tucked at the junction of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces is redefining winter wellness with a triple surprise of "ice and snow wonders + constant temperature secret realm + millennia-old cultural heritage." This city is Longnan—frequently recommended by Trip.com travel notes as the "Jiangnan of Longshan." It boasts -5℃ ice waterfalls and rime, a 14℃ warm cave nest, and a forest oxygen bar bursting with negative oxygen ions, allowing your body to relax amid the alternating cold and warmth, and your soul to settle in the landscape and cultural heritage. Longnan’s winter wellness charm lies in its unique experience of "cold and warm balance." Unlike single-purpose cold escapes or snow play, here you can unlock the dual healing of "ice and warmth" in one stop. The core secret realm, Wanxiang Cave, is known as a "natural wellness chamber." Formed over 300 million years, this karst cave maintains a constant temperature of 14℃. In the depths of winter, while outside is icy and snowy, inside the cave is warm and cozy. Stalactites and stalagmites under the lights look like jade carvings. Walking through, the moist air nourishes your respiratory tract, and millennia-old inscriptions tell tales of peaceful times, as if you have entered an underground paradise isolated from the noise. Meanwhile, winter at Guan’egou offers a different world. Beneath the Leigu Snow Mountain, dozens of ice waterfalls hang in the canyon, with ice pillars like a forest and ice curtains like jade. Taking the cable car for a bird’s-eye view, the snowy forest sea and cloud sea reflect each other. In the rime corridor, jade trees and snow flowers abound, the snow crunches underfoot, and the crisp air carries the pine needle fragrance. Every deep breath is a gift of negative oxygen ions. Beyond natural wellness, Longnan’s cultural heritage adds spiritual nourishment. The Xixia Song Scenic Area in Cheng County hides the cliff inscriptions of the "Three Han Songs," the earliest of which is over 1,800 years old. The Han clerical script looks even more majestic against the snow. Waterfalls murmur in the canyon, and ancient plank road ruins are faintly visible. Hiking here, you can enjoy the serene landscape and touch the warmth of history. The Qin Culture Museum in Lixian County showcases artifacts like the Qin Gongding and bronze chariots, witnessing the rise of the Qin dynasty. The Three Kingdoms Cultural Industry Park offers costume experiences and immersive reenactments of the "Six Expeditions to Qishan." If you visit in the first lunar month, don’t miss the "Chigezhu" intangible cultural heritage Nuo dance of the Baima Tibetan people in Wen County. Dancers wearing wooden masks move to drumbeats, and the torch festival’s fire ring dance and ink-painting revelry let visitors release stress in primitive folk customs. A wellness trip is incomplete without warm nourishment for the palate. Dangchang clear soup lamb is a winter must-have. Highland free-range goats are slow-cooked for hours with angelica and codonopsis, producing a milky, rich broth with tender, odorless lamb. One bowl warms you from tongue to limbs. Wudu’s mashed potatoes are made by repeatedly pounding highland potatoes until sticky and chewy, topped with sour pickling juice or chili oil, their rustic flavor driving away the cold. In Bikou Tea Village, Mingqian tea brewed with mountain spring water is fragrant and sweet, paired with local handmade walnut cakes for a cozy afternoon tea. These flavorful snacks use natural ingredients and carry the mountain wildness, filling the stomach and warming the body while aligning with wellness concepts. Practical tips make your trip worry-free. For transportation, you can fly to Longnan Chengxian Airport or take the high-speed train to Longnan Station. There are tourist shuttle lines connecting city attractions. On Trip.com, you can book the "Ecological Longnan Wellness Destination" combo ticket with one click, covering core sites like Guan’egou and Wanxiang Cave, offering much better value than buying tickets separately. For accommodation, Qinglong Mountain Tourist Resort is recommended, where you can soak in natural hot springs and enjoy snow views in the morning. If you prefer tranquility, homestays around Tianchi Lake in Wen County offer views of the unfrozen lake and rime through the window, with star-filled nights that are especially healing. A suggested itinerary is 3-4 days: Day 1, Wudu Wanxiang Cave + Yuhechuan Golden Monkey observation, interact with adorable monkeys and breathe fresh air; Day 2, Guan’egou ice and snow wonders, admire ice waterfalls and take the cable car to view snow mountains; Day 3, Wen County Tianchi Lake + Bikou Tea Village, experience lake and mountain scenery and tea culture; Day 4, Xixia Song + Du Fu Thatched Cottage, explore ancient sites and poetry to calm the mind. Winter in Longnan has no crowds of popular tourist spots, only the gentle embrace of mountains, water, and cultural heritage. Here, you can release energy in Guan’egou’s ice and snow, relax your body and mind in Wanxiang Cave’s constant warmth, settle your thoughts in millennia-old relics, and feel warmth in local cuisine. This unique experience of "active snow play and peaceful wellness" is the ideal form of winter health care. No need to chase the noise of distant places—come to Longnan for a warm winter appointment. Let the ice and snow wash away your fatigue, let the cultural heritage nourish your soul, and at the junction of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan, encounter the most pleasant winter wellness time.

1. Huaihua Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County, Hunan Recommended reasons: Fewer people in winter, rich Dong ethnic culture, historical site of the Japanese surrender, low cost. Money-saving tips: Transportation: Train to Huaihua Station (hard seat round trip about 100 RMB), then transfer by bus/carpool to Zhijiang (20 RMB per person). Accommodation: Hostel or small inn (about 50 RMB/night, 2 nights total 100 RMB per person). Attractions: Zhijiang Surrender Memorial Archway (free, landmark of Anti-Japanese War history) Longjin Wind and Rain Bridge (free, essence of Dong architecture) Wanhe Drum Tower (free, atmospheric lighting in the evening) Food: Zhijiang Duck Noodles (15 RMB/bowl), Dong-style Oil Tea (10 RMB) Street market snacks (sour radish, rice tofu, 5 RMB/serving) Budget allocation: Transportation 120 RMB + Accommodation 100 RMB + Food 80 RMB + Others 20 RMB = 320 RMB (remaining budget can be used for short bus trips around Dong villages) 2. Zhengding Ancient City, Hebei Recommended reasons: Close to Shijiazhuang, many Tang Dynasty ancient temples, quiet in winter, affordable prices. Money-saving tips: Transportation: Train to Shijiazhuang (hard seat round trip within budget), bus to Zhengding (2 RMB, 1 hour). Accommodation: Hostel in Shijiazhuang (40 RMB/night, 2 nights total 80 RMB per person). Attractions: Longxing Temple (50 RMB, choose this if only one paid site) Rongguo Mansion (free, filming location of 1987 Dream of the Red Chamber) Ancient city wall night view (free, climb the wall to overlook ancient pagodas) Food: Zhengding Benggan (15 RMB), Shaomai (10 RMB/basket) Street kiln-baked flatbread (3 RMB each) Budget allocation: Transportation 100 RMB + Accommodation 80 RMB + Food 70 RMB + Tickets 50 RMB = 300 RMB 3. Longnan County, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Recommended reasons: Secret Hakka walled villages, less rain in December perfect for strolling, strong rural atmosphere. Money-saving tips: Transportation: Train to Ganzhou (hard seat round trip about 150 RMB), then bus to Longnan (20 RMB). Accommodation: Small hotel in county town (60 RMB/night, 2 nights total 120 RMB per person). Attractions: Guanxi New Walled Village (free to visit outside, 60 RMB ticket for inside can be skipped) Hakka Rice Wine Workshop (free to experience brewing process) Countryside hiking (old walled houses scattered in fields, no ticket) Food: Hakka stuffed tofu (15 RMB), Tangpi noodles (5 RMB/serving) Homemade rice wine (10 RMB/small pot) Budget allocation: Transportation 170 RMB + Accommodation 120 RMB + Food 80 RMB = 370 RMB 4. Gangu County, Tianshui, Gansu Recommended reasons: Small town on the Loess Plateau, understated grotto culture, noodle paradise, hotel prices drop in winter. Money-saving tips: Transportation: Train to Tianshui (hard seat round trip within budget), bus to Gangu (10 RMB). Accommodation: Budget hotel in county town (70 RMB/night, shared room 35 RMB/night per person, 2 nights total 70 RMB). Attractions: Daxiangshan Grottoes (winter ticket about 30 RMB, Northern Wei Buddha statues) Jiang Wei’s Tomb (free, Three Kingdoms relic) Gupo Grassland (free, bleak winter photography spot) Food: Gangu crispy rings (5 RMB), Cuocuo noodles (10 RMB/bowl) Night market roasted potatoes (3 RMB each) Budget allocation: Transportation 120 RMB + Accommodation 70 RMB + Food 60 RMB + Tickets 30 RMB = 280 RMB

Gansu Tianshui 4-Day Travel Guide Itinerary Overview · Budget: 3000 RMB (including transportation, accommodation, meals, and tickets) · Duration: 4 days 3 nights · Theme: Grotto Art + Fuxi Culture + Southern Gansu Scenery + Food Exploration · -- Day 1: Arrival in Tianshui & Fuxi Culture Exploration Morning · Transportation (budget reference): · From Xi’an/Lanzhou, take the high-speed train (2 hours, ticket about 100-150 RMB) directly to Tianshui South Station. · City bus/taxi (10-20 RMB) to Fuxi Temple. · Attractions: · Fuxi Temple (ticket 20 RMB): The largest Fuxi sacrificial complex in China, experience the origin of Chinese civilization. · Tianshui Museum (free): Adjacent to Fuxi Temple, learn about Tianshui’s history. Afternoon · Tianshui Ancient City (free): Ming and Qing style architecture, great atmosphere when lanterns light up at night, recommended stops: · Yuan Nu Spicy Hot Pot (about 15 RMB per person): Representative spicy hot pot of Tianshui. · Chang Ji Guagua (about 10 RMB per person): Buckwheat snack, local specialty. Accommodation: Budget hotel on Minzhu Road (about 150 RMB/night). · -- Day 2: Maijishan Grottoes & Xianren Cliff Morning · Maijishan Grottoes (ticket 80 RMB + sightseeing bus 15 RMB): · World Cultural Heritage, famous for cliffside plank roads and clay sculptures, recommended to go early to avoid crowds. · Must-see: East Cliff Giant Buddha (Cave 13), Smiling Little Monk (Cave 133). Afternoon · Xianren Cliff (ticket 40 RMB): · Danxia landform combined with Buddhist temples, hike up the mountain to see the sea of clouds, accessible by bus route 37. Meals: Local farmhouse restaurant in the scenic area (sour noodle soup + wild vegetables, about 30 RMB per person). Accommodation: Hotel in Maiji District (about 180 RMB/night). · -- Day 3: Gangu Daxiang Mountain & Gupo Grassland Morning · Transportation: Tianshui South Station → Gangu (high-speed train 20 minutes, ticket 15 RMB). · Daxiang Mountain (ticket 30 RMB): · The largest northern clay sculpture Buddha (23.3 meters), overlooking the entire Gangu area. Afternoon · Gupo Grassland (free): Alpine meadow scenery, suitable for camping and photography (round-trip charter about 150 RMB). Meals: Gangu chili powder experience (about 20 RMB per person) + local farmhouse dishes (about 40 RMB per person). Accommodation: Budget hotel in Gangu (about 120 RMB/night). · -- Day 4: Return & City Leisure Morning · Yuquan Temple (free): Famous Taoist temple, enjoy pot tea (5 RMB). · Nanguo Temple (ticket 20 RMB): Former residence of poet Du Fu, climb up for a panoramic view of Tianshui. Afternoon · Return: High-speed train/flight (reserve 200 RMB for transportation). · -- Budget Details Item Cost (RMB) Transportation (high-speed train + city) 400 Accommodation (3 nights) 450 Meals 400 Tickets 205 Others (shopping, etc.) 200 Total 1655 Remaining budget (3000-1655=1345 RMB) can be flexibly used for: · Upgrading accommodation (e.g., hot spring hotels). · Experiencing special caves (Maijishan Cave 133, 100 RMB/person). · Purchasing cultural souvenirs (around Fuxi Temple). · -- Tips 1. Transportation: Bus routes 34/37 connect main attractions but have limited frequency, allow extra time. 2. Clothing: August is hot, but mountain areas have large temperature differences, bring a light jacket. 3. Food: Besides spicy hot pot, recommended are sweet fermented rice (refreshing) and lard pastry (snack).