[2025 Longnan Attraction] Travel Guide for Bailong River (Updated May)

Encounter Tianchi Lake in Wen County, Longnan and Explore the Dreamy Jiangnan Scenery of Longshang✨ Tianchi Lake in Wen County, Longnan, is like a bright pearl hidden in the mountains of Longnan, exuding a unique charm. Today, I will present you with this super detailed travel guide to take you to appreciate its beauty! Basic Information Wen County Tianchi Lake is located in the upper reaches of the Yangtang River in Wen County, Longnan City, Gansu Province. It is one of the four major Tianchi Lakes in China, with a water area of 0.88 square kilometers, a maximum water depth of 75 meters, and a lake surface elevation of 1,728 meters. It is a high-mountain barrier lake formed by the blockage of the Yangtang River channel due to crustal movement in ancient times. It is surrounded by mountains and dense forests🌳 Climate and Temperature Wen County Tianchi Lake has a continental North subtropical to temperate monsoon climate. The summer climate is cool, with an average temperature of about 20℃, making it an excellent summer resort. The spring and fall seasons have a pleasant climate with moderate temperatures. The winter lake water temperature is around 18℃, which is relatively mild. However, the scenic area has a large temperature difference between day and night. Remember to bring warm clothes no matter when you go🧥 Transportation Guide - Self-driving: Starting from Longnan city, take the Lanhai Expressway and Wu Jiu Expressway, then transfer to National Highway 212, and then go to Tianchi Town. There is a parking lot in the scenic area, which is convenient for parking. Along the way, you can also enjoy the magnificent scenery along the way. - Public transportation: Take a bus from Wudu East Bus Station to Tianchi Lake. There are two buses every day, at 9:28 and 14:10 respectively. After arriving at Tianchi Town, you still need to walk or take local transportation to the scenic area. Itinerary - Day 1: After arriving at Tianchi Lake, first check in to your accommodation and put down your luggage. Then go to the main lake of Tianchi Lake, stroll leisurely along the lake, and enjoy the picturesque lake and mountain scenery. Be sure to stay at Fairy Beach for a while, as this is the best place to view the beauty of Tianchi Lake. Then go to Elephant Trunk, Lion Pack, Catch Fish Ditch, Moon Bay and other attractions in turn. Each place has its own unique features. Don't forget to take photos. In the evening, return to your accommodation and watch the intoxicating Tianchi Lake sunset🌅 - Day 2: Get up early and go to the main lake of Tianchi Lake again to enjoy the beautiful scenery in the morning. At this time, the lake is calm and foggy, like a fairyland. Afterwards, you can choose to take a boat to visit Tianchi Lake and experience the clarity and tranquility of the lake up close. During the boat trip, you can also see attractions such as Ma'anshan Mountain, Qimajiang Mountain, and Mumaping. After the tour, taste the local specialties. In the afternoon, you can hike in the forest in the scenic area to explore the mysteries of nature, or relax in the pavilion by the lake and enjoy a pleasant time. Nearby Food - Tofu Noodles: The noodles are strong and chewy, the tofu is fresh, tender and smooth, and the special sauce is added, which tastes delicious and makes people have endless aftertaste. - Bacon: The local bacon is fresh and tender. After unique curing and smoking techniques, it tastes mellow and not greasy. It can be stir-fried, stewed, or eaten in any way you like😋 - Jiaotuan: Made from corn flour or potato flour, it has a delicate taste and can be served with different soups, which is sour and spicy. - Potato Cake: Shred the potatoes, make them into cakes and fry them. The outer skin is crispy and the inside is soft and glutinous. - Wild Vegetables: A gift from nature, pure natural and pollution-free, rich in nutrients, stir-fried or cold mixed are very delicious. Surrounding Scenery - Huanglinggou: Also known as Huanglinggou, it is a tributary of the upper reaches of the Bailong River, with an altitude of more than 1,600 meters. The ditch integrates high mountain waterfalls, high mountain lakes, emerald seas, snow mountains, colorful forests, strange peaks and rocks, animals and plants, and cultural landscapes. It is known as the "Bright Pearl on the Jiuzhaigou Golden Tourist Route". - Wenxian Ancient City: It has a long history and is full of ancient charm. Walking through it, you can feel the precipitation of time and the weight of history. Precautions - Altitude Sickness: The altitude of Tianchi Lake Scenic Area is relatively high. You may experience some altitude sickness when you first arrive at the scenic area. It is recommended to rest and adapt first, and do not exercise vigorously. If you feel unwell, you can prepare medicines for altitude sickness in advance. - Changeable Weather: The weather in the mountainous area is unpredictable, and it may rain at any time. Remember to bring an umbrella or raincoat with you. At the same time, Tianchi Lake has a high altitude and strong ultraviolet rays, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats and other sunscreen products. - Environmental Protection: The ecological environment in the scenic area is fragile. Pay attention to protecting the environment when visiting, do not litter, and cherish this beautiful natural landscape. - Boat Safety: When taking a boat trip, follow the instructions of the staff, wear a life jacket, and ensure your own safety. - Plan Ahead: Understand the opening hours, ticket information, and weather conditions of the scenic spot in advance, and plan your itinerary reasonably. If you are traveling during holidays, it is best to book accommodation in advance. Come to Tianchi Lake in Wen County, Longnan and start a dreamy journey of mountains and rivers!

Longnan, a hidden gem in southern Gansu, is gently embraced by the Jialing River and the Bailong River, boasting incredibly high forest coverage.🌳 As spring arrives, the mountains and fields are awash with blooming rapeseed and peach blossoms, a real-life Shangri-La. Come here in March to experience the freshest spring and heal all your fatigue and worries~ 📍Location Longnan is located at the southernmost tip of Gansu, bordering Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces. Its unique geographical location has earned it the reputation of being the "Key to Qin and Long, and the Throat of Bashu." It blends the majestic grandeur of the north with the gentle beauty of the south, featuring towering mountains, winding rivers, and a rich diversity of natural landscapes. 🚗Transportation Guide - Airplane✈️: Longnan Chengxian Airport has opened routes to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi'an. After landing, you can take the airport bus or a taxi to the city center, which takes about 40 minutes. - Train🚉: Longnan Railway Station has trains to Lanzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and other places. Taking the train allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way, offering great value. Upon arrival at Longnan Railway Station, you can choose buses, taxis, or shared bikes for local transportation. - Self-driving🚗: If you are from a neighboring province or city, self-driving is also a good option. You can stop freely along the way to admire the natural scenery around Longnan. However, be mindful of driving safety as there are many curves on the mountain roads. 🏠Accommodation Guide - Wudu District: As the political and economic center of Longnan, Wudu offers a wide range of accommodation options. For convenient travel and shopping, choose hotels near Panxuan Road, such as [Hotel Name 1], with prices ranging from CNY 300 to 500. The rooms are well-equipped, and the location is convenient. For budget travelers, there are also many economical hotels and hostels around CNY 100, such as [Hostel Name], which has a lively atmosphere and is suitable for solo travelers. - Kangxian Yangba: If you want to get close to nature, guesthouses near Yangba Scenic Area are an excellent choice. [Guesthouse Name 2] is located inside the scenic area, offering stunning views of green mountains and clear waters right outside your window. Prices range from CNY 200 to 400 per night, allowing you to experience the purest rural life. 🍜Food Recommendations - Potato Stir-fry (洋芋搅团)🥔: This is Longnan's signature dish! Steamed potatoes are mashed and mixed with vinegar, chili oil, minced garlic, and other seasonings. It has a soft, glutinous texture and a sour and spicy flavor that is incredibly satisfying. We recommend trying it at [Restaurant Name 1], known for serving the most authentic version. - Longnan Rice Noodles (陇南米皮)🍜: Different from Shaanxi cold noodles, Longnan rice noodles are thinner and chewier. Made from ground rice and steamed, they are served with bean sprouts, shredded cucumber, and a special chili oil. The aroma is enticing, and the taste is refreshing, making it a local breakfast favorite. [Restaurant Name 2] has an excellent reputation for its rice noodles. - Douhua (豆花子)🥣: Silky smooth douhua is served with chewy noodles, topped with gravy and chili oil. A bowl of this heartwarming dish is both comforting and satisfying. Don't miss this unique flavor when you visit Longnan. [Restaurant Name 3]'s douhua has a rich flavor and is worth a try. 🎈Must-Do Experiences in Longnan - Guangegou🧚‍♀️: In March, the snow and ice in Guangegou haven't completely melted, but tender green shoots have already emerged on the mountains. Stroll along the plank road, flanked by canyons with jagged peaks, crystal-clear streams, and waterfalls of various shapes, as if stepping into a fairy tale world. You can spend a day exploring the valley, admiring the natural scenery, and marveling at nature's wonders. - Bikou Ancient Town🏮: Known as the "Little Jiangnan of Gansu," Bikou Ancient Town retains the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Wander along the cobblestone streets, browse the small shops, savor local snacks, and experience the joy of handmade tea. Time seems to slow down here, and the vibrant atmosphere is captivating. - Spring Flower Viewing🌸: In March, rapeseed flowers, peach blossoms, and apricot blossoms bloom one after another across Longnan. In Huixian and Chengxian, vast fields of rapeseed flowers resemble a golden ocean. In Kangxian's Peach Blossom Valley, the mountains and fields are covered with blooming peach blossoms, like pink clouds, breathtakingly beautiful. Choose a sunny day and embark on a date with spring. 🌈Itinerary - Day 1: Longnan Railway Station - Wanxiang Cave - Wudu City - Morning: Upon arrival at Longnan Railway Station, take a taxi to Wanxiang Cave (about 30 minutes). Wanxiang Cave is the largest cave in northern China, filled with dazzling stalactites. Under the illumination of lights, it resembles a fairyland. Allow 2-3 hours for exploration. - Lunch: Enjoy local specialties at a farmhouse restaurant near Wanxiang Cave, such as chicken soup and farmhouse stir-fries. - Afternoon: Return to Wudu City and explore Beishan Road Pedestrian Street, experiencing local customs and purchasing Longnan specialties like olive oil and peppercorns. - Evening: Indulge in various delicacies at the Panxuan Road Night Market, including potato stir-fry, rice noodles, and barbecue, treating your taste buds to a feast. - Day 2: Wudu District - Guangegou - Morning: Take a bus from Wudu Bus Station to Dangchang. Upon arrival in Dangchang, transfer to a bus to Guangegou (about 2 hours in total). - Morning/Afternoon: Enter Guangegou Scenic Area, take the sightseeing bus to Tongtianmen, and then hike along the plank road, admiring Leigu Mountain, Guange Waterfall, Tongtian Canyon, and other scenic spots, immersing yourself in the magnificence of nature. - Lunch: Enjoy snacks like grilled sausages, corn, and cold noodles at the snack stalls within the scenic area. - Afternoon: Continue exploring Guangegou. Upon reaching Guange Lake, you can choose to take a boat tour (optional) to admire the picturesque scenery. Afterward, return to the visitor center and take the scenic bus out of the park. - Evening: Stay overnight in Dangchang County. [Hotel Name 3] is recommended for its affordable price and convenient location. In the evening, you can stroll around the county square and experience the local nightlife. - Day 3: Dangchang County - Bikou Ancient Town - Departure - Morning: Take a bus from Dangchang Bus Station to Bikou (about 3 hours). - Morning: Upon arrival at Bikou Ancient Town, wander through the old streets, admire the ancient architecture, visit the Bikou Hydropower Station, and learn about the local hydropower culture. - Lunch: Savor local specialties at restaurants in the ancient town, such as douhua noodles and pickled cabbage noodles. - Afternoon: Purchase some Bikou specialties, such as green tea and wood ear mushrooms. Then, head to the station or airport according to your departure arrangements, concluding your pleasant Longnan trip. Longnan in March is full of vitality and charm. Whether it's the natural scenery or the local culture, it will leave a lasting impression. Pack your bags and embark on a spring adventure in Longnan!🌼

———✨4-Day Itinerary——— 🌿 Morning Mist Disperses | Explore the Underground Galaxy Wanxiang Cave Scenic Area Stalactites formed over hundreds of millions of years create a galaxy in the darkness. Gently touch the cave walls and feel the whispers of ancient times. The interplay of light and shadow within the cave evokes a fantasy beyond the imagination of even "The Lost Tomb." 🍵 Dusk Gently Settles | Listen to the Rain in the Ancient Town Bikou Ancient Town Oil-paper umbrellas glide over the slate pavements, and the mist rising from old tea houses hides the Longnan rain. Choose a riverside guesthouse, fall asleep to the sound of the Bailong River, pick tea in the morning, and enjoy a pot of tea while listening to Pingtan storytelling in the evening. ⛰ Clouds Obscure the Heights | Where Mountains and Rivers Become Poetry Guangegou Take a sightseeing bus through 13 turquoise alpine lakes, where the Tibetan and Qiang watchtowers of Luren Village dance with waterfalls. At the foot of Leigu Snow Mountain, take a sip of the icy glacier meltwater, refreshingly sweet and cold. Wenxian Tianchi National Forest Park Drift across the mirror-like surface in the morning mist, and witness the autumn colors paint the mountains like an overturned palette. At the "Tianchi Renjia" halfway up the mountain, savor freshly picked morel mushrooms stewed with free-range chicken. 🌳 Hidden Trails | A Day as a Mountain Dweller Yangba Natural Scenic Area Walk through forests where tea plantations intertwine with palm trees, row a boat on Swan Lake, and listen to the tea-picking girls' folk songs as they startle egrets into flight. Spend the night in a wooden cabin in Meiyuan Valley, where fireflies illuminate the summer nights along the stream. Huaqiao Village In this village shaded by ancient trees, set up a tent and brew tea slowly. The stream chills the Longnan sweet fermented glutinous rice, the mountain breeze turns the pages of your book, and time pauses here. ———🍜 Culinary Delights ——— ▫ Potato balls from the Jiezhou Night Market, chewy and glutinous, paired with pickled vegetable soup, are a culinary masterpiece. ▫ Handmade sweet osmanthus rice balls from Huangmiao Street, with a smooth sesame filling, evoke a taste of the past. ▫ The pickled vegetable and yellow catfish at Bikou Bailongjiang Fish Restaurant is incredibly delicious. ▫ During the Qingming Festival, you can pick leaves from the "immortal tree" to make emerald jelly. ———🚗 Travel Guide ——— ❶ Longnan has many winding mountain roads. Joining a local tour is recommended. ❷ The rooftop of the "Yunshang Jinling" hotel in Wudu offers a panoramic view of the city lights. In Bikou, choose "Chayun Renjia" to listen to the rain and watch the river. ❸ The scenery is most beautiful in late autumn when the forests are ablaze with color. Bring waterproof shoes and gear during the rainy season. The misty landscapes have a unique charm.

If you knew about Longnan, why bother going to the south of the Yangtze River? Longnan, with the charm of Wudu, is a city with over 7,000 years of history. It is the only area in Gansu where the Yangtze River flows through its entirety. Located at the intersection of Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces, it is a multi-ethnic settlement with a rich and diverse diet. The terrain is varied, making it the hometown of Chinese prickly ash, Chinese medicinal herbs, and Chinese olive oil. 👉 How to Play Day 1 1️⃣ Jiezhou Morning Market/Spiral Road: The morning market here is great to visit, with many local residents and a strong local flavor. It turns into a night market in the evening, which is not very special, so it's recommended to go early in the morning. 2️⃣ Longnan Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Longnan. The library and Wanda Plaza are also nearby. 3️⃣ Bailong River Covered Bridge/Riverside Park: It is suggested to come here in the evening, enjoy the river breeze, and the lights on both sides are beautiful. Day 2 Rent a car/share a ride 🚗 or go to the bus station to take a bus to Wen County Tianchi. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. Tianchi is not big, and there is enough time for a round trip in one day. 👉 What to Eat 1️⃣ Jiaotuan: A Longnan specialty, the texture is a bit like sticky rice cake. It's not recommended to go to storefronts; the ones at the Jiezhou stalls are great. 2️⃣ Walnut Cake: Similar to naan, dry and fragrant, cheap and large portions. It can be kept for a week or so. 3️⃣ Cherries 🍒, peaches 🍑, and figs from the morning market are all very fresh and reasonably priced. 4️⃣ Longfangxia Sweet Embryo Milk Tea: Local milk tea, super large cup, tastes a bit like fermented rice wine. The taste is quite good. 5️⃣ Laifu Mutton Restaurant: A large bowl served with flatbread, the mutton is fresh without any gamey taste, and the soup is delicious. 6️⃣ Fengzheng Noodle Path: A very popular local star old shop. If you go late, there might be none left. The signature hand-beaten noodles are particularly chewy, super delicious, served in a large bowl with very generous toppings. Highly recommended. ⚠️ Important Notes ❗❗ 1️⃣ Near the Longnan 🚅 station exit, there are elevators on both sides that are not easy to find. If you have luggage, it is recommended to take the elevator 🛗, as there are many steps on the footpath. 2️⃣ The museum does not require a reservation; just swipe your ID card on-site. 3️⃣ Recently, Tianchi's policy allows for free admission with fuel charges and accommodation proof from Wudu District. 4️⃣ If you're returning from Tianchi on the same day, remember the last bus time or ask the driver for contact information when carpooling. 5️⃣ Longnan Wudu District is not big, and accommodations 🏨 near Dongjiang/High-Speed Train Station are very convenient.

On the morning of May 20, 2024, after passing 'Qishan Fort', we entered Longnan City, known as 'Jiangnan on the Loess Plateau', which boasts rich natural landscapes and unique landforms. Here, there are towering mountains, profound canyons, winding rivers, and those verdant fields. The Bailong River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, runs south through Longnan City and flows into the Yangtze River, surging and powerful, providing a strong visual impact. Walking among the fields of Longnan, looking at the scenery of shaded green trees and the fragrance of birds and flowers, it is hard to associate it with the desolation and vastness of other areas in Gansu. The beauty of Longnan lies not only in its natural scenery but also in its unique cultural atmosphere. Its history can be traced back to ancient times, a place of cultural exchange and collision. Here, you can see the integration of ancient Di culture, Ba-Shu culture, and Han culture. This cultural integration endows Longnan with a unique charm, attracting countless people to visit.

Just copy this itinerary! Had I known about Longnan, why bother with the south of the Yangtze River? A niche travel destination in Gansu - Bikou Ancient Town, which is in its original state without commercial packaging, is a town full of life and atmosphere~ The internet-famous suspension bridge - Tuan Fish River Scenic Area The longest cross-river reservoir suspension bridge in Asia, which allows cars to drive through. Those who like challenges can experience the 'joy (hand) fun (drunk)' of driving across the bridge~ Bikou Ancient Town - Unless seen with your own eyes, you would never believe this is a place in Gansu! The cultural landscape of the ancient town is well preserved, with wealthy merchant families from the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as many ancient buildings and sites. Cultural ancestral halls, temples, mosques, town history museums, etc., with antique architecture and ancient yet vibrant culture, here you can deeply experience the beauty of history and modernity combined. Shilong Gou Scenic Area - A scenic spot in the deep mountains and valleys with pleasant scenery, many local friends also fish here, feeling like a paradise~ Super suitable for relaxation Majia Mountain Tea Garden Scenery - Pick the first scent of spring tea! You can see many tea-picking women, tea is a specialty industry here, Majia Mountain is the only tea industry demonstration area in Gansu, and also an important source of income for the residents of the ancient town~ (It seems very hard to see it on the spot) Yulei Pass - The scenery is magnificent at the confluence of two rivers. The confluence of the Bailong River and the Baishui River forms mountain peaks like jade ramparts, an ancient military fortress. Wen County Tianchi - The celestial pond of the Heavenly Mother above, and the Tianchi of Wen County on the ground. The lake water ripples gently, and boating among it is like poetry and painting, refreshing and delightful. The cloud swing next to Tianchi is a playground for children to release their nature. Rapeseed Flower Fields If you drive there, you will see large fields of rapeseed flowers along the way~ Transportation: You can take a high-speed train to Longnan Yaodu (then take a taxi or charter a car), or drive there (but be aware of foggy weather) Cuisine: Longnan specialty snacks, economical and affordable. Be sure to try the walnut cakes, it's very interesting to see the basket being sent down from the second floor!! This ecological route in Longnan has many places to check in, and if you have more time, you can also visit other surrounding areas!! Bailong River

Longnan Wudu is recommended for you to experience when passing through Longnan. 📍Detailed address: Xinshi Street, Wudu District, Longnan City, Gansu Province Map 🕙Business hours: All day - Evening 🚉Transportation strategy: Bus routes 1, 2, 7, 10, 15 👍Most recommended: 1️⃣ The potato mix group at the morning market is a must-try delicacy, costing only 5 yuan per bowl. It features tempting chili and sea pepper oil, making it look drool-worthy. The dough is handmade, soft and glutinous. After thoroughly mixing the condiments, soak a small lump of potato dough in it to enhance the flavor. 🌟Highlight features: 2️⃣ The milk sweet rice wine at the night market is worth 10 yuan per bowl, freshly cooked by the owner. When he scoops a ladle of sweet rice wine into the pot, the aroma is overwhelming. It has a rich taste, with raisins, red dates, and peanuts mixed inside, making it very delicious. ✅Must experience: 3️⃣ The barbecue at the night market is also a must-try. I randomly picked a place, where lamb skewers cost only 1 yuan each, and we ordered a total of 80 skewers. A roasted sheep's head costs only 78 yuan, with the meat carved off and the skull containing separate brain flowers, very fresh and wonderfully tasty. 4️⃣ In addition, there are bean curd noodles, fried pancakes, and a series of delicacies that have deeply penetrated my taste buds. There are also noodle skins, tofu pudding, twisted dough sticks, and many more delicious foods. 📝Note tips: After strolling through the night market, you can go to the riverside to see the night view. The Bailong River covered bridge is very photogenic at night, and there is also a riverside park where many people take walks. If you want to overlook the entire city, you can go to Wudu Nanshan Park.