[2025 Jingyuan Attraction] Travel Guide for Laolongtan (Updated Jun)

Jinyuan County, located at the southernmost tip of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and nestled at the eastern foot of Liupan Mountain, is named after the Jing River which originates here. With its beautiful mountains and rivers and pleasant climate, it's known as the "Green Island of the Plateau" and "Jiangnan of the Northern Frontier." As an important ecological tourism county in Ningxia, Jinyuan combines natural scenery, red culture, and Hui ethnic customs, making it an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle and get close to nature. I. Travel Preparation Best Travel Time: May to October is the best season for tourism. Summer is cool and pleasant, making it a perfect summer retreat; autumn features colorful foliage and captivating scenery. 🚘Transportation: ✈️By Air: Fly to Guyuan Liupan Mountain Airport, then take a bus or private car to Jinyuan (about 1 hour drive). 🚂By Train: Take a train to Guyuan Station, then transfer to a bus to Jinyuan (about 1.5 hours). 🚙Self-driving: From Yinchuan, drive along the Fu-Yin Expressway for about 4 hours. 🏠Accommodation Recommendations: Jinyuan County town has good accommodation options, including Jinyuan Hotel and Liupan Mountain International Hotel; you can also choose farmstays near attractions like Lao Longtan and Wild Lotus Valley to experience rural charm. II. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Lao Longtan (Old Dragon Pool) Known as the "heart" of the Jing River, it consists of four natural stone pools of varying sizes. The water is crystal clear, surrounded by steep cliffs, creating magnificent scenery. 2. Wild Lotus Valley A canyon about 10 km long, named for the wild lotus flowers growing throughout the valley. When the lotus flowers bloom in summer, their fragrance fills the air, creating a refreshing experience. 3. Liupan Mountain National Forest Park Liupan Mountain was the last major mountain crossed by the Red Army during the Long March. The forest park features dense forests and fresh air, making it a natural oxygen bar. 4. Yanzhi Gorge Famous for its unique Danxia landform, the rocks in the gorge are red and appear as vibrant as rouge under sunlight. 5. Red Army Long March Memorial Museum Located at the top of Liupan Mountain, it was built to commemorate the Red Army's crossing of Liupan Mountain during the Long March. The museum houses numerous precious historical artifacts and photos, making it an important place to learn about the history of the Long March. III. Special Experiences ➽Taste Hui Cuisine: Jinyuan is home to many Hui people. Try hand-pulled lamb, stir-fried lamb, and various stewed snacks to experience the unique food culture. ➽Participate in Farmstay Activities: Experience picking fruits, fishing, and other activities at farmstays. Enjoy farm-to-table meals and feel the tranquility and comfort of rural life. ➽Buy Local Products: Jinyuan produces honey, goji berries, fern vegetables, and other local specialties that make great souvenirs. IV. Practical Tips⭕ ☑️Jinyuan has a high altitude with large temperature differences between day and night, so bring warm clothing. ☑️Some scenic areas require walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended. ☑️Respect local Hui customs and mind your behavior. ☑️Protect the environment and don't litter. Jinyuan, a poetic hidden gem at the foot of Liupan Mountain, awaits you to explore its beauty and wonder.

Jingyuan County, under the jurisdiction of Guyuan City of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, is located on the eastern foothills of the Liupan Mountains. It is in the southern part of Ningxia, situated at the geometric center of the provincial capitals of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Ningxia—Xi'an, Lanzhou, and Yinchuan respectively. It borders Kongtong District of Pingliang City, Gansu Province to the east, Huating County and Zhuanglang County of Gansu Province to the south, Longde County to the west, and Yuanzhou District and Pengyang County to the north. It is known as the 'throat of Qin wind and the strategic point of Guanlong'. As of 2019, Jingyuan County governs 4 townships and 3 towns, with a total land area of 1,131 square kilometers. Jingyuan County's terrain is high in the northwest and low in the southeast, belonging to the temperate semi-humid zone, and is a national key ecological function area. There are more than 30 cultural and natural landscapes within its territory, such as the Yanling Temple where Ji Gong practiced, the Liangdian Gorge where Genghis Khan stationed troops to escape the summer heat, the magical and beautiful Old Dragon Pool, the flowing springs and waterfalls of Rouge Gorge, and the emerald lotus-filled Wild Lotus Valley. It has won titles such as 'China's Most Beautiful Ecological Leisure Tourism County', 'China's Most Beautiful Leisure Vacation Tourism County', and 'Top Ten National Ecological Tourism Cities'. The 'Jingyuan Yellow Cattle' has passed the geographical indication certification of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Guyuan City, referred to as "Guyuan", is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. It is located in the Liupanshan area in the southern part of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. It is high in the south and low in the north. It is adjacent to Qingyang City and Pingliang City in Gansu Province to the east, connected to Pingliang City in the south, and separated from Baiyin City in the west. It borders Zhongwei City and Wuzhong City in Ningxia to the north. It has a typical continental climate and a total area of ​​10,500 square kilometers. On July 7, 2001, Guyuan Prefecture was abolished and established as a city. Guyuan City is the sub-provincial central city of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. It is located in the center of the triangle formed by the three provincial capitals of Xi'an, Lanzhou and Yinchuan. It is one of the five prefecture-level cities in Ningxia and the only non-Yellow River city. The central city of the revitalization plan for the old revolutionary base areas of Shaanxi, Gansu and Ningxia, the central city of southern Ningxia, the political, economic, cultural center and transportation hub. Located at the intersection of the Central Plains farming culture and the northern nomadic culture, it is a must-pass place on the northern route of the eastern section of the Silk Road. Historically, it was an important economic center, transportation hub and military town in the northwest region. Guyuan is one of the first national comprehensive pilot areas for new urbanization, and was also named by the State Ethnic Affairs Commission as the sixth batch of national demonstration areas (units) for the creation of ethnic unity and progress. There are more than 70 scenic spots in the city, including Laolongtan, Erlong River, Guimenguan, Liangdianxia, ​​Yehe Valley and Baiyun Mountain.