Honestly, I didn't have high expectations for Dingxi before I left. I always felt that when people go to Gansu, they prioritize Gannan, or head straight to Altay in Xinjiang for the grasslands; very few people put Dingxi on their itinerary.
After finishing this trip, I suddenly realized that this land in Longzhong is truly severely underrated. Alpine meadows, deep canyons, primeval forests, and wetland streams are all clustered together. It has both the vastness of the great grasslands and the unique, profound character of the Loess Plateau. There aren't many tourists, and the costs are budget-friendly, making it perfect for friends who want to enjoy the scenery in peace.
📍General advice: The attractions are scattered across Weiyuan, Zhang, and Min counties. A self-driving trip is recommended. A 3-day, 2-night loop is the best way to experience it, and you can reach the core scenic areas in just over two hours from Lanzhou.
🚶♂️Tried and tested spots worth visiting, filtered to help you avoid pitfalls
Zheyang Mountain | A dual experience of canyon hiking and alpine meadows
Many people only know about the canyon's narrow gorge here, but they overlook the large Niu'anping meadow after reaching the summit.
Walking inward along the mountain stream in the lower section, the cliffs are steep and secluded, with cliff carvings hidden among the mountains—humanities and landscapes coexist. After climbing up, the view opens up instantly, with large, gentle meadows spreading out among the mountains. Cattle and sheep graze freely, and every snapshot feels like a blockbuster grassland photo.
For those with average hiking stamina, you can also choose to ride a horse down the mountain instead of tackling all the stairs. There's a way for everyone, young or old, to enjoy it.
Langdu Wetland Grassland | A soft wetland on the Loess Plateau
Unlike ordinary dry grasslands in the north, this is a wetland meadow with winding river channels scattered across the grass, and the entire grassland is lush and green. As an ancient grazing ground for thousands of years, there are no overly commercialized amusement projects. You can quietly watch cattle and sheep wander and see cloud shadows moving across the ground.
It is not recommended to drive blindly deep into the grassland; playing along the boardwalk is enough for great photos, and it protects the wetland meadow under your feet. It feels very cool in summer, and in autumn, the meadow turns golden, offering a different kind of charm.
Weihe Source | A forest oxygen bar at the source of the Wei River
The Wei River, a tributary of the Yellow River, originates here. The entire valley is densely forested, and the boardwalk extends upward along the stream. Listening to the babbling mountain springs all the way, with green trees everywhere, the temperature is several degrees lower than outside. It's a relaxed and friendly light hike, no high-intensity climbing required. If you don't want to walk, you can take a sightseeing car to save energy. It's suitable for the whole family to relax and learn a little history about Dayu guiding the Wei River.
Guiqing Mountain | The "Little Huashan" of Longzhong, climb high to see the sea of forests
The Duanjian Immortal Bridge on the cliff is a highlight; the mountain is steep, and the sea of forests is boundless. Flowers cover the mountains in spring and summer, and the forests are dyed in vibrant colors in autumn. Come here if you have plenty of time; if you're short on time, prioritize the grasslands and Zheyang Mountain.
Majiayao Site | Don't miss this if you like humanities
If you get tired of natural scenery, you can stop by Majiayao on the way. As the birthplace of a 5,000-year-old painted pottery civilization, these prehistoric ruins on the loess land allow you to feel the profound historical heritage of the Northwest. Combining nature and humanities ensures your trip won't be monotonous.
✨Added personal, honest opinion
Many people can't tell the difference between Dingxi and Gannan. Gannan wins with its lakes and Tibetan culture; Dingxi's advantage lies in a richer combination of landscapes—canyons, forests, alpine meadows, wetlands, and prehistoric humanities all packed together.
You don't need to travel long distances to experience mountain scenery similar to Altay, and the foot traffic is far lower than at popular destinations. You don't have to wait for people to move out of the way to take photos, and food and accommodation costs are much friendlier.
But to be objective and honest: this is not a mature, trendy tourist spot. The distances between county towns are long, and travel time on the road will be significant. Don't expect a completely relaxing vacation. It's more suitable for travelers who are willing to drive, cover distances, and prefer pristine, original scenery.
🍜Local food sharing (added food perspective)
When you get to Dingxi, you must try potato jiantuan (mashed potato dough), chewy Dingxi wide noodles, jiangshui noodles, and Longxi cured meat sandwiches (roujiamo). These are all foods locals eat daily. Find street-side restaurants in the county towns; they offer great value, no need to look for trendy shops.
⚠️Practical travel tips
1. The various spots are tens to hundreds of kilometers apart, and public transport connections are troublesome. Self-driving is strongly recommended. There are many curves in the mountainous areas, so be sure to slow down while driving.
2. Even in midsummer, temperatures in high-altitude areas are very low in the morning and evening, so bring both thin and thick jackets. The plateau has strong UV rays, so don't be lazy about sun protection.
3. There are very few small shops on the mountains, so prepare enough drinking water and snacks in advance. Mountain weather changes quickly, so carry simple rain gear with you.
4. Best time to visit: June–August for lush green grasslands; September–October for intense autumn vibes, golden vegetation, and colorful scenery.
💬Travel musings
Traveling doesn't always have to mean chasing those internet-famous destinations. Dingxi doesn't have sophisticated, trendy tourist facilities, but it wins with its pristine, rustic scenery.
If you are tired of the crowds, want to find a wilderness to clear your mind, and want to see grasslands and canyons without traveling too far, this Longzhong self-driving route is truly worth adding to your bucket list.
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