Baiyin

Baiyin has a rich mix of natural landscapes and historical sites. The Yellow River Stone Forest, Ming-dynasty frontier fortress towns, and the Yellow River wetlands each have their own character, making the city well suited to a northwestern China trip focused on scenery and cultural experiences.

• Yellow River Stone Forest National Geopark: Formed by millions of years of geological activity, the park features extensive gravel-and-sandstone formations, with peaks about 80–200 meters high. Visitors can drift on a sheepskin raft, ride through the valleys in a donkey cart, and watch the sunset in the evening. Some of the scenery has also been used as a filming location for productions such as *The Myth*.

• Yongtai Ancient City: This Ming-dynasty military stronghold has a history of more than 400 years. Because its walls resemble a turtle, it is also known as “Yongtai Turtle City.” The rammed-earth walls retain much of their original appearance, and there are few commercial facilities. In the evening, when sheep return to the city and the Gobi reflects the sunset, the area offers a strong sense of the historic frontier.

• Shuichuan Yellow River Wetland Park: Well-preserved wetlands extend along the Yellow River here, earning the area the nickname “Baiyin’s Little Jiangnan.” Reeds, waterbirds, and seasonal flowers create a broad riverside landscape. Spring and summer are good for viewing flowers, while autumn and winter are ideal for seeing the reeds. The park is suitable for walking and picnicking.

• Huining Red Army Reunion Site: This is where the First, Second, and Fourth Front Armies of the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army successfully reunited. The Reunion Tower and memorial hall are both free to enter. Visiting the exhibitions is a good way to learn about the history of the reunion and for educational trips focused on history.

• Faquan Temple Scenic Area: Faquan Temple is one of the historic temples of Longshang and brings together Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian traditions. The grottoes dating from the Northern Wei to the Qing dynasty contrast with the surrounding Danxia mountains. The setting is quiet and peaceful, and admission costs 10 yuan.

Suggested Itineraries

The attractions in Baiyin are spread relatively far apart, so you can adjust your plans according to the time available. Driving is the most convenient way to connect different areas.

• One-day trip (key attractions): Visit the Yellow River Stone Forest in the morning, walk along the Twenty-Two Bends, and try a sheepskin-raft ride. Return to the city in the afternoon and visit the Baiyin Museum to learn about the area’s mining and industrial development. In the evening, have dinner at Wuyi Street Food Street.
• Two-day trip (nature and history): Day 1: Explore the Yellow River Stone Forest in depth, then watch the stars in Longwan Village in the evening and stay at a local guesthouse. Day 2: Visit Yongtai Ancient City, walk along the Ming-dynasty walls, watch the sunset over the Gobi, and learn about the historical setting of the ancient frontier.
• Three-day trip (geology, revolutionary history, and intangible cultural heritage): Day 1: Visit the Yellow River Stone Forest. Day 2: Visit the Huining Red Army Reunion Site and learn about revolutionary history. Day 3: Head to Jingyuan Faquan Temple or the Pingchuan Ceramics Cultural Tourism Area, try making black-glazed pottery, and then begin your return journey.

Local Specialties to Try

Baiyin’s cuisine combines northwestern flavors with ingredients typical of the Yellow River region. At traditional local restaurants, you can usually find relatively fresh ingredients, and most dishes are prepared to order.

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Where to stay: If you plan to visit the Yellow River Stone Forest on your first day, you can stay at a guesthouse in Longwan Village, Jingtai County, which makes it convenient to watch the stars in the evening. If you plan to visit downtown Baiyin or Yongtai Ancient City the next day, you can stay in Baiyin, for example near Guofang Department Store, where there are more hotels and easy access to the food street.
• Getting around: Baiyin’s attractions are widely scattered, so driving is recommended. From Lanzhou, it takes about 2–2.5 hours by car to reach downtown Baiyin and about 1.5 hours to reach the Yellow River Stone Forest. By train, the journey from Lanzhou West to Baiyin South takes about 59 minutes, but after arriving you will still need to charter a vehicle or rent a car to visit the attractions.

Travel Notes

• Sun protection and moisturizing: Northwestern China has strong ultraviolet rays and a dry climate. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lip balm, along with moisturizing skincare products.
• Prepare for temperature changes: There can still be a noticeable temperature difference between morning and evening in summer, so bring a light jacket. If visiting in September or October, prepare a warmer coat.
• Driving safety: Some roads to Yongtai Ancient City and Erlang Pond have weak signal coverage. Download offline maps before setting out. A high-clearance vehicle is needed when entering the deeper Gobi areas, and ordinary sedans should not attempt the journey without careful consideration.
• Transport within the scenic area: Private cars cannot enter the core area of the Yellow River Stone Forest Scenic Area, so you need to transfer to a shuttle bus at the visitor center. Purchasing a package that includes admission and internal transportation makes the itinerary more convenient.
• Protect the landscape: Yongtai Ancient City and Flame Mountain are relatively undeveloped natural attractions. Do not damage the ancient walls or Gobi landscape, and take all rubbish with you when you leave.