Jiuquan

Jiuquan has a large temperature difference between day and night, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket when traveling.

Jiuquan combines Han-dynasty history, space culture, and Gobi landscapes. It is also an important stopover for trips to Dunhuang and Jiayuguan. The city has well-preserved Han-dynasty gardens, as well as night markets and local restaurants, making it a good place to stop during a trip along the Hexi Corridor.

• Western Han Jiuquan Scenic Area: This is one of the most complete Han-dynasty gardens still preserved in the Hexi region. According to local legend, the story of Huo Qubing “pouring wine into a spring” took place here. The park is free to enter. Historical features such as the ancient Jiuquan spring, Zuo Gong willow trees, and a statue of Huo Qubing create a distinctive historical atmosphere and also make the area suitable for Hanfu photography.

• Jiuquan Museum: The museum has a limited number of original historical artifacts, but displays many sculptures and reproductions of murals related to the Mogao and Guazhou grottoes, including a reproduction of Cave 25 at Yulin Grottoes. These exhibits provide a fairly comprehensive introduction to Jiuquan's historical development and Silk Road culture. Consider hiring a guide during your visit.

• Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center: The center is located in Jinta County, a considerable distance from downtown Jiuquan, and visits require advance reservations. It preserves important memories of the development of China's space program. Visitors can experience the connection between technological development and national pride, making it especially suitable for those interested in space exploration.

• Jinta Desert Poplar Forest: The viewing season runs from late September to mid-October each autumn. During this period, large areas of poplar forest turn golden yellow, while desert and woodland intermingle to create a richly layered landscape. It is an important seasonal attraction in Jinta County.

• Hongshui River Grand Canyon: The scenic area is about 30 kilometers from downtown Jiuquan and is free to enter. Meltwater from the Qilian Mountains flows through the valley, gradually carving out a broad canyon landscape. Waterfalls can also be seen along the way. If you are lucky, you may find stones with unusual shapes near the river valley.

• Jiayuguan Pass: Although administratively part of Jiayuguan City, it is only a little over 20 kilometers from downtown Jiuquan. This is a representative section of the Ming Great Wall and is known as the “Greatest Pass Under Heaven.” It can be visited together with the First Pier of the Great Wall and the Overhanging Great Wall.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: Relaxed city tour: Visit the Western Han Jiuquan Scenic Area in the morning to learn about Han-dynasty gardens and related legends. In the afternoon, go to Jiuquan Museum to begin with an introduction to Jiuquan and Silk Road culture through its exhibitions. In the evening, visit the Drum Tower to enjoy the city views at night, then try barbecue and apricot-skin drink at Hantang Food Street or Baiheyuan Night Market.
• Day 2: Nature and space exploration: Head to Hongshui River Grand Canyon in the morning to see the Qilian Mountain valley and waterfalls. In the afternoon, depending on the season and your interests, see the poplar forest in Jinta County or visit the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The latter requires advance reservations.
• Day 3: Surrounding-area excursion: If you have enough time, take a taxi or high-speed train to Jiayuguan City to visit Jiayuguan Pass and the Overhanging Great Wall and learn about the history of the Hexi frontier defense system.

Local Specialties to Try

Jiuquan's cuisine is mainly northwestern Chinese, with lamb and wheat-based foods playing an important role. Portions are generally generous and prices are relatively affordable.

• Huguo: One of Jiuquan's common breakfast dishes, made with chicken broth thickened with broad-bean starch and served with shredded chicken, gluten, glass noodles, and crispy mahua twists. It has a thick texture and a mildly peppery flavor. Songji and Suyu Huguo are two common options, with an average cost of 10–15 yuan per person.

• Lamb Soup with Mixed Ingredients: The soup is based on lamb broth and comes with slices of cooked lamb, meatballs, glass noodles, and fried tofu. It is usually served with jiasha, a dish that is crisp on the outside and soft inside. It pairs well with steamed flatbread for breakfast. Xia Jia Lamb Soup with Mixed Ingredients is one of the area's longer-running establishments.

• Donkey Meat with Yellow Noodles: The chewy yellow noodles are topped with a sauce made by simmering diced donkey meat and shiitake mushrooms, then served with braised donkey meat. This is one of Jiuquan's signature noodle dishes. Shunzhang Yellow Noodle Restaurant and Daji are both among the area's earlier establishments.

• Grilled Lamb Skewers: Lamb is threaded onto red willow branches and grilled over charcoal, then sprinkled with cumin and chili powder. The outside is charred and fragrant, while the inside remains tender, with a subtle aroma from the red willow. Stalls selling them are concentrated at Baiheyuan Night Market.

• Apricot-Skin Drink: Made primarily with dried Li Guang apricots and simmered with hawthorn and licorice, this drink has a sweet-and-sour flavor and pairs well with barbecue. Liu Hongxing Apricot-Skin Drink is well known locally.

• Cynomorium Oil Cake: Made by mixing powdered local cynomorium with flour and frying it, this snack is crisp on the outside and soft inside, with a light herbal aroma. It is commonly sold at roadside breakfast stalls and costs 2–3 yuan each.

Accommodation and Transportation Guide

• Where to stay: Consider staying first around the Drum Tower in Suzhou District or near Hantang Food Street, with options such as Atour, Ji Hotel, and Zhicheng Hotel. These areas are convenient for walking to the night markets and the main attractions in the city, and accommodation options are concentrated there. When visiting Jiayuguan, you can also stay near Fuqiang Market, where there is a night market.
• Getting there: High-speed trains arrive at Jiuquan South Railway Station. By air, you can use Jiayuguan Jiuquan Airport. The airport is relatively small; after exiting, you can take a commercial minibus to downtown for 15 yuan per person.
• Getting around: Downtown Jiuquan is not very large, and shared electric scooters are convenient. For trips to Hongshui River Grand Canyon or the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, driving or taking a taxi is recommended. To reach Jiayuguan, you can take a high-speed train, which takes about 20 minutes, or take a Jiayuguan–Jiuquan bus.

Practical Tips

• Sun protection and temperature changes: Jiuquan has strong ultraviolet rays, so bring physical sun-protection items such as sunglasses, sun-protective clothing, and a hat. Temperatures vary noticeably between day and night, and even in summer it is advisable to bring a light jacket for the evening.
• Tickets and reservations: Visits inside the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center must be reserved in advance through the official platform. Since it is far from downtown, you should set aside a full day for the trip. The ticket for Jiayuguan Pass includes three attractions, but the shuttle bus between them requires a separate ticket.
• Food considerations: Local meals tend to focus on beef, lamb, and wheat-based foods, and single portions are usually large, so order according to the number of people in your group. Avoid drinking iced water or eating large amounts of chilled fruit immediately after eating lamb, as this may cause stomach discomfort.
• Museum opening hours: Jiuquan Museum is usually closed on Mondays. Confirm the opening schedule before visiting to avoid a wasted trip.