Longnan

Longnan is known as the “Jiangnan of Long,” combining the grand, open mountain scenery of northwest China with the humid charm of a southern water town. Canyons, waterfalls, alpine lakes, meadow pastures, and large caves are found throughout the area, making it well suited to a weekend or short holiday trip.

Recommended 3-Day, 2-Night Route Without Backtracking

The route follows the order of Wen County, Wudu, and Cheng County, generally heading north to reduce backtracking. With one or two attractions each day, the pace is relatively relaxed.

• Day 1: Wen County (Alpine Blue Lake and Tibetan Culture)
  • Morning: After arriving in Wen County, head to Wen County Tianchi. Admission is 60 yuan, and the boat ticket is 30 yuan. Take a boat across the lake, whose water is a jewel-like blue. There are also swings by the lakeshore, which are good for taking photos of the lake and people from behind.

• Afternoon: Visit a Baima Tibetan village. Entry is free. Learn about local customs such as zagan liquor and mask dances, and experience the traditional culture of the Baima Tibetan people.

• Evening: Take a walk along the Baishui River and enjoy the river breeze and fading light. Stay in Wen County town for the night and try tofu-flower noodles and cured pork ribs.

• Day 2: Wudu (Grassland Sunset and an Underground Cave)
  • Morning: Drive from Wen County to Wudu. The journey takes about two hours.
  • Afternoon: Head to Qianba Ranch, where admission is free. This is a broad alpine grassland. The light is softer after 4 p.m., making it a good time to photograph people against the grassy slopes and open scenery.

• Evening: Visit Wanxiang Cave. Admission is 80 yuan. The cave stays at around 14°C year-round and contains stalactites in a wide range of shapes. Since it is quite dark inside, you can turn on your flash when taking photos.

• Night: Stay in central Wudu and visit Jiezhou Night Market. Try sweet-fermented oat milk tea and grilled meat skewers while experiencing the local nightlife.

• Day 3: Cheng County (Canyon Carvings and Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage)
  • Morning: Travel from Wudu to Xixia Ode in Cheng County. Admission is 40 yuan. Follow the canyon boardwalk to view cliff inscriptions from the Eastern Han dynasty, with reflections on the water along the way.

• Afternoon: You can visit Jifeng Mountain, where admission is 50 yuan, and climb the mountain to see a sea of clouds. Alternatively, visit the Du Fu Shrine, where entry is free. The red walls and bamboo groves have a particularly atmospheric look in the light around 3 or 4 p.m., making this a good place for hanfu photos.

• Evening: Before leaving, stop by Cheng County Old Street to buy walnut pastries for 2 yuan each and take some Cheng County walnuts home as gifts. For dinner, you can try Ma Zhanxiang wontons.

*Note: If you have more time and plan to visit Guan'e Valley, you can change Day 2 to a trip to Dangchang and skip Qianba Ranch and Wanxiang Cave in Wudu.*

Must-Try Foods in Longnan

Longnan cuisine combines the fragrant spiciness of northwest China with the milder flavors of the south, and prices are generally reasonable.

Transportation and Accommodation Guide

• By air: Longnan Chengxian Airport is about a 20-minute drive from Cheng County town. You can also fly to Guangyuan or Tianshui first and then continue by road.
• By high-speed rail: Longnan Railway Station is in Wudu District and has train services. There are direct trains from both Chengdu and Lanzhou.
• Between counties: Buses from Wen County to Wudu take about two hours, while buses from Wudu to Cheng County take about 1.5 hours. Services are relatively frequent.
• By car: From Lanzhou or Chengdu, take the Lanhai Expressway and Shitian Expressway. The full journey takes about 5–7 hours. Longnan’s attractions are spread out, so driving yourself or hiring a car is more convenient for arranging the itinerary. Mountain roads have many bends, so inexperienced drivers should slow down and drive carefully.
• Recommended areas to stay:
  • Wudu District: Consider staying along Panxuan Road or Changjiang Avenue. Rooms cost about 150–250 yuan per night. These areas are close to the night market and convenient for dining and getting around.
  • Cheng County: You can stay at a guesthouse in the old town area, where rooms cost about 80–150 yuan per night. There is a food street nearby, and the main attractions are also relatively easy to reach.
  • Wen County: Guesthouses in the county town are relatively affordable and make it convenient to leave early the next morning for Wen County Tianchi.

Travel Tips

• What to wear: Mountain areas in Longnan have noticeable temperature differences between day and night, so even in summer it is advisable to bring a light jacket. Jifeng Mountain and Qianba Ranch can be windy, so consider bringing a windproof jacket and wearing non-slip shoes.
• Road conditions: The routes to Qianba Ranch and Wen County Tianchi include many bends. If you get carsick easily, prepare medication in advance. When driving, give way carefully; some sections have limited space for passing, so keep your speed under control.
• Photography and safety: Wanxiang Cave is quite dark inside, so you can turn on your flash when taking photos. The boardwalk at Xixia Ode may be slippery, so watch your step. Drinking water inside the scenic areas is relatively expensive, so it is best to bring your own.
• Seeing a sea of clouds: If you plan to see a sea of clouds at Jifeng Mountain, arrive at the foot of the mountain before 6 a.m. Arriving later may mean missing the best viewing period.
• Ticket discounts: Students with a valid student ID can receive half-price admission at some attractions.