Qingyang

Qingyang is located in eastern Gansu. It has grottoes, loess canyons, and a rich tradition of intangible cultural heritage and folk customs. The area is not highly commercialized, and the overall travel pace is relaxed. It is suitable for self-driving trips, and also works well for a slow-paced visit after arriving by high-speed rail.

• North Grotto Temple: One of Gansu’s four major grotto sites. It preserves large statues of the Seven Buddhas from the Northern Wei period, with Cave 165 especially worth focusing on. Travelers interested in grotto art and history can make this a key stop on the itinerary.

• Zhouzu Mausoleum: A 4A-rated farming culture scenic area. From the higher points, you can look out over Dongzhiyuan and take in a panoramic view of Qingcheng. It is a good place to learn about local Qihuang culture and farming traditions.

• Qingzhou Ancient City: A thousand-year-old ancient city built against the hills, where blue-tiled eaves and loess slopes set each other off. After the lights come on in the evening, the ancient city becomes even more atmospheric.

• Nanliang Revolutionary Memorial Hall: A red tourism site with free admission. Bring your ID when visiting. It is a place to learn about the revolutionary history of the Shaanxi-Gansu border region.

• Longqi Valley: Also known locally as “Heilaoguo,” this area is mainly known for its loess karst fissure canyon landforms. In summer, it is suitable for cool-weather hiking; in autumn and winter, you can see ice waterfall scenery.

• Yaowangdong Health and Wellness Town: A distinctive wellness town built around Qi Bo’s traditional Chinese medicine culture. Cave-dwelling buildings are scattered throughout the area, the night scenery is quite good, and you can also try local snacks here.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival and First Look Around the City
  • Morning: After arriving at Qingyang Station by high-speed rail, it is recommended to rent a car or drive yourself to North Grotto Temple. When visiting the thousand-year-old grotto art, you can hire a guide or rent an audio guide. Morning light is better for viewing the statues.

• Noon: Try Qingyang hele noodles or saozi noodles near North Grotto Temple.
  • Afternoon: Return to Xifeng urban area and visit Qingyang Museum. The museum is free to enter, but you need to bring your ID. It is closed on Mondays. This is a good place to get an overview of eastern Gansu history and intangible cultural heritage.

• Evening: Go to Rainbow Bridge to enjoy the night view, or try Zhenyuan sugar-oil cakes and grilled lamb skewers at a night market in the city.
• Day 2: Loess Landscapes and Ancient City Life
  • Morning: Drive to Qingcheng County and visit Zhouzu Mausoleum. From the high ground, look out over Dongzhiyuan and learn about the history of Chinese farming civilization.

• Noon: In Qingcheng, try Qingyang clay hot pot. Meatballs and pork ribs are simmered in the broth, making it especially suitable for cooler weather.
  • Afternoon: Explore Qingzhou Ancient City on foot, walking from Beimen Zhenshuo Tower to Nanmen Jiahui Gate. Along the way, you can visit smaller sights such as Puzhao Temple and Echi Cave and take in the atmosphere of the old city.

• Evening: Have dinner at Yaowangdong Health and Wellness Town, try local snacks, enjoy the night scenery, and get a feel for local folk customs.
• Day 3: Revolutionary History and a Hidden Canyon
  • Morning: Head to Huachi County and visit Nanliang Revolutionary Memorial Hall to learn about the revolutionary history of the Shaanxi-Gansu border region.

• Noon: Try local specialty snacks in Huachi.
  • Afternoon: If you have enough time and are traveling by car, you can go to Longqi Valley to see the loess fissure canyon landforms. If you do not plan to go somewhere farther away, you can return to Xifeng urban area, buy specialties such as Qingyang sachets and apples, and then start your return trip.

Must-Try Qingyang Foods

Qingyang cuisine is centered on noodles, beef, and lamb. The flavors are hearty and down-to-earth, with strong local character.

Transport and Accommodation Tips

• Getting there: High-speed rail goes directly to Qingyang Station. The trip takes about 1 hour from Xi’an and about 2–3 hours from Lanzhou. By air, you can arrive at Qingyang Xifeng Airport.
• Local transport: Qingyang’s attractions are fairly spread out. Longqi Valley and Nanliang are far from the city center, so self-driving or hiring a car is recommended. Getting a taxi at short notice can be relatively inconvenient.
• Accommodation: You can stay in Xifeng urban area, such as near Qingyang Museum or Rainbow Bridge. You can also stay near Beimen Zhenshuo Tower in Qingcheng. These areas have fairly complete daily amenities and a concentrated choice of restaurants.

Travel Tips

• Temperature difference: In October, the temperature difference between morning and evening can be large, and winds may also be strong. Bring a thick jacket.
• Ticket reservations: Some museums and memorial halls require advance reservations and ID. When visiting North Grotto Temple, it is recommended to hire a guide or rent an audio guide so you can better understand the grottoes.
• Scenic area status: Some areas of natural attractions such as Longqi Valley may be under maintenance. Before setting out, confirm whether they are open and whether tickets are required, and wear non-slip shoes.
• Buying local specialties: Qingyang sachets are a national-level intangible cultural heritage item and make good souvenirs. Apples and daylily buds are also local specialties. It is recommended to buy from regular supermarkets or local markets, and avoid overpriced goods sold inside scenic areas.