Long Shang Jiangnan, the Pearl Beyond the Great Wall — Liujiagxia Reservoir Tour

1. Basic Information Location: Situated in Yongjing County, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, stretching from Liujiagxia Dam in the east to Bingling Temple Gorge in the west, about 75-100 kilometers from Lanzhou City. Best Travel Time: Summer (June-August) with lush trees and clear lake water; Autumn (September-November) with colorful forests and pleasant scenery; Winter (November to March) offers ice and snow landscapes but requires keeping warm. 2. Transportation Guide Self-driving: Depart from Lanzhou, take G1816 Wuma Expressway or G213 National Highway, about 1-1.5 hours to reach. SUV or off-road vehicles are recommended due to mountainous roads in some sections. Public Transport: Take a bus from Lanzhou South Bus Station to Yongjing County, then transfer to a taxi or local bus to the scenic area. 3. Recommended Attractions Liujiagxia Dam: The first million-kilowatt large hydropower station independently designed and built in China. Visitors can tour the dam exterior and the Yellow River History Museum to learn about the construction and functions of the hydropower station. Huangtao Confluence Viewing Platform: Where the Yellow River and Tao River meet, the clear and turbid waters create a striking "distinct separation" phenomenon, resembling two giant dragons crossing—an excellent spot for photos. Bingling Temple Grottoes: A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, founded during the Western Qin period. The grottoes house well-preserved Buddha statues and murals with high artistic value. Access requires a boat ride of about 1.5 hours. Bingling Stone Forest: Featuring unique Danxia landforms and stone forest landscapes with various shapes, like natural sculptures, complementing the Yellow River Gorge to form a magnificent natural panorama. Benchi Valley Viewing Platform: Located in Kaole Township, Dongxiang County, it offers panoramic views of Liujiagxia Bridge and the reservoir. Visitors with good physical fitness can hike along the plank road to enjoy the plateau canyon scenery. Taiji Island Wetland: The Yellow River forms an S-shaped bend here, resembling the Taiji (Yin-Yang) symbol. It is the largest artificial wetland nature reserve in the upper Yellow River, where visitors can stroll through reed marshes and watch migratory birds. 4. Activities Boat Tours: Depart from Liujiagxia Dam Pier or Lotus Pier, enjoy views of the Yellow River Gorge, Tao River confluence, Bingling Temple Grottoes, and more. The full trip takes about 2-3 hours. Water Sports: Experience kayaking, boating, and other water activities around Taiji Island or the reservoir, feeling the grandeur and vitality of the Yellow River. Hiking and Climbing: Choose routes like Benchi Valley Viewing Platform or Weijiapo to hike and enjoy panoramic reservoir views, breathe fresh air, and experience nature’s tranquility. 5. Food Recommendations Yellow River Big Carp: A specialty fish from the reservoir, tender meat suitable for steaming or braising. Hand-grabbed Mutton: Made from high-quality lamb with secret seasonings, flavorful without being greasy or gamey. Fazi Mianchang: A local traditional snack with dark red fazi and clean white mianchang, served with chili oil, fresh and tasty. Niangpizi: Orange-yellow and translucent, soft yet chewy, topped with chili oil, vinegar, and other condiments for a sour and spicy flavor.