3-Day Tour in Baiyin | Classic Combo of Yellow River Stone Forest and Huining Red Army Meeting Site・Suitable for All Groups

Baiyin, a "Copper City" nurtured by the Yellow River and the Qilian Mountain foothills, hides the grandeur of the Stone Forest, the winding Yellow River, and the simplicity of ancient towns. Listen to the waves by the river with the elderly, accompany children on adventures in the Stone Forest—here, every day lets you touch the profound blend of nature and history. 🗓️ Itinerary Overview D1: Arrive in Baiyin → Yellow River Stone Forest National Geopark D2: Yongtai Turtle City → Faquan Temple D3: Huining Red Army Meeting Site → Return 🗻 Day 1: Stone Forest Exploration · Yellow River Rafting 📍 Yellow River Stone Forest National Geopark (4A, ticket 40 RMB, sightseeing bus + electric car + sheepskin raft 100 RMB) Core Highlights: Known as the "Natural Wonder of China," the yellow stone forest formed over 2 million years rises dramatically, with the Yellow River winding around it, creating a picturesque mountain-water scene. Elderly visitors take the sightseeing bus to the viewing platform to see the stone peaks standing like "ferocious beasts"; children float on sheepskin rafts (a Yellow River specialty, stable and safe), ride donkey carts (30 RMB per ride) through the Stone Forest, collect colorful stones (take them home), and buy miniature Stone Forest models (35 RMB each). 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00 📸 Photo Spots: Viewing platform (panoramic shots of Stone Forest and Yellow River), Yinma Valley Gorge (people with columnar stone forest in the frame) 💡 Tips: Half-price tickets for seniors over 60; strong sunlight inside the Stone Forest, bring sun hats and sunglasses; life jackets are required for the sheepskin raft experience. 🍖 Recommended Dining: "Yellow River Fish House" at the park entrance, must-try Yellow River big carp (78 RMB each, braised and flavorful), stuffed noodles (8 RMB per serving), average 50 RMB per person, rich river fresh taste. 🏨 Recommended Accommodation: "Longwan Village Homestay" near the Stone Forest (farmhouse style, includes breakfast), priced 150-250 RMB per night, with Yellow River views from the window. 🏰 Day 2: Turtle City Exploration · Ancient Temple Meditation 📍 Yongtai Turtle City (4A, ticket 30 RMB) Core Highlights: A Ming and Qing dynasty military fortress shaped like a turtle, hence the name "Turtle City." The ruins reveal the old defensive layout. Elderly visitors explore the old classroom at the "Yongtai Primary School" site and listen to city defense stories; children run and jump on the city walls, learn archery (20 RMB for 10 arrows), buy hand-drawn ancient city maps (15 RMB each), and watch the sunset gild the city walls in the evening. 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30 💡 Tips: Many dirt paths inside the ancient city, wear non-slip shoes; hot in summer, bring plenty of drinking water. 📍 Faquan Temple (4A, ticket 20 RMB) Core Highlights: Known as the "First Famous Temple in Eastern Longdong," founded in the Northern Wei dynasty, the temple is built against cliffs with stone caves, clear springs, and ancient cypresses, bustling with incense. Elderly visitors pray in the "Mahavira Hall" and admire the thousand-year-old cypress; children hear the legend of "spring water healing" and wash their hands by the "Spirit Spring" (symbolizing good luck), and buy small Buddhist bead bracelets (10 RMB per string). 🍖 Recommended Dining: "Farmhouse Restaurant" outside the temple, must-try hand-pulled lamb (60 RMB per jin), sour water noodles (6 RMB per bowl), average 40 RMB per person, home-style warmth. 🌾 Day 3: Red Memory Tour · Flavorful Return 📍 Huining Red Army Meeting Site (4A, free admission, reservation required) Core Highlights: The 1936 meeting place of the three main Red Army forces, featuring the Meeting Building, Meeting Tower, Memorial Hall, showcasing revolutionary history. Elderly visitors view old photos and artifacts in the memorial hall and listen to meeting stories; children learn to draw water by the "Red Army Well" (experience), dress in little Red Army uniforms for photos (30 RMB per set), and buy meeting commemorative badges (15 RMB each). 🕙 Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30) 💡 Tips: Keep quiet inside the memorial hall; electric carts (10 RMB per person) are available for elderly visitors to reduce walking. 🍖 Recommended Dining: "Meeting Building Restaurant" in Huining County, enjoy a final meal of Huining buckwheat noodles (8 RMB per bowl) and yellow millet buns (3 RMB each), average 20 RMB per person, nostalgic local flavor. ✨ Baiyin Survival Guide 1️⃣ Transportation: Taxi starting fare 6 RMB in the city, bus 1 RMB per ride; private car to Yellow River Stone Forest 150 RMB/day (1.5 hours); shared car to Yongtai Turtle City and Faquan Temple 200 RMB/day, suitable for elderly and children. 2️⃣ Clothing: Large temperature difference between day and night; wear windproof jackets and sweaters in spring and autumn; short sleeves, sun protection clothing, and long pants (UV protection) in summer; down jackets in winter (cold and dry); bring comfortable hiking shoes. 3️⃣ Prohibitions: No photography or loud noise inside temples; no picking or breaking plants in the ancient city; no touching exhibits in the memorial hall. 4️⃣ Accommodation: Stay near Yellow River Stone Forest on Day 1, Baiyin city center (e.g., "Baiyin Hotel") on Day 2, and Huining County on Day 3 for convenient return. 🛍️ Must-Buy Souvenirs ① Huining Small Grains Gift Box (50 RMB/box, includes millet and buckwheat, healthy and nourishing) ② Yellow River Stone Paintings (40-80 RMB/piece, natural stone art, unique) ③ Jingyuan Goji Berries (30 RMB/bag, plump berries, suitable for elderly and children) ④ Red Army Meeting Cultural Creative Bookmarks (20 RMB/set, red commemorative significance) The soul of Baiyin is the grandeur built by the Yellow River Stone Forest's rock layers, the resilience enclosed by Yongtai Turtle City's walls, and the sincerity waving from the red flags at the meeting site. Whether you listen to the bell in an ancient temple with your parents, ride a donkey in the Stone Forest with your children, or watch the sunset by the Yellow River with friends, every moment here holds the strength and warmth of Northwest China. If you come to Baiyin, would you first want to see the mountains and waters of the Yellow River Stone Forest or recall history at Huining?