7-Day Tour Guide to Dingxi, Gansu
Dingxi, Gansu, is an underrated gem, boasting not only the breathtaking scenery of the Loess Plateau and rich Silk Road culture, but also mouth-watering authentic cuisine. With a 7-day budget of 6,000 yuan, you can fully experience the essence of this city. We've carefully curated this itinerary for you, hoping to help you discover a different Dingxi and experience the poetic and refreshing coolness of the Loess Plateau.
✨ Highlights
· A Summer Wonderland and a Historical Exploration: Hike along the ancient ancient trails of Zhayang Mountain in the cool 20-degree weather, and explore the origins of Chinese civilization at the source of the Wei River.
· Dingxi Flavors on Your Tongue: From the tart and refreshing Jiangshui noodles to the sweet and crispy buckwheat rings, experience authentic Northwest culinary culture.
· Off-the-beaten-path Exploration: Escape the crowds and explore hidden gems like Luojiamo Village to experience Dingxi's authentic rural life and artistic atmosphere.
📋 Itinerary Overview
Below is the itinerary for the entire seven-day trip to Dingxi, giving you an overview of your trip:
```mermaid
flowchart TD
Start [Seven-Day Dingxi Tour Itinerary]
Subgraph Day 1 [Day 1: Arrival in Dingxi]
A1 [Morning]
Arrive in Dingxi] -->
A2 [Afternoon]
Visit Xiyan Mountain Park
Overlook Dingxi's Panoramic Views] -->
A3 [Evening]
Savor local cuisine
Check into a city hotel]
end
Subgraph Day 2 [Days 2 and 3: Zhangxian Natural Wonders]
B1 [Two-Day Zhangxian Tour> Guiqing Mountain Scenic Area] -->
B2 [Zhiyang Mountain Tourist Scenic Area> Experience a Refreshing 20-Degree Summer Temperature] -->
B3 [Jiuju Valley Geological and Cultural Village]
end
Subgraph Day 3 [Day 4: Longxi History and Culture]
C1 [One-Day Longxi Tour> Weiyuan Tower] --> C2 [Lijia Dragon Palace
Renshou Mountain Park]
Day 4 [Day 5: Weiyuan Natural Scenery]
D1 [Weiyuan Day Trip
Weihe Source Scenic Area] -->
D2 [Shouyang Mountain Scenic Area
Luojiamo Village Art Experience]
Day 5 [Day 6: Tongwei Calligraphy and Painting]
E1 [Tongwei Day Trip
Yuexin International Calligraphy and Painting Village] -->
E2 [Experience Calligraphy and Painting]
Day 6 [Day 7: Return]
F1 [Return Day
Local Products Shopping] -->
F2 [Collecting Trip Memories
Concluding a Pleasant Dingxi Trip]
```
🗓️ Itinerary
🚂 Day 1: Arrive in Dingxi, Get a First Look at the Local Culture of Longzhong
Take the high-speed rail from Lanzhou to Dingxi (approximately 30-60 minutes, high-speed rail ticket 26-35 yuan). In the afternoon, you can visit Xiyan Mountain Park and climb the Ming Dynasty-era Xiyan Temple for a bird's-eye view of Dingxi's "human-shaped" city walls. In the evening, enjoy Dingxi wide noodles and jiangshui noodles in the city center before checking into a hotel.
Recommended accommodation: GreenTree Inn (Zhonghua Road, Dashizi Branch), newly opened in 2024, with updated facilities and prices around 200-300 RMB per night.
🌿 Days Two and Three: Zhangxian's Natural Wonders
On the second morning, depart for Zhangxian (approximately a 1.5-hour drive) to visit the Guiqing Mountain Scenic Area. Guiqing Mountain, a renowned and picturesque mountain on the Loess Plateau in central Gansu, is known as the "Longshan Fairyland." In the afternoon, explore the Guiqing Canyon and experience its tranquil, deep, and lush greenery.
Day three is dedicated to exploring the Zhayang Mountain Scenic Area. Known as the "Little Kongtong of Minzhou," this area boasts steep mountains and deep canyons, making it a natural summer retreat. You can climb the 1,858-step Sky Ladder to the summit of Nantianmen, where you'll admire the picturesque Xixi Gorge and Santan Waterfall. If time permits, you can also visit Jiuju Valley Geological and Cultural Village.
Dining Recommendation: Try the Zhangxian hand-pulled lamb, cooked in clear water for a milky aroma and served with sweet onions to soften the greasiness.
🏯 Day 4: Longxi History and Culture
In the morning, depart for Longxi County (approximately a one-hour drive) and visit Weiyuan Tower (Bell and Drum Tower). This ancient structure, built in the Northern Song Dynasty, is a landmark of Longxi County. Admission is free and you can ascend for a bird's-eye view of the entire county.
Afterwards, visit Lijia Dragon Palace, a palace-style ancient building complex built in the early Tang Dynasty and the spiritual home of the global Li clan culture. In the afternoon, explore Renshou Mountain Park, a renowned cultural mountain known as "Renshou on the Horizon." It boasts Taoist temples, Buddhist temples, and Longxi Hall, renowned as the world's ancestral hall of the Li clan.
Special Experience: Don't miss the Longxi bacon sandwich. The fat resembles agate, the lean meat radiates crimson, and the grease seeping through the hot steamed buns is so fragrant you'll stamp your feet!
💦 Day 5: Weiyuan Natural Scenery
In the morning, depart for Weiyuan County (approximately a 1.5-hour drive) and visit the Wei River Source Scenic Area. This is the source of the Wei River. Following renovations, the scenic area now offers a blend of cultural exploration, eco-friendly vacations, and family-friendly entertainment. In the afternoon, head to Shouyang Mountain Scenic Area. Named "the first of the mountains to be illuminated by the sun," it boasts a breathtaking landscape of nine peaks jutting out like a lotus flower. It was also the retreat of Boyi and Shuqi.
In the evening, visit Luojiamo Village. This picturesque village boasts unique guesthouses like "Shanye Shimeng." Its earthy yellow walls and cyan tiles exude a rich rural atmosphere, while offering modern comforts.
🎨 Day 6: Tongwei Calligraphy and Painting
Explore Tongwei, the "Hometown of Chinese Calligraphy and Painting," all day long. Visit the Yuexin International Painting and Calligraphy Village, featuring a studio and mounting workshop. Not only can you observe the creative process, but you can also experience the joy of painting under the guidance of professional instructors.
Tongwei boasts a rich cultural atmosphere. Calligraphy and painting can be seen everywhere in the city streets and alleys, and nearly every household in the towns and villages displays paintings and calligraphy. This deeply rooted artistic sensibility will surely give you a unique cultural experience.
Specialty Dining: In the evening, enjoy the fresh, organic hot pot at the Tongwei Yuexin Hotel.
🎁 Day 7: Return and Local Specialty Shopping
In the morning, enjoy free time in Dingxi city and purchase some local specialties as souvenirs. Recommended dishes include Dingxi wide noodles, Tongwei buckwheat rings (dusted with white sugar for a sweet and crispy texture), and Minxian dim sum.
In the afternoon, take the high-speed train back to Lanzhou, concluding your enjoyable Dingxi trip.
💰 Budget Planning Table
Expense Category Details Budget Estimation
Transportation: Round-trip high-speed rail from Lanzhou to Dingxi (approximately 60 yuan), bus/chartered car between attractions in Dingxi: approximately 1,000 yuan
Accommodation: Budget hotel/B&B (6 nights x 200 yuan/night): approximately 1,200 yuan
Entrance: Entrance fees to major attractions such as Guiqing Mountain, Zhayang Mountain, and the source of the Wei River: approximately 800 yuan
Food: Three meals daily + snacks (7 days x 150 yuan/day): approximately 1,050 yuan
Shopping: Painting and calligraphy experience, local specialties (wide noodles, buckwheat rings, etc.): approximately 1,950 yuan
Total: approximately 6,000 yuan
💎 Useful Tips
1. Best Time: Summer (June-August) is the most pleasant season in Dingxi. The comfortable temperatures in places like Zhayang Mountain make it a great escape from the heat.
2. Transportation: Dingxi's attractions are scattered, so self-driving or chartered car tours are strongly recommended. If you're driving an SUV, you can try driving through the Shuangshimen Scenic Area and experience the magnificent "Shangri-La on the Loess Plateau."
3. Outfit Guide: Temperatures fluctuate greatly in the mountains, so bring a warm jacket. Wear Hanfu with photos of ancient bridges in Guiqing Mountain, a cowboy hat on the grasslands, and a windbreaker in the canyons.
4. Specialty Food Spots:
· Jiangshui Noodles: Hand-rolled noodles rinsed in cold water and topped with chilled jiangshui for a refreshingly sour and spicy kick.
· Dingxi Wide Noodles: Enjoy them in a variety of ways, including hot pot, stir-fried large plate chicken, or mixed with cold dishes.
· Sweet Fermented Maize: Fermented with oatmeal koji, served chilled with the broth and grains, the slightly intoxicating coolness slowly permeates your body and mind.
I hope this guide helps you fully experience the natural beauty and cultural charm of Dingxi. The beauty of Dingxi needs to be savored slowly. I wish you a pleasant journey!