2025 Hezheng Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

The temples stood perched on the cliff face like eagle nests; the endless steps took me higher and higher, as I felt like I was climbing the back of sleeping giant. As I finally reached the top of the mountain I walked through a forest of ancient pine trees. Long after the emperors who built the temples have turned to dust and taken their place in history books, these trees, these silent witnesses are still standing tall and proud, braving the storms. There was an explosion of crude green so I decided to mute it with black and white photos, and keep the green forever in my heart and memories. Located in the Taizi Shan mountain range, a short distance from the town of Hezheng, Songmingyan National forest park is a great place to visit in every season. Go in the summer for endless hiking possibilities; take a trip there in the winter if you want to ski; autumn is the season of a thousand hues of rusty leaves; while spring will delight you with the smell of flowers. #mountainview #hiking #forest

Babes! Who’s still struggling in the Northwest heatwave? Come check out this underrated fairy-tale town—Linxia! 🌬️ While others are frying eggs at 40℃, it’s a cool 22℃ here, perfect for wearing jackets! Although it’s in the Northwest like Ningxia, it hides a “Little Erhai Lake,” a “Little Altay,” plus millennia-old grottoes and Yellow River wonders… The best part? Fewer people, beautiful scenery, and cool weather—truly the ultimate summer escape! Today, we’re dropping 9 must-visit spots with full food, accommodation, and travel guides. After reading, just book your ticket and go! 🚗 🌿【Linxia Must-Visit Spots · Nature】 🔻① Bingling Lake | Northwest’s “Little Erhai,” breathtaking lake and mountain views 🌊 “Half lake, half mountain, boats sailing in a painting” perfectly describes it! The lake is sapphire blue, mountains lush and green in the distance, reeds swaying by the shore—every snap feels like “Erhai vibes” 📸. Rent a small boat (50r/hour), sail to the lake’s heart, watch sunlight shatter into golden flakes on the water, listen to the rustling reeds… If lucky, you might spot water birds skimming the surface, instantly healing all fatigue! ✨ (Tips: Come at dusk for sunset shots; the lake turns a stunning orange-red, so beautiful it’ll make you cry!) 🔻② Liujiaxia | The Yellow River and Tao River’s “clear divide” wonder 🌊 For just 10r, witness the Yellow River “changing color”! The yellow Tao River meets the green Yellow River in the canyon, forming a sharp dividing line like nature’s spilled palette 🎨. From the viewing platform, watch the Yellow River rush down while the Tao River surges in—this “yellow + green” visual impact is off the charts! (Photo tip: wear white for amazing color contrast!) 🔻③ Songmingyan | A natural oxygen bar with “off-the-charts beauty” in spring, summer, and autumn 🌲 - Spring: Wildflowers bloom into seas of color—azaleas, peonies, lilacs… the fragrance is intoxicating, like stepping into Alice’s Wonderland 🌸; - Summer: Cool 22℃ canyon, stone paths shaded by trees, babbling streams—perfect for summer outings with kids (don’t forget mosquito repellent!); - Autumn: Mountains covered in red leaves, forests dyed in layers, every shot looks like an “autumn fairy tale” 🍁. (Tips: Deep in the park is a waterfall reachable by a 20-minute hike, the roaring water is breathtaking!) 🔻④ Caoshangou | The “Little Altay” straight out of a Miyazaki anime 🌳 “Grasslands, wooden cabins, cattle, streams…” This isn’t Scandinavia, it’s Linxia’s Caoshangou! 🌿 The lush green grass looks like a carpet, cabins scattered neatly, cows and sheep grazing leisurely on hillsides, crystal-clear streams… Put on a floral dress, stand on the wooden boardwalk, and instantly become a “forest-style heroine” 📸. (Must-do: picnic on the grass, sip milk tea, watch clouds drift over the mountain tops—maximum healing vibes!) 🔻⑤ Yanzhi Lake | The “blue secret” hidden in the city 💙 Only 10r for a “blue sky, white clouds + clear water and grass” healing scene! The lake is mirror-like, reflecting distant mountains, reeds sway in the breeze, like a watercolor painting 🎨. Take the sightseeing bus (10r/person) around the lake, hop off anytime to snap photos—every angle is breathtaking! (Tips: Soft light at dusk is perfect for portraits, bring a reflector!) 🕌【Linxia Must-Visit Spots · Culture】 🔻① Bingling Temple Grottoes | Millennia of Buddha light illuminating the Yellow River bank 📿 50r ticket unlocks the “encyclopedia of Chinese grottoes”! Caves 169 and 172 cling to cliffs; climbing the stairs gets your heart racing (fear of heights, cover your eyes), but look up! The flying apsaras on the murals seem ready to float out any second ✨. Sunlight filters through cave cracks onto the statues, the sacred feeling is beyond what any camera can capture! (Tip: Hire a guide to hear the grottoes’ history and instantly travel back a thousand years!) 🔻② Linxia Museum | The “Painted Pottery Kingdom” from 5,000 years ago 🏺 Want to learn about the Majiayao culture? This is the place! Among 4,288 artifacts, painted pottery takes center stage: Majiayao’s brilliant swirl patterns, Banshan’s serrated designs… each piece is a work of art! Six immersive exhibition halls tell the story of how painted pottery evolved from clay into a symbol of civilization. After visiting, you’ll realize Linxia’s ancestors had impeccable aesthetics 5,000 years ago! (Tips: The museum is dimly lit, wear bright clothes for better photos.) 🔻③ Yellow River Culture Expo Park | Immersive “touch” of Yellow River history 📜 “Every artifact tells a story”! From stone tools at the Yellow River’s source, to Silk Road camel-bell pottery, to modern Yellow River management… here you can “touch” the pulse of Yellow River civilization. The exhibition design is thoughtful, with light and shadow effects plus interactive installations that bring history to life! (Must-see: the Yellow River basin map sand table, a vivid experience of the mother river’s grandeur!) 🔻④ Fataishan | The “scream park” for thrill-seekers 🎢 20r ticket unlocks multiple exciting attractions: - Glass skywalk: a dizzying abyss below, not for the faint-hearted (but the views are stunning!); - Jungle zipline: fly from the mountaintop to the foot, feel the wind roar past (adrenaline rush!); - Cliff swing: swing out and take in the entire valley view (for the brave only!). (Tips: Children under 1.2m and retired soldiers get free entry, great value!) 🍖【Linxia Food · Paradise for carb and meat lovers】 - Hand-pulled lamb: choose bone-in lamb, boiled until tender, dip in pepper salt and eat directly, juicy and tender, garlic slices cut the grease perfectly! - Niangpi (fermented wheat gluten noodles): sour and spicy, chewy gluten, a bowl in summer clears the heat 🌶️; - Hezhou buns: lamb and carrot filling, soft dough, bite and the soup bursts out (a breakfast must!); - Sweet fermented barley milk tea: sweet fermented barley (qingke) plus milk tea, sweet and sour, refreshing and grease-cutting, carb happiness maxed out! - Youguozi (fried dough): golden and crispy, sprinkled with sugar, perfect as a snack~ (Recommended restaurants: “Lao Hua Hand-Pulled” and “Hezhou Food Mansion” in Bafang Shisan Alley, loved by locals!) 🏨【Accommodation & Transportation · Stress-Free Guide】 - Accommodation: - Choose near Hezhou Avenue in the city (e.g., “Linxia International Hotel,” great value and convenient for sightseeing); - For ethnic vibes, stay in a guesthouse in Bafang Shisan Alley (at night, the ancient alley lights up with lanterns, instantly turning into a “Western Region town” 🏮). - Transportation: - 1.5-hour self-drive from Lanzhou (good road conditions, beautiful scenery along the way, perfect for a road trip); - High-speed train to Linxia Station (Lanzhou West → Linxia, 30 minutes, about 20r ticket); - Local taxis start at 6r, for sightseeing spots it’s best to rent a car with driver (30-50r per person per day, convenient and fast, drivers can also be guides!). 🌟【Travel Tips】 1. Season: Best in spring, summer, and autumn (June to October). 22℃ summer is perfect for cooling off, autumn leaves are stunning; 2. Clothing: Bring a light jacket in summer (cool mornings and evenings), wear a windbreaker in spring and autumn; wear bright colors (white, yellow, red) for photos to double your chances of great shots; 3. Sun protection: Strong UV in the Northwest, sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are must-haves (don’t ask how I know…); 4. Souvenirs: Painted pottery crafts, Linxia brick carvings, halal pastries—great gifts for friends and family! 🔥Ending: Linxia, the cure for “travel fatigue”! “Only after visiting Linxia do you realize the Northwest isn’t just deserts and heatwaves, but also 22℃ coolness, stunning landscapes, and millennia of civilization…” 🌿 Save this guide now, and when summer comes, rush to this “cool capital” to take in snow mountains, lakes, grottoes, grasslands… all in one trip! ✨ Comment below: which spot do you want to visit most? Or any hidden gems in Linxia to add? Let’s explore the Northwest together and own this summer’s social feed! 👇

[Linxia] In the embrace of the upper reaches of the Yellow River, there is a land full of rich Islamic culture - Linxia. It is not only an important node on the ancient Silk Road, but also a treasure trove of diverse cultures. When it comes to Linxia, people always think of the magnificent mosques, the colorful Bafang Thirteen Alleys, and the fragrant hand-grabbed mutton. However, the charm of Linxia is far more than that. Today, let's walk into this magical land and explore those little-known surrounding attractions. The first thing that catches your eye is the Dadun Gorge Scenic Area in Jishishan County. The mountains here are green and the water is like a mirror, known as the "Little Jiuzhai on the Loess Plateau". Along the winding path into the canyon, you will find one surprise after another: waterfalls cascading down, rainbows looming; exotic flowers and plants are scattered in the forest, and the sound of birds is pleasant. Here, every breath is the purest taste of nature. Next, you might as well drive to Songmingyan, which is only a few dozen kilometers away from Linxia City. This is a national forest park, named after the sound of pine waves like thousands of horses galloping when the wind rises. Walking on the dense forest boardwalk, listening to the low moan of the wind blowing through the pine needles, your soul will be at peace like never before. When you reach the top, you can see the surrounding peaks and ridges, like an ink painting under the sunlight. Of course, how can you miss the mysterious Bingling Lake when you come to Linxia? This artificial lake behind the Liujiaxia Hydropower Station has a winding shoreline of 53 kilometers. You can take a boat tour to enjoy the steep cliffs and various islands on both sides. Among the lakes and mountains, there are also ancient Buddhist caves - Bingling Temple Grottoes. They have gone through thousands of years of vicissitudes and still silently tell the stories of the past. Finally, allow me to take you to a secret place in Dongxiang Autonomous County - Wangji Wetland Park. There are vast reeds, scattered ponds, and flocks of migratory birds. When the sun sets, the entire wetland is shrouded in golden light, as if entering a dream world. Through the exploration of these little-mentioned surrounding attractions, we can see a more colorful side of Linxia. Every place has its unique history and story, and every landscape contains endless vitality. Just like this land of Linxia, it has both the accumulation of heavy history and the beauty of nature's gifts. I hope this short article can inspire your curiosity about the unknown world and encourage every travel-loving friend to discover more beautiful chapters of their own. After all, "the best scenery is always on the road".

Songmingyan Ski Resort, nestled among magnificent mountains, is a winter wonderland. With pure snow and winding trails, it offers fun for both beginners and seasoned skiers. Strap on your skis and race down the mountain for an adrenaline rush, or take a leisurely stroll through the snow to enjoy the tranquility and beauty. The resort also boasts excellent facilities and a professional coaching team to ensure your safety. This winter, come dance with the snow, unleash your passion and energy, and let your spirit soar in this snowy paradise. Songmingyan Ski Resort awaits your challenge for an unforgettable winter adventure!

Hey, travel experts👋! Today, I will take you to explore the treasure of Linxia - Taizishan🏞️, a stunning fairyland that combines natural scenery and ethnic customs! 🚗Get ready, our exciting 3-day and 2-night journey is about to begin! Day1️⃣: Depart from Lanzhou and drive to Kangle County. The first stop is Lianhua Mountain National Forest Park🌳. Not only is it a holy place for Buddhism and Taoism, but it is also a paradise for summer vacation! The green sea is full of eyes, and the fresh air is like being in a paradise🌸. In the evening, you might as well enjoy a meal of authentic farmhouse dishes at the Wild View Pavilion🍽️, and feel the tranquility and comfort of the mountains. Day2️⃣: Continue along the Taizishan Tourism Expressway and check in at the Bamboo Gully Scenic Area🌳. Backed by Taizishan with an altitude of 3,600 meters, the meadows here are like yin, and the primeval forests are densely covered. It is an excellent place for taking photos and checking in📸. In the afternoon, go to Caochang Gully. Although the altitude is high, the scenery is stunning. It is close to the mountains and rivers, as if walking into a moving landscape painting🖼️. Stay at Taizishan Hot Spring Resort Hotel♨️ at night, soak away the fatigue and welcome the wonderful second day. Day3️⃣: In the early morning, after being nourished by the hot springs, go to Taizishan Tianchi🏞️. Tianchi is like a mirror, reflecting the majesty of Taizishan, with beautiful scenery in all seasons. Then, visit Huai Shuguan to feel the heaviness of history and the harmony of nature. After lunch, drive back, but don't forget to stay in Guantan Gully Scenic Area for a while, watch the sika deer play in the forest, and enjoy this tranquility and beauty🦌. This trip to Taizishan in Linxia is not only a visual feast, but also a baptism of the soul. Remember to bring your camera📷 and curiosity to capture those fleeting beautiful moments!

📖 Hezheng Ancient Animal Fossil Museum is located in Liangjiazhuang, Chengguan Town, Hezheng County. The museum currently houses more than 30,000 fossil specimens, holding six world records. The most famous are the unique Hezheng Sheep, the world's largest three-toed horse fossil, and the shovel-tusked elephant fossil. The museum is beautifully designed, rich in collections, and unique. Visitors can see various rare fossils and learn a lot of scientific and cultural knowledge. Many animals are named after regions, and for those extinct ancient animals, there are several naming schemes. For example, some are named after people, while others are named after the place where they were discovered. In this museum, some are named after the county name 'Hezheng,' such as Hezheng Pheasant and Hezheng Sheep. Equus eisenmannae is named after a Frenchman, but this species was discovered within the territory of Linxia Prefecture. 🔅Highlights: A national second-class museum in a small county. In the museum's introduction materials, it lists ten world records. In terms of appearance, the shovel-tusked elephant is quite interesting. Just like an elephant's trunk is used for sucking water, people believe its large teeth were used for shoveling some grass and aquatic or semi-aquatic vegetation. But later, it was discovered that, surprisingly, they were used for peeling bark, functioning like a scythe! Given that it is the excavation site, the museum is large, and the exhibits are so rich that the shovel-tusked elephant fossils can be displayed by age, from small to large, in a row. Moreover, the characteristic of Equus eisenmannae is its long face. Very long. The materials state that 'its face is the longest among horses, both in absolute and relative terms,' but it is also extinct. 👍Wonderful Experience: Bringing children here to 'play' is quite rewarding. 📱Navigation and Parking: The museum has a parking lot, costing 3 yuan per hour. ❗️Tip: On the north side of the road, there are two rows of parked cars, and there are no no-parking signs. 📍Location | Hezheng Ancient Animal Fossil Museum, Linxia Prefecture, Gansu 🎫Free Admission

| Stunning Niche Cultural Architecture.💖 The Treasure Land of Linxia | Stunning Niche Cultural Architecture 🎊 🏮 In Hezheng County, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, there is an amazing place - Hetan Gongbei. As we drove from Linxia to Yeliguan, it successfully caught our attention from afar. 🌟 'Gongbei,' a term originating from Arabic, originally means an arched building or a domed pavilion. Later, it specifically referred to the domed buildings constructed by the Sufis over the tombs of their sheikhs, saints, and sages, becoming a holy place for people to visit and worship, as well as a center for preaching and holding major religious activities. (Excerpt from Baidu) 🎫 This is not a tourist attraction and does not charge an entrance fee. It is like a pearl, situated on a small island in the river, connected to the embankment by only two small bridges. Initially, out of respect for local customs, we only observed from the outside. Then, a warm-hearted seventy-year-old grandfather appeared, chatted with us kindly, and introduced the place. Although we couldn't fully understand most of the content, we learned that Hetan Gongbei was first built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, was demolished during a special period, and was rebuilt in the late 1980s. The grandfather led us into the courtyard and informed us that we could freely visit the courtyard but not enter the hall. 👀 The architecture here is exquisite, with walls and roofs featuring Linxia's intangible cultural heritage 'Linxia Brick Carving,' and the wooden eaves and beams are adorned with intricate carvings. 📸 Hezheng County also has the Songmingyan Scenic Area, Linxia folk song 'Hua'er,' Taizi Mountain Tourist Area, and many other beautiful sceneries waiting for you to explore. 📍 Navigate to 'Hezheng County Hetan Gongbei' to reach this magical place. Please respect the customs of all ethnic groups, enter only with permission, and do not fly drones.

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Gansu Linxia Prefecture and Political Paleontology Fossil Museum is located in Liangjiazhuang, Chengcheng County, Hezheng County. It covers an area of 120 mu and has a construction area of 23,000 square meters. It consists of three independent buildings, namely No.1 Exhibition Hall, No.2 Exhibition Hall and No.3 Exhibition Hall. , in the "good" font layout. There are more than 30,000 fossil specimens in the collection, belonging to 3 classes, 8 orders and more than 150 genera. Four different mammalian groups in the late Cenozoic, buried in the four lithological strata of the Hezheng area, occupying the six of the world's most, namely, the world's unique and political sheep, the world's largest three-toed The fossils of horse fossils, the world's most abundant shovel-like fossils - the shovel-toothed skull individual development series, the world's first Quaternary hairy rhinoceros skull fossil, the world's largest true horse - Ehrlich horse and the world The biggest hyena - the giant hyena.