Experience
Experience the 18°C Summer in Jingyuan, a Summer Paradise on the Loess Plateau!
Deep in the Liupan Mountains, the clear Jing River flows from Laolongtan, meandering through verdant valleys, carrying with it a thousand-year-old cultural history.
In the height of summer, while cities are shrouded in heat, Jingyuan County, nestled in the heart of the Liupan Mountains, awaits your arrival with a cool 18°C. With a forest coverage rate of 38.58% and an average annual negative oxygen ion concentration of 2221 per cubic centimeter, it is truly a "Natural Oxygen Bar of China."
Stepping into Jingyuan is like entering a cool world dominated by greenery. The lush forests act like giant parasols, casting vast expanses of shade; a gentle breeze instantly dispels the summer heat.
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01 Green Island Paradise: A "Green Pearl" on the Loess Plateau
On the Loess Plateau of Northwest China, Jingyuan is a uniquely beautiful "green island." Here, rolling mountains rise majestically, clear streams flow gently, abundant water resources abound, the air is fresh, and birdsong fills the air.
It possesses both the grandeur of northern landscapes and the elegance of southern scenery. Jingyuan County derives its name from the Jing River, which originates here. The Jing River connects Shaanxi, Gansu, and Ningxia provinces, linking a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural landscapes.
This land, at an altitude of 1800 meters, receives an average annual rainfall of 650 millimeters. The average summer temperature is only 18℃, cool yet not cold, moist yet not humid, making it a rare summer resort in Northwest China.
02 Scenic Spots: A Fusion of Nature and History
Laolongtan: The Heart of the Jing River, A Place of Legends
Laolongtan, hailed as a natural water tower on the Loess Plateau, is the source of the Jing River. It is renowned not only for its swift, clear waters and the convergence of hundreds of springs, but also for its majestic and rugged beauty and its beautiful and magical legends.
Legend has it that this is the place where Wei Zheng dreamt of slaying the old dragon of the Jing River. The red stones in the pool are said to be the blood of the Dragon King.
Old Dragon Pool has four natural stone pools, arranged from north to south. The water in each pool is remarkably calm, like a magnificent natural mirror.
Liangdian Gorge: A Royal Choice, A Cool World
Liangdian Gorge is a place that carries historical memories. The gorge is 10 kilometers long and retains relics such as Genghis Khan's summer retreat site and the rein-in stone.
Walking through it, one can not only enjoy the coolness but also feel the weight of history. Historical records indicate that Genghis Khan, the founder of the Yuan Dynasty, used this place to cool off and build pavilions and towers during his western expeditions.
To this day, relics such as the rein-in stone, pillar bases, horse troughs, and flag stands remain, making it an excellent summer retreat.
Wild Lotus Valley: A Jiangnan Charm, a Northwest Green Island
Wild Lotus Valley is a canyon brimming with the charm of Jiangnan. Along its 10-kilometer-long green corridor, the riverbed is covered with wild lotus leaves, their canopies forming a canopy, the clear water reflecting the lotus blossoms.
Winding for 8 kilometers from the canyon entrance, verdant mountains stand on either side, a stream flowing through them, the mountains covered in lush greenery. Most enchanting are the lush green grass along the stream's banks; from May to August each year, wild lotus blossoms blanket the land, their umbrella-like leaves intertwined, their yellow flowers exuding fragrance.
Erlong River: An Ecological Treasure Trove, a Natural Wonderland
Erlong River is located 30 kilometers south of the county seat. Legend has it that when the Old Dragon King resided in Dragon Pool, he sent his two sons to camp here on the riverbank, guarding its strategic location, hence the name Erlong River (Two Dragons River).
On both sides are towering peaks and secluded valleys, interspersed with pine forests, lush green grass, birdsong, fragrant flowers, and babbling brooks. Rich in flora and fauna, it is an excellent place to explore the mysteries of nature.
03 Cultural Charm: From Ancient Roads to Folk Customs
Jingyuan boasts not only captivating natural scenery but also a rich cultural heritage.
Wating Ancient City, a crucial pass on the northern route of the eastern section of the Silk Road, has dominated the ancient Xiaoguan Pass since the Han and Tang dynasties. Historically, it was a strategically important and easily defensible location, earning it the nickname "Iron Tile Pavilion."
In the newly renovated Xiaoguan Cultural Park, the cultural wall is inlaid with 18 poems describing Xiaoguan Pass dating back to the Han Dynasty. These range from the heroic lines of Cen Shen's "In the cool autumn of August, the Xiaoguan Road is desolate; the north wind blows, breaking the grass of the Tianshan Mountains," to the melancholic lines of Jia Dao's "The Xiaoguan Pass divides the desert road; the neighing horse carries the cold wild goose."
This summer, Jingyuan's cultural and tourism activities were vibrant and diverse. Two consecutive concerts ignited the cool summer of this tourist town, immersing over ten thousand audience members in a sea of music.
04 Unique Experiences: Immersing Yourself in the Beauty of Nature and Culture
Culinary Journey: Jingyuan Beef Street
As night falls, Jingyuan Beef Street comes alive. As the county's first integrated cultural, commercial, and tourism street, it's brimming with the vibrant energy of everyday life.
The aroma of local delicacies, featuring Jingyuan yellow beef as the main ingredient, fills the air with the fragrance of grilled yellow beef, teppanyaki, and beef offal soup. With over a hundred stalls bustling with people, it's the perfect place to sample local cuisine.
Accommodation Experience: Charming B&Bs
For a deeper experience of Jingyuan's charm, don't miss the local boutique B&Bs. Xiangshui Fengqingbao (Fragrant Garden Fortress) utilizes traditional courtyard house layouts to create a comprehensive tourist resort integrating dining, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment.
Adjacent to Xiangshui New Village is the Xiangshui Flower Sea, covering 500 acres. Surrounded by trees and flower fields, it's a perfect destination for sightseeing, leisure, and escaping the summer heat.
Yejia Village is a key national rural tourism village with 127 farmhouses. Be sure to try the Jingyuan yellow beef feast! ---
As evening falls, climbing Baozi Mountain offers a panoramic view of Jingyuan County. Newly built buildings rise in tiers, and the surrounding peaks are verdant, a breathtaking sight that enhances the town's grandeur.
At sunrise, a red sun rises from the mountain valley, its rays illuminating the landscape. A misty haze hangs over the valleys, and distant mountains appear and disappear in the distance.
This land, a blend of ecological beauty and cultural charm, is attracting increasing numbers of tourists from surrounding provinces and cities to experience its unique allure as a "summer resort."