Gansu Dingxi

1.Taibai Mountain

Taibai Mountain,a treasure of Dingxi City in Gansu Province!Standing tall at 3,311 meters,this is not just the highest peak in eastern Gansu but a realm where nature's grandeur and human history intertwine.As we begin our journey,let your eyes wander across the endless sea of pine forests that cloak these slopes,and breathe in the crisp,rejuvenating air-locals call it the "Green Lung of Dingxi" for good reason.

Follow me along the winding trails,where vibrant wildflowers bloom in spring and summer,painting the meadows in bursts of color.Keep your cameras ready-this mountain is a sanctuary for rare creatures like the elusive Chinese monal pheasant,and if we're lucky,we might spot one darting through the misty valleys.Ahead lies the legendary Heavenly Lake,a mirror-like alpine pond cradled by legends.For centuries,pilgrims have believed its waters hold healing powers,and poets have found inspiration in its serene beauty.

As we climb higher,a Taoist gem over 1,300 years old.Feel the echoes of ancient Silk Road travelers and hermits who sought wisdom here,their stories lingering in the temple's incense-filled halls.Then,brace yourself for the adventure of the Taibai Hiking Trail-rugged paths lead to Cloud Terrace,where sunrise transforms the horizon into a fiery spectacle of gold and crimson,piercing through swirling clouds.In winter,the mountain becomes a silent wonderland,draped in snow,perfect for quiet reflection or capturing nature's purest artistry.

After our trek,Whether you're here to conquer peaks,connect with history,or simply lose yourself in nature's embrace,Taibai Mountain will leave its magic etched in your memory.

2.Guiqing-Zheyang Scenic Area

Guiqing-Zheyang Scenic Area,this breathtaking landscape,combining the majesty of ‌Guiqing Mountain‌ and the serene beauty of ‌Zheyang Mountain‌,is a masterpiece of nature and a sanctuary for explorers,poets,and dreamers alike.

Towering pines and cedars stretch toward the sky,their branches filtering sunlight into a golden glow.Follow the melodies of birdsong to discover hidden waterfalls cascading into turquoise pools-perfect for a refreshing dip on a summer's day.Don't miss the iconic "Heavenly Bridge," a natural stone arch suspended high above the valley,offering dizzying views of the mist-shrouded ravines below.Locals say crossing it brings blessings,so take a deep breath and embrace the thrill!

Now,renowned for its poetic name meaning "Sun-Shielding Mountain." True to its title,its dense canopy and towering cliffs create a cool,tranquil retreat even in the height of summer.Hike along moss-covered trails that wind past ancient temples and secluded caves,once meditation havens for Taoist monks.Keep an eye out for the "Immortal's Palm"‌ rock formation-a colossal hand-shaped cliff that seems to guard the mountain's secrets.As dusk falls,the valleys come alive with the soft chirping of crickets and the gentle rush of the ‌Qingshui River‌,weaving like a silver ribbon through the wilderness.

History buffs will adore the ‌Songmingyan Grottoes‌,where Tang Dynasty Buddhist carvings cling to sheer cliffs,their weathered faces still radiating timeless serenity.For adventurers,the ‌Sky Ladder Trail‌ challenges hikers with steep ascents to panoramic viewpoints,rewarding every drop of sweat with vistas of endless green peaks melting into the horizon.In autumn,the mountainsides explode in fiery hues of red and gold,while winter cloaks the landscape in pristine snow,transforming it into a silent,ethereal wonderland.

After a day of exploration,unwind in a local village and savor Dingxi's rustic flavors-think steaming bowls of hand-pulled noodles,fragrant herbal soups,and honey-sweetened persimmons.Every bite tells a story of this land's harmony with nature.

Guiqing-Zheyang isn't just a scenic area-it's a living poem,where every rock,stream,and breeze invites you to pause,reflect,and reconnect with the Earth's raw beauty.

3.Weihe River Source Scenic Area

Weihe River Source Scenic Area,here,where crystal-clear springs bubble from the earth and emerald forests stretch to the horizon,you'll discover a land where myth,ecology,and tranquility intertwine.Let the whispers of flowing water guide you through this sacred landscape,revered for centuries as the "Mother of the Wei."

As we begin our journey,follow the gentle murmurs of the river's source-a cluster of pristine springs nestled at the foot of rolling hills.These bubbling waters,said to have nurtured the earliest settlements along the Yellow River Basin,sparkle like liquid jade under the sunlight.Wander along wooden boardwalks that wind through lush wetlands,where dragonflies dart over lotus ponds and rare birds like the endangered black stork occasionally grace the skies.In spring,the meadows burst into carpets of wildflowers,while autumn cloaks the valleys in fiery gold-a photographer's paradise.

Venture deeper into the forested trails,and you'll encounter the ‌Yu Wang Temple‌,a centuries-old shrine dedicated to Yu the Great,the legendary ruler who tamed China's floods.Standing beneath its weathered eaves,you can almost hear echoes of ancient prayers for fertile lands and bountiful harvests.Nearby,the ‌Hero's Ridge‌ offers panoramic views of the Wei River's infancy-a silvery ribbon snaking through valleys and farmlands,nourishing life as it flows eastward.

For the adventurous,the ‌Heavenly Staircase Trail‌ beckons.Climb its mossy stone steps,past cascading waterfalls and hidden caves,until you reach the ‌Cloud-Kissing Platform‌.Here,above the treetops,the world unfolds in layers of misty peaks and terraced fields-a timeless vista that inspired poets and painters of dynasties past.After your hike,cool your feet in the ‌Mirror Pool‌,a tranquil basin where the mountains and sky reflect in perfect harmony.

As dusk falls,join locals in a village at the mountain's edge to savor Dingxi's rustic flavors.Think earthy potato pancakes,fragrant herbal teas,and hearty lamb soups-dishes steeped in the simplicity and warmth of rural life.Before you leave,pause by the riverbank at twilight.Watch as fireflies flicker over the water and stars begin to pierce the indigo sky,a reminder that this serene corner of Gansu remains a refuge for both nature and the human spirit.

The Weihe River Source isn't just a scenic area-it's a living storybook of China's origins,where every rock,ripple,and breeze carries the weight of millennia.

4.Langdu Wetland Grassland

Langdu Wetland Grassland,nestled in the heart of the Tibetan Plateau's eastern edge,Langdu is not just a wetland-it's a symphony of water,meadows,and nomadic spirit.Here,the air hums with the calls of migratory birds,the scent of wild herbs,and the freedom of horizons that stretch forever.

Our adventure begins at the ‌Golden Meadow‌,a sea of swaying grasses dotted with vibrant wildflowers-purple gentians,golden buttercups,and crimson poppies painting the land in summer.Follow the wooden boardwalks that meander through the wetlands,where mirror-like ponds reflect cotton-cloud skies.Keep your binoculars ready!This is a paradise for birdwatchers:graceful black-necked cranes,bar-headed geese,and rare ruddy shelducks thrive here,their wings glinting in the sunlight.In autumn,the grasslands transform into a golden tapestry,while winter cloaks them in pristine snow,creating a serene,otherworldly silence.

At ‌Horseback Riding Valley‌,local Tibetan herdsmen invite you to mount sturdy plateau horses and ride like the wind across open plains.Feel the rhythm of hooves pounding the earth as yaks graze lazily in the distance and marmots peek curiously from their burrows.For a deeper cultural immersion,visit a nomadic tent and sip butter tea while listening to age-old stories of the grassland's guardians-the wolves,revered in local folklore,who once roamed these lands and inspired the name "Langdu"(Wolf Crossing).

Don't miss the ‌Starry Sky Camp‌ as dusk falls.Far from city lights,the heavens unveil a breathtaking spectacle:constellations blaze across the velvet night,and the Milky Way arcs like a diamond river.Wrap yourself in a woolen blanket,gather around a bonfire,and savor roast lamb skewers and barley wine as traditional folk songs echo under the stars.It's a moment where time stands still,and the soul reconnects with the primal beauty of the earth.

For those craving serenity,paddle a kayak through the ‌Jade Ribbon Marsh‌,where crystal-clear streams wind silently through reeds,and the only sound is the occasional splash of a fish or the cry of a distant eagle.Or hike to ‌Sunrise Hill‌,where dawn breaks in a fiery blaze,setting the grassland ablaze with hues of amber and rose-a sight that has inspired poets and painters for generations.

Langdu is more than a landscape;it's a living testament to resilience and harmony.The Tibetan nomads here have coexisted with this fragile ecosystem for centuries,their sustainable traditions preserving its magic.As you leave,take a moment to breathe deeply-let the grassland's purity linger in your heart,a reminder of nature's boundless grace.

5.Li Family Dragon Palace

Li Family Dragon Palace,once a sacred ancestral temple for the illustrious Li clan,is not just a monument-it's a gateway to China's golden age,where myth and history collide in breathtaking harmony.

As we enter the palace complex,let your eyes wander across its majestic architecture.Towering vermilion gates,adorned with golden dragon motifs,welcome you into a realm of symmetry and splendor.The main hall,"Hall of Ancestral Virtue," stands as a testament to the Li family's revered legacy.Gaze up at its sweeping eaves,curved like phoenix wings,and marvel at the intricate woodwork depicting scenes from classical legends-dragons chasing pearls,celestial maidens dancing among clouds,and warriors defending the empire.Here,the air hums with the pride of a lineage that once shaped the destiny of a nation.

Follow me through the serene "Garden of Timeless Harmony," where ancient cypress trees,some over a thousand years old,cast dappled shadows over stone pathways.Pause by the lotus-filled pond,its surface dotted with crimson blooms in summer,and listen for the faint echoes of scholars'poetry recited here centuries ago.Don't miss the "Dragon Spring Pavilion," where a crystal-clear well,said to have been blessed by a Tang emperor,still flows with water believed to grant wisdom and longevity.Go ahead-touch its cool surface and feel the pulse of history!

Venture deeper into the palace's hidden gems,like the "Chamber of Ancestral Treasures," housing artifacts that trace the Li family's journey from humble roots to imperial prominence.Admire jade seals,silk scrolls inscribed with royal decrees,and ceremonial robes embroidered with golden threads.Each relic tells a story of ambition,loyalty,and the unbreakable bond between a family and its land.

For a moment of quiet reflection,climb the "Stairway to the Stars," a steep stone path leading to the palace's highest vantage point.From here,the rooftops of the complex ripple like a sea of glazed tiles,while the distant mountains frame the horizon-a view that once inspired emperors to ponder the vastness of their realm.

As dusk falls,join a traditional tea ceremony in the "Moonlit Pavilion," where the fragrance of chrysanthemum tea mingles with tales of the Li family's most legendary figures.Did you know?This very site was believed to host secret meetings during the Tang Dynasty,where strategies to unite the empire were forged over cups of fine brew.

The Li Family Dragon Palace is more than bricks and mortar-it's a living chronicle of China's cultural DNA.Today,it stands not just as a tribute to one family,but as a symbol of resilience,artistry,and the enduring quest for harmony between humanity and heaven.

6.Shouyang Mountain

Shouyang Mountain,known as the "First Sunrise Peak," isn't just a natural wonder-it's a living ode to China's timeless love affair with nature and philosophy.

Our adventure begins at the ‌Path of the Ancients‌,a moss-kissed stone trail winding through dense pine forests.Breathe in the crisp,herb-scented air as sunlight filters through the canopy,dappling the ground like scattered gold.Listen closely-the rustle of leaves might just carry echoes of the legendary brothers Bo Yi and Shu Qi,who chose to live as recluses here rather than serve a corrupt ruler.Their story of integrity,etched into local lore,infuses these slopes with a profound sense of tranquility and moral courage.

Midway up the mountain,pause at the ‌Terrace of Eternal Light‌,a cliffside platform where dawn breaks in a blaze of glory.Legend says this was the very spot where the sun first kissed the earth after the creation of the world.On clear mornings,the horizon erupts in hues of saffron and rose,painting the valleys below in a celestial glow.It's no wonder poets and painters have pilgrimaged here for centuries,seeking inspiration from this divine spectacle.

For the bold,the ‌Dragon's Spine Trail‌ awaits-a narrow ridge offering heart-pounding views of jagged peaks and mist-shrouded gorges.Clinging to iron chains carved into the rock,you'll feel like a mountaineer of old,conquering nature's grandeur.At the summit,the ‌Peak of Immortal's Breath‌ rewards your efforts with a 360-degree panorama.Below,patchwork farmlands and the winding Tao River resemble a traditional ink-wash painting,while distant temples cling to cliffs like swallows'nests.

Descend to the ‌Valley of Whispers‌,where a crystal-clear stream meanders past ancient stone tablets inscribed with Tang Dynasty poetry.Dip your hands into the icy waters of the ‌Spring of Clarity‌,believed to bestow wisdom and longevity.Nearby,the ‌Hermit's Cave‌ offers a glimpse into the austere life of Shouyang's ancient recluses-its walls still bearing faint charcoal sketches of cranes and plum blossoms,symbols of their unyielding spirit.

As afternoon fades,join locals at the ‌Mountain Foot Village‌ for a taste of Dingxi's rustic charm.Savor steaming bowls of hand-pulled noodles topped with wild mushrooms,or sip fragrant honeysuckle tea brewed from flowers picked on these very slopes.Don't miss the chance to chat with elder villagers-their tales of Shouyang's seasons,from summer's wildflower carpets to winter's snow-laden silence,will deepen your connection to this sacred land.

Shouyang Mountain is more than a destination-it's a meditation on harmony between humanity and nature.As the sun dips below the horizon,casting long shadows over the trails,take a moment to reflect:here,amid the whispers of pines and the echoes of sages,time itself seems to pause.

7.Yuexin International Art Village&Hot Spring Water World

Yuexin International Art Village&Hot Spring Water World,yuexin isn't just a destination-it's a symphony of creativity and relaxation,designed to awaken your senses and leave you utterly enchanted.

Our journey begins at the ‌International Art Village‌,a vibrant tapestry of galleries,studios,and open-air courtyards buzzing with creative energy.Stroll down cobblestone paths lined with cascading wisteria,and peek into workshops where master calligraphers wield their brushes like magic wands,transforming silk and paper into poetry.Marvel at the ‌Hall of a Thousand Scrolls‌,where contemporary ink paintings hang alongside ancient Dunhuang-inspired murals,bridging centuries of artistry.Feeling inspired?Try your hand at crafting a traditional clay figurine or ink-wash landscape-locals swear the village's creative aura turns even novices into mini-artists!

As the sun climbs,follow the scent of sandalwood incense to the ‌Zen Garden of Reflections‌,a tranquil space where stone sculptures and bamboo groves frame a mirror-like pond.Sit beneath a centuries-old scholar's tree and watch as visiting poets scribble verses onto floating lotus leaves-a living tribute to Dingxi's literary legacy.Don't miss the ‌Moon Gate Market‌,where artisans sell hand-painted porcelain,delicate paper-cuttings,and walnut-wood carvings.Haggle playfully with a smile;every piece here carries a story waiting to be told.

Slip into geothermal pools infused with healing minerals from deep beneath the Loess Plateau.Start at the ‌Silk Road Oasis‌,where cascading waterfalls massage your shoulders,then drift to the ‌Jade Bamboo Grove Pool‌,surrounded by whispering reeds and the soft chime of wind bells.For the adventurous,the ‌Ice-Fire Grotto‌ alternates between icy plunges and steaming volcanic rock baths,guaranteed to reboot your senses like a Tang Dynasty wellness ritual!

Hungry after all that pampering?Feast like an emperor at the ‌Floating Lotus Teahouse‌,where delicate dim sum is served on lotus-leaf boats bobbing in a heated pool.Sip chrysanthemum-infused cocktails or earthy pu'er tea as twilight paints the sky in hues of lavender and gold.As night falls,join the ‌Lantern-lit Soak‌,where hundreds of floating lanterns transform the springs into a celestial dreamscape-perfect for whispered conversations or silent awe.

Yuexin's magic lies in its harmony:here,the discipline of art and the surrender to nature's warmth coexist in perfect balance.Whether you're sketching a masterpiece or soaking under starry skies,every moment here whispers,"This is how life should feel." 

8.Tongwei Hot Spring Resort

Tongwei Hot Spring Resort,Tongwei isn't just a retreat-it's a rebirth for body and soul,blending centuries-old wellness traditions with the tranquil beauty of rural Gansu.

Our journey begins at the ‌Spring of Eternal Vitality‌,the resort's crown jewel.Here,geothermal waters rich in sulfur,calcium,and rare minerals flow at a blissful 54°C (129°F),their healing touch said to soothe arthritis,revive weary muscles,and even polish your "inner jade" like a Tang Dynasty empress.Dip into the ‌Silk Road Serenity Pool‌,shaped like a flowing scroll,and let the warm currents carry away stress as you gaze at the surrounding terraced hillsides,painted gold by the setting sun.

For the adventurous,the ‌Cascading Garden of Pools‌ offers a sensory adventure.Start at the ‌Peony Mist Grove‌,where flower-infused waters perfume the air,then brave the ‌Ice-Fire Grotto‌-a daring plunge from icy waterfalls into steaming volcanic rock basins.Don't miss the ‌Starlight Soak‌,where after dusk,lantern-lit pools mirror the Milky Way above,creating a celestial bath that feels plucked from a poet's dream.

Beyond the springs,wander through the ‌Valley of Whispers‌,a forested trail dotted with pavilions for meditation or afternoon tea.Listen to the symphony of rustling pines and trickling streams,or join a sunrise qigong session atop the ‌Zen Viewing Platform‌,where mist rises from the valley like dragon's breath.History buffs will adore the ‌Heritage Herbal Sauna‌,a reconstructed Ming-era hut where local healers still prepare medicinal herb bundles to enhance your soak-think angelica root for vitality or wild mint for clarity.

Hungry?Feast at the ‌Farmhouse Feast Hall‌,where organic dishes sing of the land's bounty.Savor tender braised lamb with goji berries,earthy potato pancakes drizzled with wild honey,or "Longevity Noodles" hand-stretched by village grandmothers.Pair it all with a cup of ‌Snow Chrysanthemum Tea‌,plucked from alpine slopes,its delicate bitterness a perfect counterpoint to the resort's sweetness.

As night falls,retreat to your ‌Skyview Loft‌-a cozy wooden cabin with a private outdoor bath and a roof window framing constellations unseen in city skies.Let the murmuring springs lull you to sleep,and wake to birdsong and the distant chime of temple bells.

Tongwei Hot Spring Resort is more than a getaway-it's a dialogue between earth and humanity.Whether you're soaking in millennia-old waters,hiking wildflower trails,or savoring a silent moment under the stars,this place whispers a timeless truth:True luxury is simplicity touched by nature's grace.

9.Longxi Gollywood Cultural Tourism Resort&Gollywood Hot Spring Fantasy Water City

Longxi Gollywood Cultural Tourism Resort&Gollywood Hot Spring Fantasy Water City,step into a world where the glamour of the silver screen blends seamlessly with 2,000 years of healing springs.Nestled in the heart of Dingxi's cinematic playground,Gollywood isn't just a resort-it's a blockbuster adventure for the senses,where you'll star in your own epic of relaxation and discovery.

Our journey begins at ‌Movie Dynasty Plaza‌,a dazzling open-air tribute to Chinese cinematic history.Pose beside life-sized replicas of terracotta warriors styled like action heroes,or stroll down a Han Dynasty street where costumed performers reenact legendary film scenes.Don't miss the ‌Silk Road Studio Backlot‌-grab a prop sword or silk fan and snap a selfie as the director yells "Cut!" 

Next,a thermal wonderland where mythology meets modern luxury.Start your soak in the ‌Dunhuang Celestial Pool‌,its cobalt-blue mosaics mirroring ancient cave murals,then brave the ‌Dragon's Lair Cave Springs‌,where steam rises between glowing stalactites.Kids (and kids-at-heart) will adore the ‌Great Wall Wave Pool‌,where gentle surges mimic the undulating walls of history,while thrill-seekers scream through the ‌Loess Plateau Plunge‌-a high-speed slide twisting like the Yellow River!

For true rejuvenation,head to the ‌Emperor's Wellness Sanctuary‌.Here,herbal baths infused with local angelica root and goji berries follow recipes from Ming Dynasty physicians,and heated jade-stone massages channel the luxury of imperial concubines.As dusk falls,join the ‌Tang Moonlight Soak‌,floating in rooftop pools under strings of lanterns shaped like ancient coins,their golden light rippling on the water.

Hungry?Feast at the ‌Banquet of the Five Dynasties‌,a themed buffet where dishes inspired by historical dramas steal the show.Savor "Hero's Lamb Skewers" grilled over open flames,delicate "Palace Snowflake Dumplings," or sip a "Flying Apsaras Cocktail" served in a porcelain cup painted with cave art motifs.

Cap your day at the ‌Starlight Cinema Garden‌,where classic Chinese films play under the open sky,projected onto a waterfall screen.Snuggle under a blanket with roasted chestnuts,and let the whispers of history and the warmth of the springs lull you into pure bliss.

Gollywood is more than a resort-it's a time-traveling escape where every corner sparks imagination and every pool revives the soul.Whether you're channeling your inner warrior,soaking in cinematic serenity,or laughing through a wave pool adventure,this is your ticket to a story worth retelling.

10.Guiqing Mountain Botanical Garden

Guiqing Mountain Botanical Garden,guiqing Mountain isn't just a garden-it's a symphony of biodiversity,a sanctuary where science dances with serenity.Whether you're a botanist,a poet,or simply a soul seeking solace,prepare to wander through Earth's grandest gallery.

Our journey begins in the ‌Valley of a Thousand Blooms‌,where seasons collide in a riot of color.In spring,cherry blossoms blush pink beside fields of wild peonies,while summer ignites the fiery hues of rhododendrons cascading down terraced slopes.Autumn?A golden spectacle as maple leaves flutter like falling coins,and winter cloaks the garden in silent elegance,frost-kissed camellias glowing like lanterns.Follow the cobblestone paths,and let the fragrance of magnolias and osmanthus guide your way-nature's perfume,bottled just for you.

Next,ascend to the ‌Skywalk of Clouds‌,a glass-bottomed bridge threading through the garden's highest canopies.Peer down at emerald ferns and moss-clad boulders far below,or gaze upward as eagles circle mist-shrouded peaks.Here,the ‌Zenith Pavilion‌ offers a moment to breathe-sip tea brewed from wild herbs plucked nearby,and watch fog roll in like a slow-motion tidal wave,wrapping the mountains in mystery.

For the curious,the ‌Heritage Medicinal Grove‌ is a treasure trove of wisdom.Wander among ginseng,goji berries,and golden licorice-plants once scribbled into ancient Chinese pharmacopoeias.Local herbalists often host workshops here,teaching visitors to craft healing salves or brew immunity-boosting tonics.Don't miss the ‌Dragon's Whisper Fern Grotto‌,a shaded sanctuary where rare ferns unfurl like celestial fans,their dew-kissed fronds glinting in shafts of sunlight.

Families,rejoice!The ‌Enchanted Bamboo Maze‌ awaits,a playful labyrinth where rustling stalks sing in the wind,and hidden sculptures of mythical creatures surprise at every turn.Kids can hunt for "leaf passports" stamped with plant facts,earning a prize at the exit-a seedling to plant at home,keeping Guiqing's magic alive.

As midday sun warms the soil,picnic beneath the ‌Sacred Ginkgo‌,a 500-year-old giant whose golden leaves rain like blessings in autumn.Then,meander to the ‌Alpine Rock Garden‌,where succulents and dwarf pines cling to craggy outcrops,defying gravity with quiet resilience.Photographers,this is your Eden-capture the dance of butterflies on purple asters,or the way twilight paints the ‌Jade Mirror Lake‌ in liquid gold.

Before you leave,visit the ‌Green Wisdom Hall‌,where interactive exhibits reveal the garden's role in conserving endangered species.Touch soil samples from Himalayan meadows,or marvel at seeds that traveled the Silk Road centuries ago.Leave a wish on the "Tree of Hope," a sculpture woven from reclaimed roots,and take home a seed paper bookmark-plant it,and watch Guiqing's legacy sprout in your own garden.

Guiqing Mountain Botanical Garden is more than a walk among plants-it's a conversation with Earth herself.Here,you'll rediscover the artistry of evolution,the poetry of photosynthesis,and the quiet joy of being small in a vast,green world.