Gansu Jinchang

1.Liqian Ancient City

Liqian Ancient City,located in Yongchang County,Gansu Province.This ancient town carries a unique legend-some believe it may be connected to the lost Roman soldiers of the Crassus Legion from over 2,000 years ago.According to historical theories,after the Romans were defeated by the Parthians in 53 BCE,a group of captives might have been relocated to the Han Dynasty's western frontier,eventually settling here.While this theory remains debated,the cultural blend of East and West in Liqian makes it a truly special destination.

As we walk through the town,you'll notice its distinctive architecture,which incorporates both traditional Chinese and Roman-inspired elements.The Liqian Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits exploring the possible Roman connection,including ancient weapons,pottery,and historical records.Nearby,you can see local residents with unique physical features-some have lighter hair,green or blue eyes,which has fueled the legend of Roman descendants.

Beyond the Roman mystery,Liqian is also a place of rich Silk Road history.It once served as a key stop for traders and travelers moving between China and Central Asia.The surrounding landscapes-snow-capped mountains,vast deserts,and the ruins of the Han Dynasty's frontier walls-add to the area's dramatic atmosphere.

2.Jinchang's Purple Gold Flower City Scenic Area-Purple Vista Flower Square

Purple Vista Flower Square,the heart of the Purple Gold Flower City Scenic Area.Known as the "Rainbow Valley of the West," this breathtaking floral paradise transforms into a vibrant sea of blossoms every summer,attracting visitors from all over China.

As you look around,you'll see endless fields of lavender,poppies,cosmos,and tulips,creating a dazzling patchwork of purples,pinks,yellows,and blues.The star of the show is undoubtedly the lavender,which blankets the landscape in fragrant waves,evoking the romantic fields of Provence.The air here is filled with a soothing floral aroma,making it the perfect place to relax,take photos,and immerse yourself in nature's beauty.

The Purple Vista Flower Square is not just about flowers-it's a cultural hub as well.Throughout the season,the square hosts lively events like flower festivals,photography contests,and outdoor concerts.You'll also find charming European-style windmills,elegant pavilions,and meandering wooden walkways that enhance the fairytale-like atmosphere.

Jinchang,once known as a "nickel capital," has beautifully reinvented itself through this floral wonderland,proving that even industrial cities can bloom into something magical.

3.Mars Base 1

Mars Base 1,a cutting-edge simulation base located in the rugged desert landscapes of Jinchang,Gansu Province.Designed to mimic the harsh conditions of the Red Planet,this facility offers a thrilling glimpse into what life might be like for future Martian colonists!

As you look around,you'll notice the striking resemblance to Mars-the reddish-brown terrain,rocky outcrops,and vast,barren expanses create an otherworldly atmosphere.This base was developed in collaboration with China's space authorities and scientific institutions,serving as a research hub for space agriculture,habitat design,and human survival technologies in extreme environments.

Step inside the Mars simulation modules,where astronauts and scientists conduct experiments in closed ecosystems.Here,you can see how water is recycled,how crops are grown without soil (using hydroponics!),and how energy is harnessed from solar panels-just like real Martian settlers would do.The base even includes a space greenhouse,where fresh vegetables are cultivated to sustain future interplanetary missions!

But Mars Base 1 isn't just for scientists-it's an immersive experience for visitors too!Try on a spacesuit,operate a mock rover,or even participate in a simulated "Mars mission" with your team.The Mars-themed exhibition hall showcases China's aerospace achievements,including models of rovers and rockets,while VR experiences let you "walk" on Mars virtually.

As we stand here,surrounded by this futuristic landscape,it's incredible to think that one day,humans might call a place like this home.Mars Base 1 bridges the gap between science fiction and reality,inspiring the next generation of space pioneers.

4.Jinchang's Golden Water Lake Scenic Area

Jinchang's Golden Water Lake (Jinshui Lake) Scenic Area,nestled in the heart of this industrial city,this 236-hectare ecological park is a stunning example of how a mining city transformed itself into a green paradise!

As we walk along the lakeside,you'll immediately notice how the sparkling blue waters contrast beautifully with our surrounding desert landscape.This entire area was actually created from what was once barren land,with the lake itself formed from treated industrial water-a perfect symbol of Jinchang's commitment to sustainable development.

The park is designed around five interconnected lakes,representing the five fingers of a hand,with elegant bridges and walkways linking them together.Look around and you'll see weeping willows dancing in the breeze,vibrant flower beds blooming in season,and maybe even spot some migratory birds stopping by-we've recorded over 30 species here!

Don't miss our iconic 98-meter-high music fountain-the tallest in Northwest China!When it operates in the evenings,the water dances to colorful lights and music,creating a magical atmosphere.Fitness enthusiasts will love our 10km lakeside running track,while families enjoy the children's playgrounds and picnic areas.

What makes this place truly special is how it demonstrates that even industrial cities can create breathtaking green spaces.From the moon-shaped island to our European-style windmills,every corner offers perfect photo opportunities.

As we continue our walk,breathe in the fresh air and enjoy this peaceful retreat right in our city center.Feel free to explore,take photos,or simply relax by the water's edge.

5.Jinchang National Mine Park 

Jinchang National Mine Park,covering over 100 hectares,this isn't your ordinary park;it's a living museum of China's nickel mining history and a stunning example of environmental rehabilitation!

As we enter,you'll immediately notice the dramatic contrast between the terraced mining pits and the lush greenery that now surrounds them.These giant stair-step excavations are what remain of the open-pit mining that began here in the 1950s when Jinchang was established as China's "Nickel Capital." The main pit stretches nearly 1.3 kilometers long and 310 meters deep-standing at its edge,you can truly appreciate the scale of human engineering!

But what's truly remarkable is how this industrial site has been reborn.Where miners once worked,you'll now find vibrant gardens,crystal-clear artificial lakes,and winding walking paths.The park's designers have creatively incorporated mining elements throughout-see those sculptures?They're made from actual mining equipment retired from service!Don't miss the Mining Heritage Exhibition Hall,where interactive displays and historic photographs bring Jinchang's mining past to life.

For the best views,we'll climb to the observation deck-from here you can see the entire park layout,with its clever design symbolizing the phoenix rising from ashes,representing Jinchang's transformation.On clear days,the turquoise waters in the mining pits create an almost surreal landscape that photographers love!

What makes this place special is how it honors industrial history while embracing ecological recovery.The lakes you see are filled with purified mine water,and the 200,000+ plants here help clean the soil-a process called phytoremediation.It's environmental science in action!

As we explore,imagine the sounds of drills and trucks that once filled this space,now replaced by birdsong and children's laughter.This park stands as powerful proof that industrial sites can have beautiful second acts.Feel free to take photos,breathe the fresh air,and appreciate this incredible metamorphosis.

6.Sacred Rong Temple & Forest Canyon

Sacred Rong Temple (Yushan Shengrong Si) and its breathtaking Forest Canyon,nestled between golden desert dunes and rugged mountain cliffs,this 1,500-year-old Buddhist sanctuary offers not just spiritual enlightenment,but also nature's spectacular masterpiece!

As we approach the temple,notice how the red sandstone cliffs seem to glow in the morning light-these dramatic formations have sheltered this sacred site since the Northern Zhou Dynasty (557-581 AD).The temple itself appears to grow right out of the rock face,its golden rooftops shimmering against the crimson canyon walls.This was once a crucial spiritual center for Silk Road travelers,and you can still feel that ancient tranquility in the air.

Now,let's venture into the real wonder-the Forest Canyon.Just behind the temple,nature performs its magic:a lush,green valley bursting with wild apricot trees,desert willows,and fragrant herbs suddenly appears in this arid landscape.Follow the babbling stream along wooden walkways,and you'll discover hidden caves where monks once meditated,and cliff faces carved with well-preserved Buddhist rock carvings from the Tang Dynasty.

The canyon's microclimate creates a cool retreat even in summer.Listen closely-that melodic sound isn't just the wind;it's hundreds of Buddhist prayer flags fluttering between trees,carrying blessings across the valley.Don't miss the viewpoint where the entire canyon unfolds below you,with the temple perched like a jewel above this emerald-green surprise.

What makes this place truly special is its harmony of human devotion and natural wonder.Pilgrims still come to circle the sacred stupa,while adventurers explore the canyon's winding paths.As we walk these ancient trails,we're following in the footsteps of monks,merchants,and explorers who've paused here for centuries.

Take a deep breath of that crisp,sage-scented air.Whether you're seeking spiritual connection or natural beauty,this sacred canyon offers both in abundance.Feel free to explore quietly,photograph the stunning contrasts,or simply sit by the stream and absorb the peace.

7.Jinchang Museum

Jinchang Museum,where 6,000 years of history come alive through precious artifacts and interactive exhibits.As Jinchang's cultural flagship,our museum's sweeping metallic design pays homage to the city's legacy as China's nickel capital while guarding treasures from its Silk Road past.

The adventure begins on the second floor where neolithic pottery shards whisper stories of the very first settlers in this arid landscape.Marvel at the Han Dynasty gold ornaments that prove this was once a thriving Silk Road outpost-see how the craftsmanship blends Central Asian and Chinese styles!The star exhibit is our Tang Dynasty Buddhist relics,discovered near Sacred Rong Temple,including a gilded Buddha head that seems to glow under special lighting.

What makes us unique?The entire third floor dedicates to Jinchang's metallurgical miracle!Interactive displays let you "operate" mining equipment,while real specimens show how nickel transformed this desert into an industrial powerhouse.Don't miss the stunning natural crystals gallery-these fluorescent minerals from local mines look like alien landscapes under UV lights!

Modern technology brings history alive here.Put on AR glasses to join a virtual camel caravan on the Silk Road,or touch screens to see how mining techniques evolved from the 1950s to today.Our pride is the 360-degree immersive theater where you'll stand surrounded by projections of Jinchang's landscapes across four seasons.

Before you leave,visit the temporary exhibitions hall-it rotates between showcasing contemporary local artists and touring national treasures.The museum shop offers unique souvenirs like miniature nickel ingots and replica Han Dynasty coins.

Remember,every artifact here tells part of Jinchang's incredible journey from ancient crossroads to modern industrial pioneer.

8.Jinchang's Wudang Mountain

Jinchang's Wudang Mountain,one of the most surprising landscapes in northwest China.Now,I know what you're thinking-"Wudang Mountain?Isn't that in Hubei?" Well,this is our own spectacular namesake,a golden sandstone wonder rising dramatically from the Gobi Desert!

As we begin our climb up the 1,800-meter mountain,you'll immediately notice how the morning sun transforms the red and yellow sandstone cliffs into a glowing masterpiece of nature.These dramatic rock formations,sculpted by wind and water over millions of years,create a surreal landscape that photographers dream about!The mountain gets its name from the Wudang Temple perched midway up the cliffs-a quiet Taoist retreat where monks have sought enlightenment since the Ming Dynasty.

The real magic happens as we ascend the 999 steps (don't worry,there are rest platforms!) to the summit.With each turn,the view becomes more breathtaking-on one side,the endless golden desert;on the other,sudden patches of vibrant green where underground springs nourish hardy desert plants.Keep an eye out for the ancient cliff carvings left by Buddhist pilgrims and Silk Road travelers centuries ago!

What makes our Wudang special is its three personalities in one:spiritual sanctuary,geological wonder,and adventure playground.Meditation seekers visit the temple,geology fans marvel at the rainbow-colored rock layers,while thrill-seekers love the glass observation platform extending over the cliff edge!Time your visit for sunset when the entire mountain seems to catch fire with color-truly a moment you'll never forget.

As we explore,notice how the mountain changes character with every season-spring wildflowers,summer thunderstorms rolling across the desert,autumn's golden glow,and winter's peaceful snow-dusted cliffs.This is nature's theater at its most dramatic!

9.Jinchuan Park

Jinchuan Park,where lush greenery,shimmering lakes,and vibrant culture come together in perfect harmony.Covering over 40 hectares,this park isn't just a green space;it's the living,breathing soul of our city,offering serenity and recreation to locals and visitors alike.

As we stroll along the tree-lined pathways,you'll immediately feel the refreshing contrast to Jinchang's industrial backdrop.The park's centerpiece is its sparkling artificial lake,where willow trees dip their branches into the water,and paddle boats glide peacefully under arched stone bridges.Every season paints a new masterpiece here-spring brings cherry blossoms and magnolias in full bloom,summer dazzles with lotus flowers covering the lake,autumn sets the maples ablaze in red and gold,and winter transforms the landscape into a quiet,frost-kissed wonderland.

But Jinchuan Park is more than just pretty scenery!It's a hub of local life.Join the morning tai chi groups by the lakeside pavilions,or watch grandparents teaching children to fly kites on the open lawns.Don't miss the open-air tea houses,where friends gather to sip tea and play chess under the shade of ancient trees.For plant lovers,the peony garden is a must-see in late spring,when hundreds of blooms explode in colors so vibrant they seem unreal!

History whispers through the park too.The Jinchuan Bronze Statue near the north gate commemorates the city's mining heritage,while hidden corners reveal traditional rock gardens and calligraphy-carved stones.As evening falls,the park transforms again-the lakeside promenade lights up,street performers entertain crowds,and the musical fountain puts on a dazzling water-and-light show set to Chinese classical music.

10.Jinchang Botanical Garden·Rose Valley

Jinchang Botanical Garden·Rose Valley-one of northwest China's most breathtaking floral wonderlands,where over 2 million roses transform the arid Gobi landscape into a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances!

As we enter this 100-hectare oasis,you'll immediately be embraced by waves of floral perfume-the sweet,intoxicating scent of thousands of rose varieties from around the world!Look around and see nature's masterpiece:cascading terraces of roses in every imaginable hue-deep velvety reds,sunny yellows,romantic pinks,and even rare blue-violet varieties developed right here in Jinchang.The Rainbow Rose Corridor is our crown jewel,where arches overflow with climbing roses creating a living,blooming tunnel that changes colors with the seasons.

But this is more than just a pretty garden-it's an engineering marvel!Imagine,in the middle of the Gobi Desert,we've created this lush paradise through advanced water-saving irrigation and soil improvement technologies.The roses here are specially bred to thrive in our dry climate,making Jinchang an unlikely global leader in rose cultivation.Don't miss our Rose Research Center,where scientists develop new hybrids-you might even witness the birth of a brand new rose variety!

Throughout May to October,the valley becomes a living painting.The Rose Festival in June is pure magic-imagine endless petals floating in fountains,rose-flavored local delicacies (try the rose ice cream!),and folk performances among the blooms.Photographers adore our Sunset Viewing Platform,where golden hour lights up the entire valley in fiery tones.

What makes Rose Valley truly special is how it engages all your senses.Touch the velvety petals,inhale the therapeutic aromas,listen to bees humming happily from flower to flower,and even taste edible rose products at our garden café.This is floral therapy at its finest!