Gansu Qingyang

1.Zhouzuling Scenic Area

Zhouzuling Scenic Area,nestled in the heart of Qingyang City,Gansu Province,Zhouzuling is a breathtaking historical and cultural site dedicated to Emperor Houji,the legendary ancestor of the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC).As we step into this serene landscape,you'll feel the echoes of China's agricultural civilization-where Emperor Houji,revered as the "God of Grains," taught ancient people farming techniques,laying the foundation for millennia of Chinese culture.

The scenic area blends natural beauty with profound history.Towering cypress trees,some over 1,000 years old,shade winding paths leading to the Sacrificial Altar,Ancestral Hall,and the Zhou Dynasty Culture Museum.Climb the 1,058-step staircase to the summit,where the majestic statue of Houji gazes over the Loess Plateau-a perfect spot for panoramic photos!Along the way,inscriptions and relics detail the Zhou Dynasty's rituals,poetry,and governance,which later inspired Confucianism.

Beyond history,the park offers lush gardens,tranquil pavilions,and seasonal blooms (think peonies in spring).Don't miss the Folk Customs Village,where traditional cave dwellings and lively performances showcase Qingyang's intangible heritage,like the "Incense Bag Embroidery"-a UNESCO-recognized craft.

Locals believe Houji's blessings still nurture the land-Qingyang's apples and millet are famed nationwide!

2.Huanzhou Ancient City

Huanzhou Ancient City,a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Huan County,Gansu Province.This beautifully restored historical site recreates the grandeur of the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127 AD),when it served as a vital military fortress and bustling trade hub along the ancient Silk Road.Imagine merchants,soldiers,and travelers from distant lands once walking these very streets-today,you'll walk in their footsteps!

As we enter the city gates,notice the impressive rammed-earth walls-a testament to ancient Chinese defensive architecture.Stroll down the flagstone-paved streets,lined with traditional courtyard houses,workshops,and quaint shops selling local crafts.Don't miss the Yamen (Government Office),where officials once presided over disputes,or the Temple of Guan Yu,dedicated to the revered warrior god of loyalty.

The city truly comes alive with cultural performances!Time your visit to catch a drumming show echoing wartime signals,or a lively folk dance celebrating harvest traditions.For foodies,the night market is a must-try Huan County lamb skewers,a regional delicacy,or Qiaomian (buckwheat noodles),a hearty local staple.

Huanzhou was nicknamed "Iron Huanzhou" for its unbreakable defenses during wartime.Today,its charm lies in blending history with immersive experiences-try on Hanfu robes for photos,or join a lantern-making workshop!

Whether you're drawn to history,architecture,or authentic local flavors,Huanzhou Ancient City offers a captivating journey into China's past.

3.North Grottoes Temple

North Grottoes Temple (Beishiku),located about 25 kilometers southwest of Qingyang City in Gansu Province.As we approach this sacred site carved into the cliffs of Jing River valley,you'll immediately feel the spiritual aura that has lingered here for over 1,500 years!

This extraordinary complex dates back to 509 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty,making it older than some of China's most famous grottoes!What makes it truly special is its unique combination of Buddhist art from multiple dynasties-you'll see influences from Northern Wei,Western Wei,Northern Zhou,Sui,Tang,Song,and even Qing dynasties all in one place.The site stretches about 120 meters along the cliff face and contains 296 grottoes housing an astonishing 2,126 Buddhist statues and 150 square meters of exquisite murals.

Our first must-see is Cave 165,the largest and most spectacular grotto here.Step inside and you'll be awestruck by the 7-meter-tall standing Buddha,flanked by two magnificent bodhisattvas.Notice the intricate details of their flowing robes and serene expressions-this is classic Northern Wei craftsmanship at its finest!Nearby,Cave 222 showcases beautiful Tang Dynasty sculptures where you can see the evolution in artistic style towards more lifelike,plump figures.

Archaeologists particularly treasure this site because it preserves rare examples of Northern Zhou Dynasty (557-581 AD) Buddhist art,a period when many other temples were destroyed.Don't miss the unique "Thousand Buddha" patterns carved into the walls-each tiny Buddha is slightly different!

As we walk through the site,notice how the natural red sandstone cliffs create a stunning backdrop.The erosion patterns over centuries have formed fascinating natural sculptures that seem to dialogue with the man-made carvings.The temple's location along the ancient Silk Road means it absorbed artistic influences from across Asia-you might spot Persian-inspired designs in some motifs!

Visit in the late afternoon when the setting sun bathes the entire cliff face in golden light-it's absolutely magical!And if you're lucky,you might hear local monks chanting in the temple area.

This sacred site isn't just about history-it's still an active place of worship and a vital cultural treasure.As we explore,imagine the generations of pilgrims,artists and monks who have come here seeking enlightenment.Each statue tells a story,each carving holds wisdom.

4.Mawei Posthouse & Qingzhou Ancient City Amusement Park

Mawei Posthouse & Qingzhou Ancient City Amusement Park,step into a world where history meets adventure at this unique cultural-entertainment complex!As we enter,you'll immediately notice we're no ordinary amusement park-we're built on the grounds of the legendary Mawei Posthouse,a pivotal historical site from the Tang Dynasty where the famous Yang Guifei,one of China's Four Great Beauties,met her tragic fate during the An Lushan Rebellion.

The park brilliantly recreates the atmosphere of ancient Qingzhou city with its impressive rammed-earth walls,traditional courtyard houses,and flagstone streets.But here's the twist-woven into this historical setting are over 50 exciting modern amusement rides and attractions!Don't miss our signature "Flying Over the Silk Road" suspended roller coaster that takes you swooping over replica ancient pagodas,or the "Tang Dynasty Treasure Hunt" interactive dark ride featuring animatronic figures of historical characters.

Foodies will love our authentic Tang-style banquet hall serving imperial dishes recreated from ancient recipes,and the night market offering over 100 kinds of Shaanxi snacks.Kids can dress up in miniature Hanfu costumes for photos,or try archery at our ancient-style military training ground.

Must-experience highlights the "Yang Guifei's Last Dance" spectacular evening show with water screens and holograms,the glass walkway suspended along the ancient city walls,our moonlight maze lit entirely by traditional lanterns.

5.Qingyang City Museum

Qingyang City Museum,Your Gateway to 4,000 Years of Loess Plateau Civilization!As we step into this modern architectural marvel shaped like a descending phoenix (symbolizing Qingyang's ancient name "Phoenix City"),prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through time.Our museum houses over 30,000 cultural relics that tell the epic story of this Silk Road junction,where nomadic and agricultural civilizations intertwined.

The highlight of our first floor is undoubtedly the world's largest collection of "Fossilized Yellow River Elephant" skeletons-these 4-meter-tall giants roamed here 2.5 million years ago!Nearby,admire exquisite Yangshao Culture pottery from 5000 BC,including the famous "Human-Fish Pattern" basin that represents China's earliest dragon worship.

Moving upstairs,the Zhou Dynasty Gallery will take your breath away with its ritual bronzes and jades from the royal tombs of the Zhou ancestors.Don't miss the life-sized diorama of Emperor Houji teaching farming techniques-our ancestor worshiped as the God of Agriculture!The Silk Road Exhibition features rare Tang Dynasty gold artifacts and a reconstructed cave temple with original Buddhist statues from the Northern Wei period.

Our most prized possession is the "Qingyang Jade Cong"-a mysterious 4000-year-old ritual object that even archaeologists can't fully explain!The Folk Culture Hall on the top floor comes alive with lifelike scenes of traditional paper-cutting artisans at work and the fragrant Qingyang sachets recognized by UNESCO.

Every Saturday morning,we offer interactive experiences-you can try Neolithic pottery-making or decipher oracle bone scripts with our curators.The rooftop garden provides a stunning panorama of Qingyang with viewing telescopes pointing to key historical sites.

Shall we begin our chronological exploration,or would you prefer to head straight to any specific era that interests you?The museum's clever circular design means we can customize your perfect route!

6.Longqi Valley

Longqi Valley,Nature's Masterpiece in the Heart of Qingyang!As we enter this breathtaking 12-square-kilometer valley,you'll quickly understand why locals call it "The Dragon's Sanctuary"-with its serpentine rock formations,emerald pools,and mist-shrouded cliffs that seem straight out of a Chinese landscape painting.This national 4A-grade scenic area perfectly blends geological wonders,ecological diversity,and ancient folklore into one unforgettable experience.

Our journey begins at the Dragon Head Canyon,where towering 100-meter red sandstone walls curve like a dragon's spine.Listen closely-the wind whistling through these narrow passages creates an eerie "dragon's whisper" effect!As we follow the wooden walkways suspended along the cliffs (don't worry,they're perfectly safe),watch for ancient petroglyphs dating back 3,000 years,depicting shamanistic rituals to the rain dragon.

The valley's crown jewel is the Seven-Colored Pools-a series of mineral-rich springs that change hue from jade green to sapphire blue depending on sunlight.Local legend says these were created when a heavenly dragon shed tears after being separated from its mortal lover.If you're visiting between June and August,you might witness the miraculous "Dragon's Breath" phenomenon,where morning mist forms perfect ring-shaped clouds above the water!

Adventure seekers can zip-line across the canyon or explore the newly opened 1.5-kilometer illuminated cave system with surreal stalactite formations.For a more relaxed experience,join our sunset boat tour-the golden light reflecting off the quartz-embedded cliffs makes the entire valley glow like fire!

Don't miss the Dragon King Temple where villagers still perform rain-prayer ceremonies,wild peach blossom forests (spectacular in April),nighttime "Dragon Light Show" projecting mythological stories onto canyon walls.

As we walk,keep an eye out for rare wildlife-this valley shelters golden pheasants,leopard cats,and over 120 medicinal herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine.That fresh,earthy scent?It's from the valley's unique ironwood trees that purify the air naturally.

Would you prefer to head straight to the viewpoints,or shall we take the forest trail to discover hidden waterfalls and the "Dragon Egg" boulder field?Every turn here reveals new magic!

7.Nanliang Revolutionary Memorial Hall

Nanliang Revolutionary Memorial Hall,Where the Flame of China's Revolution Was Kept Alive!As we step into this sacred site nestled in the rugged mountains of Qingyang,you're standing on what we call "The Cradle of the Long March's Rear Base"-where the Communist Party kept the revolutionary fire burning during its most challenging years between 1934-1935.This national-level patriotic education base isn't just a museum;it's a living testament to the indomitable spirit that shaped modern China.

Our journey begins at the Monument Square,where the 28-meter-tall granite memorial stele pierces the sky like an unsheathed sword-each of its five sides represents a crucial revolutionary base area.Notice how the surrounding pines stand straight as soldiers;these were planted by veterans who returned here decades later.The main exhibition hall,built in the distinctive local cave-dwelling style,houses over 1,200 precious artifacts including handwritten documents by Liu Zhidan,the revolutionary hero who established this base,and the original printing press that produced the first revolutionary newspapers in Northwest China.

As we walk through the life-sized dioramas,you'll feel transported to those critical years-see the cave where Party leaders planned strategies by oil lamp light,the makeshift hospital where doctors used boiled cloth as bandages,and the simple schoolhouse where revolutionary ideals were taught to children.The "Wall of Heroes" displays photographs of 376 martyrs who sacrificed everything-look closely at their faces;the youngest was only 14 years old.

Don't miss the emotional highlights,the "Eternal Flame" burning continuously since the memorial's opening in 1986,the underground tunnel network (partially accessible) used for covert operations,the 360-degree panoramic painting depicting the famous Battle of Shanchengbao.

Every October,survivors' families gather here for the moving "Torch Relay" ceremony.

This site isn't just about looking back-it's about understanding how ordinary people achieved extraordinary things through unity and belief.As our veteran guides often say:"These walls don't just echo with history-they whisper lessons for tomorrow."

Would you like to pay respects at the memorial wall,or shall we proceed to see the newly discovered collection of personal letters found hidden in a cave wall?Every visit here reveals new layers of this profound story.

8.Qingyang's Little Kongtong Mountain

Qingyang's Little Kongtong Mountain,as we stand at the foot of this breathtaking sacred mountain,you're about to discover why locals call it "The Miniature Penglai Immortal Island"-a condensed version of Gansu's famous Kongtong Mountain with all its mystical charm but none of the crowds.This 3,000-year-old Taoist sanctuary,nestled just 5 kilometers from downtown Qingyang,perfectly blends spiritual heritage,geological wonders,and tranquil natural beauty.

Our adventure begins at the Nine Dragons Screen Wall,where intricate Ming Dynasty carvings depict local legends of dragons controlling rainfall.Follow me up the "Stairway to Heaven"-1,036 stone steps winding through pine forests where you'll spot ancient Taoist inscriptions carved directly into the mountain face.About halfway up,we'll reach the Hall of the Three Purities,the complex's beating heart since 1573 AD.Notice how the entire structure was built without nails using traditional mortise-and-tenon techniques-and that giant bronze bell?It's been summoning devotees to prayer for 400 years!

The real magic happens at the Cloud-Walking Platform,where on misty mornings (about 150 days a year),you'll literally walk above clouds like the immortals.This is the perfect spot to admire the mountain's unique "red sandstone mushroom formations"-slender pillars with massive caps created by 60 million years of erosion.Keep your eyes peeled for the "Natural Taoist Symbol"-a yin-yang pattern formed by contrasting rock colors that appears when sunlight hits the cliffs at noon.

Must-experience highlights the Echoing Rock that returns your voice three times (try reciting a poem),the Immortal's Palmprint-a giant hand-shaped depression in the cliffside,spring Water from the Jade Well believed to have healing properties.

Unlike its famous namesake,Little Kongtong maintains an intimate atmosphere.You might encounter resident Taoist monks performing their dawn "Five Animal Exercises" by the Moon-Watching Pavilion,or spot rare white-eared pheasants (protected species) darting through the Medicinal Herb Valley.Would you prefer to explore the hidden cave shrines with their delicate Song Dynasty murals,or should we time our climb to witness the breathtaking "Sunset Lighting the Golden Summit" phenomenon?Every visit here reveals new secrets-just last month,archaeologists discovered previously unknown Yuan Dynasty inscriptions!

9.Yaowangdong Health Preservation Town

Yaowangdong Health Preservation Town,as we step into this enchanting valley nestled in the heart of Qingyang,you're entering a living museum of Chinese medicinal heritage-a place where the legendary "King of Medicine" Sun Simiao is said to have gathered herbs over 1,400 years ago.This picturesque town isn't just a tourist destination;it's a fully immersive health experience blending Tang Dynasty architecture with holistic healing traditions.

Our journey begins at the Herbal Archway,where 108 carved medicinal plants frame the entrance-each representing a key ingredient in traditional formulas.Follow the scent of drying angelica and chrysanthemums to the bustling Herbal Market Square,where third-generation herb masters still weigh remedies using ancient bronze scales.Don't miss the demonstration of "Nine-Steaming-Nine-Basking"-a 1,300-year-old processing technique for rehmannia roots!

The town's crown jewel is the Yaowang Cave Temple,carved directly into the sandstone cliff.Inside,the 8-meter-tall statue of Sun Simiao watches over 300+ rare medical manuscripts displayed in humidity-controlled cases.Touch the "Pulse Diagnosis Wall"-its vibrating sensors mimic human meridians!Nearby,the Five Elements Garden arranges healing plants according to their energetic properties-from fiery saffron to watery lotus.

Hands-on experiences you'll love,meridian massage using warm herbal packs in our bamboo forest therapy huts,DIY herb sachet workshops with 72 signature fragrance combinations,dawn Tai Chi sessions on the Floating Cloud Platform overlooking the valley.

Food becomes medicine here at the Seasonal Banquet Hall,where chefs prepare dishes based on your body type diagnosed by resident TCM doctors.Must-tries include "Five Clouds Soup" (enhances immunity) and walnut cakes baked with astragalus honey.The newly opened Moonlight Tea Garden serves adaptogenic blends while storytellers recount Sun Simiao's famous midnight mountain rescue.

As twilight falls,the town transforms-lanterns shaped like medicinal fruits illuminate the streets,and the Sound Healing Pavilion begins its evening performance using replica ancient bronze "bianzhong" bells tuned to healing frequencies.

Would you prefer to start with a guided herb garden tour,or head straight to the Foot Soak Alley where 36 medicinal footbaths await?Every corner here offers healing-even the cobblestone paths are designed as reflexology maps!

10.Donglaoye Mountain

Donglaoye Mountain,as we ascend this sacred peak in Huan County's northeastern frontier,you're treading upon what devotees call "The Dragon's Backbone"-a 1,812-meter-tall spiritual powerhouse where Taoist masters have communed with the cosmos since the Ming Dynasty.This national 3A scenic area isn't just a mountain;it's a living energy vortex where dramatic geology intertwines with profound religious heritage.

Our pilgrimage begins at the Three Immortals Archway,where the wind whistling through its carved cloud patterns creates an eerie celestial choir effect.The 1,299-step "Stairway of Enlightenment" ahead isn't merely a climb-each tier represents a day in the legendary Taoist master Liu Bai's meditation journey.Watch your step on the "Floating Stone Planks" section-these seemingly precarious sandstone ledges have supported pilgrims' feet for 600 years!

At the summit complex,the Azure Cloud Temple's sweeping eaves seem to defy gravity.Inside the main hall,don't miss the "Ever-Burning Lamp" fueled by sheep fat (continuously lit since 1523),the Revolving Scripture Cabinet containing 800 hand-carved wooden sutra blocks,the "Echoing Cosmic Mirror"-a bronze disc that amplifies whispers toward the valley.

Geological wonders await outdoors the "Yin-Yang Summit" where two distinct rock types meet in perfect balance,cloud Ocean Viewing Platform" for sunrise vistas over the Loess Plateau's wave-like hills,the sacred "Turtle Head Rock" where locals tie red ribbons for longevity blessings.

Time your visit for the September 9th Taoist Festival (lunar calendar) to witness masked rituals and martial arts displays.Day-trippers love our "Taoist Vegetarian Banquet" featuring mountain-foraged ingredients,while serious seekers can join resident monks for dawn chanting or qigong sessions in the ancient Pine Energy Circle.

Would you prefer to explore the hidden Cave of a Thousand Buddhas (actually 347 niche carvings blending Taoist and Buddhist motifs),or should we decode the mysterious cliff-face constellations painted with mineral pigments?Every rock here whispers wisdom-just last year,researchers discovered previously unknown energy meridians running beneath the summit!