Longnan

The temperature difference between morning and evening is pronounced in the mountains of Longnan, so it is advisable to bring a light jacket even in summer.

Known as the “Jiangnan of Longshang,” Longnan is the only subtropical humid climate zone in Gansu Province. The area offers a wide variety of natural scenery, including alpine lakes, canyon waterfalls, karst caves, and grassland pastures. Unlike the desert-and-gobi landscape commonly associated with Gansu, it is well suited to travelers who enjoy natural scenery and a relaxed pace.

• Guang'e Valley: Longnan’s only 5A-rated scenic area, made up of Guanzhu Valley and Eman Valley. The area features alpine lakes, groups of waterfalls, and primeval forests. In autumn, visitors can enjoy colorful woodland scenery. It is also often called the “Little Jiuzhaigou of Longshang.”

• Wanxiang Cave: A karst cave formed 250 million years ago, with an interior temperature that stays at around 14°C year-round. The stalactites take on varied forms under the lights, making the cave a pleasantly cool place to visit in summer.

• Wen County Tianchi Lake: One of China’s four major Tianchi lakes, situated among the mountains. The water is clear, and a walk along the lakeside boardwalk offers an unhurried way to take in the mountain and lake scenery.

• Xixia Ode: This site preserves relatively complete cliff inscriptions from the Eastern Han dynasty. The canyon, waterfalls, and calligraphic relics come together here, while the boardwalk follows the water and stays relatively cool.

• Qianba Pasture: Located in Gansu’s high-altitude grassland region at an elevation of more than 2,000 meters. After 4 p.m., the light becomes softer, and herds of cattle and sheep can often be seen across the grassland.
• Jifeng Mountain: Known as the “Little Emei of Longyou,” it is a good place to see seas of clouds and sunrises. After climbing to a higher elevation, visitors can overlook the city’s autumn colors and look toward ancient mountain temples in the distance.

A Classic 3–5-Day Route Without Backtracking

Longnan’s attractions are spread far apart, so the itinerary can be arranged by location. Choose one or two main attractions each day to reduce the amount of time spent on the road.

• Day 1: Arrive in Wudu and get a feel for the mountain city
  • Afternoon: After arriving at Longnan Station, check in to your accommodation. Then take a walk in Bailong River Riverside Park to experience the everyday atmosphere of this linear mountain city from the riverbank.

• Evening: Head to Jiezhou Night Market for dinner. Options include sweet fermented-grain milk tea, grilled meat skewers, and potato jiaotuan.

• Day 2: Wudu’s grasslands and cave scenery
  • Morning: Head to Qianba Pasture to relax and enjoy the scenery in the alpine grasslands, and watch cattle and sheep grazing across the fields.
  • Afternoon: Visit Wanxiang Cave to learn about the geological features formed underground. Temperatures inside the cave are low, so bring a light jacket and wear nonslip shoes.

• Evening: Return to Wudu for the night, or stay in Dangchang County.
• Day 3: A full-day visit to Guang'e Valley in Dangchang
  • All day: Set aside the day for Guang'e Valley. You can first take a sightseeing bus to Guanzhu Valley to focus on the waterfalls, then continue to Eman Valley to see the alpine lakes.

• Evening: Stay in Dangchang County or at a guesthouse near the scenic area. For dinner, try local cured meat and chicken stewed with medicinal herbs.
• Day 4: Cheng County’s cultural relics and canyon scenery
  • Morning: Head to Xixia Ode in Cheng County to see the Eastern Han cliff inscriptions and walk along the canyon boardwalk.

• Afternoon: Head to Jifeng Mountain to see the sea of clouds. If you plan to hike, set out early; alternatively, visit Du Fu Shrine (Du Fu Thatched Cottage) to see its red walls and bamboo groves.

• Evening: Have dinner on Cheng County’s Old Street. You can try Ma Zhanxiang Wontons and buy walnut buns as souvenirs.
• Day 5: Wen County Tianchi Lake and Tibetan village culture (if time allows)
  • Morning: Travel from Wudu to Wen County Tianchi Lake. Take a boat across the lake, or relax and take photos by the lakeside swings.

• Afternoon: Visit a Baima Tibetan village to learn about the local ethnic culture, sample zagan liquor, and watch a mask dance.

• Dusk: Take a walk along the Baishui River to wrap up the trip.

Transportation and Accommodation Guide

• Getting there:
  • High-speed rail: Longnan Station is in Wudu District and is the preferred arrival station. Direct trains are available from both Chengdu and Lanzhou. You can also choose Longnan Cheng County Airport.
  • Driving: The journey takes about 3.5 hours from Lanzhou and about 6 hours from Chengdu, via the Lanhai and Shitian expressways.
• Travel within the counties: The attractions are far apart, and the mountain roads have many bends, so driving or hiring a car makes it easier to arrange your itinerary. Taxis in the county towns cost 5–8 yuan, and shared electric scooters are also convenient.
• Where to stay:
  • Wudu District: Consider staying near Panxuan Road or Longnan Station. Rooms cost about 150–250 yuan per night, and these locations are convenient for reaching night markets and dining areas.
  • Dangchang County: A suitable base for visiting Guang'e Valley, as it is close to the scenic area and has many Tibetan-style guesthouses.

• Cheng County: Consider staying in the old town area, where rooms cost about 80–150 yuan per night. The area is close to the food street, making dining convenient.

Must-Try Local Foods in Longnan

Longnan cuisine combines the spicy flavors of the northwest with the soft, sticky textures of southern foods, while prices are generally affordable.

• Potato jiaotuan: Potatoes are pounded until they become sticky and chewy, then served with chili oil and pickled vegetables. This is one of the area’s signature traditional snacks and is also commonly eaten for breakfast.

• Ma Zhanxiang Wontons: Located on a corner of Cheng County’s Old Street, this long-established shop has no prominent sign. The wonton wrappers are thin, and the broth is mainly made from bones, with dried shrimp and seaweed added. A bowl costs 8 yuan.

• Sweet fermented-grain milk tea: A common drink at Wudu Night Market. The tea base is refreshing, while fermented oat grains add sweetness and a chewy texture. Paired with grilled meat, it helps cut through the richness.

• Wood-fired chicken: A common dish at Cheng County farm restaurants. A free-range chicken is stewed in an iron pot, with corn cakes arranged around the edge. The meat is cooked until tender and falling off the bone. The average cost is 40 yuan per person.

• Walnut buns: A specialty of Cheng County, made by adding crushed walnuts to a flatbread before baking. They are crisp and cost 2 yuan each, making them easy to buy and carry.

• Wen County tofu-flower noodles: Made with tender tofu pudding, chili oil, and noodles. With a smooth texture, they are a common breakfast choice in Wen County town.

Practical Tips

• What to wear: The temperature difference between morning and evening is substantial in the mountains of Longnan. Bring a light jacket even in summer; for an autumn trip in October, consider a windbreaker or heavier jacket. Caves and canyon boardwalks may be wet and slippery, so nonslip walking shoes are recommended.
• Weather: Mountain weather can change quickly. During the rainy season from June to August, watch for heavy rain, and take extra care when driving in wet conditions. Before heading to Qianba Pasture or Jifeng Mountain for a sea of clouds or sunrise, check the weather forecast and choose a stretch of clear days.
• Ticket reservations: Popular 5A-rated attractions such as Guang'e Valley can be crowded on weekends during peak season. It is advisable to book hotels and tickets three days in advance. Bring a student ID, as some attractions offer half-price admission.
• Buying local products: Loose local products sold near scenic-area entrances may be overpriced. When buying walnuts, Sichuan pepper, and other local specialties, consider visiting markets or old streets in the city, where there is usually more choice.
• Altitude sickness: Leigushan in Guang'e Valley reaches 4,154 meters, and Wen County Tianchi Lake is also at a relatively high elevation. Pay attention to how you feel and take suitable precautions against altitude sickness. Travelers who are less physically fit should stay within their limits and avoid strenuous exercise.