Dreaming of Longnan: Unlocking the Hidden Gem Travel Destination of "Jiangnan on the Long"
In the vast northwest territory, there is a corner favored by time—Longnan. It is like a pearl hidden among towering mountains, breaking the stereotype of Gansu as arid and desolate. Known as "Jiangnan on the Long," it showcases gentle and elegant landscapes and a rich historical and cultural heritage. If you yearn for a trip that escapes the hustle and bustle, returns to the essence of nature, and allows you to touch the threads of history, then Longnan is definitely your top choice.
1. Impression of Longnan: The Unique Charm of Jiangnan on the Long
Stepping into Longnan, you are greeted by moist, fresh air and lush mountains and winding streams everywhere. This is the only area in Gansu belonging to the Yangtze River basin with a subtropical climate. It has a high forest coverage rate, distinct seasons, and a pleasant climate. When other places are still chilly in early spring, Longnan is quietly awakened by wildflowers blooming all over the hills; in midsummer, it transforms into a natural summer resort, cool and comfortable; in golden autumn, the forests are dyed in layers of color, with colorful leaves reflecting in the clear lakes; even in winter, some scenic spots offer serene and unique ice and snow landscapes.
2. Best Travel Time
- Spring (March to May): Temperatures rise, everything revives, and wildflowers bloom everywhere, making it an excellent time for spring outings and flower viewing. You can visit Yangba Natural Scenic Area in Kang County to see the fresh green tea gardens and smell the overflowing tea fragrance; or go to Jifeng Mountain in Cheng County to hike surrounded by mountain flowers.
- Summer (June to August): The climate is cool and humid, with average temperatures of 20-25°C, making it a great place to escape the summer heat. Guaneigou has clusters of waterfalls, babbling streams, and lush forests, making it the top choice for a cool summer trip; Tianchi Lake in Wen County, embraced by mountains, has emerald green water and vibrant greenery around, very pleasant.
- Autumn (September to November): The sky is high and clear, and the forests are dyed in layers of color, making it the most colorful season in Longnan. The colorful forests of Guaneigou are dreamlike, like a natural oil painting; the autumn scenery of Yunping Three Gorges is equally stunning, with mountain peaks on both sides of the canyon tinted by autumn colors, magnificent and beautiful.
- Winter (December to February): Some mountainous areas are covered in silver snow, presenting a quiet icy world. Tangyugou Hot Springs in Wudu is a popular winter destination; soaking in the warm springs while enjoying the surrounding snow scenery is very delightful.
3. Must-Visit Attractions
1. Guaneigou National Forest Park: Known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou," it consists of Guanzhu Valley and Eman Valley. Guanzhu Valley has deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and clear blue lakes, with spectacular sights like Wupu Gorge and Jinzun Waterfall along the way; Eman Valley is full of primitive forest charm, with alpine meadows, lakes, and streams complementing each other. Walking here feels like being in a paradise. Recommended visit: 1-2 days.
2. Wanxiang Cave: Known as the "Number One Cave in Northern China," it is a large natural karst cave. Inside, stalactites take on countless shapes, illuminated by lights, creating a dreamlike fairyland. It has three major cave realms: Moon Palace, Heavenly Palace, and Dragon Palace. Walking through it, one can't help but marvel at nature's craftsmanship. Visit time: about 2-3 hours.
3. Xixia Song Scenic Area: The area not only boasts serene and beautiful natural scenery but is also famous for the well-preserved Han Dynasty cliff inscription "Xixia Song." The canyon has babbling streams and waterfall ribbons. Walking along the plank road, you can enjoy the scenery while appreciating ancient calligraphy art and feeling the weight of history. Visit time: 2-3 hours.
4. Tianchi Lake in Wen County: As one of China's four major heavenly lakes, it is like a pearl set among high mountains. The lake water is clear and green all year round, surrounded by mountains and mist, picturesque and poetic. Here, you can stroll around the lake to feel the tranquility of nature or camp by the lake and gaze at the starry sky. Recommended visit: half a day to one day.
5. Yangba Natural Scenic Area: Known as the "Xishuangbanna of Gansu," it features a unique subtropical ecological landscape. The area is covered with tea gardens, clear streams, fresh air, and a high content of negative oxygen ions. You can experience tea picking and making, taste the fragrant Yangba Maojian tea, and enjoy a leisurely rural life. Visit time: half a day to one day.
6. Hadapu Red Army Long March Memorial Hall: This was an important "decision-making place" and "refueling station" during the Red Army's Long March, with great historical significance. The hall displays many precious historical relics and materials, vividly recreating the hardships and great spirit of the Long March through exhibitions, sculptures, and multimedia. Visit time: 2-3 hours.
7. Jifeng Mountain National Forest Park: Famous for its "strangeness, danger, and beauty," it is the top mountain in Longnan. The mountain is densely vegetated with unique peaks. From the summit, you can overlook the entire Cheng County and enjoy magnificent sunrises and sea of clouds. Visit time: 3-4 hours.
4. Specialty Foods
1. Yangyu Jiaotuan: A Longnan specialty made by steaming potatoes and repeatedly pounding them, resulting in a soft and chewy texture. Served with a sour and spicy sauce containing chives, garlic paste, and chili oil, each bite is tangy, spicy, and fragrant, leaving a lasting impression.
2. Longnan Douhua Noodles: The noodles are chewy, the tofu pudding tender, and the broth spicy and fragrant. Adding a spoonful of chili oil and refreshing side dishes, it has a rich flavor and is a favorite local breakfast and staple food.
3. Wudu Sichuan Pepper Sprouts: Wudu Sichuan pepper is famous nationwide, and the pepper sprouts have a unique flavor. They are tender with a faint pepper aroma and can be served cold, stir-fried, or in soup, refreshing and appetizing.
4. Lixian Hot Mianpi: Made from rice, the noodles are soft and chewy, paired with unique chili oil and seasonings, spicy and satisfying. It is a local snack loved by residents of Lixian.
5. Dangchang Red Army Guokui: Thick and crispy in texture, available in various flavors. It is said that during the Red Army's Long March through Dangchang, this guokui was easy to carry and preserve, becoming an important ration for the Red Army, hence the name.
5. Accommodation Recommendations
1. Wudu District: As the urban area of Longnan, it offers a wide range of accommodations from budget hotels to high-end star-rated hotels. It is recommended to stay near Dongjiang New District or Panxuan Road for convenient transportation and abundant nearby dining and shopping options.
2. Dangchang County: For visiting Guaneigou, it is advisable to stay in guesthouses or farm stays near the Guaneigou Scenic Area for easy access and to experience the tranquility and simplicity of the countryside. For example, Guaneigou Style Town has many unique guesthouses with beautiful environments and attentive service.
3. Cheng County: The county town has hotels and inns at various price points, with locations near Xixia Song Scenic Area or Jifeng Mountain preferred. Areas near Donghe Ecological Park in Cheng County offer pleasant environments and convenient travel.
4. Wen County: For visiting Tianchi Lake, you can choose to stay inside or near the scenic area to enjoy the most beautiful views of the lake at dawn and dusk. Wen County town also has many accommodation options with relatively affordable prices.
6. Travel Itinerary Planning
Five-Day In-Depth Tour
- Day 1: Arrive in Wudu District, visit Wanxiang Cave, stay overnight in Wudu.
- Day 2: Wudu to Dangchang, visit Guaneigou in the morning, explore Guanzhu Valley in the afternoon.
- Day 3: Full day at Eman Valley, then head to Hadapu to visit the Hadapu Red Army Long March Memorial Hall, stay overnight in Hadapu or Dangchang town.
- Day 4: Dangchang to Wen County, visit Tianchi Lake to enjoy the alpine lake scenery, stay near Tianchi Lake or in Wen County town.
- Day 5: Wen County to Kang County, visit Yangba Natural Scenic Area to experience tea gardens and subtropical charm, then return.
7. Travel Tips
1. Transportation: Longnan Cheng County has Longnan Cheng County Airport with direct flights to some cities; alternatively, you can first arrive in Lanzhou, Xi’an, or other cities, then transfer by train or bus to Longnan. Longnan Station is the main railway station, served by the Lan-Yu Railway, making transportation relatively convenient. Attractions in Longnan are scattered, so self-driving or chartering a car is more convenient; public transportation requires multiple transfers and takes longer.
2. Clothing Preparation: The mountainous areas of Longnan have large temperature differences between day and night. No matter when you visit, bring a warm jacket. In summer, also prepare long sleeves and pants to prevent mosquito bites; in spring and autumn, bring light sweaters or hoodies; in winter, wear thick cotton clothes or down jackets for warmth.
3. Sun and Mosquito Protection: Summer has strong sunlight and high UV radiation, so take sun protection measures and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. The mountains have many mosquitoes, so bring mosquito repellent, insecticide, or floral water.
4. Respect Local Customs: Some areas in Longnan are inhabited by ethnic minorities. Respect local customs and religious beliefs. When visiting temples or other religious sites, follow the rules, avoid taking photos casually, and do not make loud noises.