Discover N Ways to Unlock China's Colorado in Baiyin

Located in central Gansu Province at the upper reaches of the Yellow River where four provinces (Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Qinghai) converge, Baiyin City spans 21,200 square kilometers as China's only city named after precious metals. Its name originates from the "Baiyin Factory" silver mine established during the Ming Hongwu era, earning it the nickname "Copper City" for its glorious history in China's non-ferrous metal industry. Iconic Features: Natural Wonders: The Yellow River Stone Forest National Geopark is renowned for its yellow conglomerate peaks shaped by millions of years of erosion, featuring winding canyons and towering stone pillars, voted "China's Natural Wonder" by Chinese National Geography. Red Heritage: The Huining Red Army Memorial Site marks where three main Red Army forces united in 1936, signifying the end of the Long March, now a national patriotic education base. Silk Road Legacy: As a key Silk Road node, Baiyin preserves cultural relics like the Faquan Temple Grottoes and Wufo Yan Temple, with artifacts such as gilded Roman silver plates evidencing East-West cultural exchange. Mining Culture: The Flaming Mountains National Mining Park showcases Baiyin's century-old mining history through open pits and industrial ruins. Local Legends: Yellow River Stone Forest folklore claims Genghis Khan watered his horses here during western expeditions, naming "Yinma Gully"; ancient waterwheels at Longwan Village testify to millennia of irrigation culture. Red Army history: In October 1936, Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai witnessed a revolutionary turning point at Huining's Meeting Tower, preserved with the Memorial Pagoda and Long March Victory Museum. ⛺【Must-Visit Spots】 1. Natural Wonders Yellow River Stone Forest Geopark Highlights: 22-Bend Road: 216m elevation drop offers "real-life Fast & Furious" driving thrills. Yinma Grand Canyon: Hike or donkey-cart through formations like "Lion Guard Pass" and "Sailing Fleet" rocks. Yellow River Rafting: Summer sheepskin raft rides (¥90/raft, max 3pax) or winter ice karting. Ticket: ¥40 (student discount); transport combo ¥85. Hours: All-day (some activities close at 18:00). Baiyin Shuichuan Wetland Park Free urban oasis with riverside trails, migratory birds, and epic sunset photography. 2. Cultural Sites Huining Red Army Memorial Essentials: Meeting Tower: Ming Dynasty wall where history was made. Tri-Army Memorial Pagoda: 11 floors represent Long March provinces; panoramic views from top. Long March Victory Museum: 200+ artifacts with immersive multimedia displays. Hours: 8:30-17:30 (summer), 9:00-17:00 (winter); free entry; guided tours ¥100-150/group. Baiyin Museum Free exhibits including Qijia Culture "Human-Head Pottery Jar," tracing local history from Neolithic era. 3. Food & Nightlife Eateries: Jingyin Lamb: 3-generation braised lamb with dipped noodles (Wansheng Road). Da Dao Liangpi: Wuyi Street's queue-worthy cold noodles with secret sauce (¥8/person). Chen Spicy Vermicelli: 20-year-old shop with fiery broth and braised trotters (¥15/person). Night Markets: Sanhe Alley: Food hub with grilled squid, Leshan skewers, and fruit salads plus live music. Red Army Street: Themed street selling revolutionary souvenirs and local snacks. 🛬【Itinerary】 1. Suggested Duration 2-Day Highlights: Day1: Huining Memorial → Stone Forest (2hr drive) → rafting → Longwan homestay. Day2: Yinma Canyon hike → Baiyin Museum → Sanhe Alley. 3-Day Deep Dive: Day1: Wetland Park → Flaming Mountains Mine Park → night market. Day2: Full-day Stone Forest (farm lunch + karting). Day3: Huining Memorial → Red Army Street → return. 2. Transportation External: Lanzhou→Baiyin: Express bus: ¥15, 1.5hr (30min frequency). Drive: 1.5hr via G6 Expressway (¥50 toll). Baiyin→Stone Forest: Tour bus: ¥15, 1.5hr (last bus 17:00). Private car: ¥300/day (4pax ideal). Local: Bus: ¥1-3; bike-sharing available. Taxi: ¥6 starting fare; ¥10-15 between downtown attractions. 3. Sample Schedule Stone Forest Day Trip: 8:00 Arrive → shuttle to 22-Bend viewpoint. 9:30 Donkey cart (¥90) through Yinma Canyon. 12:00 Farmhouse lunch (try Yellow River carp). 14:00 Rafting/karting. 16:00 Shop for local stones/wolfberries. 🏨【Accommodation】 1. Near Stone Forest Stone Forest Hotel: Only 4-star option (¥400-600/night). Longwan Homestays: Cave-style lodgings (¥100-150/person) with bonfire activities. 2. Baiyin Downtown Upscale: Hampton by Hilton: Landmark hotel (¥600-800/night). Wansheng Hotel: City-center (¥500-700) with shuttle service. Budget: Hanting (Tiantian Plaza): Renovated (¥200-300). Hongqiao Business: Spacious rooms (¥180-250). 3. Huining County Theme Stays: Meeting Tower Hotel: Red Army decor (¥300-400). Long March Victory Hotel: Pagoda views (¥280-350). 🧡【Tips】 Essentials: ID card (required for tickets), student discounts. SPF50+ sunscreen (intense UV). Layered clothing; grippy shoes for canyons. Lip balm (dry climate). Etiquette: Stay hydrated in unshaded canyons. Maintain solemnity at Red Army sites. Respect Hui dietary customs. Pro Tips: Request reduced spice levels when ordering. Best photo light: sunrise/sunset at Stone Forest. September's "Yellow River Culture Festival" features raft races and folk shows (check "Baiyin Culture Tourism" WeChat). Embark on a northwestern journey blending geological marvels, revolutionary history, and culinary delights! 🌄✨