Ningxia Jingyuan: A Summer Retreat Wonderland at the Foot of Liupan Mountain, Encountering a Cool Summer of 18℃

In the height of summer, when cities are enveloped in heatwaves, Jingyuan County, nestled in the heart of Liupan Mountain, awaits your arrival with its refreshing 18-degree coolness. This is not only the source of the Jing River but also a summer resort blessed by nature. Stepping into Jingyuan is like entering a cool world dominated by green. With a forest coverage rate of up to 38.58% and an average annual negative oxygen ion concentration of 2221 per cubic centimeter, it is truly a "Natural Oxygen Bar of China." Lush trees act like giant parasols, casting large swathes of shade. A gentle breeze blows, and the summer heat instantly dissipates. As the source of the Jing River, this area is crisscrossed by waterways, with rivers of all sizes winding their way through. The clear river water sparkles under the sun. Scoop up a handful of water, and the refreshing coolness spreads from your fingertips throughout your body. --- Scenic Wonders: A Fusion of Nature and History Jingyuan's natural landscapes are rich and diverse, each exuding unique charm. Laolongtan (Old Dragon Pond), known as the natural water tower on the Loess Plateau, is the source of the Jing River. It is famous not only for its turbulent, clear waters and the convergence of a hundred springs but also for its majestic and perilous scenery and its wondrous, magical legends. Legend has it that this is where Wei Zheng dreamt of beheading the Old Dragon of the Jing River. The red stones in the pond are said to be the dragon king's blood. Yehe Valley (Wild Lotus Valley) is a canyon full of Jiangnan charm. In this 10-kilometer-long green corridor, the riverbed is covered with wild lotus, their leaves like canopies, with clear river water hidden beneath them. The north bank features towering cliffs adorned with Huashan pines, while the south bank boasts a rich variety of native trees, giving it the feel of a primeval forest. Liangdian Gorge (Cool Palace Gorge) is a place steeped in historical memory. The 10-kilometer-long gorge contains relics such as the summer retreat site of Genghis Khan and the "Horse Reining Stone." Walking through it, you can not only enjoy the coolness but also feel the weight of history. Cultural Charm: From Ancient Roads to Folk Festivals Jingyuan is not only blessed with charming natural scenery but also boasts a profound cultural heritage. Wating Ancient City, a crucial pass on the northern route of the eastern section of the Silk Road, has stood majestically on the Xiaoguan Ancient Road since the Han and Tang dynasties. Historically, it was a strategic hub, easy to defend and difficult to attack, earning it the moniker "Iron Wating." Stepping into the newly renovated Xiaoguan Cultural Park, the towering Hanque Gate no longer evokes the solemnity of border warfare, but rather a profound tranquility. The cultural wall is inlaid with 18 poems describing Xiaoguan from the Han Dynasty onwards. There is the heroic spirit of Cen Can's "In the cool eighth month, on the Xiaoguan Road, the north wind blows away the grass of Tianshan," and the melancholy of Jia Dao's "Xiaoguan divides the desert road, neighing horses turn their backs to the cold geese." This summer, Jingyuan's cultural and tourism activities have been spectacular. Two consecutive concerts ignited the cool summer of this small tourist town, with over ten thousand spectators immersing themselves in a sea of music. As night falls, Jingyuan Niujie (Beef Street) comes alive. As the county's first street integrating culture, commerce, and tourism, it is filled with the hustle and bustle of daily life. The aroma of specialty dishes made primarily from Jingyuan yellow beef, such as grilled yellow beef, teppanyaki, and beef offal soup, fills the air, and crowds gather in front of over a hundred stalls. The Niujie mini-stage hosts cultural performances every weekend, where performers vividly showcase Jingyuan's folk customs and cultural essence through graceful dances and moving songs. Unique Experiences: Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of Nature and Culture To deeply experience the charm of Jingyuan, don't miss these exciting activities: Stay in a boutique guesthouse at Xiangshui Fengqingbao (Xiangshui Style Fort). Here, traditional Sanheyuan (three-sided courtyards) and Siheyuan (four-sided courtyards) have been transformed into a comprehensive tourist resort integrating dining, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment. Adjacent to Xiangshui New Village, Xiangshui Flower Sea covers an area of 500 mu, consisting of tree-lined flower landscapes and large-field flower seas, making it an excellent destination for tourism, sightseeing, and summer retreats. Visit Yejia Village to experience rural tourism. Known as a "Model Village for Rural Tourism in China," this village has 127 "farmhouses" and is a major highlight of Jingyuan's rural tourism. Here, you can taste authentic Jingyuan yellow beef, Jingyuan honey, and other local agricultural products, and experience the tranquility and beauty of the countryside. --- This summer, while you endure the high temperatures in the city, Jingyuan awaits your visit with its refreshing 18-degree coolness. Here, every breath is fresh air, and every step is a poetic landscape. Jingyuan, this cool wonderland hidden in the heart of Liupan Mountain, is waiting to meet you.