Things to do in Xiji
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Top 10 attractions in Xiji
Huoshizhai National Geological (Forest) Park
In spring and summer, the mountains are full of flowers and grass, colorful, bees and butterflies dancing, full of vitality. Among the sparse trees, there are clusters of arrow bamboo, adding a bit of southern beauty to the northern mountains and rivers. Within a hundred miles of Huoshizhai, there are many large and small towering peaks, among which the famous ones are Saozhuling, Shisi Mountain, Zhaobi Mountain, etc., and the natural stone city is particularly amazing. Huoshizhai not only has fascinating natural landscapes, but also more than ten cave buildings, which are in the same vein as the Xumi Mountain Grottoes. The Chan Buddhist Temple Grottoes are connected to Mount Xumi, also known as the "Xumeru Mountain Chan Buddhist Temple". It was a holy place for the spread of the Zen sect of Buddhism in the Tang Dynasty. The grottoes were carved on a pointed pagoda-style stone peak, which is about 120 meters high, like a spear piercing the sky, with four walls hanging in the air, which is strange and unusual. If you climb to the top of the peak, clouds and mist float under your feet. There are 10 caves in the east and west of the stone peak, with remaining murals, stone carved Xumi pedestals, etc. Among them, the grotto is 15 meters away from the top of the peak, with a rectangular flat roof. Local residents offer three clay statues. There is a grotto in the lower half of the stone peak, which is 15 meters deep, 4 meters wide and 5 meters high. The cave can accommodate more than 100 people. The main peak of the grotto is surrounded by strange peaks and rocks, some rising in the sky, some sinking into the valley, with different shapes. Saozhuling Grottoes are located in a group of stone peaks 5 kilometers south of Huoshizhai Township. They are named after the bamboos that grow on the mountain to make brooms. They are also called "Yuntai Mountain" and "Western Wudang". The forests here are lush and the water is clear. In particular, the unique and towering stone mountains give people the feeling of "Guilin landscape". The peaks are fairy-like and quite charming. The main peak of Saozhuling is surrounded by cliffs on all sides, but there are stone steps carved in the northeast corner for climbing. The magical natural landscape and the humanistic buildings on the mountain are integrated. More than 30 caves, including the Jade Emperor Pavilion, the Great Buddha Hall, the Bodhisattva Hall, the Bull King Hall, and the Longevity Palace, are distributed on a stone wall about 330 meters long from east to west. Most of the caves are rectangular with flat roofs and round dome roofs. The rectangular Great Buddha Hall is 9 meters deep, 6.1 meters wide, and 5.45 meters high. Most of the statues in the grottoes have been destroyed, and only stone-carved Sumeru pedestals, niches, and murals remain. There are four relatively complete stone statues, with a height of 4.8 meters and a waist circumference of 4.4 meters. There are also three bronze Buddha statues in the grottoes, one of which was made during the reign of Emperor Taiwu of the Northern Wei Dynasty (424-452); the other is a gilded bronze statue of Sakyamuni from the Song Dynasty, 46 cm high and weighing 18 kg.Xiji · 15.6 km from downtown
Shapotou Scenic Area
The scenic spot is located 16 kilometers west of Zhongwei City, Ningxia, on the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert. The scenic spot has successively won honors such as "the first batch of national 5A-level tourist attractions", "the top 500 global environmental protection units", and "the first batch of national tourism standardization demonstration units". The three major cultural elements of the scenic area include the "Yellow River Culture" based on the intangible cultural heritage sheepskin rafts, the "Desert Culture" based on straw grids and Desert Legend Park, and the "Starry Sky Culture" based on the Desert Star Hotel. The tourism resources of these three elements have created a unique and magnificent landscape of "sunset over the long river and starry sky in the desert". The "six major ways to play" are highly praised and loved by tourists. Among them, the Yellow River projects include sheepskin rafting, Huangtengda, Yellow River speedboat, drift boat, passionate sandboarding and high-altitude bungee jumping, etc. The desert projects include Desert Camel, Desert Flying (Stepping into the Blue Clouds), and Sand Sea. Surfing, etc., starry sky projects include stargazing lectures, meteor feasts, sand therapy experiences, star cakes and other special products. In addition, there are also privately customized products for hiking, desert expansion, and educational and entertaining study experiences. The scenic area not only has diverse cultural elements and fun project experiences, but also multi-level accommodation experiences waiting for you: the butler-style Diamond Hotel, the quiet Desert Star Hotel for stargazing, the quiet Yellow River Courtyard in the bustling city, and finally the economical and affordable business-style Tourist Service Center Hotel and other differentiated tourist accommodations for you to choose from.China · Zhongwei
Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park
Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park is a key cultural tourism project in Gansu Province and a comprehensive cultural tourism initiative prioritized by the Lanzhou Municipal Committee and Government. Located by the Yellow River, the park is just 13 km from downtown Lanzhou and 30 km from Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport, making it one of the closest Danxia landform clusters to a major urban center in China. With a total planned area of 400 sq km and a core visiting area of 25 sq km in its first phase, it ranks among the largest discovered landscapes of its kind in the country. The park primarily features red mountain bay formations, along with spectacular Danxia cliffs, isolated peaks, secluded valleys, narrow gorges, and balancing rocks. Its colorful mountains set against winding waterways create a masterpiece of Danxia landform scenery. The attraction features seven viewing platforms showcasing the Danxia landforms: Silk Road Glow, Silk Road Eagle, Flying Apsaras Exploration, Nine-Colored Danxia, Danxia Reflecting Sky, Emerald Peaks Rippling Sky, and Danxia Summit Scenic View. It also includes the Ancient Silk Road Gateway, Shajing Tribe Cultural Square, Desert Bells Scenic Boulevard, and a 2,550m Danxia boardwalk viewing area. As a key cultural tourism project in the province, Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park adheres to the principles of "ecological protection, green development, preserving original features, and moderate development." Leveraging Lanzhou's unique resource advantages and focusing on the domestic tourism market, it aims to cultivate new growth drivers for Lanzhou's cultural tourism industry and establish a new highland for cultural tourism in the city.China · Yongdeng
Xumishan Grottoes
Xumi Mountain Grottoes, located about 60 kilometers northwest of Guyuan City, was an important pass in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and also an important gateway on the Silk Road. Xumi Mountain Grottoes were excavated in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-557) and continued until the end of the Tang Dynasty. Before the Xumi Mountain Grottoes, most Buddha statues were made of clay. Stone carving techniques were gradually adopted from the Xumi Mountain Grottoes. Numerous grottoes were excavated in Xumi Mountain from the Northern Wei Dynasty to the Sui and Tang Dynasties, and these grottoes reflect different styles of the times. The Buddha statues in the Northern Wei Dynasty have high nose bridges and retain the style of Indian Buddhism. Some statues have thin faces, slender shoulders, and wide robes with large sleeves; the Buddha statues in the Sui Dynasty have long upper bodies, short lower limbs, short necks, and simple and heavy images; the Buddha statues in the Tang Dynasty have a trend of plump bodies and luxurious and gorgeous clothes, showing the extraordinary temperament of Tang Dynasty art. The whole Attraction is divided into two parts: the museum and the grottoes. The two places are far apart. You can also take the sightseeing bus in the Attraction to go to these two places (10 yuan per round Round-trip, additional fee). Visitors can visit the museum first when entering the Attraction. The exhibits in the museum are themed on grottoes and Buddhist art, and are basically replicas. Here you can learn about the Buddhist caves, collections and stories related to Buddhism in various places on the Silk Road. After visiting the museum, you can follow the signs to go down the mountain and cross the river valley to reach Mount Xumi on the opposite bank, and climb the mountain to visit the grottoes. There were originally more than 100 caves in the Xumi Mountain Grottoes, and the exquisiteness of the caves is comparable to that of the Mogao Grottoes, but many have been destroyed by humans. So far, there are more than 20 caves with relatively intact statues. The color of the Buddha statues from the Sui Dynasty (581-618) in the first cave is well preserved; next to it is Cave No. 5, which is the symbol of the Xumi Mountain Grottoes - the Great Buddha Building built in the Tang Dynasty. It was the achievement of Wu Zetian in worshipping Maitreya Buddha nationwide. This Buddha statue is taller than the large sitting Buddha in the Yungang Grottoes and the Vairocana Buddha in the Longmen Grottoes. The 45th, 46th and 48th caves with the most existing statues in the Attraction are all located within the Yuanguang Temple in the Attraction. There are more than 40 statues larger than real people here. Most of the standing Buddhas in the niches are one Buddha and two Bodhisattvas, and the carvings are exquisite. In addition, there are various small Buddhas on the forehead of the niches, and there are musicians holding various musical instruments under the niches. There are reliefs of flying celestial beings flying around the tower pillars on the top of the caves, with various poses and dazzling. These caves were all built in the Northern Zhou Dynasty (557-581). The No. 51 cave in Xiangguo Temple is the largest cave in Xumi Mountain, but it is seriously damaged. In the 1960s, when a reservoir was built near Xumi Mountain, tens of thousands of workers lived in these caves. The transportation to Xumi Mountain Grottoes is not very convenient. There is no direct bus. Tourists need to take a minibus in Guyuan City to Sanying Town, and then transfer to a private car in the town to go to the Attraction.Guyuan · 42 km from Xiji
Xixia Imperial Tombs
Xixia Imperial Tombs, located in the western suburbs of YinchuanHelan MountainThe Western Xia Mausoleum served as the royal burial site of the Western Xia Dynasty, where several emperors were interred. Today, the entire mausoleum complex contains 9 imperial tombs and over 140 accompanying burial sites, making it one of the largest royal burial grounds in Chinese history by area. The tombs feature a unique inverted steamed-bun shape unlike any other Chinese mausoleums. Additionally, the attraction includes facilities such as the Western Xia Mausoleum Museum, Western Xia Mausoleum - Western Xia Historical Art Gallery, and Western Xia Stele Forest to help visitors understand the historical and cultural significance behind these tombs. The attraction currently has mausoleums No. 1, 2, and 3 open for visitors. Mausoleum No. 3 (the "Tai Mausoleum" of Li Yuanhao, founding emperor of the Western Xia Dynasty) is located relatively close to The Western Xia Mausoleum's Western Xia History Art Museum and Western Xia Stele Forest. The Western Xia Dynasty was established by the Tangut people, with distinct writing systems and customs different from the Han Chinese of the Central Plains. After the dynasty's fall, its cities and history mysteriously vanished into the Gobi Desert, becoming an enduring enigma until modern discoveries and interpretations. The Western Xia Mausoleum Museum houses a rich collection of artifacts from the dynasty, including many precious stone carvings with Tangut script and murals showcasing Western Xia artistic styles. The museum offers free guides that provide fascinating insights into the customs, culture, rise, and fall of this mysterious dynasty, enhancing visitors' experience when exploring the mausoleum. On July 11, 2025, the Western Xia Mausoleum was officially inscribed on the World Heritage List. You can visit the Haowang Mausoleum up close within the attraction. The massive inverted semicircular tomb stands on the wasteland, bringing centuries of history vividly before your eyes, while in the distance...Helan MountainThe rugged ravines of the mountain ridges evoke a profound sense of desolate grandeur and timeless vicissitude. The Western Xia Mausoleum Museum inside the attraction has been newly unveiled. The exhibits are divided into six sections: history of Western Xia, Western Xia culture, Western Xia religious art, Western Xia socio-economy, Western Xia Mausoleum, and preservation & inheritance. Nearly 5,000 artifacts are displayed, including thangka paintings, documents, clay sculptures, bronze and ironware, textiles, and porcelain. Many of these are exquisite cultural relics unearthed during recent archaeological research at the Western Xia Mausoleum.China · Yinchuan
China West Film Studio
Zhenbeibao Western Cinema is located in Xixia District, Yinchuan City. In this studio, which is characterized by simplicity, roughness and desolation, classic films such as "Wrangler", "Red Sorghum", "Journey to the West", "Thorn Mausoleum", "Jin Yiwei" and hundreds of influential film and television films were filmed. In the remaining part, a large number of celebrities from the Chinese film industry have left their footprints here, such as Gong Li, Jiang Wen, Zhang Yimou, Ge You, Zhou Xingchi, Donnie Yen and so on. The cinema consists of three parts: Mingcheng, Qingcheng and Old Yinchuan Street. Tourists can visit the cinema along the "figure 8" route of Old Yinchuan Street. Here, you can see the appearance of Yinchuan in the first half of the 20th century, and eat local traditional snacks such as mutton soup. The Ming and Qing cities in the film city were rebuilt from the military castles left over from the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the Ming and Qing cities, you can see many familiar movie scenes, such as: the gate tower where Sun Wukong and Fairy Zixia are standing in "Journey to the West", the throne of the Bull Demon King, the torture platform of the Tang monk; and the movie "Journey to the West" The Moon Gate in "Red Sorghum", the winemaking workshop where "My Grandpa" urinated after being drunk, the sedan chair that Jiu'er took when he got married, the big vat for wine, and the bowls. There are costumes and props for rent in many places in the studio. Here, you can wear a set of costumes in the play, use the props in the movie, and walk around the scenes of the movie to live the addiction of being a star. Before going to Zhenbeibao Western Studios, you can revisit a few classic movies first, and then go to visit, you will have a different feeling.China · Yinchuan
Maijishan Scenic Area
The Maijishan Scenic Area is located in the southeast of Tianshui, Gansu Province, within the Xiaolong Mountain forest area of the western Qinling range. A ridge extending from southwest to northeast separates the Wei River, a tributary of the Yellow River, from the Jialing River, a tributary of the Yangtze, placing them to the north and south respectively. The northern mountains boast majestic peaks, while the southern streams are serene and picturesque, blending both temperaments within the same landscape. The entire attraction comprises five major sections: the Maijishan Cave-Temple Complex, Xianren Cliff, Shimen Mountain, Quxi, and Jieting Hot Springs, with over 180 attractions scattered across more than 200 square km of forested terrain. Ancient Qinzhou scenes like "Maiji mist and rain," "immortals offering lanterns," "night moon at Shimen," and "pine waves in pure land" all originate from these mountains. The core of the attraction is the Maijishan Cave-Temple Complex, renowned alongside the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, and the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang as one of China's four great cave-temple complexes. Maiji Mountain is an isolated peak in the Xiaolong range, named for its resemblance to a farmer's wheat stack. Its sheer red cliffs—over 100 m high on the eastern, western, and southern sides—are densely honeycombed with caves, connected by tiered aerial walkways spiraling upward to the Upper Seven-Buddha Pavilion, colloquially called "Sanhua Tower," where railings frame panoramic views of forested peaks. First excavated during the Later Qin period of the Sixteen Kingdoms, the complex saw continuous construction for over 1,600 years through the Northern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, and up to the Ming and Qing dynasties. With over 200 surviving caves and 10,000 clay and stone sculptures, it's hailed as the "Oriental Sculpture Gallery." Particularly lifelike are the life-sized round sculptures, including the smiling novice monk in Cave 133, celebrated as the "Oriental Smile." When rain clears during summer and fall, mist coils around the cliffs, veiling the grottoes in ethereal beauty—a spectacle enshrined as "Maiji mist and rain" among the Eight Views of Qinzhou. The other areas each have their own highlights: Xianren Cliff, located over 10 km from the grottoes, consists of three cliffs, five peaks, and six temples. The halls beneath the cliffs preserve nearly 200 statues dating back to the Northern Wei dynasty, and with the lake reflecting the red cliffs, the old scene of "immortals offering lanterns" has been passed down to this day. Shimen Mountain features a granite peak forest landscape and is known as "Little Huangshan." Juxian Bridge spans the north and south peaks, and on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the bright moon hangs right over the bridge, creating the "night moon at Shimen" scene. Quxi is hidden deep in the Xiaolong Mountain forest, where a stream winds through nine bends, featuring small bridges and flowing water—a secluded spot full of wild charm. The hot spring water in Jieting Ancient Town maintains a temperature of about 40 degrees year-round. The ancient town is said to be related to the Three Kingdoms allusion of "losing Jieting" and also preserves traces of Du Fu's stay in Qinzhou, making it a perfect place to soak and relax after touring the mountains and waters. The major areas are spaced 10 to over 20 km apart, so it's recommended to plan your itinerary priorities in advance. If time is limited, prioritize the Maijishan grottoes. The grotto walkways are suspended with steep and narrow steps, so travelers with acrophobia or limited physical strength should proceed within their capabilities. The walkways become slippery after rain, so take your time ascending—it's also a perfect opportunity to enjoy the mountain mist.China · Tianshui
Maijishan Cave-Temple Complex
The Maijishan Cave-Temple Complex is carved into the cliff face of an isolated peak resembling a farmer's wheat stack in the Xiaolong Mountains. Alongside the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the Yungang Grottoes, and the Longmen Grottoes, it is renowned as one of China's four great cave-temple complexes and serves as the core attraction of the Maijishan scenic area. The caves were first excavated during the Later Qin period of the Sixteen Kingdoms and underwent continuous construction for over 1,600 years through the Northern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, and up to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The site preserves over 200 caves and niches, more than 10,000 clay and stone sculptures, and nearly 1,000 square meters of murals. Featuring predominantly clay sculptures with an unbroken lineage across dynasties, the complex showcases a complete and clear stylistic evolution, earning it the title "Oriental Sculpture Gallery." In 2014, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor." Maiji Mountain stands alone amidst surrounding peaks, with most of its grottoes carved into sheer cliffs dozens of meters above ground, connected solely by tiered aerial walkways spanning over ten levels. The visit itself becomes a cliffside adventure: at the base, gaze up at the exposed rock face and the colossal cliff-carved Buddha over ten meters tall, then ascend via winding walkways suspended dozens of meters high—both thrilling and offering panoramic views of lush forests. Grottoes along the path vary in size, with smaller ones protected by nets, while larger ones dominate the upper sections. The upper eastern cliff's Sanhua Tower (Upper Seven-Buddha Pavilion) is an unmissable highlight. This seven-bay, eight-pillared hall with a single-eaved hip roof replicates wooden architecture carved directly into the cliff, featuring a grand front corridor and rear chamber. Its ceiling showcases the unique "thin relief" flying apsaras—faces and limbs rendered in shallow sculpture while flowing robes are painted, creating a distinctive fusion of painting and sculpture unparalleled in ancient Chinese murals. As you walk and observe, the stylistic evolution of clay sculptures becomes distinctly visible: the elegant and slender figures of the late Northern Wei, the refined and serene style of the Western Wei, the plump and graceful forms of the Northern Zhou, and the full and rounded shapes of the Sui and Tang dynasties—like flipping through a three-dimensional history of sculpture. On overcast or freshly cleared days after rain, when mist swirls around the peaks and drizzle veils the landscape, the solitary haystack-shaped peaks emerge and fade in the clouds, creating the famous "Maji misty rain" scenery. The plank road is narrow, and visitors may need to queue and proceed slowly when crowded. Travelers with acrophobia should proceed with caution. Flash photography is prohibited in the grotto area, and touching the statues is not allowed. A few classic grottoes are designated as special grottoes and are not included in the regular tour route, such as Cave 133, famous for the "Oriental Smile" novice monk, and Cave 127, known for its large-scale sutra illustration murals. Travelers with a strong interest in statue art can check the special grotto visiting arrangements in advance. Most of the other caves and niches can be viewed in sequence along the plank road.China · Tianshui
THE YELLOW RIVER TOWER
THE YELLOW RIVER TOWER is a landmark antique-style pavilion built by Lanzhou for the Yellow River. The main tower stands approx. 93 m tall with 16 floors, located at a major bend of the Yellow River in Lanzhou. It integrates Yellow River culture exhibitions, elevated viewing, and live performances. The core experience here is admiring the river from the tower. The 16th-floor "Lanzhou in the clouds" observation deck offers a panoramic view of the S-shaped river bend skirting the city and urban landscapes on both banks. At dusk when the sunset glow blankets the river, many travelers specifically choose this time to ascend the tower. Each floor houses thematically diverse exhibits: the 11th-floor Lanzhou city memory exhibition resembles a 3D photo album, narrating urban stories of the Yellow River flowing through the city; the 13th-floor features a premium Yellow River stone exhibition displaying uniquely shaped rocks polished by millennia of river erosion; the 15th-floor Lanzhou memories·light and shadow museum immersively showcases the four seasons of the "Golden City" through projections, also making it photogenic; the 14th-floor Yellow River study allows visitors to enjoy tea and books while overlooking the river, and families with children can explore the 8th-floor exhibition themed on ancient animal fossils. After nightfall, the live performance "Ode to the Yellow River·Great Lanzhou" uses the entire tower as its backdrop, projecting the Yellow River's flow and Lanzhou's urban memories onto the night-lit facade through chapters like "Origin of the great river," "Golden great city," "Folk great charm," and "Orchid great state." The neon-outlined tower reflection dancing with its watery counterpart becomes the nightlife highlight. We recommend arranging your itinerary with daytime tower visits, sunset viewing at dusk, and evening performances to fully experience THE YELLOW RIVER TOWER's essence in one trip.China · Lanzhou
Guan'E Gou Scenic Area
Guan'E Gou Scenic Area is located in the suburbs of Tanchang County, Longnan, Gansu Province, at the intersection of the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Qinling and Min Mountain ranges. It consists of three main sections: Guanzhu Gou, E'man Gou, and Leigu Mountain. Guanzhu Gou is a canyon over 30 km long, with steep cliffs on both sides and numerous waterfalls. Its emerald-green lakes often feature ancient submerged trees, creating scenery reminiscent of Jiuzhaigou, earning it the nickname "Little Jiuzhaigou" among many travelers and photography enthusiasts. E'man Gou is known for its alpine lake, Zedang Lake, and its forest-meadow landscapes. The summit of Leigu Mountain, over 4,000 m high, is snow-capped year-round, providing a majestic snowy backdrop for the scenic area. The names Guanzhu Gou and E'man Gou originate from a local legend about a couple named Guanzhu and E'man, a story later adapted into the Long opera "The love song of Guanzhu and E'man." The standard tour starts from Guanzhu valley. The outer scenic area has a long stretch of road connecting lakes like Yinping lake, Princess lake and Pearl lake, passing through the ancient Tibetan village of Luren with preserved folk customs, as well as attractions such as Luren covered bridge and Tongtian gorge. Walking the entire route is quite strenuous, so most travelers take the sightseeing bus directly to the mid-section near Tongtian gate. The highlight stretch runs from Tongtian gate to Guane heavenly waterfall, with plank trails extending along the canyon where waterfalls like Dragon's saliva falls, Nine-fold falls and Tiger's mouth falls appear in succession. Five waterfalls cluster in Wupu gorge, while the iconic Guane heavenly waterfall at the end drops dozens of meters with abundant flow. Most visitors return the same way, but fit hikers can continue into primitive forests and alpine meadows, ascending Leigu mountain or even crossing to Emen valley to combine both sections into one long route. Guangou valley is pleasantly cool in summer, making it a renowned summer retreat in the Longnan area. In spring, mountain azaleas and wildflowers bloom; in fall, the hills are covered with red leaves; in winter, frozen waterfalls and lakes create a unique icefall snowscape. Visitors are advised to choose routes according to their physical ability.China · Tanchang
Free things to do in Xiji
Huoshizhai National Geological (Forest) Park
Xiji · 15.6 km from downtownImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeShapotou Scenic Area
China · ZhongweiImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeLanzhou Danxia Geological Park
China · YongdengImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeXumishan Grottoes
Guyuan · 42 km from XijiImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeXixia Imperial Tombs
China · YinchuanImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeChina West Film Studio
China · YinchuanImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeMaijishan Scenic Area
China · TianshuiMaijishan Cave-Temple Complex
China · TianshuiTHE YELLOW RIVER TOWER
China · LanzhouImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeGuan'E Gou Scenic Area
China · TanchangImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytime
What travelers say about Xiji
K-飞子October 6, 2026
5.0
Huoshizhai in Xiji County is a hidden gem in Northwest China, often overlooked by many! The red cliffs and vast forests create a magnificent and beautiful landscape. The scenic area offers attentive service, a wide variety of activities, and plenty of fun, making for a fantastic overall experience. It's not crowded, quiet, and comfortable – highly recommended!
Huoshizhai National Geological (Forest) Park
D17***73October 18, 2026
5.0
Overall, it was really great. I was taking photos at the bonfire party when a staff member, looking after her child, led the way in line – we were very lucky. The day before, it rained at Shapotou, so the camels weren't running, but the hotel did. The next day, we went camel riding and were lucky enough to ride white camels (the staff arranges camels based on their condition; there was a child ahead of us who wanted to ride a white camel, but because they were with their mother, the staff worried they wouldn't be able to handle it, so they didn't let them. My child rode the white camel by themselves).
Back to the hotel, the food was excellent. The tents were hot during the day and cold at night, but they were clean, and there were electric blankets at night, which was very nice. In short, it was a wonderful experience.
Shapotou Scenic Area
kiu先生October 13, 2026
5.0
The scenic area is large and clean, with a refreshing atmosphere. There are so many animals, the shows are fantastic, the kids had a blast, and the visit was very comfortable. The staff were very welcoming, and the routes were well-designed – it was so convenient! I'll definitely come back next time.
Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park
M24***94October 6, 2026
4.0
The Buddha statue is truly awe-inspiring. Don't bother visiting the Zisun Palace; there's not much to see there. Go to Xiangguo Temple first, then Yuanguang Temple, and finally the Buddha statue. Walking downhill is generally easier.
Xumishan Grottoes
M34***98October 16, 2026
5.0
The Western Xia Imperial Tombs Relics Park is an intangible cultural heritage site and a must-see attraction in Yinchuan. Buying tickets online is very convenient; simply scan a QR code to enter. Half a day is usually enough to see everything, making it a worthwhile trip.
Xixia Imperial Tombs
Anonymous userOctober 8, 2026
4.0
It's quite famous, being a filming location for movies like "A Chinese Odyssey" and "Red Sorghum," and the film sets have a strong sense of Northwest China's rugged landscape, making it a good place for movie fans to take photos. However, the overall experience is just average. The park has many dirt roads, is windy and dusty, and sunny. Aside from taking photos, there's not much to see or do. If you're not particularly attached to the movies, don't have too high expectations.
China West Film Studio
M40***13September 16, 2026
5.0
The environment is clean and elegant, the hot spring water is clear and comfortable, the temperature is just right, and you can relax and de-stress after soaking. The service is warm and thoughtful, the price is very reasonable, and the experience is superb.
Maijishan Scenic Area
M27***62October 8, 2026
5.0
Maijishan was even better than I expected, with exquisite murals and beautiful sculptures. However, many of the caves are special grottoes that require separate reservations (there is a daily limit on the number of visitors), and the fees are not cheap.
Maijishan Cave-Temple Complex
士多啤梨味&October 12, 2026
4.0
The scenic area seemed reasonably priced, and the scenery was very beautiful. However, the facilities within the area weren't particularly interesting. It's best to come here at sunset to watch the Yellow River. Overall, the experience was still worthwhile.
THE YELLOW RIVER TOWER
139***45October 15, 2026
5.0
It's incredibly beautiful. The scenic area is vast, divided into Guanzhugou, Leigushan, and E'mangou, and it's well worth a visit. Located in Dangchang, Longnan, Gansu, lies Guan'egou, known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Longshang."
Guan'E Gou Scenic Area
