Are You Ready for Longnan During the May Day Holiday?

Located in southern Gansu Province, Longnan is known as the "Jiangnan of the Loess Plateau." It attracts an increasing number of tourists with its unique natural landscapes, rich cultural history, and distinctive cuisine. Below is a detailed travel guide to Longnan, covering recommended attractions, itinerary planning, food experiences, and practical tips. --- ## **I. Must-Visit Attractions** ### **1. Natural Landscapes** - **Guan'e Valley National Forest Park** Known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Northwest China," it features canyons, waterfalls, lakes, and snow-capped mountains, with different scenery across all four seasons. Waterfalls are magnificent in summer, forests are colorful in autumn, and ice waterfalls are unique in winter. Plan to spend 4 hours here and wear non-slip shoes for the plank roads. - **Wenxian Tianchi Lake** Comparable to Changbai Mountain's Tianchi, the lake water is mirror-like blue, surrounded by mountains and forests. Rhododendrons bloom in spring, and the scenery is colorful in autumn. Perfect for lakeside walks or boat tours (boat tickets: 30 yuan). - **Wanxiang Cave** Acclaimed as "China's First Cave," it features countless stalactites in various shapes that create a magical world under the lights. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 14°C, making it ideal for summer visits. ### **2. Cultural History** - **Tielou Tibetan Township** This is the oldest settlement of White Tibetans in East Asia, preserving unique costumes, language, and folk culture. Visitors can experience traditional ceremonies like the "Twelve Zodiac Dance." - **Qingling Ancient Shu Road in Huixian County** An ancient transportation route connecting Sichuan and Shaanxi, described by Li Bai as treacherous. Best experienced with a guide who can explain its historical significance. - **Dabaozi Mountain Ruins in Lixian County** One of the origins of Qin culture, where the Qin Gong Ding (bronze tripod) was unearthed, witnessing the early history of the Qin people. --- ## **II. Recommended Itineraries** ### **1. Three-Day Highlights Tour** - **Day 1**: Lanzhou/Chengdu → Wudu → Wanxiang Cave → Overnight in Wudu District - **Day 2**: Wudu → Wenxian Tianchi Lake → Tielou Tibetan Township → Overnight in Dangchang County - **Day 3**: Dangchang → Guan'e Valley → Return ### **2. Five-Day In-Depth Tour** - **Day 1**: Guangyuan → Wenxian County (Tielou Tibetan Township) - **Day 2**: Wenxian Tianchi Lake - **Day 3**: Kangxian Huaqiao Village (Rural Scenery) - **Day 4**: Guan'e Valley in Dangchang - **Day 5**: Return --- ## **III. Specialty Food Recommendations** - **Potato Mash (Yangyu Jiaotuan)**: Mashed potatoes topped with spicy and sour sauce, with a soft texture. - **Longnan Warm Pot**: Slow-cooked in a copper pot over charcoal fire, with rich ingredients and flavorful broth. - **Cured Meat Hot Pot**: Smoked meat paired with pickled vegetables, resulting in a savory broth and tender meat. - **Canister Tea**: Roasted dates and wolfberries brewed together, served with wild vegetable buns - warming and healthy. --- ## **IV. Practical Travel Tips** - **Best Season**: May to October; September is ideal for walnut and Sichuan pepper harvesting experiences. - **Transportation**: Take high-speed rail to Longnan Station; renting a car offers more flexibility, and SUVs are recommended for mountainous areas. - **Accommodation**: There are inns with floor heating near Guan'e Valley and high-end hotels in downtown Wudu. - **Notes**: Some scenic areas are at high elevations with significant temperature differences between day and night, so bring windproof jackets. Respect White Tibetan customs and ask for permission before taking photos. --- Longnan's charm lies in its pristine natural landscapes and profound cultural heritage. Whether you're hiking, exploring cultural sites, or enjoying local cuisine, you'll find yourself reluctant to leave. Hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Longnan!