Super Detailed Travel Guide to the Yellow River Stone Forest in Jingyuan, Gansu

1. Overview of the Scenic Area
Location: Longwan Village, Zhongquan Town, Jingyuan County, Baiyin City, Gansu Province
Highlights: The Yellow River Stone Forest is a national 4A-level scenic area that combines geological wonders with Yellow River culture. Formed 4 million years ago, it features diverse sandstone rock formations, Yellow River meanders, and oasis landscapes.
Recognition: Filming location for movies like "The Granary of the World" and "The Myth," and listed as one of "China's 50 Yellow River Scenic Spots" by China Geographic Magazine.

2. Best Travel Seasons
Spring and Autumn (April-June, September-October): Temperatures range from 15-25°C with mostly sunny days, ideal for hiking and photography.
Summer (July-August): Daytime temperatures can exceed 30°C, but Yellow River water activities are available. Remember to use sunscreen.
Winter (November-March): Unique snowy landscapes in the stone forest, but temperatures range from -10°C to 5°C, requiring warm clothing.

3. Must-Visit Attractions and Routes
1. Classic One-Day Tour Route
Morning: Scenic area entrance → Observation deck (panoramic view) → Yinma Valley Grand Canyon (hiking/donkey cart) → Panlong Cave (natural spiral cave)
Afternoon: Yellow River Waterwheel Park → Old Longwan Village (farmhouse lunch) → Sheepskin Raft Drift → Guanyin Cliff (sunset photography spot)

2. Detailed Highlights
Yinma Valley Grand Canyon
- Length: Approximately 4.5 km, takes 2 hours to hike. Along the way, you can see rock formations like "Lion at the Gate" and "Couple Under the Moon."
- Tip: Enter before 9 AM for optimal lighting for photography.
Panlong Cave
- A naturally formed spiral cave where a Ming Dynasty Taoist reportedly practiced. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 15°C.
Guanyin Cliff
- Best spot for sunset views, featuring Qing Dynasty cliff carvings.
Yellow River Waterwheel Park
- Features a 12-meter diameter ancient waterwheel where you can experience traditional irrigation techniques.

3. Must-Try Local Delicacies
Jingtai Hand-Grasped Lamb: Recommended at "Longwan Farmhouse," made with local sheep, priced around 98 RMB per pound.
Gray Bean Soup: Made with red beans and ash water, priced at 5 RMB per bowl.
Sour Noodle Soup: Refreshing and cooling, freshly made at farmhouses for 10 RMB per bowl.
Stone Forest Family: Yellow River carp served two ways, priced around 128 RMB per fish.
Jingtai Night Market: Grilled lamb hooves (15 RMB each), stuffed skin noodles (8 RMB per serving).

4. Photography Tips
Best Spots
- Observation deck at sunrise (5:30-6:30 AM), Yinma Valley "Thousand Sails Competing" rock formations (side backlighting), Guanyin Cliff at sunset (6:30-7:30 PM).
Equipment Recommendations
- Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for panoramic shots of the stone forest, telephoto lens (70-200mm) for capturing details.
- Essential wind and sand protection covers, and a sturdy tripod to prevent tipping.

5. Important Notes
Safety: Weak signal in the canyon; avoid venturing alone into undeveloped areas.
Environmental Protection: Do not carve or graffiti; bring your own trash bags.