A friendly reminder: Silver prices have been soaring these days.

Perfect for family trips - Baiyin Travel Guide | Discover the Hidden Gems of Longzhong, Embrace the Majesty and Poetry of Northwest China**

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### 🌄 **Must-Visit Attractions**
1. **Yellow River Stone Forest National Geological Park**
- **Highlights**: World-class wind-eroded landform wonder spanning 22 sq km with thousands of spectacular peaks, featured in the movie *The Myth*.
- **Experiences**:
✅ Ride donkey carts through canyons to experience Northwest folk culture (recommended route: Laolongwan).
✅ Float on Yellow River sheepskin rafts for thrilling "shooting the rapids" adventure.
✅ Hike to observation decks for sunset views of "golden stone forests".
- **Tips**: Allocate 4-5 hours; best in spring/autumn; sun protection essential in summer.

2. **Yongtai Ancient City (Turtle City)**
- **Features**: Well-preserved Ming Dynasty military fortress with earthen walls and barbicans, a prime spot for astrophotography.
- **Hidden Experiences**:
🌌 Summer night Milky Way viewing (tripod required).
🐫 Witness shepherds herding sheep into the city - a scene frozen in time.
- **Transport**: ~25km from Jingtai County; recommend chartered car/self-drive.

3. **Faquan Temple Grottoes**
- **Cultural Significance**: Cliffside grottoes dating back to Northern Wei Dynasty blending Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian elements.
- **Notable Sights**: Tang Dynasty mural fragments, ancient 1000-year-old elm trees, April 8th lunar calendar temple fair.

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### � **Hidden Gems**
- **Shuichuan Wetland Park**: "Jiangnan of the Northwest" by the Yellow River with lotus ponds and birdwatching towers, ideal for camping.
- **Tiaoshan Farm**: Vast pear orchards (April blooms) and sunflower fields (July-August), perfect for pastoral photography.
- **Shoulu Mountain Forest Park**: Pristine 3300m-altitude forests for summer hikes, mushroom picking, and wild deer sightings.

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### � **Baiyin Food Guide**
- **Must-Try Trio**:
1. **Suanlanrou**: Copper-pot stewed pickled cabbage with pork belly, best with steamed buns (try Laozihao on Renmin Road).
2. **Yiwo Silk**: Crispy hand-pulled noodles - a Jingtai County intangible cultural heritage dish.
3. **Yellow River Honey Melon**: Ultra-sweet green-fleshed melons in season July-August.
- **Night Market**: Wuyi Street Night Market (grilled lamb trotters, gray bean soup, milk-egg fermented glutinous rice).

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### 📍 **Itinerary Suggestions**
- **Classic 2-Day Trip**:
**Day1**: Yellow River Stone Forest (full day) → Stay at Longwan Village homestay
**Day2**: Yongtai Ancient City (morning) → Tiaoshan Farm (afternoon) → Return
- **In-Depth 3-Day Trip**: Add Faquan Temple and Shuichuan Wetland for slow travel.

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### ⚠️ **Travel Tips**
- Climate: Large day-night temperature differences; pack jackets even in summer.
- Transport: Attractions are scattered; recommend car rental/charter (Stone Forest to Ancient City ~1.5hr drive).
- Cultural Note: Always ask permission before photographing Yongtai residents.

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**Baiyin - An Underrated Northwest Wonderland**
Where the roaring Yellow River meets starry desert ruins, and spicy-sour flavors dance on your tongue. Pack your bags for a journey to touch the earth's raw beauty!