Zhou Ancestors built their mausoleum here, and the Red Army took root here! Qingyang, a forgotten historical city!
by BLAZE GRANT
Jul 13, 2025
Located in eastern Gansu Province at the intersection of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Ningxia, Qingyang boasts a long history and profound cultural heritage, earning it the title "Granary of Eastern Gansu." The region offers not only rich red tourism resources but also unique Loess Plateau landscapes and folk culture.
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**Highlights of Qingyang**
1. **Red Culture**: As a revolutionary base, sites like the Nanliang Revolutionary Memorial Hall and Shanchengbao Battle Ruins are must-sees.
2. **π Loess Customs**: Cave dwellings, the Longdong Folk Museum, and Zhouzu Mausoleum showcase the distinctive culture of the Loess Plateau.
3. **π Natural Scenery**: Ziwuling Mountain, North Grottoes Temple, and Heilaoguo Ice Cave blend natural and cultural landscapes.
4. **π Culinary Delights**: Longdong noodles, lamb hele noodles, and Zhenyuan traditional banquets offer unique flavors.
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**Top Attractions**
**1. Nanliang Revolutionary Memorial Hall**
- **π Highlights**: A classic red tourism site to learn about the Shaanxi-Gansu border revolutionary history.
- **π Address**: Nanliang Town, Huachi County.
- **π₯° Suggested Visit**: 2 hours.
**2. Zhouzu Mausoleum Forest Park**
- **π Highlights**: Believed to be the mausoleum of Zhou ancestor Buzhu, combining history and nature.
- **π Address**: East Mountain, Qingcheng County.
- **π Tips**: Climb to enjoy a panoramic view of Qingcheng.
**3. North Grottoes Temple**
- **π Highlights**: One of Gansu's four major grottoes, built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, featuring exquisite stone carvings.
- **π Address**: By the Pu River, 25 km southwest of Xifeng District.
- **π Suggested Visit**: 1.5 hours.
**4. Heilaoguo Ice Cave**
- **π Highlights**: Winter ice waterfalls, summer retreat, and unique geological formations.
- **π Address**: Maojiasi Village, Xiansheng Township, Xifeng District.
- **π Best Season**: Winter (December-February).
**5. Ziwuling Mountain**
- **π Highlights**: Pristine secondary forest, ideal for hiking and photographyπ, with stunning autumn foliage.
- **Recommended Route**: From Zhengning Tiaoling Pass to Ningxian section.
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**Local Cuisine**
1. **π Lamb Hele Noodles**: Buckwheat noodles with lamb broth, a Qingyang specialty.
- **π Recommended Spot**: "Old Brand Hele Noodles" in Xifeng District.
2. **π Zhenyuan Traditional Banquet**: A feast featuring "Thirteen Delicacies."
3. **π Longdong Fried Dough Twists**: Crispy and sweet, perfect as a souvenir.
4. **π Huanxian Lamb**: Tender meat, best stewed or braised.
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**Accommodation**
- **Xifeng District (Downtown)**:
- **π Luxury**: Qingyang Hotel (4-star, convenient location).
- **π Budget**: Chain hotels like Home Inn and Hanting.
- **Unique Experience**: Loess Plateau cave dwellings (e.g., around Qingcheng County).
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**Transportation**
- **Getting There**:
- **π By Air**: Qingyang Airport (Xifeng District) connects to Beijing, Xi'an, etc.
- **β€οΈ By Train/HSR**: Qingyang Station (on Yinchuan-Xi'an HSR) links to Lanzhou and Xi'an.
- **π By Bus**: Long-distance buses from Xi'an, Lanzhou, etc.
- **Local Transport**:
- **π Buses cover major attractions; remote sites require chartered cars or self-driving.
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**Itinerary Suggestions**
- **π 2-Day Trip**:
- **π Day 1**: North Grottoes Temple β Zhouzu Mausoleum β Qingzhou Ancient City (overnight in Xifeng).
- **π Day 2**: Nanliang Revolutionary Memorial Hall β Ziwuling hikeπ.
- **3-Day Trip**: Add Heilaoguo Ice Cave or Shanchengbao Battle Ruins in Huanxian.
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**Tips**
1. **π Weather**: Large temperature swings in spring/autumn; sun protection in summer, warmth in winter (as low as -15Β°C).
2. **π Cultural Respect**: Maintain solemnity at red sites and temples.
3. **π Driving Note**: Mountain roads can be challenging; SUVs are recommended.
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Qingyang's slow-paced travel vibe suits history buffs, nature lovers, and in-depth explorersπ. With extra time, visit nearby Pingliang's Kongtong Mountain or Ningxia's Guyuan for a richer itinerary.
Post by BLAZE GRANT | Jul 13, 2025












