Just returned from Longnan, and I can't recommend it enough!

🌄 Longnan, this "Jiangnan of the Northwest" hidden in southern Gansu, combines the bold grandeur of the northwest with the delicate charm of the south. Every step is a scenic view, every glance holds a surprise~

📍 Location
Located in the southeastern part of Gansu Province, at the junction of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan, in the upper reaches of the Jialing River in the Yangtze River basin, it's the only region in Gansu belonging to the Yangtze River system. With a humid climate and lush vegetation, it's known as the "Little Jiangnan of Gansu"🌿

🚗 Transportation Guide

- By Air: Fly to Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport or Xi'an Xianyang International Airport first, then take a high-speed train/bus to Longnan; Chengxian Airport in Longnan has direct flights to some cities✈️
- By High-Speed Train: The Lanzhou-Chongqing Railway passes through, with Longnan Railway Station as the main stop, offering direct access to cities like Lanzhou, Chengdu, and Chongqing🚄
- By Bus: Long-distance buses from nearby cities go directly to Longnan city and its counties, suitable for short trips🚌

🗓️ Itinerary

Day 1: Longnan's Scenic Beauty, First Encounter with Nature
🌅 Morning: Upon arrival, head to [Guangou National Forest Park], featuring lakes, waterfalls, and forests—like a natural oxygen bar. Hike to enjoy the "Little Jiuzhaigou" scenery.
🍴 Noon: Try local farmhouse dishes near Guangou, like stir-fried fern with cured meat.
🏞️ Afternoon: Visit [E'man Valley], take a boat ride to admire the lake and mountains, and feel the tranquility of nature.
🌙 Evening: Return to Longnan city, explore the night market, and experience local life.

Day 2: Culture and Nature, Deep Dive into Longnan
☀️ Morning: Visit [Xixia Song Scenic Area], featuring Eastern Han cliff carvings, blending natural beauty with history—perfect for culture lovers.
🍲 Noon: Enjoy local snacks in Chengxian, like Chengxian oil tea with fried dough twists.
🌳 Afternoon: Head to [Yangba Subtropical Ecological Tourism Area], stroll through tea gardens and bamboo forests, savor southern charm, and try tea-picking.
🚗 Evening: End the trip and return.

🏨 Accommodation Tips

- Longnan City: Many options, convenient transport. Recommended: Longnan Hotel, Jinxin International Hotel—great for comfort-focused travelers🏨
- Near Scenic Spots: Farm stays and B&Bs near Guangou and Yangba, like Guangou Farmhouse, offer close-to-nature experiences🛖
- Budget Picks: Chain hotels like Home Inn, Hanting—affordable with good facilities.

🍜 Food Recommendations

- Longnan Jiao Tuan: Made from corn or buckwheat, served with vinegar sauce and garlic—sour and spicy🍚
- Kangxian Mian Cha: Millet porridge topped with walnuts and sesame—fragrant and delicious🥣
- Wudu Hua Jiao Chicken: Tender chicken with Sichuan pepper—spicy and numbing🐔
- Lixian Apples: Local specialty, crisp and juicy—perfect as dessert🍎

💡 Must-Do in Longnan

- Spring: Admire rapeseed flowers and pick tea in Yangba🌱
- Summer: Escape the heat in Guangou, feel the cool under waterfalls💦
- Autumn: See red leaves in Liangdang County—a poetic landscape🍁
- Experience local folk activities like Longnan folk songs and Nuo dance performances🎵