Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture Travel

Linxia, Gansu — Little Mecca of China, Hometown of Hui Ethnic Culture. Visit Bingling Temple to admire grotto art, tour Songmingyan to see Danxia landform, and wander around Bafang 13 Lanes to taste ethnic customs.

1300+
Years of Grotto History
1
World Cultural Heritage
3
National 4A-Level Scenic Areas
20+
Intangible Cultural Heritage Projects

3-Day 2-Night Ethnic Culture Tour in Linxia

Explore Bingling Temple, stroll through Bafang Lanes, listen to the Songmingyan Hua'er Festival, and taste Linxia's delicious food

Trip Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Yongjing County, Linxia City, Hezheng County
Suitable for
Culture lovers, ethnic custom experience seekers, photography enthusiasts
Per Capita Budget
¥800-¥1200
01
Treasures of Grottoes
Bingling Temple · Liujiaxia
Itinerary Highlights

Travel to Yongjing County to visit the world cultural heritage Bingling Temple Grottoes, and tour Liujiaxia Reservoir in the afternoon to admire the spectacular view of the high gorges forming a flat lake.

Attraction Arrangement
Bingling Temple Grottoes
A world cultural heritage site, first chiseled in the first year of Jianhong in the Western Qin Dynasty (420 AD). It has 216 existing grottoes and niches, more than 800 statues, and about 1000 square meters of murals, with the Western Qin statues in Cave 169 being the most precious.
Liujiaxia Reservoir
A large-scale water conservancy hub project on the upper reaches of the Yellow River, with a reservoir area of 130 square kilometers. You can take a boat to visit Bingling Temple and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Yellow River Three Gorges.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Hotels in Yongjing County
  • Liujiaxia Hotel
  • Farmhouses near Bingling Temple
Food Recommendations
  • Yongjing Yellow River Carp
  • Hand Grabbed Lamb
  • Niangpi (Steamed Noodle Sheet)
Travel Tips
  • Photography is prohibited inside the grottoes
  • Pay attention to safety when taking a boat
  • The temperature difference at the reservoir is large, bring a coat
02
Ethnic Customs
Bafang 13 Lanes · East Mansion
Itinerary Highlights

Tour the Hui Ethnic Customs Zone of Bafang 13 Lanes in Linxia City, visit historical buildings such as the East Mansion, and experience the traditional Hui ethnic culture.

Attraction Arrangement
Bafang 13 Lanes
A national 4A-level scenic area and a living museum of Linxia Hui ethnic culture. It completely preserves the traditional street structure and residential buildings, showing strong Islamic cultural characteristics.
East Mansion
A building from the Republican period, integrating the layout of Chinese quadrangles with Islamic decorative art. Now it is the Linxia Folk Custom Museum, displaying the history and culture of the Hui ethnic group.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • About 60 kilometers from Yongjing to Linxia
  • It is recommended to charter a car or take a bus
  • The drive takes about 1.5 hours
Ticket Information
  • Bafang 13 Lanes: Free
  • East Mansion: ¥20
Travel Tips
  • Respect the customs and habits of the Hui ethnic group
  • Dress appropriately when visiting mosques
  • You can experience taking photos in Hui ethnic costumes
03
Sounds of Nature
Songmingyan · Return Trip
Itinerary Highlights

Travel to Hezheng County to visit the Songmingyan Scenic Area, admire the Danxia landform and primeval forest, and experience the "Hua'er" folk song art. Return in the afternoon according to the flight/train schedule.

Attraction Arrangement
Songmingyan
A national 4A-level scenic area, composed of four peaks: Nanwu Platform, Xifangding, Yuhuang Peak and Jiguan Mountain. It is famous for its exotic peaks and rocks, primeval forest and "Hua'er" folk song festival.
Practical Information
Notes
  • The mountain roads are steep, pay attention to safety
  • Protect the ecological environment
  • Picking plants is prohibited
Featured Experiences
  • Listen to "Hua'er" folk songs
  • Danxia landform photography
  • Forest hiking
Return Suggestions
  • Linxia is about 150 kilometers from Lanzhou
  • You can take a coach or drive by yourself
  • It is recommended to depart 3 hours in advance

Must-Try Foods in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture

Hand Grabbed Lamb

A traditional food in Linxia, selected high-quality beach sheep, cooked in clear water and eaten by hand. The meat is tender and original, better served with salt and pepper and mashed garlic.

Hezhou Steamed Buns

A characteristic pasta in Linxia, with thin skin and plenty of filling. Stuffed with mutton, carrots, etc., steamed, delicious in taste, it is the first choice for local breakfast.

Niangpi (Steamed Noodle Sheet)

A characteristic cold food in Linxia, made by washing flour to get gluten and then steaming, cut into strips and mixed with vinegar, chili and other seasonings, with a chewy texture, sour and spicy appetizer.

Dongxiang Potato Chips

A specialty food of the Dongxiang ethnic group, selected high-quality potatoes sliced and dried, can be fried or boiled, with a unique taste, it is a local characteristic agricultural product and souvenir.

Travel Tips for Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture
Best Travel Time
  • Summer (June-August): Summer resort
  • Autumn (September-October): Pleasant climate
  • 6th day of the 6th lunar month: Songmingyan Hua'er Festival
Must-Try Foods
  • Hand Grabbed Lamb
  • Hezhou Steamed Buns
  • Niangpi (Steamed Noodle Sheet)
  • Dongxiang Potato Chips
  • Kangle Honey
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥150
  • Accommodation: ¥120-200 per night
  • Catering: ¥40-80 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥200
  • Total: ¥800-1200
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Why is Bingling Temple a World Heritage Site? → One of China's earliest grottoes with extremely high artistic value
  • What are the characteristics of Bafang 13 Lanes? → A well-preserved traditional residential area of the Hui ethnic group
  • How to get from Linxia to Lanzhou? → About 2.5 hours by coach, about 2 hours by self-driving
  • What is the best season to visit Songmingyan? → Best in summer for summer resort or during the Hua'er Festival