Guyuan City Travel

Guyuan, Ningxia — the red holy land at the foot of Liupan Mountain, a millennium-old ancient city on the Silk Road. Integrating the ecology of Liupan Mountain, the Buddhist charm of Xumi Mountain, and the wonders of Huoshizhai, experiencing the magnificent blend of the Loess Plateau and Danxia landforms.

2928
Meters Liupan Mountain Elevation
1500
Years of Grotto History
98
Square Kilometers Danxia Area
4
National Nature Reserves

Guyuan City Travel by District and County

Guyuan City Three Days Two Nights Eco-Culture Tour

From red holy land to Silk Road Buddhist caves, experience the magnificence and depth of the Loess Plateau

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Liupan Mountain, Xumi Mountain, Huoshizhai
Suitable For
History lovers, nature explorers, photography enthusiasts
Budget per person
¥800-¥1200
01
Red Liupan
Liupan Mountain Long March Scenic Area · Old Dragon Pool · Liangdian Gorge
Highlights

Visit the Liupan Mountain Long March Memorial Hall in the morning, explore the Old Dragon Pool scenic area in the afternoon, and hike Liangdian Gorge in the evening.

Attractions
Liupan Mountain Red Army Long March Memorial Hall
A themed hall commemorating the Red Army's crossing of Liupan Mountain during the Long March. Mao Zedong wrote "Pure Serene Music · Liupan Mountain" here, and the monument in front offers panoramic mountain views.
Old Dragon Pool
A waterfall group at the source of the Jing River, consisting of four interconnected pools with emerald green water. Legend says this is where Wei Zheng beheaded the Old Dragon King of the Jing River in his dream.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Liupan Mountain Hotel
  • Jingyuan Farm Stay
  • Longde Homestay
Food Recommendations
  • Jingyuan Yellow Cattle
  • Longde Hot Pot
  • Yanmian Mix
Travel Tips
  • Large temperature difference in mountain areas, bring a jacket
  • Slippery near the pool, pay attention to safety
  • Free guided tours at the memorial hall at 10:00/15:00
02
Silk Road Buddhist Charm
Xumi Mountain Grottoes · Guyuan Museum · Warring States Qin Great Wall
Highlights

Pay homage to Xumi Mountain Grottoes in the morning, visit Guyuan Museum in the afternoon, and explore the Warring States Qin Great Wall ruins in the evening.

Attractions
Xumi Mountain Grottoes
Important Buddhist remains on the northern Silk Road, first carved during the Northern Wei dynasty. 162 existing caves, including the Tang Dynasty Great Buddha Tower standing 20.6 meters tall, a nationally protected cultural heritage site.
Guyuan Museum
A national first-class museum, housing Silk Road treasures such as Northern Wei lacquer coffin paintings and Northern Zhou gilt silver flasks, systematically displaying two thousand years of Guyuan history.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • 1 hour drive from city to Xumi Mountain
  • Museum located in city center
  • Great Wall ruins require hiking
Ticket Information
  • Xumi Mountain: 65 yuan
  • Museum: Free
  • Great Wall Ruins: Free
Travel Tips
  • Steep grotto steps, wear non-slip shoes
  • No flash photography in the museum
  • Drones prohibited in the Great Wall protected area
03
Danxia Wonders
Huoshizhai · Earthquake Lake · Dangjiacha
Highlights

Full day tour of Huoshizhai Danxia landform, visit Dangjiacha earthquake ruins in the afternoon, end the trip in the evening.

Attractions
Huoshizhai National Geopark
China's highest altitude Danxia landform group, with red rock mountains appearing like burning flames against green trees. Includes Yuntai Mountain, Lovers' Valley and other scenic spots.
Dangjiacha Earthquake Lake
A barrier lake formed by the 1920 Haiyuan Earthquake, with crystal clear blue water like a mirror, a rare earthquake relic landscape in the world.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • 40 minutes from Xiji county to Huoshizhai
  • Earthquake Lake requires chartered car
  • Poor road conditions, SUV recommended
Important Notes
  • No carving on Danxia landforms
  • Swimming prohibited in the lake
  • Bring enough drinking water
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Xiji Potato
  • Longde Paper Cutting
  • Jingyuan Honey

Must-try Foods in Guyuan City

Longde Hot Pot

A traditional copper pot layered with pork belly, tofu, vermicelli and other ingredients, slow-simmered over charcoal fire. Rich and flavorful soup, a Longde intangible heritage delicacy.

Jingyuan Yellow Cattle

Cattle raised on Liupan Mountain pastures, with firm, low-fat meat. Can be cooked as hot pot or braised, certified as a national geographical indication product.

Yanmian Mix

A Guyuan specialty snack made from oat flour rolled into thin strips and steamed. Served with chili oil and vinegar, chewy and smooth in texture, symbolizing "longevity and happiness."

Guyuan City Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Jun-Aug: Best summer retreat season
  • Sep-Oct: Most brilliant autumn colors
  • Avoid Nov-April severe cold period
Must-Experience Activities
  • Retrace the Long March route on Liupan Mountain
  • Sketch at Xumi Mountain Grottoes
  • Walk the glass bridge at Huoshizhai
  • Starry sky photography at Earthquake Lake
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 150 yuan
  • Accommodation: 150-300 yuan/night
  • Meals: 80-120 yuan/day
  • Transportation: 200-300 yuan
  • Total: 800-1200 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Must-visit attractions in Guyuan? → Liupan Mountain + Xumi Mountain + Huoshizhai
  • Specialty souvenirs? → Xiji paper cutting + Longde calligraphy
  • Altitude sickness? → Parts of Liupan Mountain are 2500+m elevation
  • Best photography spots? → Xumi Mountain Great Buddha Tower + Huoshizhai Yuntai Mountain