2026 Huating Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

This is a 2-day 1-night travel guide for Huating, with a budget controlled within 1000 yuan, designed to help you efficiently explore this historic and cultural city. Huating Travel Guide (2 days 1 night, budget about 1000 yuan) 1. Introduction to Huating Huating City is located in the eastern part of Gansu Province. It has a long history and is a famous revolutionary base area and cultural ancient city in China. Here, you can find abundant red tourism resources, beautiful natural scenery, and unique local customs. The Yellow River scenery and ancient cultural relics in Huating are worth savoring for visitors. 2. Itinerary Day 1: Huating City Cultural Tour Morning Arrive in Huating City and check into an economy hotel (about 150 yuan/night). For breakfast, you can choose local specialty snacks such as oil tea and noodles (about 15 yuan). Forenoon Visit the Huating Revolutionary Memorial Hall to learn about the local red history (admission free or low cost). Stroll through Huating Ancient City to experience the historical and cultural atmosphere. Noon Taste Huating’s specialty lunch, such as hand-pulled lamb and stewed dishes (about 40 yuan). Afternoon Tour the natural scenery by the Yellow River, such as the Yellow River Grand Canyon viewing spot (transport about 30 yuan, admission about 20 yuan). Take photos of the magnificent Yellow River scenery and experience Yellow River culture. Evening Return to the city center and try local snacks for dinner (about 40 yuan). Rest or visit the night market to experience local nightlife. Day 2: Surrounding Nature and Cultural Exploration Morning After breakfast, head to nearby Red Army Long March memorial sites or characteristic villages (transport about 40 yuan). Visit Red Army sites to learn about revolutionary history. Noon Enjoy lunch at a rural farmhouse restaurant (about 50 yuan), tasting authentic farmhouse dishes. Afternoon Return to the city center for free activities or purchase local handicrafts (about 50 yuan). Take transport to leave Huating, concluding a pleasant trip. 3. Cost Budget (per person) Item Cost (yuan) Transportation (within city and surroundings) 120 Accommodation (1 night) 150 Meals (4 meals) 145 Tickets and souvenirs 70 Shopping and contingency 100 Total about 585 yuan With a sufficient budget, you can upgrade accommodation or add activities as needed. 4. Tips Huating’s climate is relatively dry, so remember to stay hydrated and take care of your skin. Respect local culture and ask for permission before photographing people or cultural scenes. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during holidays. Bring some common medicines in case of discomfort. We hope this Huating travel guide helps you easily plan your trip and experience the perfect blend of history and nature! For more detailed customized plans, feel free to contact me anytime. Have a pleasant journey!

Here’s something you might not believe—I spent a July in Pingliang, Gansu, without needing air conditioning😶 This city has an average annual temperature of just 8.6℃. In summer, daytime highs only reach about 27–28℃. Once the sun sets, temperatures drop to the teens, and you’ll want a light blanket at night. For someone like me who hates the heat, it’s pure paradise!! 🚗 Travel tips Pingliang station is on Jiefang Road in Kongtong District downtown. There’s a direct train K359 from Yinchuan taking about 6 hours, and K360 from Shanghai also goes directly. In 2026, Pingliang station runs 7 pairs of passenger trains daily, covering major routes like Lanzhou, Yinchuan, Xi’an (transfer), Shanghai, and Guangzhou. ⚠️ There’s currently no high-speed rail to Pingliang. The Qingping railway is under construction and expected to open in 2028. The nearest high-speed option is to take a train to Tianshui or Baoji, then transfer to a regular train to Pingliang. Driving is the most convenient option, with Qinglan Expressway + Fuyin Expressway coverage. It’s 3.5 hours from Xi’an, 4 hours from Lanzhou, and 3 hours from Yinchuan. 🗺️ Three-day, two-night itinerary Day 1|Kongtong Mountain all day Get up early and head straight to Kongtong Mountain (admission 110 CNY). It’s best to hike from the east gate, following the trail from Phoenix Ridge up to the middle terrace. This route is quiet and scenic, surrounded by primeval forest, with the fresh scent of pine resin in the air🌲 If you’re fit, continue from the middle terrace to the imperial city and Xiangshan peaks. At the summit, you’ll see endless mountains and the Jing River winding like a ribbon—instantly wiping away all fatigue. After descending, explore Kongtong ancient town and try the Pingliang red beef skewers. The meat is firm and not gamey. Sprinkle on some cumin and chili powder, and the aroma carries for two blocks. Day 2|Huatting Lotus Terrace + Guanshan forest sea Huatting is about an hour’s drive south of Pingliang city. Lotus Terrace is seriously underrated!! Green mountains, clear water, and babbling streams. Walking the forest trail, you’ll feel a cool breeze and dappled sunlight through the canopy. Every photo looks like a cinematic masterpiece📷 Guanshan forest sea features layered peaks. July is when the greenery is at its fullest. From a high vantage point, the endless green stretches from your feet to the horizon—a grandeur no photo can capture. ⚠️ Attractions in Huatting are far apart. It’s best to rent a car or drive yourself. There’s no shuttle bus between sites. Day 3|Jingchuan cultural route In the morning, visit the Queen Mother of the West cultural site (combined ticket for Dayun Temple + Queen Mother Palace 60 CNY). In the afternoon, stroll through Tianjiagou ecological park, where the water shimmers and the vegetation is lush—perfect for a slow, relaxing walk. 🏡 Where to stay ⛰️ The courtyard is by the Jing River at the foot of Nanshan in Pingliang city. Cross the bridge and turn into a tree-lined lane to reach it. It’s a 5-minute drive from downtown but completely free of city noise. ⛰️ The floor-to-ceiling windows face the Jing River channel. At dusk, the river reflects the colors of the sunset beautifully. There’s a big walnut tree in the yard with stone tables and benches underneath. Sitting there in the evening, sipping tea and feeling the river breeze, all worries melt away🍵 ⛰️ The owner is local and makes fresh Pingliang steamed bread and potato jelly for breakfast. The steamed bread is bigger than your face, soft yet firm with a rich wheat aroma. Paired with chili oil, it’s amazing. 🍽️ What to eat without missing out Pingliang’s food is seriously underrated! ✔️ Hele noodles: buckwheat noodles in lamb broth, the soul of local breakfast and brunch, a big bowl for just a few yuan ✔️ Pingliang red beef: a nationally recognized geographic product, perfect for hot pot or barbecue, tender meat with beautiful marbling ✔️ Niangpi: different from Shaanxi liangpi, thicker and chewier, with perfectly balanced vinegar and chili ✔️ Guokui: crispy outside, soft inside, fresh from the oven with a strong wheat aroma. Best eaten hot on the spot ✔️ Guanguan tea: a local specialty morning tea, brewed in a clay pot with fu brick tea and served with steamed bread, very ceremonial 📦 Must-bring items □ Sunscreen SPF 50+ (the highland UV is no joke) □ Light down or fleece jacket (temperature difference over 10℃ between morning and night) □ Hiking shoes (Kongtong Mountain steps are steep and mossy in parts) □ Power bank (signal on the mountain is weak and drains battery fast) □ Snacks and water (few and expensive supplies on the mountain) □ Mosquito repellent (lots of bugs near the river and forest) 💰 Cost breakdown (per person for 3 days, 2 nights) Round-trip train ticket: about 350 CNY Tickets + transport: about 280 CNY Accommodation for 2 nights: about 400 CNY Meals for 3 days: about 250 CNY Car rental/taxi: about 200 CNY Around 1,500 CNY per person, which is very affordable for a summer getaway in northwest China. To be honest, Pingliang is one of those places you don’t expect much from before you go but can’t stop thinking about after. It has no influencer filters or over-commercialization—just quiet mountains, water, and great food. The summer coolness will make you want to stay forever. Go before the crowds discover it in July🏃‍♀️

When a news alert popped up on my phone, I was walking along the forest trail in Mijiagou, Huating — “Today, many places across the country are experiencing temperatures above 40°C.” I glanced up at the towering oil pines shading the sky, then looked down at the clear mountain spring flowing beneath my feet, and quietly slipped my phone back into my pocket. Mijiagou is a national 4A-level scenic area and a provincial forest park located in Yanxia Township, Huating City. With an average altitude of 1,300 meters and an ultra-high forest coverage rate of 96%, the average summer temperature is only 20°C. The negative oxygen ion concentration reaches 5,900 per cubic centimeter — every deep breath is filled with the fresh scent of grass, trees, and mountain springs. Walking deeper along the mountain trail, the shade is dense and the air cool and refreshing. Hundreds of springs converge in the mountains, with crystal-clear streams babbling, blending the sounds of water with cicadas and birdsong. Strange peaks and unique rocks hide among the thick foliage, and after rain, mist drifts over the valleys, with green mountains and flowing water shrouded in haze. I spent two days in Mijiagou, hiking through the forest by day and sitting by the stream drinking tea around a fire in the evening. I visited the Cloud Flower Sea — vast stretches of wildflowers dotting the green backdrop. I experienced outdoor team-building activities and spring outings in the forest. Mijiagou may not have any earth-shattering wonders, but the feeling of being “wrapped by an entire forest” is something you can never get in the city. On the way back from Mijiagou, the temperature outside the car window slowly rose from 20°C to 35°C. I looked back at the green that disappeared from sight — this kind of coolness isn’t the fake chill from air conditioning, but the natural coolness radiated by 96% forest coverage itself. 🚗 How to get there? Self-driving is highly recommended: Navigate to “Huating Mijiagou Ecological Scenic Area.” About 1 hour from Pingliang city center, about 3.5 hours from Lanzhou. There is a parking lot at the entrance; small cars cost 5 RMB per visit. 🎫 Ticket Information Admission: 25 RMB per person per visit Sightseeing bus: 3.5 RMB one way per person Parking: 5 RMB per small car per visit 🗺️ 2 Days 1 Night Forest Oxygen Chamber Itinerary Day 1: Arrival + Mountain Trail + Cloud Flower Sea Arrive at Mijiagou in the afternoon, walk the mountain trail (dense shade, cool and refreshing). Check in at the Cloud Flower Sea — vast wildflowers dotting the green backdrop. In the evening, enjoy wild fruit picking and forest relaxation. Overnight in Huating city. Day 2: Outdoor Team Building + Forest Outing + Return In the morning, experience outdoor team-building, live-action CS, and forest outings. Or stroll along the stream, watching strange peaks and unique rocks hidden in the dense shade. Return in the afternoon. 🏠 Accommodation Suggestions Hotels in Huating city range from 150-300 RMB per night. Book early for the busy July season. 📸 Photo Spots Walk through the mountain trail shaded by towering oil pines; the Cloud Flower Sea framed against the green backdrop; mist drifting over the valley after rain with green mountains; sitting by the stream drinking tea, with the sounds of water and cicadas blending. 💡 A Few Tips Mijiagou has 96% forest coverage, 20°C summer temperature, the ultimate summer retreat in Longdong Negative oxygen ions at 5,900/cm³ — truly a “natural oxygen chamber” Moderate altitude (1,300 meters), no risk of altitude sickness Suitable for family trips, friends, team-building, and leisure travel

I love journaling when I travel. I write down how I felt that day, the amazing food I ate, and the interesting things I encountered, stroke by stroke, and then paste in my tickets and receipts. When I flip through it years later, the scenes and emotions from back then instantly come rushing back, making me feel like I’m reliving the whole trip. Nowadays, everyone is used to snapping photos on their phones, but once they're saved in the camera roll, they rarely get looked at again. A handwritten journal, on the other hand, holds the warmth of the moment in every stroke. Every page is packed with memories. Flipping through it in my downtime lets me relive the joy of those moments—something digital photos can never match. Honestly, souvenirs don't need to be expensive. A simple journal like this is the ultimate keepsake. It captures the essence of your entire journey and becomes a unique, timeless treasure in your life.

In May, Shanzhai Township in Huating City has quietly become a picturesque painting, with the terraced fields of rapeseed flowers at the doorstep reaching their peak bloom. Golden waves roll through the mountains, and the layers of rapeseed flowers look like a golden velvet carpet covering the land from afar. Every snapshot looks like a background from a "Miyazaki anime"; up close, bees busily work among the flowers, clusters of golden blossoms sway gently, and walking along the ridges, the spring breeze and refreshing floral fragrance instantly heal the body and mind. Here, there is not only a visual feast but also the wisdom of rural development. Shanzhai Township has transformed idle winter fields into "fields of wealth" through the "rapeseed planting + tourism" model, achieving "spring flower viewing and summer rapeseed harvesting." The integration of ecological agriculture and rural tourism has made the golden flower sea a "flower of prosperity" for the local people. With spring in full bloom, come to Shanzhai Township for a golden romantic experience! Feel the spring atmosphere in the flower sea, witness the vitality and energy of the land, and every photo you take will be a masterpiece.

I really can’t believe Gansu hides such an incredible winter wonderland The ice waterfalls of Lianhuatai So beautiful it leaves me speechless!!! 💎【Ice Waterfall Spectacle · Nature’s Masterpiece】 The waterfalls that once cascaded down Have frozen into layers of ice crystals in the cold The staggered ice formations Reflect a pale blue glow under the sunlight Just like the magical forest in "Frozen" Standing beneath the ice falls and looking up You’ll truly be awestruck by nature’s craftsmanship!! 🏯【More Than Just Ice Waterfalls · A Thousand-Year Story Hidden Here】 Lianhuatai is not just a place to see ice It’s the site where the Yellow Emperor worshipped heaven At an altitude from 1520 to 2764 meters It holds so many surprises: ✨Ruins of the Qin Dynasty’s "Upper Temple" and "Lower Temple" ✨Ancient bronze mines and plank road relics ✨Stone-carved Buddha statues scattered in the mountains ✨Herbal gardens, thatched huts, mysterious valleys, and the Immortal’s Bridge Ice waterfalls + ancient temples + primeval forest This combination is truly unbeatable!!! 🌲【“Kingdom of Flora and Fauna” on the Loess Plateau】 This place is called the "zoo" and "botanical garden" of the Loess Plateau The forest after snow is especially tranquil Walking on the snowy forest paths You might occasionally see animal footprints Breathing in the crisp air You’ll feel completely healed 📌【Practical Guide】 📍Location: Lianhuatai Scenic Area, Huating County, Gansu (35 km from the county town, self-driving recommended) 🎫Tickets: Purchase on site ⏰Best time: Recommended from 10 AM to 3 PM (The sunlight is just right, making the ice waterfalls most translucent) 👣Suggested itinerary: Arrive in the morning → head straight to the ice waterfalls for photos Stroll through the forest at noon → visit the herbal garden and thatched huts Afternoon to watch the changing light on the ice falls → check out ancient ruins Return before evening (be careful on mountain roads) 🧣Packing tips: Keep warm, keep warm, and keep warm!!! Crampons are a must (there may be hidden ice on the path) Fully charge your camera (it’s really amazing to photograph) Bring a thermos with hot water (happiness level up) Sincerely recommend While the ice waterfalls are at their best Come experience once The stunning blend of ice, snow, and millennia-old culture Missing it means waiting another whole year!!!

My 5-day trip to Busan with my best friend

⭐️Hello, welcome to Banyu's travel notes⭐️ · ————————————————— From the Lotus Platform where Emperor Qin worshipped heaven to Chaonajiu where Fuxi was born, every scenic spot in Pingliang tells a millennium-old legend, inviting you to join this civilization journey across time and space. · ————————————————— 【🧳Itinerary】 DAY1️⃣: Arrival ➠ Yuantong Zen Temple ➠ Liuhu Park DAY2️⃣: Pingliang City Museum ➠ Kongtong Mountain DAY3️⃣: Jingchuan County day tour ➠ Departure · ————————————————— 【🏞️Attractions】 📍Kongtong Mountain: It is said that Emperor Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Han Wudi once ascended this mountain and later erected steles as proof. From the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, Taoist temples and Zen monasteries have been built on the mountain, among which the Kongtong Pagoda is the most famous. 📍Baota Ridge: A high ground within Pingliang city, strategically important for controlling key traffic routes. Heavily garrisoned throughout history, it is now one of Pingliang’s landmarks. 📍Yuantong Temple: With red walls and gray tiles, the temple is solemn and majestic in the morning light. The curling incense smoke and lingering Buddhist chants intertwine to create a tranquil atmosphere that soothes the mind. 📍Dayun Temple · Queen Mother Palace: A fusion of Buddhist and Taoist cultures, where you can admire exquisite ancient architecture and learn about profound historical and cultural heritage. 📍Longquan Temple: On the mountain rock stands an ancient cypress shaped like a dragon with scales and claws, winding over the cliff for more than a thousand years, a true miracle; the mountain stream sculptures of flying dragons playing in the water emit mist, forming a rainbow in the sunlight, a spectacular sight. · ————————————————— 【🍲Food Recommendations】 🔸Chongxin Suhezi: Oily but not greasy, biting into it releases a sweet and fragrant flavor, perfect for gifting to friends and family during festivals. 🔸Zhuanglang Big Steamed Bun: Also called General’s Bun, made from selected high-quality wheat flour and carefully crafted following traditional Zhuanglang farmhouse fermentation techniques. 🔸Jingchuan Guanguan Steamed Bun: Also known as Thousand-layer Steamed Bun, pure white and firm in texture, with a rich wheat aroma when bitten. · ————————————————— ✨Tips: 1️⃣ Wear comfortable shoes when going to Queen Mother Palace Mountain, as some steps are quite steep. 2️⃣ Some sections of Kongtong Mountain are rugged; wear comfortable sports shoes or hiking boots when climbing. · ————————————————— 📅: W I N T E R 📷: BanyuMaybe 🗺: Gansu · Pingliang

Located in the Xianju Scenic Area of Taizhou, Zhejiang, it is like a beautiful and enchanting painting, intoxicating to behold. The Lotus Platform and Ruyi Bridge are the dazzling pearls within, shining with a fairy-like radiance. The Lotus Platform, resembling a blooming lotus, quietly unfolds its purity and beauty in the valley. When the misty rain blurs the view, clouds and fog wind through the mountains, and the fragrance of flowers permeates the moist air, it creates a refreshing and enchanting atmosphere, as if one has stepped into a fairyland. The Guanyin Peak echoes in the distance, adding a touch of mysterious charm. The Ruyi Bridge, on the other hand, is a newly popular 'internet-famous' spot in Xianju. The fully transparent glass bridge surface can make one's legs go weak, while also providing a deeper shock to visitors with the magnificent scenery. Many tourists choose to capture beautiful moments on the Ruyi Bridge, symbolizing a blessed journey and wishing for everything to go as desired

If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe that there is such a mysterious and sacred peak hidden in China. It is the Guanyin Peak located in Taizhou Shenxianju. This peak is not only the heart of the southern region of Shenxianju, but also an incarnation of the compassionate and wise Avalokitesvara. Whenever the sun shines, Guanyin Peak is like Avalokitesvara who saves all beings, quietly listening to the joys and sorrows of the world. Opposite Guanyin Peak, there are a series of breathtaking attractions, such as Nantian Peak, Ruyi Bridge, Buddha Shadow Lotus Rhyme, Lotus Platform, etc. Among them, Nantian Peak is like a watchtower standing between heaven and earth, you can overlook Xianju City to the east, overlook Gongyu Rock to the south, rely on Zhangmao Mountain to the north, and below is a cliff of three to four hundred meters deep. Here, you can feel the magnificent scenery of the top of the mountains, and also experience the excitement and pleasure of extreme sports such as sky corridors, suspended swings, and bungee jumping. At the same time, this is also the best place for you to express your respect to Avalokitesvara, allowing your soul to be baptized and purified. Ruyi Bridge is one of the must-visit attractions in Shenxianju. This hyperbolic arch bridge built of steel is like a jade ruyi lying in the valley, crystal clear. The big trees on both sides of the bridge, two sweet gums, and a ginkgo, represent sweetness and happiness respectively. Walking over this Ruyi Bridge, I hope your life is poetic and picturesque, sweet and happy. There is also a popular elevator on the mountain of Shenxianju, which netizens call "pain-free climbing", which is to sit in the same elevator as in the mall and go directly to the top of the mountain, a total of 120 meters. Although some people say that it has lost the "soul of climbing", it is indeed very friendly to the elderly, children, and people with inconvenient legs and feet. Shenxianju is named because it seems to be a habitat for immortals. The air here is fresh and pleasant, and the content of negative oxygen ions is extremely high, making it an ideal place for health and leisure. Coming here, you will embark on a pilgrimage, exploration and dream-seeking journey of the soul. Walking in this fairyland on earth, it seems to be in a flowing landscape painting, which makes people feel relaxed and happy, and forget to return. Taizhou Shenxianju Scenic Area Tour Route: South Gate Up North Gate Down Route: South Gate Nantian Cableway→Buddha Shadow Lotus Rhyme→Up Mountain Elevator→Nantian Peak→Guanyin Peak→Lotus Platform→Hongmeng Bridge→Tai Chi Platform→Qingyun Ladder→Wolong Bridge→Yuanmeng Bridge→Ruyi Bridge (Do not cross the bridge after visiting)→Smooth Sailing→Beihai Cableway→Sightseeing Car Downhill North Gate Up South Gate Down Route: North Gate Sightseeing Car→Beihai Cableway→Smooth Sailing→Ruyi Bridge→Yuanmeng Bridge→Wolong Bridge→Qingyun Ladder→Tai Chi Platform→Hongmeng Bridge→Lotus Platform→Nantian Peak→Guanyin Peak→Elevator Downhill→South Gate Nantian Cableway The arrival route of the new attraction Buddha Shadow Lotus Rhyme: Enter from the south gate of Shenxianju Scenic Area, take the Nantian Cableway up the mountain, and walk to the right-hand plank road after exiting the cableway (do not take the escalator), you can reach Buddha Shadow Lotus Rhyme. Ticket: Shenxianju 110 yuan/person Cable car: Cable car up 65 yuan/person, cable car down 55 yuan/person Nantian Peak: Separate ticket 99 yuan/person Address: Danzhu Township, Baita Town, Xianju County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province Scenic Area Opening Hours: 08:00—16:00 Shenxianju Scenic Area-Ruyi Bridge

Address: 65 Sincheon-daero 50beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea The rich and mellow broth made us return the next day.

The cute Blueline Park sky capsule train Beautiful skywalk Delicious grilled scallops in Cheongsapo Well worth a visit

The Huating County Museum is located in the middle section of Wenhua Street, Huating County, Gansu Province. It is a comprehensive museum that integrates the collection, collection, research and display functions of cultural relics. There are 1016 pieces of 19 kinds of cultural relics in the museum, including 100 national precious cultural relics. The collection is divided into ceramics, stone carvings, bronzes, irons, silverware and other more than a dozen categories, featuring Northern Wei, Beizhou, Sui Dynasty stone carvings and Song, Jin and Yuan Dynasty porcelain.