Things to do in Jingyuan

Faquan Temple Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction, a provincial cultural relic protection unit, and a provincial forest park. It ranks 39th among the top 100 Buddhist temples in China. There are three clear springs in the scenic area, namely "Dragon Bone", "Ink Pond" and "Crescent Moon". The Famen Temple in Shaanxi is the upper courtyard, and the Faquan Temple is the lower courtyard. The "Famen" and "Clear Spring" are the names of the temples, so it is named Faquan Temple. It was first built in the Northern Wei Dynasty and reached its peak in the Tang and Song Dynasties. It was expanded and repaired in succession. Yuchi Jingde, a general in the early Tang Dynasty, once built Faquan Temple. In the fifth year of Chongning in the Song Dynasty (1106), the emperor granted Faquan Temple and Xi'an Jingyun Temple as the upper and lower temples. After several wars, it began to be repaired and rebuilt in 1988, and the buildings are basically well preserved.

The Shapotou Scenic Area boasts a unique landscape where the Yellow River flows alongside the desert, creating stunning photo opportunities and vividly recreating the poetic imagery of Wang Wei. Enjoy a leisurely ride on sheepskin rafts on the Yellow River, accompanied by boatmen singing folk songs; a variety of activities are available, including sandboarding, zip-lining, camel riding, and desert buggy rides, offering both thrills and relaxation. The desert sunsets are breathtaking, making it a perfect spot for photos and family outings.

First, you should have seen the upper section of the South Wing and hired a guide; otherwise, the lower section of the North Wing and other exhibits won't be very beginner-friendly. Second, you need ample time; even a quick tour of the upper section of the South Wing takes half an hour, and the same goes for the lower section. Third, as a first-class museum, it naturally has its highlights and unique features. Fourth, please treat everything as folk art. Fifth, if you have some knowledge of Buddhist colleges and medical textbooks, you'll understand the value of the North Wing's collection—it contains items that are rarely seen, unless you become a lama.

Time seemed to slow down amidst the sound of the prayer wheels turning. My body and mind received a baptism of light. The guide's explanations enhanced my understanding of religious culture.

It was surprisingly entertaining 😍 we went thinking it was just a beautiful natural scenario but had a lot of fun with the equipments also. The waterslide its a must try!

The park is quite large, but you can walk around the whole thing. Those who aren't very fit can take the shuttle bus. The animals have plenty of space to roam, and I didn't feel any sense of confinement among them; they all seemed to be living naturally. However, the park's signage is really poor. I hope they can improve it to make it clearer and more concise.

At the foot of the Helan Mountains, amidst desolate wilderness and rammed earth tombs, stand silently the legendary Eastern pyramids. Millennia of wind and sand have repeatedly eroded the rammed earth, the palaces long since vanished, leaving only mounds of earth, silently facing the Helan Mountains.

If you're feeling bored lately and looking for a nearby place to relax, you can choose the Yellow River Stone Forest. Remember to go out on a nice day. The apples in the villages near the scenic area are ripe and quite delicious. The view from the observation deck is also breathtaking!

The Gansu Provincial Museum is an absolute must-see during your trip to Lanzhou! The museum's collection is breathtakingly rich, especially the painted pottery exhibition hall. The patterns from thousands of years ago still possess a remarkable beauty, a testament to the wisdom of the ancients. Of course, the most unmissable exhibit is the museum's crown jewel, the "Flying Horse of Gansu" (bronze galloping horse). Seeing it in person is a truly awe-inspiring experience that pictures can't capture. The row of adorable terracotta figurines is also incredibly photogenic. The entire visit is both educational and entertaining, and with free reservations, it's excellent value. I highly recommend setting aside half a day for a leisurely exploration, and definitely hire a guide or rent an audio guide – it will elevate your experience significantly!

Zhenbeibao Western Film Studio, nestled at the foot of Helan Mountain, exudes the unique desolation and ruggedness of Northwest China. The ancient rammed earth castle, weathered and imposing, served as a filming location for movies like "A Chinese Odyssey" and "Red Sorghum." Strolling through the Ming Dynasty city, Qing Dynasty city, and Old Yinchuan Street, every wall and tile holds stories from classic films. No need for elaborate filters; every snapshot is a masterpiece of atmosphere. Perfect for those who love nostalgia and photography, offering an immersive experience of the unique charm of the martial arts world.