Things to do in Hualong

The scenic area seemed reasonably priced, and the scenery was very beautiful. However, the facilities within the area weren't particularly interesting. It's best to come here at sunset to watch the Yellow River. Overall, the experience was still worthwhile.

Online ticketing is very convenient for the attractions along the Sichuan-Gannan Grand Loop! After taking the escalator up to the mountaintop for the view, I recommend walking down the wooden boardwalk for the rest of the journey. However, the parking lot for the escalator is quite far from the entrance! There's no shuttle bus either! Ultimately, we had to split up: one person went down the stairs to get the car, and the other walked down the boardwalk. The experience was just so-so!

The scenery is truly beautiful. The weather was great the day I went, so the scenery was absolutely gorgeous. The lake, the flower-filled lake, and the ecological environment are simply amazing. There's a commercial street right outside with all sorts of food options, which is very convenient.

I was fortunate enough to encounter autumn snow in Qilian County, and the mountains of Zhuoer Mountain were blanketed in silver. Shepherds grazed their sheep on the mountaintop meadows, and the view from the observation deck was exceptionally magnificent. Transportation: Take a bus from Xining to Qilian County, then a taxi to Zhuoer Mountain Scenic Area. During the off-season, the scenic area shuttle bus is not running; you can ask the driver to take you directly to the visitor center. There are sightseeing buses within the scenic area that go directly to the summit platform. Dining: Limited options during the off-season; you'll need to find your own food. Delivery services are limited and do not deliver to guesthouses near the scenic area. Seeing the snow-capped mountains, forests, meadows, and Danxia landforms made the trip worthwhile!

The scenery at Tianti Mountain is delightful, with the Huangyang Reservoir's shimmering blue waters sparkling in the sunset. The view of the Buddha statue from the sky bridge is excellent; the setting sun casts its shadow on the Buddha, creating unique photographic opportunities. The overall tour route is short, making it easy for seniors and children to hike.

Dandou Temple is a very famous scenic spot in Hualong. Almost every tourist who comes to Hualong will be attracted by the quiet scenery of this place and come here to appreciate the scenery.

The Bingling Temple Grottoes are hailed by scholars as an "encyclopedia of Chinese grottoes," holding an irreplaceable and important position in my country's grotto art. It is not only one of the three major grottoes in Gansu, but also the first Yellow River grotto on the Silk Road.

Lanzhou Old Street is quite close to the Yellow River Tower. We walked there after visiting the Yellow River Tower. The old street area isn't small, and it feels like a newly built commercial district. In the afternoon during the off-season, there were very few people. I wonder if it will be more crowded at night? The shops are mainly restaurants, plus souvenir shops. If you're passing by, you can check it out!

As the first stop in Gannan from Linxia, ​​it's a pretty good tourist attraction, with all three viewing platforms worth taking photos at. However, even during the off-season holidays, the shuttle buses are hard to find, so I can only imagine how ridiculous the queues will be during the summer peak season.

Before coming to Lanzhou, I had no idea what this bridge was like. I arrived around 3 PM; the sun was still blazing, and the iron railings on the bridge felt hot to the touch. This iron bridge, built in 1909, spans the Yellow River, looking sturdy yet silent. Standing on the bridge, the Yellow River surged beneath my feet, carrying the scent of silt. Speedboats darted out from under the arches, splashing up waves, and children on the bank screamed excitedly—their jubilation was unstoppable. I didn't rush up the mountain; instead, I found a seat at a teahouse under the bridge. I ordered a cup of "Sanpaotai" (a type of local tea), 15 yuan, with refills. The bamboo chair was a bit old, but just the right amount of comfortable. Several local old men around me were cracking sunflower seeds and playing chess, occasionally glancing up at the river and saying, "The water's risen again." That relaxed feeling is rare in tourist spots. You absolutely must try the Sanpaotai at the teahouse. Don't rush; sit for at least half an hour, just gazing at the river and daydreaming—that's the real deal. The cruise ticket is only a few dozen yuan, not expensive at all, and worth experiencing the view from under the bridge. Speedboats and sheepskin rafts are available on the shore; thrill-seekers can give them a try. Regarding photography: the "Zhongshan Bridge" stone monument on the south side of the bridge is a classic spot for photos. Take your time; although the sun is strong 🌞, the river breeze is very pleasant.