A severely underrated small city by the Yellow River

In Gansu Province of Northwest China, there lies a magnificent land where nature and culture intertwine—Yongjing, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture. Not only does it boast the spectacular Liujiaxia Reservoir and the Danxia landforms, but it also harbors a wealth of historical and cultural relics, making it an ideal choice for travelers to explore the unknown and embrace nature. Must-visit attractions: The marvel of Danxia and the fusion of water hues • Liujiaxia Reservoir: As the first large-scale hydropower station on the upper reaches of the Yellow River, Liujiaxia Reservoir is not only a miracle of Chinese hydraulic engineering, but its vast expanse of blue waves and the surrounding rolling mountains also form a breathtaking landscape painting. Taking a boat ride on the lake, one can get a close view of the 'Yellow River Stone Forest' and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of 'high gorges leading to a vast lake.' • Bingling Temple Grottoes: Located upstream of the Liujiaxia Reservoir, this millennium-old temple is hidden between cliffs and boasts exquisite grotto sculptures from the Northern Wei to the Ming and Qing dynasties, hailed as a 'treasury of Eastern sculpture art.' Wandering through it is like traveling through time, conversing with history. Detailed Address • Liujiaxia Reservoir: Within the territory of Yongjing County, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province • Bingling Temple Grottoes: In the Xiaojishi Mountains about 50 kilometers southwest of Yongjing County, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province Transportation Tips • Getting to Yongjing: You can first fly to Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport, then take a long-distance bus or rent a car to Yongjing, which takes about 2 hours. • Internal Transportation: It is recommended to rent a car or hire a car service locally for more flexible exploration of the attractions. To visit Bingling Temple Grottoes, you need to take a boat from the Liujiaxia Reservoir dock. Food Recommendations • Hand-grabbed Lamb: How can you not try the authentic hand-grabbed lamb when in the Northwest? The meat is tender and flavorful, served with garlic paste and pepper salt, each bite is a supreme temptation for the taste buds. • Beef Noodles: A Gansu specialty, a steaming bowl of beef noodles with chewy noodles and a rich broth, is a warm comfort during the journey. Recommended Nearby Attractions • Taiji Island: Located on the south bank of the Liujiaxia Reservoir, named for its resemblance to the Taiji symbol. The island is shaded with green trees and fragrant with flowers, making it a great place for cycling, walking, and getting close to nature. • Yellow River Gorges: Including Bingling Gorge, Liujiaxia, and Yanguoxia, each gorge has its unique scenery. Taking a boat tour, you can enjoy the magnificent views of the Yellow River canyons all at once. Yongjing, this land nourished by the Yellow River, tells its millennia-old stories in its unique way. Whether it's the fantastical colors of the Danxia landforms or the profound cultural heritage of the Yellow River, they all inspire longing and are unforgettable. A visit here is sure to be a journey of harmonious resonance between the soul and nature.