Jiuquan – a beautiful and mysterious place, the starting point for journeys into space, has been voted the No. 1 best travel destination in Asia.
Here, you can witness the breathtaking scenery of “a lone smoke rising straight in the vast desert, and the setting sun casting a perfect circle on the long river.”
Here, you can see rare desert wonders, including the world’s first desert spring.
In this place, you can marvel at stunning artistic sculptures.
Here, you can behold the magnificent sight of poplar forests painting the mountains in a myriad of colors.
This is Jiuquan, the only city in China named after alcohol, located in Gansu Province.
Jiuquan covers an area of 192,000 square kilometers, accounting for 42% of Gansu’s total land. The true vastness and sparseness of the region give rise to its diverse landscapes.
But Jiuquan has much more to offer than just these attractions.
Quickly rent a car and follow the editor to discover China’s artistic treasures!
Mogao Caves
The Mogao Caves, commonly known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, were first constructed during the Former Qin period of the Sixteen Kingdoms era and continued to be built throughout the Sixteen Kingdoms period. With 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, and 2,415 clay-colored sculptures, it is the largest and most content-rich Buddhist art site in the world.
Inside the caves, on the weathered earthen walls, gazing at the remnants of images that have survived catastrophes, one feels a mix of sorrow and awe, with stories written everywhere.
Yumen Pass
Yumen Pass, also known as Xiaofangpan City, was first built during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty when he opened up the routes to the Western Regions. It was a must-pass location for the northern route of the ancient Silk Road entering the Western Regions.
Yumen Pass is situated at an altitude of around 1,400 meters, with significant temperature differences throughout the year and a long, harsh winter. February is the coldest month. It is recommended to visit between May and October. Here, you can not only see the longest and best-preserved section of the Han Great Wall within Dunhuang but also get a sense of the ancient wartime passes.
Yangguan Pass
Yangguan Pass, along with Yumen Pass, served as a gateway for transportation to the Western Regions at that time. It is located at a strategic point for ancient land-based foreign communication in China and was a necessary pass on the southern route of the Silk Road.
In the Yangguan Scenic Area, every mountain and river is a painting, and every blade of grass and tree is a beautiful scene. Accompanied by the gentle breeze, embrace your passion and set off for the mountains and seas.
Visit the World’s First Desert Spring
Mingsha Mountain
Mingsha Mountain is named after the sound produced by the moving sand. The main peak of Mingsha Mountain is 1,715 meters high, and its body is composed of fine sand in five colors: red, black, white, green, and yellow. Here, you can experience the loneliness of “a lone smoke rising straight in the vast desert, and the setting sun casting a perfect circle on the long river.”
It also has a magical “ability.” Even though people bring down a large amount of sand from the mountain top when climbing or sliding down, amazingly, these sand grains will return to the summit overnight with the power of the wind.
Crescent Spring
As one of China’s four great wonders, the Crescent Spring has coexisted with the sand for thousands of years, resembling a miniature version of Dunhuang. In the rugged great northwest, being able to appreciate this gentle touch of color is also very comforting for people.
After descending from the Mingsha Mountain, you can see the crescent-shaped spring in the desert. The Crescent Spring, with its shape resembling a crescent moon, has coexisted with the Mingsha Mountain for thousands of years without being eroded or buried by the wind and sand.
Yardang Devil City
Further west along the road from the Yumen Pass, on the endless Gobi Desert, a group of bizarre rocks suddenly appears, which is the Yardang Devil City. Because of the whistling wind and the eerie ghostly sounds, people nicknamed it the Devil City.
This special “castle” has city walls, streets, buildings, squares, churches, and sculptures, all vividly and exquisitely shaped, making the world marvel. These masterpieces of nature are truly ingenious and endlessly fascinating.
Witness the Unique Autumn Scenery
Jinta Poplar Forest
The Jinta Desert Poplar Forest Scenic Area is located on the northern side of the middle section of the ancient Silk Road and is the largest artificial poplar forest in northwest China.
Although it is artificially planted, the scenery is no less impressive than that of Ejina Banner. In mid-October, when the poplars are in full bloom, their reflections on the Jinbo Lake make it feel like walking into a golden world, and every shot is stunning!
Swan Lake
Swan Lake consists of the Big Swan Lake and the Small Swan Lake. The Big Swan Lake is located in the Haizi Grassland in the western part of Heping Township, Haizi Grassland. Due to its clear water and flocks of migratory birds, it has been designated as a migratory bird protection area in recent years.
In the distance, snow-capped mountains stretch endlessly, surrounded by green grass and sky, and the lake’s surface is a deep blue color. Although it is not the sea, it is no less vast than the ocean.
Son of the Earth
The Son of the Earth is actually a statue designed and carved by Tsinghua University professor Dong Shubing. It is located in the ancient town of Guazhou in the northwest region of Gansu Province.
This baby is neither sitting nor lying down but rather kneeling and lying prone on the ground, quietly sleeping. This desert seems to be a mother’s embrace, allowing him to sleep peacefully. This visually striking scene evokes a sense of tenderness in many people.
Taste the Delicacies of Jiuquan
Milk Egg Laozao
One of the must-eat desserts in the Northwest, it has been featured on “A Bite of China.” It is made by cooking fermented egg and milk together, adding peanuts and raisins, and finally sprinkling sesame seeds on top. It is very suitable as a dessert after a meal!
Ma Sanyang Potato Chips
In the Northwest, potatoes are called “yangyu.” How delicious the potatoes here are can only be known after tasting them! The potato chips are quite spicy and suitable for those who prefer stronger flavors.
Deep-fried Lamb Chops
Fresh local lamb is placed in a pot and deep-fried, then sprinkled with cumin, chili powder, and other spices. The lamb is fatty but not greasy, and its aroma wafts through the air.
After seeing Jiuquan like this, are you itching to set off immediately?
Then take advantage of the upcoming holiday, rent a car and go!
Travel Tips
[Transportation]: There are two civil airports in Jiuquan: Jiayuguan Airport (25km) and Dunhuang Airport (over 400km).
[Self-driving]: Jiuquan has a well-developed road transportation system. National Highway 312 runs through the entire territory, and the roads within the territory are also well-connected.
[Accommodation]: Accommodation in Jiuquan is mainly concentrated in the Suzhou District.
[Best Travel Season]: Every year from May to October is the best travel season in Jiuquan.
