Jiuquan Travel Guide

Explore the hidden gems of Jiuquan in Gansu, China with this comprehensive travel guide covering natural attractions, cultural landmarks, best places to stay, food and drink scene, safety and health tips, and much more.


A Comprehensive Guide to Jiuquan: Explore the Hidden Gems of Gansu

Located in the northwest region of China, Jiuquan offers a unique mix of natural beauty, rich culture, and historical landmarks. From scenic views to outdoor adventures, ancient monasteries to bustling markets, Jiuquan has something to offer for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through the must-visit places in Jiuquan, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around the city. Let’s get started.

Introduction to Jiuquan

Jiuquan is a remote city located in the Gansu province of northwest China. Originally a military stronghold, the city is now an essential hub for transportation and industry, mainly due to its proximity to the Silk Road. Jiuquan is home to many military installations, including a satellite launch site, which makes it an intriguing destination for history buffs and astronomy enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re here for leisure or business, Jiuquan promises a unique glimpse of China’s past, present, and future.

List of Places to Visit in Jiuquan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Jiuquan Museum of Military History: This museum showcases the history of Jiuquan’s military achievements, weapons, and vehicles. From the Ming dynasty to modern times, the museum has a vast collection of rare artifacts and weapons. It’s a perfect place for history enthusiasts and those interested in military equipment history.

  2. Jiayuguan Fortress: This ancient fortress is located on the western end of the Great Wall of China. It was built in the Ming dynasty period to protect the Chinese empire from invaders. The fortress is open to visitors, and you can explore the watchtowers, cannons, and other ancient structures. The fortress is also home to the world’s largest miniature mountain garden, featuring over 100,000 miniature mountains and 600 miniature houses.

  3. Mogao Caves: Located just a few hours from Jiuquan, the Mogao Caves are a network of 492 temples filled with Buddhist art and manuscripts. The monks began carving these temples into the cliffs in the 4th century, and they continued to add to them for over a thousand years. The caves have unique Buddhist artworks that have been well-preserved over the years.

Natural Attractions of Jiuquan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Daquan River Wetland Park: Located in Jiuquan’s eastern suburbs, the park boasts a unique natural environment of wetlands and streams. It’s an ideal place for birdwatching and boating. There are also cycling tracks and hiking trails, making it an ideal place for families to explore together.

  2. Yumen Guan Pass: This pass is one of the essential landmarks along the ancient Silk Road. It served as a gateway between China and the western world in the Han Dynasty period. It’s an impressive architectural feat that still stands today, and visitors can explore the ancient castle and the remains of the Great Wall nearby.

  3. Qilian Mountain: Located in the Qilian Mountain range, the highest peak in the region soars to 5836 meters. The mountain range has diverse landscapes, including forests, glaciers, and valleys. The nature reserve is home to several rare bird and animal species, such as the snow leopard, and offer tourists the opportunity to go horseback riding or trekking, providing an unforgettable experience.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Jiuquan

  1. Honggou Xia: This is a beautiful hiking trail located in Honggou canyon, 76km from Jiuquan. The trail is easy and provides tourists with a chance to sample the scenic beauty of the gorge. The trail is suitable for hiking, cycling, and birdwatching, where one can spot over 300 species of wild animals and birds.

  2. Zhongwei Jian: This is a 20km route that spans through Jiuquan’s desert region. It’s suitable for biking and suitable for advanced riders due to the bumpy terrain.

  3. Lanjiaping: The trail is an 8km hike that starts from Jiuquan’s downtown and ends at the Maijishan Grottoes. The route is mainly flat, and the trail offers stunning views of Jiuquan’s urban area and beautiful countryside.

Best Things to Do in Jiuquan: Activities and Tours

  1. Visit Maijishan Grottoes: Located approximately 35km from Jiuquan, the Maijishan Grottoes is considered China’s second-largest cave site, after Dunhuang Grottoes. The temple was built into a rock face and features over seven thousand statues and murals of Buddha that date back over 1500 years.

  2. Go Stargazing at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre: Jiuquan is home to China’s first satellite launch center that still operates today. Stargazing lovers can visit the observatory and take guided tours to see satellites and rockets launch into space.

  3. Buy unique souvenirs from Jiayuguan’s Market: The market offers handmade crafts, pottery, and local food products like Datong sultanas. You can also buy silver and gold jewelry and other traditional Chinese souvenirs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Jiuquan

Day 1: Visit Jiuquan Museum of Military history Take a stroll around Jiuquan’s city center

Day 2: Spend the day exploring Jiayuguan Fortress and the surrounding countryside

Day 3: Take a day trip to Yumen Guan Pass Visit the ancient castle and remains of the Great Wall

Day 4: Visit Jiuquan’s local parks and participate in outdoor activities like birdwatching, hiking, and boating.

Day 5: Explore Qilian Mountain and enjoy a horse ride or trekking

Day 6: Visit the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang City Explore the beautiful temples carved into the cliffs.

Day 7: Relax in Jiuquan downtown and shop for souvenirs at the Jiayuguan market.

Food and Drink Scene of Jiuquan

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Datong sultanas: Sweet and juicy oranges are grown in a nearby oasis, and they are among the best in China. Do not leave Jiuquan without tasting them.

  2. Hand-pulled noodles: This is one of the most popular dishes in Jiuquan. The noodles are made from wheat flour and are very tasty, and often served with beef, lamb or vegetables making a perfect meal.

  3. Labashou: This is a unique type of pancake that is made from potato flour, milk, and eggs. It’s a sweet dessert and perfect for everyone.

Local Beverages

  1. Sangjiu: This is a local wine that is made from fermented sorghum. The wine has a strong aroma and is perfect for pairing with local cuisine.

  2. Maijishan green tea: This is famous tea that is grown on the Maijishan mountain slopes. It has a pleasant taste and is suitable for drinking any time of the day.

  3. Yumen Guan Yellow Wine: This is a type of liquor that is brewed with Chinese chestnut and jujube. It has a unique flavor with a slight hint of sweetness and pairs well with dinner.

Where to Stay in Jiuquan: Hotels, Hostels and Guesthouses

  1. Jiayuguan Yue Jie Guesthouse: This guesthouse is located in Jiuquan’s downtown area, and it has has spacious rooms equipped with air conditioning, hot water, and free wifi.

  2. Jiayuguan Crowne Plaza Hotel: This luxury hotel has well-appointed rooms that come with modern amenities like air conditioning, mini-bar, and 24-hour room service. It also features an on-site swimming pool, fitness center, and spa.

  3. Lanzuan Guesthouse: This guesthouse is located in the scenic Qiyi plateau, which is surrounded by rice fields, mountains, and lakes. The rooms come with free wifi, air conditioning, and 24-hour room service.

What to Buy in Jiuquan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Datong sultanas: The sweet and juicy oranges make a perfect gift for friends and family.

  2. Jiuquan Wine: The wine is brewed with traditional methods and makes a unique gift for wine lovers.

  3. Hand-pulled noodles: The noodles that made it one of Jiuquan’s favourite dishes make for a perfect souvenir or gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Jiuquan

Jiuquan has a rich cultural heritage that has been shaped by its unique position as a gateway to the west. The locals in Jiuquan have well-preserved their customs, including the way they dress and celebrate their festivals. It’s essential for tourists to respect the local culture and understand that the customs may differ from what they’re used to.

Best Time to Visit Jiuquan

The best time to visit Jiuquan is from May to October when the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and trekking, without worrying about the harsh weather conditions. Winter months are not recommended as temperatures can get very low, and snowfall may make traveling more difficult.

Do’s and Don’ts of Jiuquan

Do:

  1. Respect the local customs, traditions and culture.
  2. Seek permission before photographing locals, places or objects.
  3. Drink bottled water instead of tap water.
  4. Carry enough cash as credit card payments are not common.
  5. Bargain when shopping at local markets.

Don’t:

  1. Engage in public displays of affection, including kissing and hugging.
  2. Disrespect religious sites or symbolic landmarks.
  3. Wear revealing clothing, especially when visiting temples or cultural sites.
  4. Smoke in public areas, especially around children.

Safety and Health

Safety in Jiuquan

Jiuquan is a safe city, and tourists are unlikely to face significant risks during their stay. However, it’s always essential to take standard precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night or carrying important documents like passports and valuables safely.

Health in Jiuquan

Jiuquan has relatively clean air, and the water is safe to drink. It’s recommended to carry your prescription medication with you during your trip. Most pharmacies in Jiuquan are well-stocked with common medicines, but it’s recommended to carry specific medicines with you.

Getting to Jiuquan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Jiuquan

  1. Jiuquan Airport: The airport is located 18km from Jiuquan and provides daily domestic flights to major cities in China.

  2. Lanzhou Airport: Located 400km from Jiuquan and connects to international destinations like Japan, Russia, Thailand, and South Korea.

Bus Stations Near Jiuquan

  1. Jiuquan Long-Distance Bus Terminal: Located in the city center, the terminal provides daily intercity and interprovincial bus services to destinations such as Lanzhou, Zhangye, Xian and more.

  2. Jiuquan South Bus Station: This bus station is located close to Jiuquan’s railway station and provides services to nearby cities.

Other Options

Tourists can reach Jiuquan by train or car. Jiuquan is connected to major cities across China via rail, including Xian and Urumqi. The city is easily accessible via car by highways from nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Jiuquan

Tourists can travel around Jiuquan by taxi, bus or cycle. Taxis are affordable and provide a convenient mode of travel for travelers. Buses and bicycles are also readily available and an easy option for tourists on a budget. Bicycles can be rented from service providers around town.

Where to Go Next from Jiuquan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Jiuquan is located in a perfect spot for exploring other destinations in northwest China. Some of the nearby destinations include Brant County, Zhangye, Dunhuang, and Lanzhou. All these destinations offer unique experiences and a chance to learn more about the Chinese culture, history, and natural wonders.

Conclusion

Jiuquan is an off-the-beaten-track destination, but one that will not disappoint visitors. With a rich history, cultural landmarks, natural attractions, unique cuisine, and warm locals, Jiuquan is a perfect hub to explore China’s northwest. This comprehensive travel guide has covered everything you need to plan your visit to Jiuquan, from places to visit, where to stay, how to get there, and more. We hope you have a wonderful time in Jiuquan!

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