At the Bend of the Yellow River, the Essence of Hezhou Flavor

Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, nestled in the southwestern part of Gansu Province, lies at the transitional zone between the Loess Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The Yellow River flows through its heart, nurturing the unique "Hehuang Culture." As one of China's primary Hui ethnic enclaves, Linxia is a melting pot of diverse ethnic traditions, renowned for its rich Islamic heritage and often called the "Little Mecca of China." With a history dating back to the Qin Dynasty, ancient Linxia—known as "Hezhou"—was a vital hub on the southern Silk Road, leaving behind cultural treasures like the Bingling Temple Grottoes. Its cuisine, centered on lamb and beef, features specialties like hand-grabbed mutton and Heyan noodle slices, while the intangible heritage "Hua'er" folk songs add poetic charm to this vibrant land. 【Must-Visit Spots】 🌟 **Culture & History** **Bafang Thirteen Lanes**: A "living folk museum" of Linxia, comprising 8 mosques and 13 ancient alleys adorned with Hui-style brick carvings and embroideries. Lit by lanterns at night, it transforms into a flowing tapestry of tradition. **Bingling Temple Grottoes**: A 1,600-year-old Buddhist art treasury with 216 caves, showcasing exquisite Tang Dynasty statues. Reachable by boat through the Liujiaxia Reservoir, the journey offers stunning views of "high gorges meeting calm lakes." Don’t miss the esoteric murals in Caves 169/172. **Dong Mansion & Butterfly Tower**: The former residence of warlord Ma Buqing, famed for its intricate brick carvings depicting motifs like "Double Peonies of Wealth" and "Five Bats Embracing Longevity," earning it the title "Linxia’s Grand View Garden." 🌿 **Natural Wonders** **Yellow River Three Gorges (Liujiaxia Reservoir)**: Cruise through Bingling, Liujia, and Yanguo Gorges to witness the surreal confluence of the turquoise Yellow River and the muddy Tao River. In summer, try paragliding at Liujiaxia for aerial vistas. **Songmingyan Scenic Area**: A forest park named for its roaring pine winds. Enjoy spring blooms, summer coolness, autumn foliage, winter skiing, and the annual "Hua'er Festival" of folk songs. 🍲 **Culinary Delights** **Hand-Grabbed Mutton**: Try "Dawu Hand-Grabbed Mutton" or "Ersa Hand-Grabbed Mutton"—tender meat served with spiced salt and garlic, traditionally eaten by hand. **Heyan Noodle Slices**: Savor the beef broth noodles at "Sulaiman Restaurant," a spicy-sour comfort dish. **Street Bites**: Don’t miss Bafang’s fermented pancakes, sugar-oil cakes, sweet fermented barley, or night-market lamb skewers and offal stews. 【Travel Guide】 📅 **Best Time to Visit** **May–August**: Cool weather, blooming grasslands, and the peak "Hua'er Festival" season. **September–November**: Crisp autumn air with fewer crowds and great value. **Stay Duration**: 3–4 days for a deep dive into culture and nature. 🗺️ **Itinerary** **Day 1: Cultural Immersion** AM: Explore Bafang Thirteen Lanes, visit brick carving exhibits, and snack on sugar-oil cakes. PM: Tour Dong Mansion and Butterfly Tower. Evening: Stroll Hongyuan Garden (peonies in April–May) or Dongjiao Park, then night-lit Bafang lanes with dinner at "Sulaiman." **Day 2: Yellow River Adventure** AM: Drive to Yongjing for Liujiaxia Dam views. Noon: Feast on Yellow River carp (braised, fried, or stewed) at Weijiapo. PM: Cruise the Three Gorges, stop at the Tao-Yellow confluence, and explore Bingling Temple’s Cave 169/172. Night: Stay at Yellow River Pearl International Hotel for lakeside views. **Day 3: Nature & Folklore** AM: Hike or zipline at Songmingyan, listen to "Hua'er" duets. PM: Return to Linxia for the Prefecture Museum (ancient pottery exhibits). Evening: Boat ride at Dongjiao Park. **Day 4 (Optional): Dongxiang Ethnic Culture** Full-day: Visit Tangwang Apricot Blossom Village (April blooms), hike Shilaquan Canyon, stay at "Tangfan Yunshe" homestay, and try Dongxiang hand-grabbed mutton. 【Stay Options】 **Luxury**: - Linxia Wanda Realm: Downtown elegance for business/leisure. - Liujiaxia Yellow River Pearl Hotel: Lakeside retreat with panoramic views. **Boutique**: - Tangfan Yunshe: Earth-walled chic with Dongxiang cuisine. - Gansu Mirror Lake Wild Luxury: Secluded lakeside lodges. **Budget**: - Home Inn Neo (Central Square): Steps from Bafang lanes. - Linxia Polanti Hotel (Bafang location): Parking + foodie haven. 【Tips】 **Transport**: No airport/rail; take a 3-hour bus from Lanzhou or drive (2 hours). Use tourist buses (¥1) or taxis (¥5 starting fare). **Etiquette**: Remove shoes in mosques; dress modestly (no shorts/skirts); respect halal dietary rules. **Gear**: Sun protection for summer; jackets for cool evenings; grippy shoes for Songmingyan hikes. **Tickets**: Bingling Temple: ¥50 (students half-price); Caves 169/172 + guide: ¥300. **Souvenirs**: Dongxiang embroidery, Baoan knives, Linxia brick carvings, "Wushanchi" rice wine, Tangwang apricots. 🌟 **Pro Tips**: - Book Yellow River cruises early (peak departures: 11:00/14:00/16:00). - Songmingyan’s "Hua'er Festival" is held in lunar June—check local updates. - Some trails (e.g., Shilaquan Canyon) are rugged; hire a guide if needed. Linxia, this northwestern gem cradled by the Yellow River, awaits with open arms—its history, landscapes, and warm ethnic hospitality ready to enchant you.