Things to do in Zhouqu

Lina, the lecturer at the Gambo Museum, is exceptionally skilled. During the two-hour learning experience, she demonstrated a thorough understanding of the chronological order and comparative analysis of the artifacts, meticulously integrating historical evolution with everyday life. I look forward to the completion of the new Gambo Museum and visiting it again next time.

For a family-friendly itinerary combined with educational purposes, I recommend entering directly from the West Gate and proceeding to Zhang Fei Temple, Zhongtian Tower, and the Imperial Examination Hall. The time is limited. I joined a guided tour for both Zhang Fei Temple and the Imperial Examination Hall, and it was very rewarding.

Qingmuchuan Ancient Town is located at the junction of Shaanxi, Sichuan and Gansu provinces. The ancient buildings are well preserved. Must-see attractions include the Wei Family Residence, Rongshengkui, and the opium den. You must also stroll along Huilongchang Old Street and climb Huilong Pavilion to overlook the entire ancient town.

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!

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.

The teacher's explanations made our visit truly meaningful. The explanations were very comprehensive and detailed; I'll need to review some of the points later. I really liked the architectural style of the Baoji Bronze Museum; it was definitely worth the long journey.

We stayed at the Hilton Hotel and passed by the town visitor center. The front desk lady gave us a free guide map and patiently introduced the experience activities in the resort. She also let us take a free shuttle bus to Zhongchagou. We went to the Tibetan family to drink tea and ride horses. Life was so comfortable that my friends didn't want to leave. In the evening, we danced on the bonfire and visited the museum by the way. The exhibits inside were so shocking, especially the embroidery exhibits of the intangible cultural heritage master Mr. Yang. I really recommend it. There are so many activities.

Returning to Chengdu from Jiuzhaigou, I took the high-speed rail in Songpan and rested for a while in the ancient city. There are many mushroom sellers in the ancient city, and they can also take you to pick mushrooms. It is a very distinctive town in western Sichuan.

The Chinese Stone Drum Park is one of the key tourist and cultural scenic spots in Baoji City, Shaanxi Province. It is located on the Stone Drum Mountain, where the Stone Drum, which was praised by Kang Youwei as "China's No. 1 Antiquity", was unearthed. It is adjacent to Yinxiang River in the east, Jifeng Mountain, the main peak of Qinling Mountains in the south, the urban area in the west, and the Weihe River in the north. It covers an area of ​​more than 500 acres and has a total construction area of ​​47,000 square meters. It is a cultural ecological park with the theme of Zhou and Qin history and culture. There are five major areas, Baoji Bronze Museum, Chencang Stone Drum Pavilion, Qin Culture Square, Stone Drum Square, and Jinshi Garden, which integrate site protection, bronze exhibition, stone drum culture display, garden sightseeing, archaeological research and leisure and entertainment, and fully display the profound history and culture of Baoji as the birthplace of Zhou and Qin culture. Through the protection and shaping of natural landscapes, the park has become a collection of the five characteristics of Baoji, Shaanxi, namely, mountain, water, forest, plateau, and city. Through the integration and reproduction of Zhou and Qin history, the park has become a microcosm of ancestral culture and a charming place with both natural and humanistic characteristics. The two iconic buildings of the China Stone Drum Park, Chencang Stone Drum Pavilion and Baoji Bronze Museum, have become the new city coordinates of Baoji.

Gangjia Grassland is located in Gangjia Township, Xiahe, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, 33 kilometers north of Xiahe County, and is directly accessible by road. Gangjia Grassland is a meadow grassland, vast and boundless, with an average altitude of more than 3,000 meters. It is one of the main animal husbandry bases in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. There is a reception desk at the Muyun Tent Camp, which prepares fresh milk tea, tsampa, Tibetan buns, hand-pulled mutton and other Tibetan specialties for tourists. It also prepares grassland tourism programs such as horses, yaks, shooting bonfire parties, etc. for tourists. Visitors can fully experience the mysterious and simple Tibetan customs here.