Longnan is located in the southeastern part of Gansu Province, in the transitional zone between the Qinba Mountains and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It has a warm and humid climate with distinct seasons, earning it the nickname 'Jiangnan of Gansu'. The average annual temperature ranges from 10 to 15°C, with abundant rainfall and high forest coverage.
Longnan has a long history and is one of the birthplaces of Qin culture. During the pre-Qin period, it was inhabited by the Di and Qiang ethnic groups. In the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang's six expeditions from Qishan and Deng Ai's stealthy crossing of Yinping occurred here. Since the Tang and Song dynasties, it has been an important node on the Tea Horse Road.
Longnan's culture is diverse, blending Qin-Long and Ba-Shu cultures. Local specialties include mashed potato dumplings, Longnan rice noodles, and cured meat. The area is rich in olive oil, Sichuan pepper, and walnuts, and is known as the 'Hometown of Olive Oil in China'.
In recent years, Longnan has vigorously developed specialty agriculture and tourism, leveraging its ecological advantages to build beautiful villages. Transportation has been continuously improved, with the Lanzhou-Chongqing Railway and Wudu-Kangxian Expressway opening up, making Longnan an important gateway for Gansu's opening to the south.
The best time to visit 陇南 is Spring and Autumn (April-May, September-October).
Spring (April-May) in Longnan is mild with blooming flowers. The rapeseed flower sea in Wudu and the Xixia Song Scenic Area in Cheng County are especially beautiful, perfect for outings and flower viewing.
Summer (June-August) is hot and rainy, but you can visit summer resorts like Guane Valley to enjoy the coolness of waterfalls and primeval forests.
Autumn (September-October) is crisp and clear, with colorful foliage. It's the best time to enjoy red leaves and taste fresh olive oil and walnuts. Winter is cold but offers snow scenery and hot springs.
Longnan area was one of the birthplaces of the Qin state, where Qin ancestors lived, later unifying China.
During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang, the chancellor of Shu Han, launched northern expeditions from the Qishan route in Longnan, leaving a tragic legacy.
After the founding of New China, Wudu Prefecture was established, later renamed Longnan Prefecture, and upgraded to a prefecture-level city in 2004.
Recommended places to visit
A 5A-level scenic area known for primeval forests, waterfalls, and alpine lakes, reputed as 'Little Jiuzhaigou'.
A 4A-level scenic area famous for the Han Dynasty cliff inscription 'Xixia Song', with deep canyons and babbling streams.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Hadapu was an important decision-making place during the Long March, where Mao Zedong and other leaders held meetings and decided on the northern Shaanxi base.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
A local opera popular in the mountainous areas of Wudu, combining rituals, song and dance, and storytelling, with bold and unrestrained performances.
A traditional festival held by women in Xihe County during Qixi (Chinese Valentine's Day), including singing and worship, praying for dexterity.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Located in Chengxian County, with flights to major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
Economy class 500-1500 CNY
On the Lanzhou-Chongqing Railway, high-speed trains directly to Lanzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, etc., about 2-4 hours.
Second class 100-200 CNY
City bus routes cover major attractions, with tourist shuttles to Guane Valley, Wanxiang Cave, etc.
Bus 1-5 CNY, tourist shuttle 10-30 CNY
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Mashed cooked potatoes served with pickled vegetables and chili oil, chewy and smooth.
Similar to cold noodles, made from rice, thin and translucent, served with garlic, vinegar, and chili oil, sour and spicy.
A 4A-level scenic area, one of China's four famous caves, with various stalactites creating a dreamlike scene.
A 4A-level scenic area, a high-altitude barrier lake with clear water surrounded by mountains.
A 4A-level scenic area featuring underground karst caves with stalagmites, stalactites, and colorful lighting.
Cured using traditional methods, bright red color, fatty but not greasy, can be steamed or stir-fried, unique flavor.
High-quality olive oil from China, fresh-pressed, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, healthy and delicious.
Made with walnut kernels as the main filling, crispy outside and sweet inside, a traditional local pastry.