The fairyland of Longzhong, Guiqing Mountain, my secret "Little Huashan" trip

With its deep gorges and ancient temples suspended in the air, this hidden area in Longzhong allowed me to experience the most enchanting side of the Loess Plateau. As the car entered Zhang County, patches of green gradually appeared on the majestic backdrop of the Loess Plateau. My destination was Guiqing Mountain, known as the "Little Huashan of Longzhong." Located about 72 kilometers from Zhang County town, it is a transitional zone where the Loess Plateau meets the Western Qinling Mountains, a natural oxygen bar praised as the "Guiqing Wonderland." The entrance ticket to the scenic area is 50 yuan. I chose the most relaxed and wise way to explore—driving directly to the mountaintop and then touring downward. Enjoying the view from the mountaintop, like being in a fairyland Standing at the summit at 2,340 meters above sea level, the endless mountain ranges appeared faintly through the mist. The most famous attraction of Guiqing Mountain, the "Broken Ravine Immortal Bridge," spans the deep ravine between the Central Peak and the Western Peak. This ancient bridge, built during the Ming Dynasty's Longqing era, is over 400 years old. Walking on it feels like stepping on air—thrilling and magnificent. The mountaintop is dotted with Ming and Qing dynasty architectural complexes such as Zhongfeng Temple and Western Scenic Spot. Inside the temple, 32 Buddha statues are vividly lifelike. Looking around from the summit, surrounded by strange peaks and towering ancient trees, one truly feels the grandeur of "viewing all mountains as small." Guiqing Gorge: a natural stroll through a ten-mile gallery Descending from the mountaintop, I entered Guiqing Gorge. This 8-kilometer-long canyon is another highlight of the Guiqing Mountain scenic area. Walking along the wooden plank path beside the stream, I saw various uniquely shaped peaks lining both banks. The gorge is densely forested, with the stream babbling, offering a cool respite even in the heat of summer. I saw the legendary "Jiang Wei Mounting Horse Stone" and the "Courage Testing Stone," among other peculiar sights. The full hike takes about 3 hours. If your stamina is limited, you can, like me, choose to walk only the first half and then return the same way. The most spectacular sight in the gorge is the Yun Cliff Waterfall, a hundred-meter cascade plunging from the cliff, forming a brilliant rainbow under the sunlight. Practical guide: how to make the most of Guiqing Mountain Driving route: Depart from Lanzhou, take the Lanhai Expressway to Zhang County, then follow Provincial Road 316 to the scenic area, about a 3-hour drive. There is a parking lot at the scenic area, with a fee of around 10 yuan. Ticket information: Adult tickets cost 50 yuan. Seniors aged 60-69 and students enjoy half-price discounts. Recommended tour routes: Easy version (about 4 hours): Drive to the mountaintop parking lot, visit the mountaintop attractions, then drive down and selectively explore parts of Guiqing Gorge. In-depth version (6-7 hours): Hike the entire Guiqing Gorge, then climb the 1,988-step "Heavenly Ladder" to the summit. Best season: May to November is the best time to visit. In May and June, mountain flowers bloom profusely; in September and October, the forests are ablaze with color. Summer temperatures average around 20°C, making it an excellent summer retreat. Accommodation recommendations: You can choose the Guiqingyuan Hotel at the summit or a characteristic guesthouse at the foot of the mountain. I stayed at a farmhouse near the foot, where I enjoyed local specialties like Zhang County broad beans and cured meat chive buns in the evening. Travel tips Mountain weather is changeable, so bring rain gear and warm jackets. For hiking, wear non-slip shoes. If you have enough time, you can combine this trip with a two-day, one-night visit to the nearby 30-kilometer-away Zheyang Mountain scenic area. Guiqing Mountain combines the danger of Huashan, the wonder of Huangshan, and the elegance of Emei Mountain, making it a rare green gem on the Loess Plateau. This trip deeply made me appreciate the meaning of "Famous mountains are valued for their purity"—the tranquility, serenity, and freshness here are exactly the healing remedies we city dwellers need most.