Things To Do
in Donghua
Donghua is a historic town in Gansu Province perched near the Loess Plateau, where the old walls and winding lanes echo centuries of trade and culture. The city blends Hui, Han, and regional influences with mountain and desert scenery, creating dramatic horizons at sunrise and sunset. Local markets pulse with cumin-spiced aromas, and modern cafes sit alongside traditional teahouses, offering a relaxed pace for travelers.
Throughout the year, Donghua rewards curious visitors with scenic viewpoints, friendly locals, and a cuisine that reflects its diverse heritage.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Donghua and settle into a traditional riverside guesthouse overlooking the glistening Jiulong River. Take a peaceful stroll along the historic stone embankment, catching sight of fishermen casting nets at dawn. Immerse yourself in the soft murmur of water and the gentle calls of local vendors preparing breakfast.
Enjoy a riverside lunch featuring fresh river fish and hand-pulled noodles at a family-run eatery. Wander across ancient bridges, snapping photos of ornate carvings and red lanterns swaying in the breeze. Sample street snacks like sticky rice cakes and spiced tofu from market stalls lining the canal.
Board a small wooden boat for a sunset cruise under lantern-lit archways and shadowy willows. Watch a local folk ensemble perform traditional melodies on erhu and bamboo flute. Cap the evening with hot sweet rice wine at a cozy teahouse on the riverbank.
Begin your day at the venerable Lingyuan Temple, observing monks and joining a short chanting session. Admire centuries-old murals depicting Bodhisattvas and serene lotus ponds. Take part in a brief calligraphy demonstration guided by temple scholars.
Stroll through the adjacent Ming-era scholar’s garden, marveling at zigzag bridges, pavilions, and bonsai rockeries. Relax beneath weeping willows beside trickling streams while sampling jasmine tea. Capture the interplay of light and shadow on mossy stones for memorable photographs.
Return to town for a serene tea ceremony in a courtyard teahouse, learning about the five-step Gongfu process. Savor hand-brewed oolong alongside delicate mooncakes. Drift back to your guesthouse by lantern-lit alleyways, listening to the distant chime of temple bells.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥤Bubble tea or drink | $1-3 |
| 🚶One-way public transport | $0.25-0.80 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-75 |
| 🧺Local street snack | $1-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning desert-and-mountain scenery
- Rich local culture and cuisine
- Compact city center easy to explore on foot
- Limited English in rural areas
- Smaller tourist infrastructure compared to major cities
- Some sites can be seasonally closed or weather-dependent
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问厕所在哪？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "多少钱？" - How much is it?
- "可以刷卡吗？" - Can I pay by card?
- "我想要这个" - I would like this
- "请给我菜单" - Please give me the menu
- "你会英语吗？" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Donghua
Visit one of these nice places.
Ancient city walls with the Moon Gate, ideal for sunrise silhouettes and long-exposure shots of lantern-lit streets.
Spectacular rock faces and distant city views; a favorite for dramatic cliff and panoramic photography.
Cascading light through canyon walls and a calm river below; great for reflective afternoon photography.
Food in Donghua
Donghua Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Skewered lamb grilled over charcoal with a robust cumin and chili coating; a street-food staple found in night markets and open-air stalls.
Must-Try!
A comforting bowl of hand-pulled noodles in a rich beef broth, often topped with cilantro, scallions, and chili oil.
Cold or warm noodles tossed in sesame sauce, sesame seeds, and a touch of chili for a quick, satisfying meal.
Flaky baked flatbread brushed with garlic oil and chili, perfect for an on-the-go snack or pairings with hot tea.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively evening hub with grilled meats, dumplings, naan-like breads, fresh fruit, and local sweets.
A daytime market offering vegetables, spices, pickled vegetables, and ready-to-eat snacks inspired by regional flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A nod or light handshake is typical; address elders with a respectful title, avoid public displays of affection in crowded areas, and remove hats indoors in traditional spaces.
Share dishes when possible, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice, and wait for elders to begin eating; finishing all food is considered polite and shows appreciation.
Safety
Tipping in Donghua
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not widely practiced in everyday dining, but small tips at tourist-oriented places or for exceptional service are appreciated. In most local eateries, rounding up the bill is common.
Mobile payments are dominant in Donghua: WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted in shops and markets; cash is useful for street vendors; international cards may be less commonly accepted in small establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming orchards; carry a light jacket for cool mornings and expect occasional showers.
Hot and dry with clear skies; stay hydrated, wear a hat, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Cool, comfortable weather with vibrant foliage; excellent for photography and outdoor walks.
Cold with potential snowfall; warm layered clothing is essential and some outdoor trails may be icy.
Donghua at Night
Hiking in Donghua
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Panoramic ridge walk with dramatic rock faces and sunset views; moderate difficulty.
Limestone gorge with seasonal waterfalls; a scenic and moderately challenging hike.
Short, scenic ascent to a hill overlooking a reflective lake and the city below.
Airports
How to reach Donghua by plane.
Major regional hub with connections to major Chinese cities; roughly a 4-5 hour journey by road or rail to Donghua.
Smaller regional airport serving western Gansu; useful for certain domestic routes; often paired with a longer land transfer to Donghua.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnic group in the region with diverse dialects and regional cuisines.
Relatively visible presence with halal options and mosques in town and surrounding districts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in schools and community centers; common in urban parks and courts.
A staple activity in community spaces and recreation centers.
Popular on surrounding trails and rural roads with varying levels of difficulty.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Donghua.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for vegetable-forward dishes labeled 素菜 and ask for 清汤 (clear broth) or 不含肉 (no meat). Many noodle and bread dishes can be prepared vegetarian with careful requests; carry a card listing vegetarian needs in Mandarin if possible.