Things To Do
in Honggu

Low rolling loess hills around Honggu provide golden textures and layered shadows—especially photogenic at sunrise and sunset.

Traditional village architecture, tiled roofs and narrow lanes offer intimate street photography opportunities showing everyday rural life.

Colorful produce, breads and the bustle of morning markets make for vivid documentary shots of local commerce and food culture.

Wind-swept country roads lined with fields and farm implements capture the agricultural rhythm of the area; dramatic skies add strong compositions.

The region’s iconic hand-pulled noodle soup with clear broth, sliced beef, radish and cilantro—widely available in Honggu’s noodle shops and the best introduction to local flavors.

Must-Try!

Flatbread stuffed with stewed or shredded mutton; a portable, flavorful snack found at markets and street stalls.

Wheat-based breads served with meals or as morning food; look for flaky stuffed varieties at local bakeries.

A variety of preserved greens and vegetables accompany meals, especially in colder months when fresh produce is limited.

A weekday market where farmers sell fresh vegetables, bread, homemade dairy and seasonal fruits—great for trying small snacks like fried dough and local pastries.

Simple stalls near transport hubs and markets offering skewered meats, savory pancakes, steamed buns and peanut snacks; try lamb skewers and fried flatbreads.

A simple nod or verbal greeting (你好, ni hao) is polite. Address elders with respect, stand when elders are being served and accept food offerings graciously.

Meals are often shared family-style; it’s polite to try a little of several dishes. Use both hands when offering or receiving items and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially inside homes or religious sites; many locals are open to photos but appreciate being asked.

Keep noise reasonable in residential areas, avoid public intoxication and be mindful of local conservative norms—dress modestly in villages.

Tipping is not generally expected in small towns like Honggu; in higher-end hotels or guided tours tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For taxi drivers and casual services, rounding up or a small local currency amount is fine but not required.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widespread across China and commonly used in towns; cash (RMB) is still useful in markets and smaller shops that lack QR payment. International cards are accepted at larger Lanzhou establishments but may be uncommon in Honggu’s small businesses—carry some cash and ensure your phone can connect to payment apps if you plan to use them.

Cool to mild temperatures with occasional winds and dust; spring blossom starts late and fields are prepared for planting—pack layers and a windbreaker.

Warm to hot days and mostly dry conditions; afternoons can be sunny and dust-free in better years—carry sun protection, water and lighter clothing for daytime with a light jacket for evenings.

Often the most pleasant season with clear skies, comfortable temperatures and harvest activity; great for photography and hiking in the hills.

Cold and dry with possible snow; temperatures can drop well below freezing at night—bring warm clothing and be prepared for reduced services in more remote areas.

The main international and domestic airport serving Lanzhou and surrounding districts; roughly an hour to 1.5 hours’ drive from Honggu depending on location and traffic, with shuttle buses and taxis connecting to Lanzhou city where you can transfer to local transport into Honggu.

A regional airport serving parts of Gansu province—useful for certain regional routes but farther from Honggu than Lanzhou’s airport; connections may be limited and require additional ground travel.

Widely played in schools, community courts and by young people—public courts in towns and villages are common meeting spots.

Popular recreational sport with local pickup games in open fields and school grounds.

Common indoor sports enjoyed across age groups, especially during colder months.

In more rural pockets of Gansu, horseback riding and traditional equestrian activities appear in festivals and some tourist offerings.