Things To Do
in Ping’an
Ping’an is a remote village in northwestern China, set among rugged hills and open highland valleys at a high elevation. The area features traditional stone houses, terraced fields, and a pace of life shaped by the seasons. Visitors come for quiet rural scenery, panoramic viewpoints, and warm, welcoming communities that still practice age-old handicrafts.
Access typically involves regional transport from larger cities, offering a window into everyday life beyond China's megacities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike through the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces, marveling at the intricate patterns created by the local farmers. The early morning mist adds a mystical quality to the landscape, making for perfect photography opportunities. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local eatery, savoring flavors of the region while surrounded by lush greenery.
Continue exploring the terraces, visiting various viewpoints such as the Golden Buddha Peak for a panoramic view of the rice fields. Engage with local farmers to learn about the ancient methods of rice cultivation and their significance to the region's culture. Have lunch at a quaint village restaurant, sampling local specialties like bamboo rice and herbal teas.
As the sun begins to set, head to a nearby viewpoint to witness the golden light illuminating the terraces, creating a stunning backdrop for your evening. Return to the village and indulge in a homemade dinner featuring fresh ingredients sourced from the surrounding farms. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village, appreciating the tranquility and beauty of Ping’an after dark.
Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the Ping’an Zhuang village, where you'll get to see traditional wooden stilt houses and vibrant community life. Attend a workshop where you can learn traditional crafts, such as weaving or bamboo carving, guided by skilled artisans. Enjoy a local breakfast featuring rice noodles and pickled vegetables at a family-run eatery.
Participate in a cooking class where you will learn to prepare local dishes using fresh ingredients sourced from the market. After lunch, visit the local market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Engage with friendly locals, exchanging stories and gaining insights into their daily lives.
As the day winds down, enjoy a traditional Zhuang music and dance performance under the stars, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Relish a dinner featuring dishes you learned to cook during the class, surrounded by newfound friends. Cap off the night with a leisurely walk through the village, soaking in the serene ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 💧Bottled water / soft drink | $1-2 |
| ☕Tea or coffee | $1-3 |
| 🥟Local snack | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Budget lodging per night | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning highland scenery and traditional architecture
- Warm hospitality and authentic rural culture
- Affordable lodging and food, with slower travel pace
- Limited nightlife and modern conveniences
- Language barriers in more peripheral areas
- Some services may be basic or sporadic
- "Nǐ hǎo" - Hello
- "Xièxiè" - Thank you
- "Qǐngwèn" - Excuse me
- "Duōshǎo qián" - How much is this?
- "Wǒ bù chī ròu" - I don’t eat meat
- "Sùshí" - Vegetarian
Places to Visit in Ping’an
Visit one of these nice places.
A vantage point where the first light spills over terraced fields and the village rooftops, ideal for wide-angle landscape shots.
A classic overlook of multi-tiered fields carved into the hillside, offering geometric patterns and seasonal color.
A narrow lanescape lined with stone houses and wooden balconies; soft evening light enhances textures and shadows.
Food in Ping’an
Ping’an Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked lamb stew featuring potatoes and barley, commonly prepared in village homes and guesthouses. Ask for the regional version and enjoy with freshly baked bread.
Must-Try!
A warming, rustic porridge-style dish that uses barley and seasonal greens; perfect for cool mornings or evenings.
Fresh noodles served with a mushroom-based sauce and local herbs; can be found in guesthouse kitchens or small eateries.
Flattened potato patties pan-fried until crisp, often served as a snack or light meal in markets and casual dining spots.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small, regularly held market where residents buy and sell produce, dairy, and ready-to-eat snacks. Look for roasted vegetables, steamed buns, and simple tofu dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet locals politely with a nod or simple “ní hǎo” (hello). Ask for permission before photographing people, particularly elders or families.
Dress modestly when visiting villages or religious sites; avoid loud behavior late at night; show appreciation to hosts with a small gift or kind words.
Explain intent before taking photos of people or private spaces; if refused, respect the boundary and move on.
Safety
Tipping in Ping’an
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in rural Ping’an. If you receive exceptional service, a small gesture in cash or a note of thanks is appreciated but not expected.
Cash remains widely used; increasingly, some guesthouses and shops accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay, especially in larger towns nearby. Always carry small denominations.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with fresh greenery and emerging crops; expect cool mornings and occasional rain. Best for spring blossoms and early terrace photography.
Warm to hot days with a drier climate but possible afternoon showers. Ideal for long daylight hours and mountain views, but carry water and sun protection.
Clear skies, cooler temperatures, and vivid foliage on terraced fields. Great for photography and comfortable hiking, with less rain.
Cold and dry, with potential for snowfall and icy paths. Suitable for serene landscapes and quiet village life; pack warm clothing and traction for footwear.
Ping’an at Night
Hiking in Ping’an
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate-length hillside route offering expansive valley views and opportunities for landscape photography.
Overlook path on a plateau edge with striking geology and distant horizons; best in clear weather.
Easy, scenic walk along a river gorge with opportunities to photograph wildlife and sunset hues.
Airports
How to reach Ping’an by plane.
Major gateway in Gansu Province with frequent domestic connections; approximately a few hours by road or rail to the Ping’an region.
Regional hub in Qinghai; serves domestic routes and some international flights; longer land transfer to Ping’an via regional roads.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority in the region with strong agricultural and traditional village culture.
Smaller populations of nearby regional groups in the broader area; cultural influences may appear in crafts and local customs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in schools and town squares; informal matches often pop up late afternoons.
Common in community centers and outdoor courts; a social activity for locals and visitors alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ping’an.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist, but meat-based broths and sauces are common. Communicate dietary needs clearly at guesthouses and eateries; ask for vegetable-based dishes or plain rice with side vegetables.