Things To Do
in Zhipingxiang
Zhipingxiang is a historic town set among the rolling hills of Gansu province. Its narrow lanes, centuries-old gate towers, and riverside promenades reveal a quiet charm away from China's megacities. The region blends Han Chinese traditions with Hui and Tibetan influences, evident in its markets and eateries.
Visitors can taste hearty northern flavors while exploring dramatic loess plateau landscapes nearby.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin the day with a visit to Zhiping Temple, where incense curls around ancient stone halls. Attend the morning bell-ringing ceremony led by resident monks, absorbing the serene chants that echo through the mountains. Feel the spiritual calm wash over you as you stroll through the lush temple gardens.
Explore the temple’s inner sanctums and marvel at centuries-old murals depicting Buddhist lore. Engage in a brief tea ceremony with local devotees in the temple yard, savoring delicate oolong brewed on an open hearth. Learn about the temple’s storied past from a knowledgeable guide who knows every stone and statue by heart.
Return to your guesthouse for a light vegetarian meal prepared by temple volunteers, enjoying simple yet flavorful mountain vegetables. As twilight deepens, join a silent meditation session under the lantern-lit cloisters. Let the stillness of the night bring clarity and inner peace before a restful slumber.
Wander through the historic streets of Zhipingxiang, admiring well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. Notice the carved wooden eaves, ornate brickwork, and red lanterns swaying in the breeze. Chat with local elders who recall childhood stories about village life spanning generations.
Visit the old ancestral hall, where elaborate stone sculptures and clan records chronicle the lineage of prominent families. Join a stonemason for a hands-on carving demonstration and try your hand at chiseling traditional motifs. Sample street snacks at a nearby stall, including crispy sesame cakes and warm rice noodles.
Take a leisurely stroll to the village square as lanterns are lit, illuminating the cobblestone paths. Enjoy a live folk music performance featuring bamboo flutes and drum beats under the starry sky. Savor a dinner of braised pork and fresh river fish at a family-run tavern, fueled by local recipes passed down over centuries.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.5-1 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.5-1 |
| 🏨1-night stay in budget hotel | $25-60 |
| ☕️Coffee or tea at cafe | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes
- Affordable street food and lodging
- Friendly, welcoming locals
- Good base for exploring the Loess Plateau
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options
- Language barrier for non-Chinese speakers
- Longer travel times to major cities and airports
- Smaller English-language information available in some spots
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问厕所在哪？" - Where is the restroom?
- "这个多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "你会说英语吗？" - Do you speak English?
- "我想去这个地址" - I want to go to this address
- "请给我菜单" - Please give me the menu
Places to Visit in Zhipingxiang
Visit one of these nice places.
A centuries-old gate framing early morning light, with texture-rich walls and market activity.
Majestic rock faces, temple ruins, and sweeping views of the town at golden hour.
Terraced hills and wind-sculpted cliffs perfect for expansive landscape shots.
Calm waters reflecting street lights and boats, ideal for long-exposure photography.
Food in Zhipingxiang
Zhipingxiang Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slippery, chewy noodles in a savory beef broth with chili oil and fresh herbs.
Must-Try!
A spicy, chicken-based stew with potatoes and wide noodles, popular across northern Gansu.
Char-grilled skewers seasoned with cumin, garlic, and peppers—perfect street snacks.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A colorful hub of fresh vegetables, noodles, dumplings, and grilled meats—great for tasting local snacks.
Evening stalls offering quick bites, hot pots, and sweet treats along the water.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite nod or small handshake is common; address elders with a respectful title.
Keep noise down in residential areas; avoid blocking doorways and be mindful of queue lines at markets.
Ask permission before photographing people with traditional attire or performances; show appreciation with a smile and thanks.
Safety
Tipping in Zhipingxiang
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most establishments; rounding up at casual places is appreciated but not expected.
Cash and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely used; some places may not take foreign cards—carry local currency when possible.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and can be humid; afternoons often reach 30-35°C. Pack water, sun protection, and a light rain jacket for sudden showers.
Mild and comfortable, with clear skies and colorful hills; great for outdoor walks and photography.
Cold and dry, with occasional snow; layering and a warm coat are essential.
Cool to warm days with spring blossoms; wind can be strong on higher ground.
Zhipingxiang at Night
Hiking in Zhipingxiang
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Stepped paths and scenic overlooks just outside the town; includes historical caves and temple ruins.
Forested ridges and sweeping valley views across the Ningxia border—seasonal wildflowers in spring.
Rolling loess hills offering dramatic sunsets and panoramic farmland vistas.
Airports
How to reach Zhipingxiang by plane.
Major gateway to the western Gansu region; connects to major Chinese cities and some international routes. Ground transport to Zhipingxiang takes several hours by road.
A regional hub to the north in Qinghai; occasional flights connect to larger hubs. Useful if combining a trip with nearby destinations.
Smaller regional airport serving the western Gansu area; convenient for rapid access from western routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group, forming the social and economic backbone of the town.
A Muslim minority with distinct cuisine and cultural practices common in local markets and eateries.
Smaller communities with their own cultural influence in some nearby areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Very popular in schools and public courts; casual street games are common in parks.
Local teams and pickup games frequently organized on makeshift fields.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zhipingxiang.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for vegetable-forward dishes like mushroom stir-fries and tofu braises; clearly request no meat stock and avoid fish sauce; many places offer vegetable-based noodles and dumplings.