Things To Do
in Liujiaxia
Liujiaxia sits on the upper Yellow River in Gansu province, centered around the Liujiaxia Reservoir and the dramatic Liujiaxia Dam. The town is a gateway to the Bingling Temple grottoes, cliff-side Buddhist caves reached by boat, and offers rugged river canyon scenery and terraced farmland. It's a culturally mixed area where Han and Hui communities shape the food, markets and religious life, with a slow-paced, small-town feel.
Visitors come for scenic boat trips, local Muslim and northwest Chinese cuisine, and quiet mountain-river landscapes rather than nightlife or big-city services.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a boat ride on the stunning Liujiaxia Reservoir, where the turquoise waters reflect the surrounding mountains. As the sun rises, the early morning light creates breathtaking views, perfect for photography enthusiasts. After the boat ride, take a leisurely walk along the lakeshore to soak in the serene atmosphere.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby Bingling Si Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the ancient Buddhist cave art. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the historical site, surrounded by majestic cliffs and colorful statues. Spend some time exploring the intricate carvings before heading back to Liujiaxia.
As night falls, indulge in a dinner of local cuisine at a riverside restaurant, sampling flavors unique to the Gansu Province. Take a stroll along the riverbank where the tranquil sound of water complements the twinkling lights of boat tours. End your evening with a peaceful moment, reflecting on the day while watching the sunset over the Liujiaxia Reservoir.
Begin your day with a traditional breakfast at a local family-run eatery, experiencing the warmth of local hospitality. After breakfast, wander through the quaint streets of Liujiaxia Village, observing traditional architecture and daily life. Visit local shops to learn about handicrafts unique to the region.
After lunch, participate in a cultural workshop, where you can try your hand at calligraphy or pottery, guided by skilled artisans. This hands-on experience will deepen your appreciation for Liujiaxia's rich cultural heritage. Stroll through the village, engaging with friendly locals eager to share stories of their lives.
Join a cultural performance featuring traditional music and dance, providing insight into the area's vibrant folklore. Share dinner with your hosts, sampling recipes passed down through generations. As the day winds down, gather around a fire to recount experiences and build connections with the community.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Street meal or noodle soup | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-15 |
| 🚌Local bus / short taxi | $0.50-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range guesthouse / hotel (per night) | $35-80 |
| 🎫Bingling Temple entrance + boat | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Dramatic reservoir and canyon scenery excellent for photography and relaxation
- Unique cultural mix with strong Hui Muslim influence and local northwest cuisine
- Access to Bingling Temple grottoes and quiet rural experiences
- Lower tourist density than major Chinese destinations—more authentic interactions
- Limited English services and fewer modern amenities compared with big cities
- Public transport options are limited; some attractions require boat tours or private drivers
- Seasonal closures or reduced services in winter and during bad weather
- Nightlife and shopping options are very limited
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (xiè xie)" - Thank you
- "我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "请问，洗手间在哪儿？(qǐng wèn, xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎr?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- "多少钱？(duō shǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "可以拍照吗? (kě yǐ pāi zhào ma?)" - May I take a photo?
- "清真吗？(qīng zhēn ma?)" - Is this halal?
Places to Visit in Liujiaxia
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views of the concrete dam, reservoir and steep canyon walls—best at sunrise or late afternoon for dramatic light and reflections.
Long, winding reservoir shores with cliffs and small villages—excellent for wide landscape shots and sunrise/sunset color.
Boat-accessible Buddhist caves and cliff carvings; intricate statues and colorful murals framed by river cliffs—photography limited in some grotto interiors, so check rules.
Scenes of daily life, terraced farmland, and traditional houses—good for cultural and portrait photography (ask permission before photographing people).
Low light pollution makes for clear Milky Way and star photos; reflected lights on calm reservoir waters are great long-exposure subjects.
Food in Liujiaxia
Liujiaxia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic hand-pulled beef noodle soup found at roadside shops and restaurants across the region—clear broth, wide noodles, and tender beef. A must-try and widely available.
Must-Try!
Seasoned with cumin and pepper and often cooked over charcoal or stewed slowly; commonly served at family-run halal restaurants and local banquet-style eateries.
Freshwater fish prepared braised or stir-fried—locals sometimes serve simple, home-style fish dishes near the lakeside villages.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small daily market selling fresh produce, dried fruits (apricots, walnuts), local breads and skewers; try samplings of steamed buns, flatbreads and local pastries from vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Linxia prefecture has many Hui Muslims—dress modestly near mosques, avoid eating or drinking in front of people fasting during Ramadan, and remove shoes if entering some homes or religious spaces.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women in conservative communities; a smile and a simple "可以拍照吗?" (kěyǐ pāizhào ma? — May I take a photo?) go a long way.
Basic politeness—greet with 你好 (nǐ hǎo), accept food or tea when offered, and avoid loud or aggressive behavior in public spaces.
Bargaining at small markets is common but keep it friendly and respectful—start lower but avoid insulting prices.
Safety
Tipping in Liujiaxia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not generally expected in small-town China; you can round up taxi fares or leave small tips in upscale hotels and tour services, but it’s not obligatory.
Mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) dominate in China; however, in Liujiaxia cash (RMB) is commonly accepted and some small vendors may not take cards or mobile pay for foreigners. Bring cash and a Chinese-enabled mobile payment or use bank cards at larger hotels/shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool to mild temperatures with blossoming orchards and green terraces; occasional wind and dust—good time for hikes before summer heat and for seeing rural spring planting.
Warm to hot days, comfortable evenings; busiest tourism season for boat trips and grotto visits. Expect more local travelers and occasional rain showers—bring sun protection and a light rain jacket.
Crisp, clear weather with vivid fall colors on hillsides and cooler nights—excellent visibility for photography and comfortable trekking conditions.
Cold and dry with possible snow in higher areas; many services run reduced hours and some boat tours may be suspended—dress warmly and check openings in advance.
Liujiaxia at Night
Hiking in Liujiaxia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of informal trails along the Liujiaxia Reservoir offering views of cliffs, villages and water—suitable for half- to full-day hikes.
Short walks and steps around the grotto landing areas; some light scrambling to reach viewpoints of the cliff carvings—combine with the boat trip.
More strenuous routes that climb local ridges for panoramic views of the reservoir and farmland; best done with a local guide or experienced companion due to limited signage.
Airports
How to reach Liujiaxia by plane.
The main airport serving Gansu province, roughly 140–200 km (by road) northeast of Liujiaxia depending on route; frequent flights to major Chinese cities. From the airport take a long-distance bus, train from Lanzhou, or arrange a private transfer to reach Liujiaxia (several hours by road).
A regional airport to the west (several hours’ drive) useful if combining travel with Zhangye and the nearby desert sites; ground connections to Liujiaxia are less direct and require long drives or transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the local population is Hui, who practice Islam and run many of the region’s halal restaurants and markets.
Han residents are widespread and involved in agriculture, trade and services; cultural blending with Hui traditions is common.
Smaller numbers of Tibetan and other minority groups may be present in surrounding mountain areas; cultural influences vary by village.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular recreational sports among youth and communities—open courts and street games are common.
Reservoir-based activities like recreational fishing and small boat trips are popular locally and with visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Liujiaxia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but feasible—try noodle soups without meat, vegetable stir-fries and breads. Tell vendors "我吃素" (wǒ chī sù) and double-check broths (some use meat stock).
Many local restaurants are halal or Muslim-run—look for 清真 (qīngzhēn) signs; pork is uncommon in Muslim eateries. During Ramadan be respectful of fasting customs.
English may be limited—carry a translated note describing allergies or dietary needs, and be cautious about cross-contamination and lard in some dishes.