Summer Retreat in Guyuan: Encountering an 18°C Summer at Laolongtan, Jingyuan County

Due to work commitments preventing me from traveling out of the province, my friend and I decided to explore a summer resort within Ningxia and ultimately chose Jingyuan County in Guyuan City. Just a stone’s throw from Liupan Mountain National Forest Park, it surprised us beyond expectations—with cool mountain breezes, simple and honest local customs, and hearty farmhouse dishes, this trip left me, a traveler forced to stay within the province, deeply moved. An Unexpected Cool World While most regions are enduring scorching heat, Laolongtan in Jingyuan remains comfortably cool. Waking up in the morning, you might even need a light jacket. The average summer temperature here is only about 18°C, truly deserving the title of the “natural water tower” on the Loess Plateau. Laolongtan is located 20 kilometers south of Jingyuan County town and is the source of the Jing River. Geologically, it is a grand canyon formed by mountain faults during the Yanshan and Himalayan orogenies. The area features high mountains and deep gorges, lush greenery and clear waters, elegant pine paths by the pools, and cliffs with jagged rocks on both sides, creating a beautiful landscape of mountains, water, forests, and stones. The Four Pool Wonders of Laolongtan Laolongtan consists of four pools, each with its own characteristics. The first and second pools downstream of the reservoir dam are deep gorges with steep cliffs and rapid currents, mysterious and unfathomable; the third pool is now submerged by the reservoir, holding over 400,000 cubic meters of water, with an unusually calm surface, known as the “Gaoxia Flat Lake”; the fourth pool is the gateway to Longtan, with a secluded valley, steep cliffs, and a flying waterfall, clear and winding like a swimming dragon. What impressed me most was the crystal-clear water, with a thin mist drifting over the pool surface under sunlight, resembling a precious mirror. Red stones scattered in the pool are said to be the blood of the Dragon King from the classic Journey to the West story, when Wei Zheng dreamt of slaying the old dragon of the Jing River, adding a mysterious aura to this natural scenery. A Cultural Feast of Dragon Culture As a culture enthusiast, I was captivated by the Chinese Dragon Culture Palace at Laolongtan. It is the only exhibition hall in the country dedicated to dragon culture, divided into six sections: the origin, evolution, customs, art, hometown, and spirit of the dragon. The valuable exhibits inside gave me a deeper understanding of dragon culture. Besides dragon culture, there is also a Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Square, built to honor five martyrs who died in the Longtan battle, now designated as a patriotic education base. History and legend converge here, evoking deep emotions. Beauty That Needs No Comparison Some might compare Laolongtan to the landscapes of Xinjiang or Western Sichuan, but I believe every place has its unique aesthetic value. Laolongtan showcases Ningxia’s distinctive mountain structure and hydrological features, with a more restrained and profound beauty. The Jing River in the idiom “clear distinction between the Jing and Wei rivers” originates here. The waters of Laolongtan flow through Shaanxi, Gansu, and Ningxia provinces, passing 28 cities and counties, winding 530 kilometers before joining the Wei River in Gaoling County, Shaanxi. Standing at the source of the Jing River, watching the clear spring water gush from underground, is an irreplaceable experience. Practical Travel Tips Transportation: It takes about 1.5 hours by car from Guyuan City to Jingyuan County, then about 20 kilometers from Jingyuan town to Laolongtan. Best Season: May to October is the best travel season; summer is cool and pleasant, perfect for a summer retreat; autumn offers colorful foliage and charming scenery. Accommodation: You can choose hotels in Jingyuan town or stay at farmhouse inns near scenic spots like Laolongtan and Yehe Valley to experience rural charm. Food: Don’t miss local specialties such as hand-pulled lamb, Jingyuan steamed chicken, and potato pancakes. This trip to Guyuan made me realize that the most beautiful scenery is sometimes right beside us. If you cannot travel far for various reasons, consider visiting Laolongtan in Jingyuan. The beauty and coolness here will definitely not disappoint you. On this “green island” of the Loess Plateau, you can find tranquility and comfort completely different from the bustling city.