Qingyang Travel Guide: The Cradle of Farming and the Heart of the Loess Plateau

1.Introduction: The High Land of the Loess Plateau Qingyang, situated in the easternmost part of Gansu Province, is often poetically referred to as "Longdong" (East of Mount Long). It sits atop the world's largest and thickest loess plateau, the Dongzhiyuan. This city is not merely a geographical landmark; it is a profound repository of Chinese civilization, where the thick yellow earth carries the weight of thousands of years of history. Geographically, it borders Shaanxi to the east and Ningxia to the north, serving as a vital triangular hub in Northwest China. Unlike the arid deserts often associated with Gansu, Qingyang is an agricultural heartland, historically known as the "Granary of Longdong." The landscape here is dramatic—vast, flat tablelands (yuan) are cut by deep, winding ravines, creating a topography that is both rugged and magnificent.

2.The Cradle of Farming and Medical Culture: Qingyang holds a distinguished place in the origins of Chinese civilization. It is celebrated as the birthplace of agricultural culture in China. Legend and historical records suggest that Bu Zhu, an ancestor of the Zhou Dynasty, led his people here to establish settlements. Later, his grandson, Gong Liu, devoted himself to agriculture in this region, teaching the people to sow and harvest, thus laying the foundation for the flourishing Zhou Dynasty. The Zhou Ancestor Mausoleum (Zhou Zu Ling), located on the Dongshan Mountain in Qingcheng County, stands as a majestic tribute to this agricultural heritage. The scenic area is a blend of solemn history and natural beauty, offering panoramic views of the surrounding loess hills. Furthermore, Qingyang is deeply connected to the roots of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is said to be the place where the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) discussed medicine with the legendary physician Qibo. This dialogue is believed to be the basis of the "Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon" (Huangdi Neijing), the fundamental doctrinal text of Chinese medicine. This rich legacy has earned Qingyang the title of the "Hometown of Qibo and the Yellow Emperor."

3.Nanliang: A Red Revolutionary Landmark Qingyang possesses a glorious revolutionary tradition. The Nanliang Revolutionary Memorial Hall, located in Huachi County, is a site of immense historical significance. In the 1930s, older generation revolutionaries like Liu Zhidan and Xie Zichang established the Shaanxi-Gansu Border Soviet Government here. It served as a crucial foothold and a starting point for the Red Army's Long March, playing a pivotal role in the Chinese revolution. Today, visitors can explore the revolutionary sites, including the headquarters and the memorial hall, to understand the arduous struggles and the resilient spirit of that era. The "Nanliang Spirit" is a core part of the city's modern identity.

4.The Capital of Folk Arts: If you want to see the most vibrant and authentic folk art in Northwest China, Qingyang is the place. The city is renowned as the "Capital of Sachet Embroidery," "Hometown of Paper Cutting," and "Hometown of Shadow Puppetry."

• 5.Qingyang Sachets (Xiangbao): These are not just fragrant bags but intricate embroidered sculptures. They come in various shapes, from animals to mythical figures, symbolizing good luck and health. The Qingyang Sachet Festival is a riot of color and culture, attracting visitors worldwide.
• 6.Paper Cutting: The paper cutting art here is rugged yet delicate, often depicting rural life and ancient totems. It is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• 7.Shadow Puppetry and Folk Songs: The grandeur of the loess plateau is given voice through the high-pitched, soulful "Daoqing" shadow puppetry and local folk songs (Hua'er). These art forms reflect the straightforward and passionate character of the people living on the high plateau.

8.North Grotto Temple: A Silk Road Gem While Dunhuang is famous for the Mogao Grottoes, Qingyang is home to the North Grotto Temple (Bei Shi Ku Si). Located southwest of Xifeng District, this grotto complex dates back to the Northern Wei Dynasty. It is one of the four largest grotto temples in Gansu. carved into the yellow sandstone cliffs, the statues here are majestic and well-preserved, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of the Silk Road's eastern section. The main cave features seven massive standing Buddhas, a rare layout in Chinese grotto art, radiating a sense of solemnity and divine power.

9.Modern Qingyang and the Energy Capital: Beyond its ancient roots, modern Qingyang is transforming into a major energy base. It sits on the Changqing Oilfield, rich in oil, natural gas, and coal resources. The juxtaposition of oil rigs dotting the loess landscape with ancient cave dwellings creates a unique visual narrative of a city bridging its agricultural past with an industrial future. Whether you are standing on the edge of a loess ravine watching the sunset turn the earth into gold, listening to the ancient tunes of a shadow puppet show, or paying homage to the ancestors of Chinese civilization, Qingyang offers a travel experience that is raw, authentic, and deeply moving. It is a city where the earth itself seems to speak of history.