Baiyin Travel Guide

Population: 1,746,900

Area: 21,200 square kilometers (8,185 square miles)

Nationalities: Han

Administrative Division: 2 districts (Baiyin, Pingchuan); 3 counties (Jingyuan, Huining, Jingtai)

Seat of the city government: No.100, Renmin Road, Baiyin District, Baiyin City

Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0943-8238333
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184

Bank of China Baiyin Branch: No.186, Hongxing Road, Baiyin District, Baiyin City

China Post Baiyin Branch: No.76, Tiyu Street, Baiyin District, Baiyin City

Location: Baiyin City is situated in central Gansu Province, the upper reaches of the Yellow River. It is bordered by Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in the east and Inner Mongolia in the north. The capital city of the province, Lanzhou is adjacent to its west.

History: Baiyin means silver. As the name suggested, the city is a treasure land, whose mining industry began as early as the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD). During the end of Tang Dynasty (618-907) to the start of the Song Dynasty (960-1127), it was once occupied by the Tubo Kingdom of Tibet. By the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), mine industry of this area reached its zenith, and hence its name.

Physical Features: Located in the transition area from the Tengger Desert and the offshoots of Qilian Mountains to the Loess Plateau, the terrain of Baiyin basically slopes downward from southeast to northwest. The Yellow River zigzags through the city taking on a shape of 'S'.

Climatic Features: The city bears a temperate monsoon climate having both semi-dry and dry zones distributed. It enjoys an average temperature of 6-9C (42.8-48.2F). July to September gathers over sixty percent of the city's rainfall throughout the year.

When to Go: summer and autumn

Special Local Products: lamb, lamb's coat fur, black melon seeds

Scenic Spots:
Yellow River Stone Forest: Nowadays, a geographical park has been established in southern Jingtai County to preserve the Yellow River Stone Forest four billion years ago. The Yellow River flows east-west through this 34 square kilometers (13 square miles) scenic area. Stelae, stalagmites in the park are about 80-200 meters (262-656 feet) tall. Unique pattern on the cliff sides formed by water and wind erosion made the stone forest more attracting.
The Great Movie Base: Located on the half way from the Yellow River Stone Forest to the ancient city of Yongtai (Turtle city), the movie base boast pagoda forest, Paifang (arch), Mingqing Street and numerous ancient buildings. This is the first movie base in China carrying on the culture of Dunhuang, having the 1:1 replication of the Mogao Caves.
Other Scenic Spots: Shoulushan Nature Reserve, Faquan Temple

Tourist Tips: