Baiyin city

Updated: 2013-11-20
( chinadaily.com.cn )

City Name: Baiyin

Population: 1,746,900

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

Ethnic group: Han

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

Seat of the City Government: No.100, Renmin Road, Baiyin district

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

China Post Baiyin Branch: No.76, Tiyu Street, Baiyin district

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'.

Climate: The city bears a temperate monsoon climate having both semi-dry and dry zones distributed. It enjoys an average temperature of 6C-9C (42.8F-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

Attractions: 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. Yellow River Stone Forest Scenic Spot is located in Longwan Village in Jingtai district of Baiyin city. It was formed by the rising of the Earth's crust. Just as beautiful as the famous Stone Forest of Yunnan, Yellow River Stone Forest Scenic Spot is composed of many sand stalagmites and stone pillars in various sizes and shapes. Some 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 fabulous scenes reflect the prodigious craftsmanship of nature's creation. People have imaginatively given many peaks vivid names, such as "Lovers under the Moon", "The Goddess Looks at the Moon", "Qu Yuan Asks Heaven" and "A Gleam of Sky".

The Chinese Mother River – the Yellow River flows east-west through this 34 square kilometers (13 square miles) scenic area, adding dynamic beauty to the landscape. Together with the surrounding deserts, oases and farms, Yellow River Stone Forest Scenic Spot has become a location for many famous Chinese movies and television plays. Attracted by its imposing, wild, and secluded views, more and more visitors come here for sightseeing, and exploration, seeking novelty and recreation.

Admission Fee: 30

Dunhuang Movie Set: Located on the half way from the Yellow River Stone Forest to the ancient city of Yongtai (Turtle city), the movie set boast pagoda forest, Paifang (arch), Mingqing Street and numerous ancient buildings. This is the first movie set 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 Travel Tips: Baiyin is 78 kilometers (48 miles) from Lanzhou and only 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport. Through the airport expressway, the Lanzhou airport can be reached from Baiyin city in one hour. Baiyin Bus Station stands in No.2, Renmin Road, Baiyin district, offering buses to Lanzhou every twenty minutes. In addition, the tourist bus station is in No.12, Shuichuan Road, Baiyin district.