Pengyang County

Pengyang County is located in the eastern part of Guyuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, at the eastern foot of the Liupan Mountains. It is an important agricultural county and a heritage site of red culture in the mountainous area of southern Ningxia. The county covers an area of approximately 2,528 square kilometers, with a permanent population of about 200,000 (2023 data), predominantly Han and Hui, with Hui accounting for about 30%. Pengyang has a long history, established as a county in the Qin Dynasty, belonging to Anding Commandery in the Han Dynasty, and under the jurisdiction of Guyuan Prefecture in the Ming Dynasty. In 1935, the Red Army passed through during the Long March, leaving many revolutionary sites. The county is renowned for its 'ecology-based development' and is a national demonstration county for returning farmland to forest. It boasts the Honghe River Valley, known as 'Little Jiangnan of Ningxia', and the Ruhe Waterfall, called the 'Green Pearl on the Loess Plateau'. Its uniqueness lies in blending the ruggedness of the Loess Plateau with the elegance of Jiangnan water towns, featuring historical relics like the Qin Great Wall and Warring States Qin Great Wall, as well as modern ecological landscapes like Jinjiping Terraces and Qingyunwan Terraces, making it an ideal destination for photography and hiking enthusiasts.

I. Recommended Core Attractions

1. Ruhe Waterfall Scenic Area (National 3A Level): Located 15 km west of the county seat, the Ruhe River drops to form a three-tier waterfall group with a drop of 20 meters, especially spectacular in summer when water flow is abundant. Admission: Free, parking fee 10 yuan. Best time to visit: July-September.

2. Jinjiping Terrace Park: Located in Baiyang Town, 8 km from the county seat, it is a typical example of dryland terraces on the Loess Plateau. The terraces rise and fall with the hills, with rapeseed flowers blooming in spring and buckwheat flowers like clouds in autumn. Free admission, recommended to drive or cycle.

3. Warring States Qin Great Wall Site: Stretching across the northern part of the county, about 50 km long, it is a national key cultural relic protection unit. Well-preserved sections are in Caomiao Township, where rammed earth walls and beacon towers can be seen. Free visit, requires hiking.

4. Qiaojiagu Mao Zedong Long March Camp: Located in Chengyang Township, Mao Zedong stayed here during the Long March in October 1935. A memorial park has been built, featuring cave dwelling sites and an exhibition hall. Admission: Free, guide fee 50 yuan.

5. Qingyunwan Terraces: Adjacent to Jinjiping, known as 'terraces in the clouds', often shrouded in mist after rain like a fairyland. Equipped with viewing platforms and boardwalks, suitable for photography.

II. Special Local Cuisine

Pengyang cuisine blends Hui and Han flavors. Must-try: - Pengyang Lamb Small Pulled Noodles: Hand-pulled noodle pieces with lamb broth, fresh and smooth. Recommended 'Old Ma's Pulled Noodle House' (West Gate of county seat). About 15 yuan per person. - Buckwheat Hele: Buckwheat noodles pressed into shape, served with pickled vegetables or lamb sauce, a traditional staple. - Yan Mian Rourou: Steamed oat flour cut into strips, served cold or stir-fried, chewy texture. - Honghechuan Apples: Specialty of Honghe Town, crisp and juicy, available for picking in autumn.

III. Transportation Guide

External Transportation: - Train: Take high-speed rail to Guyuan Station (about 70 km from Pengyang county seat), then transfer to a shuttle bus (Guyuan Bus Station to Pengyang, fare 25 yuan, 1.5 hours). - Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Yinchuan Bus Station directly to Pengyang (4 daily, fare about 90 yuan, 5 hours). - Self-drive: Take G70 Fuyin Expressway to Guyuan, then S203 provincial road to Pengyang, about 400 km from Yinchuan.

Internal Transportation: - Taxi within county seat: starting fare 5 yuan. Bus routes cover major towns (fare 2-5 yuan). - Recommended to charter a car for sightseeing, about 200-300 yuan per day.

IV. Accommodation Recommendations

- Pengyang Hotel (Three-star): County center, standard room 180 yuan/night, includes breakfast. - Ruhe Ecological Park Homestay: Near Ruhe Waterfall, standard room 150 yuan/night, suitable for nature lovers.