Kang County

Kang County, under the jurisdiction of Longnan City, Gansu Province, is located at the southern foot of the Western Qinling Mountains, at the junction of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces. It covers an area of approximately 2,968 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 176,000 (2020). Historically known as 'Kangzhou,' it was named for its 'prosperous people and abundant resources.' It is a core ecological barrier in the Qinba Mountains, a 'natural oxygen bar' in China, and the 'Hometown of Walnuts in China.' Kang County has a long history, with human activity dating back to the Neolithic Age. During the Three Kingdoms period, it belonged to Yinping Commandery of Shu Han, and in the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was under Jiezhou. The forest coverage rate exceeds 70%, earning it the reputation of 'Jiangnan on the Longshang Plateau' and 'Xishuangbanna of Gansu.' Kang County was a passage for the Red Army's Long March, with many red relics. Culturally, it blends Bashu, Long-Qin, and Qiang-Tibetan elements, known for the ancient marriage custom of 'men marrying into women's families' and the unique folk custom of 'women marrying men' in southern Kang. In recent years, Kang County has become famous for all-for-one tourism and beautiful countryside construction, winning titles such as 'China's Most Beautiful County' and 'National Demonstration County for Leisure Agriculture and Rural Tourism.' It is an excellent destination for experiencing ecological wonders, rural landscapes, and ancient Qinba culture.

I. Core Scenic Areas

1. Yangba Subtropical Eco-Tourism Scenic Area (National 4A) About 25 km from the county seat, it is the only scenic area in Gansu with a subtropical atmosphere. Key attractions include: - Meiyuan Valley: Covers about 2.5万亩 (approx. 16.7 km²), with winding streams and dense bamboo forests, known as 'Jiuzhaigou on the Longshang Plateau.' Ticket: 40 yuan, open 8:00-18:00. - Swan Lake: A high-altitude barrier lake, suitable for boating and bird watching, with tea gardens and farmhouse restaurants by the lake. - Red Bean Valley: Famous for the national first-class protected plant yew (Taxus chinensis), with red leaves like rosy clouds in autumn. - Crescent Pool: A crescent-shaped emerald pool about 10 meters deep, surrounded by ancient plank road relics. Recommended visit time: 1-2 days. Accommodation and dining available in the scenic area; signature dishes include 'Yangba bacon stewed with tofu' and 'braised catfish.'

2. Baiyun Mountain Forest Park (National 3A) Located in the southern suburbs of the county seat, covering about 1,200 mu (80 hectares), with the main peak at about 1,500 meters. The park features the ruins of the Tang Dynasty 'Baiyun Temple,' a Red Army Long March monument, and an observation deck overlooking the entire county. Free admission, with a hiking trail about 3 km long.

3. Huaqiao Village (China's Most Beautiful Village) Located in Changba Town, about 18 km from the county seat. It is a model of Kang County's beautiful countryside construction, preserving Ming and Qing dwellings, ancient mills, and waterwheels, with attractions like the 'Millennium Bodhi Tree' and 'Huaqiao Flowing Water.' Free admission, with homestays and farmhouse cuisine available; recommended items: 'persimmon cake' and 'walnut cake.'

4. Wangba Ecological Folk Custom Scenic Area (National 4A) About 10 km from the county seat, featuring 'one village, one scene,' including Dashuigou Village and Hejiazhuang Village. Key attractions include a folk museum, an agricultural culture park, and a 'Twelve Zodiac Animals' stone carving group. Free admission, with the 'Kangnan Folk Song Festival' held in the third lunar month annually.

II. Specialty Cuisine

1. Kang County Walnuts: National geographical indication product, thin-shelled and full-kerneled, can be eaten raw or pressed for oil. Recommended purchases: 'amber walnuts' and 'walnut cookies.' 2. Kangnan Bacon: Made from local pigs, cured and smoked, sliced translucent and shiny, often stir-fried with green peppers and garlic sprouts. 3. Flour Tea: A representative breakfast in Kang County, made with tea leaves, Sichuan pepper, walnut kernels, etc., served with baked bread, unique in flavor. 4. Bean Curd Noodles: Handmade noodles with tender tofu, pickled vegetables, and chili oil, sour and spicy to whet the appetite. Recommended restaurants: 'Kangnan Renjia' in the county seat and 'Yangba Farmhouse Restaurant Street.'

III. Transportation Guide

External Transportation: - Train: Longnan Station (Wudu District) is about 70 km from Kang County, with a bus ride of about 1.5 hours. - Bus: Direct buses from Wudu Bus Station and Hanzhong Bus Station to Kang County, about 2 hours. - Self-drive: Exit at G8513 Pingmian Expressway Kang County exit, or take S205 Provincial Road (Lueyang to Kang County section).

Internal Transportation: - Taxi: Starting fare 5 yuan in the county seat; urban-rural buses to major scenic spots (Kang County-Yangba ticket 15 yuan, about every 40 minutes). - It is recommended to charter a car for Yangba and rural attractions, costing about 200-300 yuan per day.

IV. Recommended Routes

One-Day Tour: County seat → Huaqiao Village (1.5 hours) → Wangba Ecological Folk Custom Scenic Area (2 hours) → Baiyun Mountain Forest Park (1.5 hours). Two-Day Tour: D1: Yangba Meiyuan Valley + Swan Lake (stay in Yangba); D2: Red Bean Valley + Crescent Pool → return to county seat.