Guanguogou Scenic Area is located on the outskirts of Dangchang County, Longnan City, Gansu Province. It is a national-level forest park, a national geopark, and a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The entire scenic area consists of three core sections: Guanzhu Valley, Eman Valley, and Leigu Mountain, covering a total area of 66 square kilometers, with a forest coverage rate of 75.1%. The area is renowned for its magnificent mountains, clear waters, lush forests, and serene valleys, combining the majesty of northern China with the elegance of the south. It features over 20 lakes of varying sizes, shapes, and colors, more than 20 cascading waterfalls, dense primeval forests, alpine meadows, and year-round snow-capped peaks. It is famously known as "a fairyland on earth and the Jiuzhaigou of Longnan."
History and Culture
In the first year of the Yongjia era of the Western Jin Dynasty (424 AD), the Qiang chieftain Liang Qin established the ancient Dangchang Kingdom. The Guanguogou Scenic Area centers its tourism development around "Dangqiang culture." Luren Ancient Village is an important site for the preservation and transmission of Bon culture, housing over 20 volumes of ancient Tibetan Bon scriptures dating back to the late Tang Dynasty, as well as the 300-year-old Luren Temple, a Bon monastery. The village is currently applying for the title of "China's Famous Historical and Cultural Village."
The ancient Qiang people practiced Bonism and revered the Phoenix Mountain God. Leigu Mountain, at 4,153 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in Longnan and a sacred site for offering prayers to the Phoenix Mountain God. Dangqiang Nuo Dance, originating from the religious sacrificial activities of the ancient Dangchang Qiang people, has a history of over a thousand years. It was listed in the second batch of Gansu Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection List in 2008 and is currently being nominated for the "National Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection List." Xinping Village is a relatively well-preserved Dangchang Qiang ethnic village and is currently applying to be designated as a "Traditional Chinese Village."
Major Attractions
Leigu Mountain
Leigu Mountain is one of the three major sightseeing areas of the Guanguogou Scenic Area and is revered as the foremost sacred mountain in Longnan. Its main peak rises to 4,145 meters above sea level. The summit is surrounded by year-round snow on three sides, below which lie alpine meadows dotted with thousands of acres of rhododendron forests. The mountain experiences highly variable weather, with dense primeval forests at its base, home to a rich diversity of rare flora and fauna.
Dishu Gorge (Earth-Book Gorge)
Due to crustal movements, the shale here has twisted into various deformed rock formations. Some resemble opened and stacked books, others cluster like lotus flowers or flowing clouds and water. The most distinctive features are the piles of "books" that appear to be opened, giving the gorge its name.
Xiunv Peak (Maiden Peak)
Also known as Duxiu Peak, this peak is surrounded by lower mountains that seem to bow toward it. Its dark green, knife-cut cliffs form a giant screen. Geologically, it is a "klippe" formed by special tectonic processes, with stepped normal fault systems. Legend has it that after Princess Eman passed away, her spirit transformed into Duxiu Peak, gazing toward Leigu Sacred Mountain, which is said to be the incarnation of Prince Guanzhu.
Zedangtso (Love Lake)
In Tibetan, "Zedang" means love, so Zedang Lake is also called Love Lake. Situated at an elevation of 2,895 meters, it lies nestled among the ravines of Leigu Sacred Mountain. Legend says that after Prince Guanzhu turned into Leigu Sacred Mountain, he watches over Princess Eman's final teardrop—Zedang Lake—to ensure it never dries up.
Guanguo Heavenly Falls
This is the most spectacular landmark in Guanguogou and the most famous Instagram-worthy spot in Guanzhu Valley. The waterfall has a drop of approximately 90 meters.
Eman Lake
The first lake in the Eman Valley, named after Princess Eman. The islet in the lake is called Tongxin Islet, and the bridge connecting it is called Lianxin Bridge.
Yinping Lake
Formed by two connected lakes, it is also known locally as Lovers' Lake, and it is a popular spot for couples to take wedding photos.
Jinyang Lake
The second largest lake in Eman Valley. On its north bank lies Jinyang Village, which legend says was the residence of Princess Eman. Today, Jinyang Village is home to over 50 households of the Mu family Tibetan ethnic group.
Panlong Gorge
Panlong Gorge is over 100 meters long, with its narrowest section only about 20 meters wide. The gorge twists in a zigzag pattern, and its cliffs reach heights of around 100 meters.
Wupu Gorge
Located between Panlong Gorge and Jiudie Waterfall, about 1,000 meters from Panlong Gorge. The gorge is 1,800 meters long, with the widest section over 80 meters and the narrowest about 56 meters. It is named after the five waterfalls within it, including "Pearl Falls," "Curtain Falls," and "Double Rainbow Reflection."
Jiudie Waterfall (Nine-Fold Waterfall)
After the waterfall plunges several zhang (a Chinese unit of length), the valley winds blow the water into wisps of mist—light as silk, thin as fog—that shift and change with the breeze. The spray dances and overlaps repeatedly, resembling layers of silver silk, hence the name "Nine-Fold Waterfall."
9D Glass Bridge
Located at the Caopingzi Visitor Service Center in Eman Valley, this 200-meter-long, 2.6-meter-wide bridge stands about 120 meters above the ground. The bridge deck is made of Magic-Glass technology, integrating space, landscape, environment, aerodynamics, and sound, light, and electrical effects.
Suggested Tour Routes：
You can begin by visiting Guanzhu Valley: take the sightseeing bus from the main entrance to Tongtianmen Service Area, then walk from Tongtianmen to Guanguo Heavenly Falls—a distance of about 4.3 kilometers, taking approximately 3.5 hours. On the second day, visit Eman Valley: take the sightseeing bus from the main entrance to Shibaxianghui, then walk from Shibaxianghui to Tianchi Lake—a 4-kilometer route, taking about 4.5 hours. If time and energy permit, you may also head to the foot of Leigu Mountain to enjoy the surrounding natural scenery. However, please note that the Leigu Mountain cable car is currently under construction, and crossing the mountain is prohibited.
Travel Tips：
It is recommended to set aside two days for your visit: spend the first day in Guanzhu Valley and the second day in Eman Valley. This allows you to fully appreciate the scenic beauty at a relaxed pace without rushing.
The temperature difference between morning and evening within the scenic area is significant. Even in summer, it is advisable to bring a light jacket to avoid catching a chill.
Wear comfortable sports shoes, as you will be walking long distances—proper footwear will make your trip much more enjoyable.
You may bring some snacks and water to replenish energy and hydration along the way. Please help keep the scenic area clean and do not litter.
Important Notices：
Follow all park regulations. Do not damage vegetation or facilities.
When near lakes and waterfalls, stay safe and do not approach hazardous areas to prevent slipping or falling into the water.
In case of severe weather such as heavy rain or strong winds, take shelter promptly and do not remain outdoors.
Wild animals live in the area. Do not feed or disturb them; maintain a respectful distance when observing.
Transportation：
Public Transit: After arriving at Hadapu Railway Station, take a bus to Dangchang County Bus Terminal (10 RMB/person). From there, take a bus to Guanzhu Valley (2 RMB/person) or Eman Valley (6 RMB/person).
Self-Driving: From downtown Longnan, follow National Highway 212 to reach the scenic area. Parking is available: free for the first 30 minutes; after that, a fee of 5 RMB is charged initially, with an additional 1 RMB per hour, capped at 10 RMB for up to 24 hours. Beyond 24 hours, the meter restarts until the vehicle exits.
Opening Hours：
Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Last entry and ticket sales stop at 4:30 PM.
Ticket Price：
Admission: 150 RMB per person (includes sightseeing bus and insurance).