Longnan

City overview

Longnan City is located in southeastern Gansu Province, at the intersection of the Qinba Mountains and the Loess Plateau. It is the only area in Gansu that belongs to the Yangtze River basin, earning the nickname 'Jiangnan of Gansu.' It has a temperate continental climate with dry conditions and large temperature differences. Its economy is based on specialty agriculture, mineral resources, and eco-tourism. The culture is diverse, featuring Baima Tibetan traditions and the Qiqiao Festival as intangible cultural heritage.

Basic information

Geography and climate

Detailed introduction

Longnan, historically known as 'Wudu,' has a long history and is one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization. Located at the junction of Gansu, Sichuan, and Shaanxi provinces, its terrain is complex and diverse, dominated by mountains and hills, with high forest coverage and excellent ecological environment. Economically, Longnan relies on specialty agriculture (Sichuan pepper, walnuts, olives, medicinal herbs), lead-zinc mining, and eco-tourism. In recent years, e-commerce and agricultural product processing have grown rapidly. In education, Longnan has Longnan Teachers College and other institutions, with gradually improving basic education resources. Culturally, it is a major settlement of the Baima Tibetan people, featuring unique customs and costumes. The 'Qiqiao Festival' in Xihe County is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. The cost of living is low, the pace is relaxed, and the locals are hospitable. For international students, Longnan is an ideal place to experience Northwest China's natural scenery and ethnic minority culture. However, note the dry climate, large temperature differences, and cold winters. The city is moderately sized with basic infrastructure, but the level of internationalization is low and English proficiency is limited; learning basic Chinese is recommended for communication.