Kazuo

Introducing Kazuo

The famous Dongshanzui Hongshan Culture Sacrifice Site in Kazuo County is an important site of the Hongshan Culture, where a large number of precious cultural relics have been unearthed. The Pigeon Cave in Kazuo County is located on the cliffs of Yunshan Mountain on the west bank of the Daling River in Shuiquan Township, Kazuo County. It is a natural stone cave formed by long-term dissolution of groundwater. Because there are many wild pigeons living in the cave, it is commonly known as the Pigeon Cave. More than ten kinds of ancient human and animal fossils and more than 300 stone tools have been unearthed at the Pigeon Cave site. It is an important site for studying the Paleolithic Age. In addition, there are buildings related to religion and history such as Tiancheng Temple and the ancient tower of Jingyan Zen Temple.

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Most Popular FAQs for Kazuo

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Kazuo, formally Harqin Left-Wing Mongolian Autonomous County, is under Chaoyang City, Liaoning Province. Historically, the region lay at the frontier zone between agrarian Chinese states and nomadic / semi-nomadic peoples. It has archaeological significance: peripheral sites include Neolithic remains (e.g. Dongshanzui). The Lizhou Old City retains the name “Lizhou” from Liao / Jin / Yuan eras (the old “Li Prefecture”) and is now a recognized provincial tourism cultural street. The county also now benefits from improved transport (e.g. the high-speed railway station) which helps in its modernization and tourism promotion.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Kazuo (喀左) is located in western Liaoning Province, under the jurisdiction of Chaoyang City. It is connected by the Chifeng–Kazuo high-speed railway (Kazuo Station / 喀左站), which links into the high-speed rail network. From the station, one can take local buses, taxis, or arranged transfers to scenic areas. In many of the county’s attractions (valleys, lakes, forest parks), walking and hiking trails are the typical internal mode.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Many scenic areas in Kazuo are open year-round (Longfeng Mountain, Yulong Valley, Longyuan tourism area) as reported. The best visiting times are from late spring through autumn (e.g. May through October) when weather is mild, foliage is lush, and water features are more active. In spring (around April–May), the pear blossoms are a highlight in certain areas.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

I could not find consistent, up-to-date ticket pricing for all attractions. The Longyuan / Longyuan Tourism Zone is rated 4A scenic area and is known to charge for some of its water / entertainment features. Lizhou Old City is relatively open and many parts may be free to access; the cultural tourism street is a public space. For lesser known natural areas (valley, forest trails), there may be minimal or no ticket in some parts, depending on local management. Tickets are generally purchased at the site ticket booths or via local tourism / travel platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

For popular scenic areas or during holidays and weekends, booking in advance is prudent especially for lake boat rentals, special performances, or limited-access features. For smaller natural walking trails or off-peak periods, advance booking is generally not essential.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To explore the main scenic highlights (Longyuan Lake, Longfeng Mountain, Yulong Valley, old town) you will want at least 1.5 to 2 days. If you wish to go deeper into hiking, rural villages, or archaeological sites, 2–3 days gives more flexibility.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Longyuan Lake / Longyuan Tourism zone — for water views, bankside walks, fountains, etc.
• Longfeng Mountain Scenic Area — forest, mountain vistas, trails.
• Yulong Valley (Bathing Dragon Valley) — streams, waterfalls, forest landscapes.
• Lizhou Old City / Lizhou Cultural Tourism Street — historic architecture, local culture and streetscape.
• Dongshanzui Archaeological Site — for historical / prehistoric interest.
• Runze Flower Sea & Pear Blossom fields — seasonal floral display and rural charm.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

I did not find reliable data confirming the existence of audio guides or guided tours in English. Local guides (in Chinese / Mandarin) are more likely to be available in the more developed scenic areas or via tourism companies.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Sunset / sunrise vantage from the top of Longfeng Mountain viewing platform.
• Along lakeside edges and piers at Longyuan Lake for reflections and water scenes.
• Waterfalls, rock formations, and forest streams in Yulong Valley.
• Lizhou Old City roofs, gateways, and old street views facing Longyuan Lake.
• Floral fields (Runze Flower Sea, pear blossom groves) during peak blossom seasons.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Here’s a suggested 2-day route:
Day 1: Arrive, visit Lizhou Old City for a relaxed cultural stroll. Then head to Longyuan Lake — walk lakeside, enjoy water features, rent a small boat if possible. In late afternoon, move toward Yulong Valley for a shorter hike.
Day 2: Early ascent of Longfeng Mountain to catch sunrise or morning vistas. Then deeper hike or forest walk in valley / forest areas. In afternoon, visit flower fields (if in season) or archaeological site (Dongshanzui).
Within each attraction, follow marked trails and entrance sequences (likely bottom to top in mountains, perimeter to inner circuits in the lake zone).

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There is a mention that near Lizhou Old City, there is a “large music fountain” and cultural leisure square adjacent to Longyuan Lake, which suggests nighttime lighting / fountain shows may be part of the experience. However, I found no definitive schedule or advertisement of night tours or light shows for all attractions.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Peak crowds are likely on weekends, national holidays, and during the floral bloom periods (spring) or summer holiday season. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, off-peak seasons (late autumn, early spring), and non-holiday periods.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The more developed scenic zones (Longyuan Lake, Longfeng Mountain) are expected to have visitor amenities: restrooms, refreshment stalls, visitor centers, paths with rest pavilions. In more remote trails (valley streams, forest paths), facilities will be more basic.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Some paths around lakes or flat ground may be accessible to elderly or children. Mountain trails, steep slopes, or rugged terrain (valley hiking) may be challenging and not fully accessible. Disabled access (ramps, lifts) is unlikely in natural mountainous areas.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

In modern Chinese tourist regions, mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and bank cards are widely accepted in ticket offices, shops, and restaurants, especially in the county and slope towns. Still, carrying some cash is prudent for small vendors or remote spots.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

In the county seat and tourist area bases, there are local restaurants serving Liaoning / northeastern Chinese cuisine, Mongolian-style barbecue, home-style dishes, and simple cafés. As noted in a travel journal, local grilled meat, fish pots, pancakes are common.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

While specific listings are limited, in larger towns there should be vegetarian dishes (tofu, vegetables) in regional Chinese restaurants. Halal options may be sparse; best to ask locally in more diverse towns or near Mongolian-autonomous areas.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

In Kazuo (county seat), there are hotels and guesthouses. For example, AA Chain Hotel (Bus Station Branch) is located near the bus station in Dachengzi Town. Rural guesthouses or farm stays may exist close to scenic zones.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Other parts of Chaoyang city (e.g. Fenghuang Mountain, ancient temples, pagodas) which are part of the region’s Buddhist heritage.
• Nearby counties’ archaeological or paleontological museums and relic sites in the greater Chaoyang area.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

In Lizhou Old City / tourism streets and visitor centers, souvenir shops likely sell local products: Mongolian crafts, local pottery, local specialty foods, postcards, regional agricultural products.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting, you can return to Kazuo Station and take high-speed trains to other cities like Chifeng, Shenyang, etc. Alternatively, regional buses or private cars/taxis can take you to other parts of Chaoyang or neighboring counties.