Taking a break in Guazhou County while driving the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop.

👉Guazhou County is part of Jiuquan City, Gansu Province, and is located at the western end of the Hexi Corridor in Gansu Province. It generally sits at an altitude of 1,150–2,000 m.

🌈Guazhou County was originally called Anxi County. It got its current name from the delicious honeydew melons grown there. The term "Guazhou" first appeared in the *Book of Han, Geography*: "In the Spring and Autumn Period, it was called Guazhou, where the Yunrong people lived." "In ancient Guazhou, beautiful melons grew, and foxes would enter the melons to eat them, their heads and tails hidden inside." Guazhou County has historically been famous for its delicious melons, and ancient Guazhou was named after them.

📍The honeydew melons here are the most famous, and you can taste them in summer and autumn. I recommend staying here for a few days.

1️⃣Guazhou is one of the more affordable places along the Qinghai-Gansu route. In early September, you can find decent hotels for around CNY 150.

2️⃣There's plenty of delicious food here. Even the *nang* bread is bigger and tastier than elsewhere. The farmers' market is also worth a visit.

3️⃣Within the county, you can visit places like the Guazhou County Museum and the Xuanzang Buddhist Culture Museum.

Post by Penelope Carmichael | Mar 1, 2025