Known as "Gansu's Jiangnan," Longnan is the greenest corner of Gansu — a mountainous region of bamboo forests, karst caves, and giant panda habitats bordering Sichuan.
Longnan, the southernmost prefecture-level city in Gansu Province, is a world apart from the arid deserts and grasslands typically associated with the region. Nestled in the rugged mountains along the Gansu-Sichuan border, Longnan enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate that blankets its landscape in year-round green — earning it the poetic nickname "Gansu's Jiangnan."
The city's most treasured asset is its extraordinary biodiversity. The Baishuijiang National Nature Reserve, one of China's most important giant panda sanctuaries, protects approximately 110 wild pandas within its 2,200 square kilometers of pristine bamboo forests. This remarkable ecosystem also harbors golden monkeys, takins, and countless rare bird species.
Longnan's topography is defined by deep river valleys carved by the White Dragon River and the Jialing River, spectacular karst formations, and terraced hillsides. The Wudu Wanyuan Cave ranks among China's largest limestone caves, with over 10 kilometers of decorated chambers.
Unexpectedly, Longnan has emerged as China's premier olive oil region. Its mild winters, warm summers, and well-drained hillsides create a Mediterranean-like microclimate perfect for olive cultivation. The province now produces award-winning extra virgin olive oils that compete with imports.
Culturally, Longnan sits at the crossroads of Gansu and Sichuan influences, visible in its cuisine's bold use of Sichuan peppercorns and chilies, its bamboo-rich architecture, and the easygoing temperament of its people. The region is also home to several ethnic minority communities, including Tibetan and Qiang groups.
Longnan's history stretches back over 3,000 years. During the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), the area was part of the strategic Longxi Commandery, guarding the southern approaches to the Qin heartland. The ancient Shu Road, a system of mountain paths connecting Sichuan to the Yellow River basin, passed through Longnan, making it a vital corridor for trade and military campaigns.
During the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD), the region was hotly contested between the kingdoms of Shu Han and Cao Wei. The legendary Shu chancellor Zhuge Liang campaigned through these mountains during his Northern Expeditions, leaving behind fortifications and watchtowers that can still be traced today.
The name "Longnan" literally means "south of Long" (Long being the ancient abbreviation for Gansu), reflecting its position as the southern gateway to the province. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Longnan remained an important transportation hub along the Shu Road, with caravans carrying Sichuan tea, salt, and silk through its mountain passes.
In the 20th century, Longnan's relative isolation helped preserve its natural environment. The Baishuijiang Nature Reserve was established in 1978, recognizing the region's global importance for panda conservation. In recent decades, the olive industry has transformed Longnan's economy, with the first olive trees planted experimentally in the 1960s and commercial production expanding rapidly since the 1990s.
Longnan's economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, forestry, and mining. The region's subtropical climate allows for diverse crops not found elsewhere in Gansu, including tea, citrus fruits, walnuts, and Sichuan peppercorns.
The most remarkable economic development in recent decades has been the rise of Longnan's olive oil industry. The first olive trees were introduced in 1964 by Chinese agricultural scientists searching for suitable olive-growing regions. Today, Longnan has over 300,000 mu (20,000 hectares) of olive orchards, producing award-winning extra virgin olive oil that supplies both domestic and export markets. Several brands have won international olive oil competitions.
Tourism is a rapidly growing sector, driven by the region's unique natural attractions — giant panda habitats, karst caves, and forest eco-tourism areas. Improved transportation, including the Lanzhou-Chongqing High-Speed Railway, has made Longnan more accessible to domestic tourists.
Mining remains significant, with Longnan possessing substantial reserves of lead, zinc, gold, and antimony. The city's manufacturing sector focuses on agricultural processing, olive oil production, and building materials. Longnan's GDP is approximately 54 billion yuan.
Discover the culinary treasures of Longnan, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Explore Longnan's extraordinary natural wonders from pandas to caves in two days.
Immerse yourself in the lush green landscapes that make Longnan Gansu's answer to Jiangnan.
Longnan Chengzhou Airport (LNL) — serves domestic flights to Lanzhou, Chongqing, and Xi'an.
Longnan East Station on the Lanzhou-Chongqing HSR connects to Lanzhou (2 hours) and Chongqing (3 hours).
City buses and long-distance coaches connect Longnan's districts and counties.
Available throughout the city
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