Jinchang

Introduction

Jinchang sits in the centre of Gansu province, with Inner Mongolia lying just to its north. The city is organised around the Jinchuan District, where most of its urban life is concentrated.

When to go

Jinchang has a continental, semi-arid climate, so plan around sunshine, wide temperature swings and wind rather than rainfall. Spring is the windiest stretch of the year, with strong winds a common feature of a visit; sunshine is plentiful, but temperatures swing widely between day and night, so layers help.

Summer brings the warm half of the year's large seasonal temperature range, alongside plenty of sunshine, while winter sits at the cold end of that variation. Sunshine remains abundant in winter, and the prevailing northwesterly wind continues through much of the year.

Three days in Jinchang

Day one: Start in Jinchang, in Gansu, and get your bearings in Jinchuan District, the city's central district. Use the day to settle into the dry, sunny feel of the place and to plan the rest of your stay.

Day two: Head out into the surrounding landscape, where the city meets Inner Mongolia. Spring and summer are the milder seasons for time outdoors, so make the most of the sunshine while you can.

Day three: Return to Jinchuan District for a final look around before you leave Jinchang. Keep the pace easy and let the weather guide how much you fit in.