It occupies the southernmost section of the region, bordering Gansu province to the east, south, and due west.

Because of the importance of its transportation in history, Guyuan was a war gate where Chinese soldiers trained and prepared to fight with northwestern minorities.

[11] Liupanshan National Forest Park is one of the most important features of Guyuan, with more than 530 species of wild medicinal plants.

[12] Guyuan has a monsoon-influenced humid continental climate (Köppen Dwb), with long, cold, dry winters, and warm, rainier summers.

With temperatures cooled by the elevation that exceeds 1,770 metres (5,810 ft), highs average slightly below freezing in January and reach only 25 °C (77 °F) in July.