Lianhua Tourist Traps

I'm no archiologist, so it's possible I'm missing something. The attached photo is pretty much what is inside this 'proof that Chinese civilization is 6,000 years old.' I'm a fan of museums, and don't even mind that many Chinese versions leave a lot to be desired, but this one just made me laugh. Out loud. For a good 20 minutes.

The area is beautiful, and the villages and cities surrounding well worth exploring. But don't waste your kuai on this bit.

Unique Suggestions: Oh my. Well, it's a big hole in the ground with a chimney. If you have to go to the tourist trap, at least know how to laugh I suppose....

Fun Alternatives: There's a fantastic Taoist temple (eight diagrams terrace) within half an hour's drive. If you happen to be in the middle of nowhere Gansu looking for spots, try that. Or, try and get into the nearby cave paintings. They're completely closed to just about everyone, but if you can find them and sneak in, not only can you see first hand some of the uncleaned-up damage of the c.r. but you'll find buddhist and taoist symbols co-existing in the same caves...