Discover the vibrant heart of Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, with this carefully curated one-day itinerary. From the rich history and culture displayed at the Gansu Provincial Museum to the iconic Zhongshan Bridge and the scenic beauty of Baita Mountain Park, this route takes you through Lanzhou’s must-see landmarks. Along the way, immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, savor authentic flavors at popular food streets like Dazhong Lane, and experience the city’s nightlife at the bustling Zhengning Road Night Market. Whether it’s cultural immersion or scenic exploration, this itinerary offers the best of Lanzhou in just one day.
Route Overview: Gansu Provincial Museum > Yellow River Mother Statue > Dazhong Lane > Xiguan Mosque > Lanzhou Waterwheel Garden > Baita Mountain Park > Iron Bridge of Yellow River > Zhengning Road Night Market
First Stop: Gansu Provincial Museum ⏱ 3-4 hours
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:00); closed on Mondays (except for national holidays).
Located in Qilihe District of Lanzhou, Gansu Provincial Museum holds a rich collection of precious cultural relics, ranking among the top museums in China. It’s a must-visit when exploring Lanzhou. The museum has three floors with permanent exhibitions including the Silk Road Civilization, Gansu Buddhist Art, Gansu Painted Pottery, Paleontology, and Red Gansu. The most notable are the Silk Road, Buddhist, and Painted Pottery exhibitions. Highlights include famous national treasures such as the bronze Galloping Horse and the Brick Painting of the Envoy, which are not to be missed.
Tips:
The Silk Road Civilization exhibit on the second floor is the only one in China dedicated to the history of the Silk Road. The museum’s most famous piece, the Galloping Horse, is located here!
Across from the museum is the newly opened Lanzhou Central Business District, offering great shopping and dining options for those who wish to take a break.
Second Stop: Yellow River Mother Statue ⏱ 0.5 hours
Opening hours: Open all day
Transportation: About a 30-minute bus ride, or you can take the Jin City Sightseeing Line.
The Yellow River Mother Statue is located on the south bank of the Yellow River on the central section of Binhe Road. It’s one of the landmarks along Lanzhou’s riverbank. The sculpture features a “mother” and a “baby boy,” symbolizing the nurturing, enduring spirit of the Yellow River and the happiness and growth of the Chinese people. Don’t forget to take a picture when passing by!
Third Stop: Dazhong Lane ⏱ 0.5 hours
Opening hours: Varies by shop.
Transportation: About 30 minutes by bus, or if you’re not in a hurry, you can walk along the Yellow River Scenic Route.
Dazhong Lane is a popular food street near the western section of the Yellow River Scenic Route. It’s home to several well-known local restaurants such as “Mazilu Beef Noodles,” “Grey Pea King,” “Duji Desserts,” and “Jincheng Fried Noodles.” After walking through Dazhong Lane, you can reach Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street, the busiest street in Lanzhou, where the renowned snack shop “Zaihuishou” offers Liangpi (cold noodles) and Grey Pea Soup.
Tips: Locals call “Lanzhou Beef Noodles” simply “Beef Noodles” or “Niuda”! Locals often enjoy beef noodles in the morning or at noon for the clear broth, and many popular noodle shops close in the afternoon. The 24-hour shops cater mostly to tourists.
Fourth Stop: Xiguan Mosque ⏱ 0.5 hours
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 8:00-19:00
Transportation: After leaving Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street, 🚶 a few minutes’ walk will bring you to Xiguan Mosque.
Located in Lanzhou’s Chengguan District, Xiguan Mosque sits next to the city’s busiest bus hub. It was built by Muslim merchants and is commonly referred to as the “Guest Mosque,” with its origins dating back to the Hongwu or Yongle periods of the Ming Dynasty. The mosque is grand and solemn, with distinct Arabic Islamic architectural features. The prayer hall can accommodate more than 3,000 worshippers. If you’re short on time, taking a photo of the exterior from a distance is still a good option!
Fifth Stop: Lanzhou Waterwheel Garden ⏱ 2 hours
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 7:00-23:00
Transportation: Take Bus 140/25 or Metro Line 1 from Xiguan Hub near the mosque, approximately 40 minutes.
Lanzhou Waterwheel Garden is located along the Yellow River on South Binhe East Road, and is part of the scenic green corridor of Binhe Road. It is a famous themed park in Lanzhou, showcasing the iconic waterwheels of the Yellow River. The garden features a collection of waterwheels from various regions of China, allowing visitors to explore and learn about their unique characteristics. Visitors can also experience waterwheels and traditional irrigation devices firsthand, marveling at the wisdom of ancient resource management. The park is beautifully landscaped with fountains, ponds, flowers, and sculptures, creating a serene and enjoyable environment.
Sixth Stop: Baita Mountain Park ⏱ 3 hours
Opening hours: April 20 – October 31: 6:30-20:00; November 1 – April 19: 7:00-19:00
Transportation: From Waterwheel Garden, take Bus 20 for about 25 minutes.
Baita Mountain Park is located on the north bank of the Yellow River, near the city center of Lanzhou. Its entrance is connected to Zhongshan Bridge, making it one of Lanzhou’s top attractions. The park is named after the ancient white pagoda at its summit. The park features several palace-style buildings amidst lush trees, making it a great spot for hiking, photography, or simply enjoying the views. Climbing to the top rewards you with a panoramic view of Lanzhou city, with expansive, breathtaking vistas. Along the hike, you’ll encounter ancient temple courtyards, beautiful trees, and scenic lawns. Reaching the summit, you can admire the white pagoda and capture stunning cityscapes, especially during sunset.
Tips: If you prefer not to hike, you can take the Yellow River Cableway from the opposite bank, which offers scenic views as it crosses the river and brings you to the mountainside.
Seventh Stop: Zhongshan Bridge ⏱ 0.5 hours
Opening hours: Open all day
Transportation: After descending Baita Mountain, you will find Zhongshan Bridge directly in front of you.
Zhongshan Bridge, also known as the Iron Bridge of Yellow River, is located in Chengguan District and is one of Lanzhou’s most important landmarks. It’s a must-see for visitors. At the southern end of the bridge, you’ll find large golden characters spelling “Zhongshan Bridge” and an ancient stone tablet engraved with “First Bridge of the Yellow River.” Though the bridge is over a century old, its vibrant lighting at night has turned it into a popular attraction, drawing crowds of tourists who take photos here as a symbol of their visit to Lanzhou.
Tips: The area around Zhongshan Bridge is often crowded, but you can head to the nearby pedestrian bridge for a great vantage point. From there, you can capture the bridge, distant mountain lights, and Baita Mountain all in one shot.
Eighth Stop: Zhengning Road Night Market ⏱ 1 hour
Business hours: 18:00 – 2:00
Transportation: A 20-minute bus ride from Zhongshan Bridge, or a leisurely walk through Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street if you wish to enjoy the night scenery.
Zhengning Road Night Market is a bustling, lively street packed with food vendors and buzzing with energy. Diners fill the outdoor seating areas, enjoying dishes like lamb offal stew, lamb bread soup, and other local favorites. Try the renowned “Ma Ye’s Milk and Egg Wine” featured on A Bite of China, followed by a cup of sweet fermented milk tea from the trendy “Fang Ha” shop, and immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Lanzhou!
