Lanzhou Travel Guide
Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province and a central city in northwest China, holds a significant transportation position. It connects to various key locations: north to Dunhuang, south to Gannan, west to Xining, and east to Yinchuan, making it a crucial stop for travelers exploring the western regions of China.
The Yellow River flows vigorously through Lanzhou from west to east, nestled between two mountain ranges, creating a narrow, elongated city that stretches from east to west. One of the most prominent tourist attractions is the “Hundred-Mile Yellow River Scenic Line” along the riverbanks, featuring landmarks such as the Zhongshan Bridge, Waterwheel Park, the Yellow River Mother statue, and the stunning night views of Baita Mountain.
The ceaseless flow of the Yellow River not only nourishes the land of Lanzhou but also shapes the character of its people, instilling a sense of boldness and straightforwardness. This vibrant river gives Lanzhou its warmth and richness, making it a city full of life and personality.
The hotel is relatively cheaper compared to the peak season. It’s best to book a hotel near the subway. The hotel I booked is 900 meters from the subway station, which is actually a bit far, but it’s a new hotel, clean, hygienic, and quite comfortable to stay in. The Gansu Provincial Museum is relatively easy to book. If you can’t get a guided tour, you can listen to the volunteers, who are very good at explaining as well. Check… Read more »
Lanzhou is quite deserted during the off-peak season. We arrived at Zhongshan Bridge around eight o’clock. Although I knew it was the off-peak season, I didn’t expect it to be this quiet. There were hardly any people on Zhongshan Bridge and at Baita Mountain Park. Half of the shops in Mutaxiang Snack Street were closed, which is likely due to the cold weather and the fact that it was after the closing time of Baita Mountain Park, so I can… Read more »
Here’s a brief record of the places I visited: 1. Gansu Provincial Museum: I made a free reservation online in advance. I’m not particularly fond of museums, but I wanted to experience the cultural atmosphere of Gansu, so I went. There are several dinosaur fossil exhibits inside, which are quite impressive and definitely worth a visit! 2. Dunhuang Art Museum: No reservation is needed; you can just go directly. Inside, there are unique Dunhuang art paintings and murals. I was… Read more »
The roads in Lanzhou are incredibly bumpy. During today’s one-day tour, I felt like we were jostling the whole time, hitting bumps every ten seconds or even sooner. It felt like my bones were about to fall apart; my spine really took a beating. Why are there so many potholes?
Lanzhou Old Street brings together a variety of delicious foods from all over the country. You can find almost any dish you can think of here. There’s also a mini river that gives you a slight sense of being in a miniature version of Wuzhen.