Lanzhou

Lanzhou is a city crossed by the Yellow River, offering both the wide-open landscapes of northwest China and the everyday atmosphere of its local streets and lanes. October temperatures are generally comfortable, making it a good time to explore the city on foot and set aside time to sample local specialties.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival and the Yellow River Scenic Route
  • Morning: After arriving in Lanzhou, go to your hotel to check in and leave your luggage. For convenience, consider staying along Metro Line 1, such as near Zhongshan Bridge or Xiguan Shizi.
  • Afternoon: Walk along the Yellow River Scenic Route, visiting the <u data-keyword="兰州黄河母亲雕塑">Yellow River Mother Sculpture</u> and <u data-keyword="兰州水车博览园">Waterwheel Expo Park</u> in turn. Enjoy a cup of <u data-keyword="兰州三炮台">Sanpao tea</u> by the river and take in the city’s relaxed pace.

• Early evening: Head to the area around Zhongshan Bridge to watch the sunset, then cross the bridge to Baita Mountain Park and view Lanzhou’s night skyline from the mountain.
  • Evening: Have dinner at <u data-keyword="兰州大众巷">Dazhong Alley</u> or <u data-keyword="兰州南关民族风味街">Nanguan Ethnic Food Street</u>, trying night-market snacks such as milk-and-egg fermented rice dessert and grilled lamb.

• Day 2: History, Culture, and Danxia Landscapes
  • Morning: Visit the Gansu Provincial Museum. Real-name reservations must be made three days in advance. Inside, you can see the original Flying Horse of Gansu and learn about Silk Road culture.
  • Noon: Have lunch near the museum, choosing from northwestern dishes such as hand-pulled lamb and stir-fried young beef.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Shuimo Danxia scenic area. Taking the scenic-area shuttle bus is recommended. A relatively easy route is to visit the higher areas first and then walk down along the wooden boardwalk: take the shuttle to Danding Lansheng first, then gradually make your way downhill.
  • Evening: After returning to the city, take a taxi or share a ride to Santai Pavilion in Lanshan Park to view and photograph the “Lanhattan” nightscape.
• Day 3: Morning Markets and a Relaxed Departure
  • Early morning: Visit <u data-keyword="兰州五泉早市">Wuquan Morning Market</u> to see how locals start their day, then enjoy a bowl of hot beef noodles.

• Morning: Depending on your departure time, choose between the <u data-keyword="兰州读者博物馆">Duzhe Museum</u> and the <u data-keyword="兰州简牍博物馆">Lanzhou Bamboo-Slip Museum</u>, or return to the Yellow River to try a sheepskin raft ride.
  • Afternoon: Buy lily bulbs, chili oil, sweet fermented rice milk tea, and other souvenirs before preparing to leave.

Local Specialties to Try

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Where to stay: Give priority to accommodation along Metro Line 1, such as near Zhongshan Bridge, Xiguan Shizi, or Lanzhou Center. Most attractions, the Yellow River Scenic Route, and the night-market areas are concentrated around here, making sightseeing, dining, and getting around at night convenient.
• Getting to Lanzhou: High-speed trains arrive at Lanzhou West Railway Station, which is relatively close to the Gansu Provincial Museum and Metro Line 1. For regular trains, Lanzhou Railway Station is more convenient for reaching Zhongshan Bridge and the Yellow River Scenic Route. Zhongchuan Airport is relatively far from the city center; you can take an intercity high-speed train, which takes about 40 minutes to reach the city.
• Getting around the city: Lanzhou’s attractions are relatively concentrated, and the metro and shared bicycles are suitable for short trips. When taking a taxi, regular taxis are usually cheaper than ride-hailing services. To reach Shuimo Danxia, take a dedicated scenic-area shuttle or use a reputable ride-hailing service.

Practical Tips

• Reservations: The Gansu Provincial Museum can be crowded, and real-name reservations must be made three days in advance. It is closed on Mondays, so plan around its closing day.
• Sun and wind protection: Lanzhou can have a large difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures in October, so bring a windproof jacket. Ultraviolet rays can be strong during the day, so use sun protection when going out.
• Sheepskin rafts: Sheepskin raft vendors soliciting customers along the Yellow River may quote inflated prices and may charge additional fees for photos. If you want to try one, go directly to an official pier to buy a ticket.
• Choosing beef noodles: Beef noodle shops near the entrances to attractions may charge higher prices, while noodle shops in the city’s older lanes are usually more affordable. Ask about the exact prices before adding extra meat or an egg.
• Shuimo Danxia: Avoid taking private cars waiting by the roadside, as prices may be unclear and safety standards may be inadequate. Choose an official bus or a reputable ride-hailing service instead.