Wuwei

The Hexi region receives strong sunlight and has a marked temperature difference between day and night, so bring a jacket when traveling.

Wuwei, formerly known as Liangzhou, lies at the eastern end of the Hexi Corridor and combines desert, grassland, snow-capped mountains, and grotto landscapes. Prices are relatively affordable, and visitor numbers are generally low, making it suitable for a relaxed trip around the old city and its surroundings.

Wuwei Specialties

Wuwei cuisine centers on noodles and lamb, and overall prices are fairly affordable.

• Liangzhou Three-Part Set: This local specialty consists of xingmian noodles, braised meat, and iced-sugar red-date fu tea. Xingmian is a handmade wide noodle with a pleasantly chewy texture; the braised meat is rich without being greasy, while the fu tea helps cut through the richness. A set costs just over ten yuan and is filling.

• Liangzhou Vegetable Hot Pot: A traditional local stew with tofu, glass noodles, and vegetables arranged at the bottom of the pot, topped with handmade meatballs, pork knuckle, and hair vegetable rolls. It is slowly simmered in bone broth for a rich meaty flavor.

• Wuwei Mianpizi: A snack commonly enjoyed year-round, available in two forms: strips and chunky pieces. The freshly steamed mianpizi is translucent and springy, served with vinegar-based sauce, garlic juice, and red-oil chili for a tangy, spicy, and savory flavor.

• Millet Soup with Fried Dough Strips: A common local breakfast combination. Millet and lentils are simmered into a savory, fragrant soup, which is served with crisp fried dough strips. The contrasting soft and crunchy textures are warming and filling.

• Minqin Hand-Pulled Lamb: Made with desert lamb from the Hexi Corridor and stewed in water to preserve the meat’s natural flavor. The lamb is tender and juicy, with a relatively mild gaminess and little greasiness; it is especially fragrant when served with seasoned salt and pepper.

• Hexuan Mala Tang: Made with a bone-broth base and served in a large platter. There is not much broth, but the aroma of the chilies stands out. The meat and wide glass noodles absorb the flavors well, and the cost is just over ten yuan per person.

Suggested Classic Itinerary

• Day 1 (Cultural Route in the City): In the morning, first visit the Leitai Han Tomb to see the underground bronze chariot and horse array, then head to the Kumarajiva Temple to see its red walls and ancient pagoda. For lunch, try the Liangzhou Three-Part Set and mianpizi at Beiguan Market or along the pedestrian street. In the afternoon, visit the Wuwei Museum and the Western Xia Museum to learn about the history of the Silk Road region. In the evening, climb the South City Gate Tower to enjoy the cityscape after the lights come on, then have dinner at the Ming-and-Qing Street night market.
• Day 2 (Grottoes and Desert): Get an early start and drive yourself or hire a private car to the Tiantishan Grottoes, where you can admire the Buddha and its setting beside the Huangyang River Reservoir. Return to the city in the afternoon and head to the Wuwei Desert to try sandboarding and camel riding, then wait for sunset over the desert. In the evening, you can watch a bonfire show if interested.
• Day 3 (Snow Mountains and Grassland or Ancient Temple): For natural scenery, hike in the Binggou River Scenic Area to see the Qilian forest and Malan Flower Grassland; alternatively, head to Wushaoling to experience the terrain where three plateaus meet. For cultural sights, visit Baita Temple and see its extensive collection of Tibetan-style white pagodas. Return to the city in the afternoon, buy some local snacks at Xinle Supermarket, and then depart.

Transportation and Accommodation Guide

• Getting There: High-speed trains run directly to Wuwei East Railway Station. The journey from Lanzhou West Railway Station takes about one hour, with tickets costing around 100 yuan. If traveling by air, first arrive at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport, then transfer to a high-speed train to Wuwei.
• Getting Around the City: Wuwei’s urban area is not large, and its main attractions are relatively close together. The taxi starting fare is 5 yuan, and shared electric bikes can also be used for trips within 2 kilometers.
• Getting to Nearby Attractions: For nearby attractions such as the Tiantishan Grottoes, Binggou River, and Wushaoling, hiring a private car, sharing a ride, or joining a local small-group day tour is more flexible and usually more convenient than public transportation.
• Where to Stay: The area around the South City Gate Tower and Kumarajiva Temple is convenient for getting around and has a good concentration of restaurants. Budget chain hotels in the city generally cost around 150–250 yuan per night and offer good value; book ahead during holidays.

Travel Tips

• What to Wear: Wuwei has a large temperature difference between day and night, while the wind is stronger and the perceived temperature lower around Binggou River and Wushaoling. Dress in layers and bring quick-drying short sleeves, thermal underwear, and a windbreaker or down vest. A hat and windproof outer layer are also recommended.
• Moisturizing and Sun Protection: The northwestern climate is dry, and some people may experience nosebleeds, so bring high-moisture skincare products, lip balm, and body lotion. UV levels are strong, so be sure to pack a sun-protective mask, hat, and sunscreen.
• Reservation Reminder: The Wuwei Museum, Binggou River Scenic Area, and other attractions require advance reservations through official channels. Plan especially early during holidays to avoid being unable to enter on arrival.
• Meal Planning: Popular restaurants such as Lao Wang’s Vegetable Hot Pot and Xianghe Restaurant may have waits of more than an hour during peak season. Call ahead to check, or avoid the busiest dining periods.
• Altitude Sickness: Wuwei’s urban area is about 1,700 meters above sea level, so noticeable altitude sickness is uncommon. When visiting Wushaoling at 3,500 meters or Tianchi in Binggou River above 3,000 meters, slow your pace and watch for mild symptoms of altitude sickness.