Lanzhou

Asia

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China

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Lanzhou

Lanzhou, the bustling capital of Gansu Province in northwest China, boasts a wealth of history and modern development. The mighty Yellow River, China’s “Mother River,” flows gracefully through the city, nourishing fertile soil that produces an abundance of delicious fruits. As a major transportation and communications hub in the region, Lanzhou played a vital role on the ancient Silk Road. Today, the city serves as the center point of the Silk Road Tourism Circle, offering easy access to historical gems such as the Maiji Grottoes to the east, the Bingling Temple Grottoes to the west, the Labrang Monastery to the south, and the Dunhuang Mogao Caves to the north. Lanzhou’s beauty lies in its harmonious blend of northern splendor and southern charm. Majestic mountains frame the city to the north and south, while the Yellow River carves its way from east to west. This geographical diversity creates a modern urban landscape that is both impressive and beautiful. The city center is comprised of five distinct districts: Chengguan, Qilihe, Xigu, Honggu, and Anning. Chengguan District, located at the heart of the city, serves as the political, economic, cultural, and transportation center. Anning District, located in the northwest, is the center of economic development and home to a number of colleges and universities. Lanzhou offers an enchanting experience for travelers seeking a unique blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and modern convenience. With its strategic location on the Silk Road and easy access to the surrounding attractions, Lanzhou is an ideal starting point for an unforgettable journey through China's rich past.

Travel Tips for Lanzhou

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Lanzhou

A guide to Lanzhou's local transportation

Bus

Train

Taxi

While in Lanzhou, you can use the bus for daily transportation to explore the area. It costs around Y1 - Y1.5 for most journeys. For bus routes, it is best to buy a city map (Y3.5) from a newsstand. Online bus information is also available via the 'Get Directions' function on Google Maps.

Practical Tips for Lanzhou

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What foods are popular in Lanzhou?

A popular Lanzhou specialty is the Lanzhou Beef Noodles (Niurou mian). Every noodle restaurant (Lanzhou lamian guan) serves this traditional dish, and almost every stall lining the city streets will serve this simple and cheap dish.

What languages are spoken in Lanzhou?

Lanzhou is part of the Northwestern Mandarin language. It has also been unified with Central Plains Mandarin (Chinese: 中原官话). The name is a combination of the capitals of the two former provinces that dominated it, Lanzhou and Yinchuan, which are also the two main subdialects.

When is the best time to visit Lanzhou?

The best time to visit Lanzhou is from May to October, especially in September. During this period, the weather is comfortable. In addition, the typical Eid al-Fitr Festival and the annual Lanzhou Silk Road Festival are usually held in September and there will be many tourists gathering in Lanzhou which is very lively. In winter, a warm fireplace, scarf, gloves, hats and boots are needed. Throughout the year, a warm coat is a must for your trip to Lanzhou. This is because the temperature can drop drastically at night. Other items that you need to bring are recommended water and sunscreen, and especially lip balm.

Where to shop in Lanzhou?

Lanzhou has a wide selection of local handicrafts and specialties from all over Gansu Province. You can go to Center Square, the commercial center in Tielu Xincun and the commercial center in Nanguan-Xiguan (the most important commercial district). Not to forget the commercial center on Xijin Road which is located near the west railway station.

Is there any halal food in Lanzhou?

Lanzhou is famous for its beef noodle soup (Lanzhou niurou lamian). The noodles are always handmade, and the soup is served hot and spicy with as much beef as you pay for. This is a specialty of the Muslim Hui ethnic group, and is therefore a great choice for those looking for halal food.