Lanzhou

Lanzhou, China

Lanzhou is the capital of west China's Gansu province. If the Yellow River which flows through the city is likened to the “roots”, then the ancient Silk Road is the “trunk” that has been feeding nutrients to all branches of the “big tree” called Lanzhou. With over 20 ethnic groups inhabiting the region over the centuries, Lanzhou has become a cultural mosaic ready to welcome you.

Lanzhou has set the stage for a whole myriad of Chinese gallant heroes and timeless legends and has left a deep imprint on the Chinese civilization.

Getting around

• The Yellow River Mother Sculpture

  The Yellow River has been revered and worshipped as the “Mother River” of the nation for millennia. It comes as no surprise that the locals has put this piece of work of art loaded with cultural symbolism on the bank of the mighty river.

• Zhongshan Bridge

  The 20th century bridge is the best vantage point for Baita Pagoda looming out of clouds in the distance and the Yellow River winding its way towards you. You might be left momentarily dumbstruck by the great views.

• Gansu Provincial Museum

  It houses an impressive collection of over 350,000 items, including pottery pieces, bamboo chips, books and Buddhist art treasures dating back to ancient Chinese dynasties.

• Rafting on the Yellow River

  Sheepskin rafts remained an important means of transport for the locals living in the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River until the 1950's. Start your cocktail-shaker adventure on the torrential Yellow River from Lanzhou Waterwheel Park – you are in for adrenalin rush. Best in July and August.

• Lanzhou beef noodles

  Expect a huge bowl of hand-pulled noodles in a piping hot broth topped by white carrot slices, red peppers and greens. Best fuel for a long day's winter hike.

  
  
  
• Liujiaxia Bingling Temple

  The Yellow River makes a 90-degree turn at Liujiaxia. A boat ride on the river takes you to the grottoes at Bingling Temple. A 2-kilometer stretch of red sandstone cliffs features numerous Buddhist caves of high artistic and historical value.