Lanzhou Travel Guide: Ancient Silk Road City by the Yellow River

Lanzhou, a city through which the Yellow River flows, was a crucial hub on the ancient Silk Road, with over 2,000 years of history. Here you’ll find the aged magnificence of the “First Bridge over the Yellow River,” the graceful beauty of the Yellow River Mother Statue, and the lively street scenes of Lanzhou beef noodles and night markets.

Why visit: Lanzhou is a fascinating blend of the rugged Northwest and the gentle Jiangnan region. It offers both historical landmarks and vibrant street life experiences.

🚄 Getting to Lanzhou

• By Air: Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport has direct shuttle buses to the city (about 1 hour, ¥30), or you can take a high-speed train to Lanzhou West Station and transfer to the subway.
• By Train: Lanzhou Station and Lanzhou West Station are major transport hubs. Direct trains from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and other cities are available.
• By Car: Connected by main highways like Lianhuo Expressway. Nearby cities are about 3–5 hours by car.

🚌 Getting Around the City

• Bus/Subway: Buses reach major attractions (e.g., Bus 136 goes to Zhongshan Bridge). Metro Line 1 connects areas like Xiguan and Dongfanghong Square.
• Taxi/Ride-hailing: Starting fare is ¥10. Recommended apps: Gaode, Didi. (Lanzhou license plates start with “Gan A”; beware of unlicensed cars.)
• Shared Bikes: Ideal for short-distance trips around the Yellow River Scenic Route and Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street.

🌟 Must-Visit Attractions

中山桥 Zhongshan Bridge

• Highlights: A century-old iron bridge known as “The First Bridge over the Yellow River.” Stunning when lit at 19:30.
• Admission: Free
• Opening Hours: All day

白塔山公园 Baita Mountain Park

• Highlights: Offers panoramic views of Lanzhou. Sunset views are best, especially with a cup of Sanpao Tai tea.
• Admission: Free
• Opening Hours: All day

黄河母亲雕像 Yellow River Mother Statue

• Highlights: A symbol of Lanzhou, this sculpture of a mother and child represents the nurturing nature of the Yellow River.
• Admission: Free
• Opening Hours: All day

五泉山公园 Wuquan Mountain Park

• Highlights: Yuan Dynasty architecture and five natural springs. Visit Junyuan Temple and Butterfly Pavilion. Great flower blooms in spring.
• Admission: Free
• Opening Hours: All day

水车博览园 Waterwheel Garden

• Highlights: Showcases 400-year-old waterwheel technology. Open late until 23:30. Beautiful night reflections.
• Admission: Free
• Opening Hours: 07:00–23:30

🍜 Must-Try Food

牛肉面 Lanzhou Beef Noodles

• Features: Famous for its “five elements”—clear broth, white radish, red chili oil, green herbs, and yellow noodles.
• Recommended Spots: Moguoyan Old Brand, Chenji Clear Soup Beef Noodles

手抓羊肉 Hand-pulled Mutton

• Highlights: Made from local Gaolan sheep. Tender with a touch of salt and mint.
• Recommended Spots: Axiya, Chuntai Shouzhuo

包子 Baozi (Steamed Buns)

• Highlights: Hu’s Baozi is famous for thin skin and juicy fillings. Try the beef and beef-carrot versions.
• Recommended Spot: Hu’s Baozi

羊杂碎汤 Mixed Lamb Offal Soup

• Highlights: Rich and spicy soup packed with various lamb parts. Warm and flavorful.
• Recommended Spot: Cunhai Lamb Offal

甜食 Local Sweets

• Highlights: Sweet fermented rice (Tianpei), gray beans (like red bean porridge), and milky egg rice wine desserts.
• Recommended Spots: Duji Sweets, Lao Ma Milk-Egg Rice Wine

🍴 Restaurant Recommendations

Axiya

Spacious, ample parking, generous portions.

Avg. Price: ¥112 | Address: No. 328, National Road 109, Dashaping

Hu’s Baozi

Affordable and flavorful, especially the beef stuffing.

Avg. Price: ¥20 | Address: No. 11-0, Dazhong Alley

Chenji Clear Soup Beef Noodles

Great taste and value.

Avg. Price: ¥18 | Address: No. 158, Xigu East Road

Cunhai Lamb Offal

Try the stir-fried lamb and lamb bread soup.

Avg. Price: ¥43 | Address: Beside Mingmen Zhixiu, Gongjiaping West Road

Chuntai Shouzhuo

Authentic hand-pulled mutton and other lamb dishes.

Avg. Price: ¥93 | Address: Room 5, Floor 1, Tower C, Datang Palace, Yanjiegouyan Road

Moguoyan Old Brand Beef Noodles

Delicious noodles, good prices.

Avg. Price: ¥22 | Address: No. 46, Moguoyan, Xijin East Road, near South Binhe

🎉 Cultural Experiences

甘肃省博物馆 Gansu Provincial Museum

• Learn about Gansu’s history through exhibits like colored pottery, courier murals, and “Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow.”
• Admission: Free
• Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Closed Mondays)
• Booking: Via mini-program in advance
• Audio Guide: ¥20

河口古镇 Hekou Ancient Town

• A key stop on the Silk Road with four main streets and 17 alleys. Visit ancient residences, museums, and more.
• Admission: Free
• Combo Ticket: ¥38 includes First Customs, Wuju Residence, Zixiang Chess House, Yellow River Stone Museum, Bell and Drum Tower.

兰州黄河游轮 Lanzhou Yellow River Cruise

• View attractions along the river like Zhongshan Bridge, Yellow River Mother Statue, and Baita Mountain.
• Departure Points: Baita Mountain Pier, Yellow River Mother Pier (Baita Mountain route recommended)
• Price: ¥100 per person

💡 Travel Tips

• Lanzhou has a dry climate. Stay hydrated and moisturized.
• UV rays are strong. Use sunscreen and wear hats and sunglasses.
• The cuisine is meat-heavy. Mind your digestion and eat clean to avoid stomach discomfort.