Gansu is a long, narrow province in northwest China that follows the Hexi Corridor, the Silk Road passage between the Qilian Mountains and the Gobi. It joins the Yellow River city of Lanzhou, the Mogao Caves and Mingsha dunes at Dunhuang, the Ming fort at Jiayuguan, the rainbow Danxia hills of Zhangye, and the Tibetan monasteries of Xiahe and Langmusi into one of China's richest cultural and landscape routes.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Gansu.
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- scenic boating lake, domestic tourists in summer
- Boat piers and speedboat rides
- Lakeside promenade and viewing areas
- Restaurants and snack stalls in Liujiaxia town
Liujiaxia Reservoir Shore
A large green-blue Yellow River reservoir with shoreline promenades, boat piers and pebble-and-sand edges. It is a place for boating, sightseeing and cooling off in the lake breeze rather than a resort beach, and it is the departure point for boats to Bingling Temple.
Editor’s tip. Allow 2 to 2.5 hours each way by bus from Lanzhou and start early to fit in a boat ride.
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- dramatic canyon scenery, boat-access only in most seasons
- Boat landing and ticket office
- Short trails to the canyon viewpoints
- Stalls selling snacks near the temple
Bingling Gorge Reservoir Shore
The upper end of Liujiaxia Reservoir where red sandstone canyon walls drop to turquoise water. The shoreline is a boat-landing and viewing area rather than a swimming beach, but it is among Gansu's most photogenic water edges.
Editor’s tip. Take a bus from Lanzhou to Liujiaxia early, then catch a morning boat to avoid crowds and rushed return trips.
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- desert oasis, busy at sunrise and sunset
- Camel rides
- Sand-sledding and dune equipment hire
- Shoe covers and sand socks for hire
- Viewing pavilions beside the spring
Crescent Spring and Mingsha Dune Shore
A crescent-shaped spring-fed pool at the foot of towering sand dunes, about 5 km from Dunhuang town. The pool is for looking at and photographing, not swimming, but the surrounding sand edge is the nearest thing to a beach in the Gobi.
Editor’s tip. Arrive at sunrise or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and the best light.
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- remote grassland, birdlife, high altitude
- Viewing platforms and boardwalk areas
- Grassland walking and horse riding from local herders
- Basic food stalls in season
Gahai Lake Shore
A highland lake of about 5 square km in a Ramsar-listed wetland on the Tibetan plateau edge, surrounded by open grassland. The shore is for walking, birdwatching and photography; swimming is not practical because of the cold water and altitude.
Editor’s tip. Charter a car from Xiahe or Hezuo and agree the return pick-up time in advance, as there is no public service.
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- urban riverfront, local evening strollers
- Walking and cycling paths along the river
- Water Wheel Park (free entry)
- Cafes and restaurants on Binhe Road
- Sheepskin raft and boat rides at some points in season
Lanzhou Yellow River Binhe Riverside
A long landscaped promenade on both banks of the Yellow River through central Lanzhou, running past Zhongshan Bridge, Water Wheel Park and Baita Mountain. Swimming is not recommended because of the river's current, but the riverside paths are the city's main waterfront for walking and sunset.
Editor’s tip. Visit around sunset for cooler temperatures and the best riverside atmosphere.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Gansu’s coast.
Is Liujiaxia Reservoir a swimming beach?
No. The shore is mostly pebbles, coarse sand and promenade, and it is used for boating and sightseeing. Visitors who want to cool off should be cautious and should not assume lifeguard cover.
From the Liujiaxia Reservoir Shore editorial.
How far is Liujiaxia from Lanzhou and how do visitors get there?
It is about 100 km southwest of Lanzhou. Buses run from Lanzhou Western or Southern Bus Station and take roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, costing about CNY 30-50.
From the Liujiaxia Reservoir Shore editorial.
Can visitors swim at Bingling Gorge?
No. The shore is a boat landing and viewing area in a canyon, and swimming is not part of the visit.
From the Bingling Gorge Reservoir Shore editorial.
How do visitors reach Bingling Gorge?
In most seasons the route is by bus from Lanzhou to Liujiaxia, then a tourist boat across the reservoir, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
From the Bingling Gorge Reservoir Shore editorial.
Can visitors swim in Crescent Spring?
No. The pool is for looking at and photographing, and swimming is not practical or permitted.
From the Crescent Spring and Mingsha Dune Shore editorial.
How far is it from Dunhuang town?
About 5 km south of Dunhuang town, reachable in roughly 10 to 15 minutes by taxi, DiDi or tourist shuttle.
From the Crescent Spring and Mingsha Dune Shore editorial.
Is it possible to swim in Gahai Lake?
Swimming is not practical because of the cold water and high altitude. The shore is used for walking, birdwatching and photography.
From the Gahai Lake Shore editorial.
How do visitors get to Gahai Lake?
By chartered car from Xiahe or Hezuo, taking about 2 to 3 hours. There is no direct public service to the lake.
From the Gahai Lake Shore editorial.