Zhongshan Bridge (First Bridge over the Yellow River)
The oldest permanent iron bridge across the Yellow River, completed in 1907 on the site of a Ming-era pontoon crossing; now a pedestrian-only landmark.
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About Lanzhou
Lanzhou is the capital of Gansu Province, a long, narrow city strung along the Yellow River at about 1,520 m. It is the historic gateway to the Silk Road, home of the world-famous beef noodle soup, and a base for Bingling Temple and Tibetan Gansu.
- Capital
- Lanzhou (capital of Gansu Province)
- Largest city
- Lanzhou
- Population
- About 4.4 million in the city (2020 census)
- Languages
- Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua); Lanzhou dialect; Hui and Tibetan minority languages nearby
- Currency
- Renminbi (Yuan, CNY)
- Time zone
- China Standard Time (CST, UTC+8, no daylight saving)
Explore Lanzhou by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Lanzhou
The 14 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
White Pagoda Hill Park (Baitashan)
A hill on the north bank topped by a Yuan-origin white pagoda with temples, pavilions and the best free view of the river and city.
Waterwheel Expo Garden (Shuiche Bolan Yuan)
A riverside garden of large wooden waterwheels recalling the irrigation wheels that once lined the Yellow River at Lanzhou.
Yellow River Mother Sculpture (Huanghe Muqin Diaosu)
The city's emblem: a 1986 stone sculpture of a reclining mother and child beside the river.
Gansu Provincial Museum
Home of the Han-dynasty 'Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow' bronze, Silk Road finds, painted pottery and fossils.
Five Springs Mountain Park (Wuquanshan)
Hillside park of temples and springs below Gaolan Mountain, linked in legend to the Han general Huo Qubing.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Lanzhou Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Lanzhou, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Lanzhou
- Days 1-2Lanzhou city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Lanzhou
- Days 1-3Lanzhou comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Lanzhou, departure
Where to stay in Lanzhou
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget ¥250-380 (about $35-53)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range ¥600-1,000 (about $83-139)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ¥1,800-3,500+ (about $250-486+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hilton Lanzhou City Center
Five-star Hilton in the Chengguan business district, convenient for the railway station and Dongfanghong Square. Very well rated by guests on booking sites.
Check rates on Booking.comHyatt Regency Lanzhou
Upscale Hyatt in the Dongfanghong Plaza and MixC mall district, the most polished shopping and dining quarter of central Lanzhou.
Check rates on Booking.comUrCove by Hyatt Lanzhou Dongfanghong Plaza MixC
Design-led Hyatt select-service brand next to Dongfanghong Square and the MixC shopping district; highly rated by guests.
Check rates on Booking.comOrange Hotel Lanzhou Dongfanghong Plaza MixC
Chinese lifestyle chain in the MixC district, rated about 4.8/5 on Trip.com.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Lanzhou
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Ma Zi Lu Beef Noodles (Dazhong Xiang)
Ma Zi Lu Beef Noodles (Railway Station)
Qing Zhen Song Shu Jia Beef Noodles (Zhengning Road)
JinQiang Beef Noodles
MaDa HuZi Restaurant (Binhe West Road)
Zhong Hua Shouzhua Dawang (Jiangouyan)
Book a food tour in Lanzhou We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Lanzhou
High-speed rail connects Lanzhou to Xi'an, Xining and Urumqi; Metro Line 1 and buses cover the centre.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in CNY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ¥120-200 (about $17-28) | ¥300-500 (about $42-69) | ¥900-2,000 (about $125-278) |
| Food (per day) | ¥50-90 (about $7-13) | ¥120-250 (about $17-35) | ¥350-700 (about $49-97) |
| Transportation | ¥10-30 (about $1.40-4) | ¥40-80 (about $6-11) | ¥150-400 (about $21-56) |
| Activities | ¥0-60 (about $0-8) | ¥50-150 (about $7-21) | ¥200-500 (about $28-69) |
| Daily total | ¥250-380 (about $35-53) | ¥600-1,000 (about $83-139) | ¥1,800-3,500+ (about $250-486+) |
Best time to visit Lanzhou
Weather through the year in Gansu
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Gansu.
May-June and September-October are the most comfortable.
Spring can be dusty.
Essential travel tips
- Eat beef noodles before noon.
- Reserve the Gansu Provincial Museum in advance.
- Set up Alipay before arrival.
- Dress modestly at mosques.
Safety information
Carry your passport at all times.
Use DiDi or licensed taxis.
Watch bags in crowded night markets.
Drink bottled or boiled water.
Lanzhou sits at about 1,520 m and winter air pollution can be heavy; check the AQI and carry masks on bad days.
Foreigners must register accommodation; hotels do this at check-in, so keep the passport and entry slip on hand.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lanzhou safe to visit in 2026?
Yes. Violent crime is rare; the main risks are petty theft in crowds and winter air pollution.
What is Lanzhou famous for?
Lanzhou beef noodle soup, the 1907 Zhongshan Bridge over the Yellow River and the Gansu Provincial Museum.
How many days do you need in Lanzhou?
Two or three days cover the city; add a day for Bingling Temple or Xinglong Mountain.
How do I get from Zhongchuan Airport to the city?
Take the intercity train (about 40 minutes), the airport bus (about 1 hour) or a taxi (about ¥200-250, $28-35).
When is the best time to visit?
May-June and September-October.
Is the Gansu Provincial Museum free?
Yes, with a passport-based advance reservation; closed Mondays.