Lanzhou travel guide, How to Plan a Trip to Lanzhou

Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, historically known as Jincheng, is located in the central part of the province and is one of the key cities in the western region, serving as an important node along the Silk Road Economic Belt. With a history of over 2,000 years since its establishment in the Qin Dynasty, Lanzhou has long been a vital transportation hub that connect with all regions around, earning the nickname "Pearl of the Yellow River".

Culture of Lanzhou

the Yellow River

The earliest administrative establishment within Lanzhou was Yuzhong County, constructed during the 33rd year of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's reign by General Meng Tian, that Lanzhou has a history of over 2,040 years. The Yellow River flows through the city, creating a series of river valley basins collectively known as Gaolan Plain. Within this region, natural wonders like dinosaur relics, the Yellow River Gorge, Danxia landforms, and Maxian Mountain hold countless captivating stories.

Lanzhou's cultural essence is dynamic and ever-flowing. With the opening of the Silk Road, the city became a hub of cultural exchange between East and West, where the traditions of diverse ethnic groups converge and blend harmoniously.

• Culture index of Lanzhou »

Attractions of Lanzhou

Gansu Provincial Museum

The surging waters of the Yellow River flow through the heart of the city, nurturing Lanzhou—a metropolis rich in history and culture. Whether it's the magnificent Yellow River Iron Bridge, the scenic beauty of White Pagoda Mountain, or the centuries-old Wuquan Mountain, surely each site promises to captivate and leave you lingering in awe.

• Best attractions of Lanzhou »

Best things to do in Lanzhou

Jincheng Lanzhou, has been named the top destination among Asia's ten best travel spots for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery, drawing countless visitors eager to explore its charm. In Lanzhou, there are certain must-do experiences that define a visit—without ticking these off your list, it’s hard to claim you’ve truly been to this remarkable city.

• Interesting things in Lanzhou »

Delicious food in Lanzhou

Beef Noodles Making

Loving food means loving life even more. The lifestyle and attitude of Lanzhou’s people are hidden in the flavorful streets and alleys of the city. Lanzhou cuisine is best known for its iconic Lanzhou Beef Noodles, famous for its characteristics of "one clear, two white, three red, four green, five yellow", is a dish both delicious and aromatic. Other local specialties include Rang Pi, Jiangsui Noodles, and Milk and Egg Laozao, offering a variety of flavors—some refreshing and cool, others appetizing and energizing.

• More about food in Lanzhou »

Best time to visit Lanzhou

Lanzhou has a typical continental climate with distinct seasons and significant temperature variations. The best time to visit is from April to October, especially in April, September, and October. In spring, Lanzhou experiences gradually warming temperatures, clear skies, and fresh air. In autumn, the city is cool and pleasant, with stunning landscapes, making it the golden season for tourism in Lanzhou.

• Weather of Lanzhou »

Luxury hotels in Lanzhou

Lanzhou is not only a vital transportation hub in Northwest China but also a popular tourist destination attracting numerous visitors. When choosing hotels in Lanzhou, travelers often prioritize high value for money and comfort to ensure a nice travel experience. Following are the best luxury hotels in Lanzhou.

• Top hotels in Lanzhou »

Plan a Lanzhou trip

Lanzhou, a city that sparks curiosity. As the capital of Gansu Province, it is often thought of as a "small city in the northwest", "on the banks of the Yellow River", and "the homeland of beef noodles". This city, crossed by the Yellow River, doesn't make widely known or a lot of noise. Unlike the gentle beauty of the Jiangnan region, Lanzhou has a unique vitality and boldness, fully embodying the depth of the Loess Plateau.

• itineraries for Lanzhou »

Customize Your Unique Jincheng Lanzhou Trip

If you are interested in one of the Lanzhou itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Lanzhou Tour, please visit our Lanzhou Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Lanzhou Trip

the ancient Silk Road

• Travel Guide: attractions, weather, hotels, food, etc.
• Top destinations: best places to visit in Lanzhou
• Travel itineraries: itineraries for your reference
• Local culture: brief history, folk culture, festivals, etc.
• Weather: the best time and seasons to visit Lanzhou
• Top attractions: sightseeings to watch in Lanzhou
• Unique perspective: best interesting things to do
• Local food: what to eat while traveling in Lanzhou
• Luxury hotels: accommodation to stay in Lanzhou
• Lanzhou Tours: customized tours for your reference