Top 10 Best Things to Do in Lanzhou: Eating, Drifting, Cycling, etc.

Lanzhou may not be dazzling, but when you look up, you'll see clear white clouds; when you turn around, you'll be met with warm and genuine smiles; and as you step in, you'll feel the profound richness of its history and culture. Followings are the best things to do in Lanzhou.

Top 1: Eat a Bowl of Lanzhou Beef Noodles

Lanzhou, a city filled with history and culture, is celebrated as one of China’s most renowned food capitals. Among its culinary treasures, the most iconic is undoubtedly Lanzhou Beef Noodles. This humble yet flavorful dish carries the emotions and memories of countless people. Characterized by its "one clear, two white, three green, four red, and five yellow" features, Lanzhou Beef Noodles boast an appealing appearance, aroma, and taste, earning a stellar reputation nationwide.

As the sun rises, the streets and alleys of Lanzhou come alive with activity. Stepping into a noodle shop, the rich aroma of beef broth greets you instantly. Visitors from outside the region may be surprised to find no large slices of beef floating in their bowls. However, this is not due to stinginess but is a hallmark of the traditional way Lanzhou Beef Noodles are served. In local noodle shops, you can customize the width of your noodles to your liking. Beef is ordered separately, usually as a side dish of tender slices or beef shank, generously portioned and often paired with a five-spice egg, that is an authentic Lanzhou breakfast.

Marbled beef, with its chewy lean meat and melt-in-your-mouth fat, is best enjoyed soaked in the rich beef broth. Eagerly taking a sip of the soup, savor its tasty and spicy flavors, leaving a lingering aftertaste. The noodles, fine and springy, absorb the broth, paired with generous slices of beef wrapped around the noodles, making every mouthful delivers a rich and unforgettable taste. Only in Lanzhou, after experiencing the authentic version, will you truly understand what it means to find happiness in a single bowl of noodles.

Top 2: Overview the Yellow River by Cableway

The Lanzhou Yellow River Cableway, operational since 1994, spans 1,041 meters with a height difference of 157 meters between its start and end points. Known as the "City of the Yellow River", Lanzhou is the only city in China traversed by the Yellow River. Riding the cableway provides a completely different perspective—soaring above the river reveals a unique view of its rushing waters.

Gliding over the rushing waters of the Yellow River, you ascend above the layered peaks and pavilions of Pagoda Mountain, with lush trees, the sounds of birds, and fragrant flowers. The famous ancient structures like the White Pagoda Temple, blendins natural landscapes with cultural heritage, earning it the nickname "The Painted Screen of River North Style in Lanzhou". Taking the cableway not only allows you to explore White Pagoda Mountain Park and the Lanzhou Stele Forest without the fatigue of hiking but also provides the endless enjoyment of crossing the Yellow River.

Top 3: Drift on the Yellow River by a Sheepskin Raft

Lanzhou's sheepskin raft is an ancient ferry tool that has been preserved by the people along the Yellow River, crafted from several inflated sheepskins tied together. It is an important part of Yellow River culture and stands as a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Han Chinese laborers. With over 300 years of history, it has now become a lightspot to explore the Yellow River.

As the sheepskin raft gently floats down the river, it resembles a tiny boat from a distance, seamlessly blending with its surroundings as it drifts with the current. Up close, you'll see five or six passengers on a raft, low to the water, bobs and weaves with the waves, thrilling yet unhurt, extremely with excitement.

The drifting journey typically starts at Lanzhou's Waterwheel Park and flows downstream, with journey lasting from 30 minutes to two hours. Along the way, tourists pass notable landmarks such as the Yellow River Iron Bridge and the Yellow River Mother Statue, while experiencing the wisdom and bravery of those who used these rafts to navigate the mighty Yellow River.

Top 4: Cruise on the Yellow River at Night

To truly experience the allure of the Yellow River as it flows through Lanzhou, nothing is better than a nighttime river cruise. As evening deepens and the city lights begin to glow, the river is illuminated by boats sparkling like stars, inviting you on a magical journey.

Boarding one of these vessels, the gentle hum of the motor takes you slowly away from the shore, offering a fresh perspective of Lanzhou’s nighttime charm. Towering buildings line the riverbanks, their neon lights shimmering on the rippling water, creating a dynamic tapestry of moving colors. The boat glides beneath various bridges, each telling its own story of Lanzhou’s storied past. When you reach the base of White Pagoda Mountain, the majestic pagoda stands out, its silhouette illuminated by moonlight and city lights, exuding an air of ancient mystery and solemnity.

The gentle evening breeze softly caresses each traveler on the nighttime river journey. Following the course of the Yellow River, step into a land steeped in stories, immersing in the unique romance and serenity of the northwest.

Top 5: Enjoy the Night on the Lanshan Mountain

If visiting Lanzhou during the day, one must not miss the Yellow River; however, to appreciate the beauty of Lanzhou at night, a trip to the Santai Pavilion on Lanshan Mountain is essential. Standing atop the pavilion, you can take in the entire city of Lanzhou, a breathtaking sight.

In the evening, with the remnants of sunset, the city is just nestled among mountains, filled with densely packed high-rises. The distant mountains, layered and majestic, add an ink-like charm to the city. When night falls and you gaze down from the Santai Pavilion, you're greeted by a narrow, dazzling sea of lights that seems to reflect an inverted Milky Way. The lights sparkle with a lively energy, pulsing like a living tide. Below, the bustling city glows with countless lights, while the mountaintop shines with starlight. The middle section of the mountain merges into the silent night, and at the summit, you feel as if you're floating in a celestial palace.

Top 6: Walk in the Ink Danxia Gallery Road

The Danxia landform always inspires endless imagination, as if every corner holds an unexpected surprise. The mountain textures are distinctly visible, like the marks of time, chronicling the history and transformation of this land.

Walking along the winding gallery road, each step immerses you in the marvels of nature's craftsmanship. Under the sunlight, the red rocks shift through an array of colors—at times resembling blazing flames, and at others, the depths of a starry night. These hues interweave, forming breathtaking ink-wash paintings in motion.

As sunset approaches, the Danxia colors grow even more vibrant. The golden hues of the evening light bathe the red rocks, transforming the entire landscape into a scene glowing with radiant brilliance. Standing on the observation deck, gazing at this dreamlike panorama, one feels a deep sense of awe and reverence for nature's wonders.

With every turn, new vistas unfold. The journey is filled with joy and freedom, as you pour your enthusiasm into exploring the stunning scenery along Danxia's gallery roads, savoring an unparalleled and exhilarating experience.

Top 7: Hike along the Luojiu Highway

Since the completion of the Luojiu Highway, it stands as a renowned scenic route in Lanzhou. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is a sacred and beautiful winding mountain road, hovering like a giant dragon over the northern mountains of Lanzhou. Walking along the path and gazing into the distance, one can take in the sight of towering skyscrapers and the meandering Yellow River, all framed by breathtaking vistas.

Walking along the Luojiu Highway in late autumn is a true delight. The greenery takes on distinct hues, with the crimson fruits of the Virginia creeper modestly dotting the slopes, understated yet captivating. Only the spindle tree reaches its peak beauty during this season. It is in autumn that visitors can truly appreciate the mountain's vibrant palette of colors. Many seize the chance to stroll along the highway, basking in the tranquility and beauty bestowed by nature. Some pause to capture the stunning autumn scenery with their phones, preserving the moment forever. The rustling autumn breeze in the mountains adds an extra layer of charm, enhancing the joy of experiencing the fall landscape.

Top 8: Cycle along the Yellow River Line

Along the Binhe Road in Lanzhou, you will often spot cyclists. They ride in groups of three or five, with colorful bikes, professional helmets, and goggles, energetic figures creating a vibrant scene. The cycling trend is gaining momentum, with more and more people embracing this green and healthy way of traveling, leaving a trail that records happy lives.

The Yellow River Line, with Zhongshan Bridge as its centerpiece and the picturesque landscapes along both banks of the Yellow River as its foundation, is a riverside attraction that masterfully integrates natural and architectural beauty, known as the "Lanzhou Bund." Starting at the Yellow River Waterwheel Expo Park on South Binhe East Road, the cycling route stretches westward, passing notable landmarks such as the Yellow River Iron Bridge, the Yellow River Mother sculpture, and White Pagoda Mountain, before ending at Yantan Park. Spanning a total of 60 kilometers, this hidden treasure route, with breathtaking views along the way, allows cyclists to experience the majestic grandeur of the Yellow River and the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

Top 9: Ski at the Xinglong Mountain Ski Resort

The Xinglong Mountain Ski Resort is located at the foot of "the First Mountain in Longyou", Xinglong Mountain, and is the first fully-equipped high-altitude ski resort in Lanzhou and even Gansu. Covering an area of over 300 acres, the resort is surrounded by beautiful scenery. It currently boasts three ski trails—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—stretching a total of 1,500 meters, with a vertical drop of 85 meters, making it an ideal place for beginner skiers to enjoy the sport and experience the thrill and speed of skiing.

Every winter, the snow-covered landscape, combined with the colorful snowboards, draws countless enthusiasts from all directions. People from all walks of life gather here, each with their own unique style—there are expert skiers who gracefully perform breathtaking stunts, leaving spectators in awe, while beginners learn to master their first moves, falling in various amusing ways. The charm of skiing can only be fully understood when you strap on your skis and glide down the slopes.

Top 10: Paraglide at Bingling Lake

The Liujia Gorge International Paragliding Base is located on the northern shore of the Liujia Gorge Reservoir (Bingling Lake) in Yongjing County. The take-off site is at Changyi Mountains, a ridge along the ancient Silk Road, while the landing zone is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Yellow River's Three Bends. Thanks to the unique geographical conditions of the Liujia Gorge base, it boasts a vertical drop of 580 meters—surpassing the altitude differences of most paragliding sites—offering extended air time and making it one of the best paragliding locations in Asia.

Soaring through the clouds and gazing down, you'll take in the beautiful landscape of the Yellow River's Three Bends, nestled amidst lush greenery. The emerald-green lake glistens like a giant jade stone embedded in the earth blending seamlessly with the sky. Ancient villages rest quietly and serenely, exuding rustic charm and beauty. Meandering roads along the lakeshore wind like ribbons through the mountains, surrounded by verdant scenery that inspires poetry. This feeling of complete immersion in nature can only be truly appreciated when you experience it firsthand.

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