The food in Lanzhou is quite unique compared to that of central China, having been influenced by ethnic groups - especially the Hui people. Besides the beef noodles, there are local delicacies that cannot be tasted in other places, as well as Sichuan cuisines, hotpot, and western food.

Lanzhou Beef Noodles (Stretched Noodles) is the most famous local dish in Lanzhou. It was first created during the reign of Emperor Guangxu (1875 - 1908), Qing Dynasty (1616 - 1911) and it is now popular all over China. This dish has five main features: clear soup, white radish, red pepper, green caraway and yellow noodles. The noodles can be wide or slim to meet different preferences. Boys like er xi (a little wider) while girls like slim ones, the middle-aged and the old like jiuyezi (leek leaf) and maoxi (slimmer) and scholars prefer slim and jiuyezi. Farmers, soldiers and workers prefer wide or even wider. If a girl or an old man asks for wider noodles or a boy asks for maoxi noodles, it would be rather strange. The noodles have gone beyond food to become a culture.

Niang pi zi cannot be missed among the local delicacies. Flour paste is steamed for 3 - 4 minutes, then cut into strips and served with mustard, garlic, sesame butter, chili oil, vinegar, and soy sauce. This is a favorite among the locals and many of the tourists.

Client's information:

Mr.Neil Olsson 2008-4-8 16:52

Sheepskin raft is also called Hide Boat. It it a kind of simple vihicle for crossing the river. There are two kinds of materials for making the raft, cowskin and sheepskin. Skin raft serving as water vihicle has a long history. According to the historical data, it has been used from Qinghai province down to Shandong province since Tang dynasty. Sheepskin raft played a crucial role in both sides of the Yellow River. Now, it has at least 2000 years history. Although the modern vehicles has substituted the rafts gradually, it also can be seen at the bank of the Yellow River in Lanzhou.

Client's information:

Ms.WW Liu , China , 2008-1-16 16:41