Lanzhou Travel Guide

Lanzhou Travel Guide

Lanzhou is the capital city of Gansu Province in northwest China. The Yellow River, the Chinese Mother River, runs through the city, ensuring rich crops of many juicy and fragrant fruits. The city is the transportation and telecommunication center of the region. Covering an area of 1631.6 square kilometers (629.96 square miles), it was once a key point on the ancient Silk Road. Today, it is a hub of the Silk Road Tourism Ring, with Maiji Caves to the east, Bingling Temple Grottoes to the west, Labrang Monastery to the south and Dunhuang Mogao Caves to the north.
Statue Of Mother Yellow River
Statue Of Mother Yellow River    Pictures

With mountains to the south and north of the city and the Yellow River flowing from the east to the west, Lanzhou is a beautiful modern city with both the grand beauty of northern cities and the prettiness of southern cities. The city downtown comprises five districts: Chengguan, Qilihe, Xigu, Honggu and Anning. Among them, Chengguan District, situated in the eastern part of the city, is the center of politics, economy, culture and transportation. Anning District, in the northwestern part, is the economic development zone as well as the area where most colleges are located.


 You may like: Top 9 Things to Do in Lanzhou 

Recommended Lanzhou Tour

 4-Day Private Lanzhou/ Labrang Tour from $759

Lanzhou Transport
As a transportation hub, Lanzhou connects western and central China. Flights are frequent from many large cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. It is the termination of the Longhai Railway, an important east-west rail route in China.
Lanzhou Noodles
Owing to its location, local cuisine absorbs characteristics from Islamic food. Beef and Mutton are common local food. The Beef Noodles are famous nationwide. In addition, there are many snacks such as Niangpi, Hui Dou Zi (Gray Bean) and Fried Noodles. Although many restaurants serve Islamic food, various cuisines such as hot pots and western food are also offered for travelers. There is no problem with finding something you will like.
Zhongxin Square, also named Dongfanghong Square, is the largest square in Lanzhou City, situated in the central area. Around this square, many shopping malls can be found. The square is the daily entertainment place for local people and is also an ideal shopping area for tourists. In addition, there are many popular commercial streets such as Qingyang Road, Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street, and Zhongshan Road.

Zhengning Road Night Market
Nightlife in Lanzhou is not boring. Bars, KTV, and nightclubs are easily found in commercial areas. Or visitors can walk along the banks of the Yellow River to enjoy its beauty with lights in the evening. If you are interested in local snacks, several night markets are waiting for you.

Some basic facts and information are provided to help your trip, study, business or life.
  • Area Code & Zip Code
  • Useful Phone Numbers
  • Post Office
  • Banks
  • Hospitals
  • Famous Universities


Further Reading: 10 Best Cities in China for Budget Travelers
- Last updated on Dec. 08, 2023 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on Lanzhou Travel
Asked by Lukmann Cliff from UNITED STATES | Apr. 19, 2023 17:28Reply
Are there Muslims in Lanzhou
What is the best time to visit Lanzhou Are there many Muslims living in Lanzhou
Answers (1)
Answered by Zoe | Apr. 20, 2023 20:02
00Reply


Yes. Lanzhou is a Hui minority-inhabited area in China and most Hui people believe in Moslemism.
Asked by Rita from NEPAL | Dec. 22, 2019 21:25Reply
How to go from Donggang west road 320 to Yellow river by bus? Bus number??
Answers (1)
Answered by Tina from NEW ZEALAND | Dec. 25, 2019 17:05
00Reply


You can take metro line 1 from Lanzhou University station to Xizhan Shizi station (Exit B), and transfer to bus 157 from Liujiaying station to Shajingyi station, then walk southwest around 700m to the destination. It takes 1.5 hours with CNY5.
Asked by Shermane from MALAYSIA | Dec. 08, 2019 06:01Reply
Hi, may i know is there any didi service in Lanzhou?
Is it east to take public bus? This is my 1st time going to Lanzhou is there any recommendation for hotel?
Answers (1)
Answered by Susan from CANADA | Dec. 10, 2019 20:00
00Reply


It is easy to take taxi, bus and Didi. You can choose the hotel in Railway Station area like Days Hotel (No.1, North Guangchang Road, Chengguan district).
Asked by Ingrid from CZECH REPUBLIC | Dec. 01, 2019 17:16Reply
Hi, could anybody recommend us any music bar in Lanzhou,
where the adults uper 30 could entertain? Thanks Ingrid
Answers (1)
Answered by Pam from THAILAND | Dec. 04, 2019 17:56
00Reply


You can go to Maijishan Road where gathers many bars.
Asked by Daniel Kassim from MALAYSIA | Dec. 01, 2019 02:06Reply
Does anyone know how to get by bis from Lanzhou airport to Ibis Hotel at Zhangye Rd
will be arriving at 2220hrs in mid December
Thank you
Answers (1)
Answered by Kate from NEW ZEALAND | Dec. 04, 2019 17:48
00Reply


You can take shuttle bus line of Chengguan and get off at Ruida Hotel stop, then take taxi to your destination.
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