Lanzhou Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Things to do & Itinerary | Trip.com | January 2026

About Lanzhou

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

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Lanzhou Local Travel Guide 2026

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Lanzhou Brief Guide

Lanzhou is located along the banks of the Yellow River and is the capital of Gansu. Lanzhou offers an experience of true immersion in China's great northwest. According to many tourists and travelers, this city is just a transit and transfer point where, after just a short stay, they will continue onwards to southern Gansu or west along the Yellow River. But Lanzhou also has its enchanting charm. After arriving in Lanzhou, eat a bowl of beef noodles, sip a sweet cup of "sanpaotai" tea and go for a stroll along the Yellow River. Then, you can begin your explorations of China's vast northwest.

Lanzhou Must-try local experiences

1. Explore the heart of Lanzhou Discover Lanzhou's iconic landmarks: the Zhongshan Bridge, White Pagoda Mountain Park, and Waterwheel Park. Enjoy panoramic views, historical sites, and serene beauty. 2. Embark on a Yellow River cruise Experience Lanzhou with a scenic Yellow River cruise, admiring the city's skyline and historic bridges. 3. Take Photos at the White Pagoda Temple The White Pagoda Temple offers a serene setting for photography, with beautiful architecture and surrounding nature. 4. Visit Gansu Provincial Museum Explore Gansu Provincial Museum's vast collection of artifacts, including the famous Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow. 5. Witness a traditional shadow puppetry performance Watch a traditional shadow puppetry performance, a cherished cultural heritage of Gansu Province, with music and storytelling. 6. Explore the Lanzhou Folk Custom Museum Discover Lanzhou's cultural heritage at the Folk Custom Museum, showcasing traditional clothing, crafts, and customs. 7. Savor the flavors of Lanzhou cuisine Indulge in Lanzhou's culinary delights, including hand-pulled Lanzhou Beef Noodles, lamb skewers, and sweet milk pastries. 8. Visit the Night Markets Explore Lanzhou's night markets to taste local snacks like beef noodles and experience the city's culinary diversity. 9. Find treasures at the Lanzhou Antique Market Browse the Lanzhou Antique Market for unique finds like antiques, handicrafts, and traditional trinkets. 10. Shop at Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street Stroll along Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street for a mix of modern stores and traditional shops, perfect for souvenirs. 11. Photograph the Zhongshan Bridge at Night Capture the illuminated Zhongshan Bridge at night, with its lights reflecting on the Yellow River for a picturesque scene.

Lanzhou Must-see Attractions

Lanzhou, home to attractions like the Gansu Provincial Museum, Ink Danxia landforms, Yellow River Iron Bridge, Lanzhou Old Street, and Yellow River Cruise, offers a rich blend of cultural, historical, and natural sights, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Lanzhou Food Guide

Lanzhou's culinary scene stands out with its distinctive taste and cultural richness, highlighted by the famous Lanzhou beef noodles, local treats like Hui Dou Zi, the refreshing Jiangshui Noodles, and the savory Niang Pi Zi. Each dish showcases Lanzhou's deep-rooted food culture and heritage.

Lanzhou Transportation

Lanzhou's transportation infrastructure is a critical nexus in northwestern China, with Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport and Lanzhou Railway Station being key intercity travel hubs. Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (IATA: LHW, ICAO: ZLLL) is situated 70 kilometers from downtown Lanzhou and serves as a significant air hub for the region. The airport has multiple terminals and offers flights to various domestic and international destinations. To reach the city from the airport, passengers can utilize the airport shuttle buses departing from Donggang West Road in the city center or take a taxi. Additionally, there is a railway station, Zhongchuan International Airport Railway Station, providing fast train services to Lanzhouxi Railway Station and Lanzhou Railway Station. Lanzhou Railway Station, located in the city's south, is a major rail hub connecting Lanzhou to numerous cities across China. It operates both regular and high-speed trains, with a significant daily handling capacity. The station is accessible by various city buses, and there is a metro station for Line 2 planned to open soon, enhancing connectivity. For those arriving at Lanzhou Railway Station, buses No. 1, No. 31, and K102 offer direct routes to the station from Lanzhouxi Railway Station.

Lanzhou Where to Stay

Lanzhou is a pivotal city in northwestern China, well-connected through various means of transportation. The city's accommodations are dispersed throughout several key regions, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different travelers' needs. Whether it's the historical significance or the convenience of transportation, Lanzhou's regional spread of hotels offers customized options to all visitors.

Lanzhou Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lanzhou is from May to October, as the weather is comfortable and conducive for travel. Specifically, September is highlighted as an optimal month due to the pleasant climate and the occurrence of vibrant local festivals such as the Eid Al-Fitr Festival and the Lanzhou China Silk Road Festival. This period attracts many tourists, adding to the city's liveliness. It's cool and windy in Autumn so it's also a good time to explore Lanzhou's cultural and natural attractions. Additionally, April or May is also a good time to visit Lanzhou, with warm weather and the city's flora in bloom.

Lanzhou Useful Guide

The official language in Lanzhou is Mandarin Chinese, a legacy of its historical significance on the Silk Road, which facilitated cultural and linguistic exchanges. The city holds a large population of Muslim minorities, which inject varieties into local dialects. Translation services may not be widely advertised, but language apps can be helpful. Multilingualism varies, but visitors can use gestures and expressions to bridge communication gaps.