PEI A FU

Apricot peel tea can be said to be the most representative drink in Lanzhou. There is only one such shop in Lanzhou. Its specialty is that it can make a deluxe version with apricot flesh. A cup of it in summer is especially refreshing and has a very natural taste. The downside is that the apricot flesh is a bit large, making it a bit difficult to suck up at the end of the meal.

The shop is so low-key. I looked for it along Dazhong Lane until I saw it when I was close to Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street! The apricot peel tea with apricot pulp is divine. It has a rich fruity aroma and a sweet and sour taste. It made me miss it for a long time! On the way back, I bought n packs of pre-made apricot peel tea at the dry goods market, but it didn’t taste like Afu’s! For this tea, Lanzhou is worth coming back!

You can see this small shop as you enter Dazhong Lane. Many people who want to buy apricot peel water are crowded at the door. This is my first time to drink apricot peel water. It is cool and sweet, with a little bitterness. It tastes very good. After that, I drink at least 3 or 4 cups of apricot peel water every day during my trip to the northwest. Haha. Some people say that drinking too much will cause sore throat, but I don’t feel that at all. A small cup is 3 yuan, delicious and not expensive!

It still tastes the same as before, worth tasting, a good choice!

Listen to my advice! Don't go to Lanzhou in November...it's just too amazing 😭 Who understands?! November in Lanzhou avoids all the pitfalls: fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and you save money! I spent 5 days there and didn't want to leave! Save this comprehensive guide and you can easily bookmark it! 🌡️The truth about Lanzhou in November: Cold but addictively comfortable Temperature: Daily average -1℃ to 11℃. A windbreaker and light sweater are enough during the day, and a thick coat or light down jacket is enough at night. It's much more friendly than the damp cold of the south. Advantages: Absolutely no peak season crowds! No need to queue for photos at attractions, no need to fight for a seat at beef noodle shops, even hotels are half price—the value is off the charts! A little reminder: The air is dry, so be sure to bring a thermos and moisturizer. Don't forget your sunglasses; they're super dazzling in bright sunlight. 📍Must-see attractions: Capture the essence of Northwest China Must-visit in the city center (super convenient transportation) Yellow River Iron Bridge: A Lanzhou landmark, absolutely amazing! By day, watch the Yellow River surge; by night, the colorful lights create a stunning atmosphere. Stand on the bridge, feel the river breeze, and instantly capture the essence of "the setting sun over the long river." Free admission and perfect for photos! Baita Mountain Park: Located opposite the Yellow River Iron Bridge, a 10-minute climb to the top offers panoramic views of Lanzhou city and the Yellow River. In November, the leaves fall, providing even more expansive views and making for amazing photos. Admission is free! Gansu Provincial Museum: A must-see! Make a reservation in advance through the official WeChat account. The museum's prized "Flying Horse of Gansu" is truly breathtaking, and there are also Silk Road artifacts and dinosaur fossils. A two-hour visit is definitely worthwhile. Admission is free. Yellow River Mother Sculpture: A symbol of Lanzhou, the sculpture is particularly gentle, perfect for taking photos with your mother or best friend. A walk along the riverbank offers scenic views of the Yellow River. Free to visit. Nearby Treasures (Less Crowds, Stunning Scenery) Lanzhou Danxia Landform: In November, the Danxia landforms are less crowded, and the red and yellow mountains look like an ink painting under the sunlight. No crowds intruding on your photos, so every shot is a masterpiece. It's recommended to book a day tour or hire a car; the journey takes about 1.5 hours. Lanzhou Old Street: Super atmospheric at night! Lanterns adorn the entire street, there are many shops selling Northwest specialties, and you can even see Qinqiang opera performances. Everything you need for food and drinks is available. Free to stroll and eat – super relaxing! 🍜Food List: A Must-Visit for Foodies (with Avoidance Tips) Beef Noodles (Key!) Authentic Way to Eat: Go early! Good beef noodle shops close after 2 PM. Ordering code: "Erxi (thin noodles), extra chili, and a double serving of meat and egg." Noodles are 7 yuan + meat is 6 yuan per 50g (25g). The broth is clear and flavorful, and the chili is fragrant but not too spicy. Recommended shops: Ma Zilu Beef Noodles (Dazhong Lane branch), Lanzhou No.1 Noodles (four generations of family tradition, authentic taste). Specialty Dishes Hand-pulled Lamb: Ma Dahuzi Lamb (main branch) is a must-try! The mutton is tender and not gamey at all; it's absolutely delicious dipped in salt and pepper. You can also enjoy a distant view of the Yellow River Tower. The ambiance is fantastic. Snacks: Du Ji Dessert's grey beans and sweet fermented rice, Zai Hui Shou (Xiguan Muta Lane branch)'s spicy bean curd sheets, and Hu Jia Bao Zi's halal buns—everything is a good choice, and you can eat your fill for around 10 yuan on average. Drinks: Pei A Fu's apricot juice is sweet and sour, a perfect match for beef noodles or mutton; it tastes like a thicker version of plum juice. Avoidance Tips: Many restaurants don't provide free tissues, so be sure to bring your own. Avoid eating overpriced meals near tourist attractions. Dazhong Lane and Nongmin Lane are great food streets with high-quality, affordable, and authentic dishes. 🚗Transportation and Accommodation: Hassle-free and foolproof Transportation City Center: Buses are 1 yuan for unlimited rides; taxis start at around 10 yuan. Although there can be some traffic, the attractions are concentrated in one area, making taxis very convenient. Airport: Zhongchuan Airport is a bit far from the city center. It's recommended to take the airport shuttle bus (30 RMB/person, about 1 hour to the city center), which is much cheaper than a taxi (240 RMB). Surrounding Area: For visiting the Shuimo Danxia landform, it's recommended to hire a car or book a day tour. There are no dedicated tourist buses in winter, so hiring a car is more convenient and comfortable. Accommodation Recommended Areas: Xiguan Shizi or Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street, located in the city center, convenient for eating, lodging, and transportation, close to the Yellow River Iron Bridge and Dazhong Lane. Value for Money: Chain hotels average 150-200 RMB/night, and even high-end hotels are only 300-400 RMB, half the price of peak season. Avoid Pitfalls: When booking a hotel, ask if there is 24-hour hot water and heating. Heating is extremely important in winter! 💡Practical Tips: 1. Lanzhou's altitude is around 1700 meters, so altitude sickness isn't a major concern, but be sure to keep warm to avoid catching a cold, and drink plenty of water in the dry weather. 2. You can bring a small amount of cash. Most places in the city accept WeChat Pay, but street vendors may require cash. 3. Toilets aren't plentiful, but you can borrow one in shopping malls and hotels, so don't panic. 4. Outfit for photos: Wear earth tones, red, and blue clothing—they go perfectly with the Yellow River and Danxia landforms, doubling your photo potential. November in Lanzhou offers pure Northwest charm and authentic cuisine without the crowds. The value is incredible! Read this guide and go for it—you won't regret it! #LanzhouTourism #LanzhouFood #LanzhouMustVisit #LanzhouTravelGuide #Lanzhou