Things to do in Lanzhou

We drove here with our kids and bought a package ticket online. We could enter the park simply by scanning the e-voucher, saving time and effort by avoiding queues on-site. The scenic area is vast, so taking the sightseeing bus is essential; the various viewing platforms are quite far apart, and walking is simply not enough. The bus ride through the Danxia landforms was breathtaking, with their layered, colorful mountains and ink-wash-like textures creating stunning photos. There are several viewing platforms where you can stop for pictures and slowly appreciate the landscape. It was our child's first time seeing Danxia landforms, and they were very excited. I recommend arriving early to avoid the midday sun; overall, it's well worth bringing children to experience this natural wonder.

The Yellow River Tower is a landmark of Lanzhou. Lanzhou is the only provincial capital in China through which the Yellow River flows through its city center. The scenery along the riverbanks is unique, featuring landmarks such as the Zhongshan Bridge and the Yellow River Mother Statue. Among them, the Yellow River Tower is the most famous attraction. Seeing this building, it truly lives up to its name, especially after climbing to the top floor and walking around it, offering a panoramic view of the entire city of Lanzhou. The lower floors offer various exhibitions, and during the Mid-Autumn Festival, there are lantern riddles with answers related to Gansu and Lanzhou's tourism and culture. Highly recommended, definitely worth a visit.

Lanzhou Old Street is quite close to the Yellow River Tower. We walked there after visiting the Yellow River Tower. The old street area isn't small, and it feels like a newly built commercial district. In the afternoon during the off-season, there were very few people. I wonder if it will be more crowded at night? The shops are mainly restaurants, plus souvenir shops. If you're passing by, you can check it out!

Before coming to Lanzhou, I had no idea what this bridge was like. I arrived around 3 PM; the sun was still blazing, and the iron railings on the bridge felt hot to the touch. This iron bridge, built in 1909, spans the Yellow River, looking sturdy yet silent. Standing on the bridge, the Yellow River surged beneath my feet, carrying the scent of silt. Speedboats darted out from under the arches, splashing up waves, and children on the bank screamed excitedly—their jubilation was unstoppable. I didn't rush up the mountain; instead, I found a seat at a teahouse under the bridge. I ordered a cup of "Sanpaotai" (a type of local tea), 15 yuan, with refills. The bamboo chair was a bit old, but just the right amount of comfortable. Several local old men around me were cracking sunflower seeds and playing chess, occasionally glancing up at the river and saying, "The water's risen again." That relaxed feeling is rare in tourist spots. You absolutely must try the Sanpaotai at the teahouse. Don't rush; sit for at least half an hour, just gazing at the river and daydreaming—that's the real deal. The cruise ticket is only a few dozen yuan, not expensive at all, and worth experiencing the view from under the bridge. Speedboats and sheepskin rafts are available on the shore; thrill-seekers can give them a try. Regarding photography: the "Zhongshan Bridge" stone monument on the south side of the bridge is a classic spot for photos. Take your time; although the sun is strong 🌞, the river breeze is very pleasant.

I took the 7:30 train, and only saw the Zhongshan Bridge lights come on during the last few hours. However, since Lanzhou is still very bright at this time, it looked almost like daytime. I recommend taking a later train if you want to see the night view.

黄河母亲像是兰州市的标志性雕塑，位于黄河南岸滨河路中段，由著名雕塑家何鄂创作于1986年。雕塑长6米，宽2.2米，高2.6米，重40余吨，采用花岗岩雕刻，展现了一位慈祥的母亲仰卧于波涛之上，怀抱一名男婴，象征黄河哺育华夏子孙。基座饰有甘肃彩陶的水波纹和鱼纹图案，寓意深厚。该雕塑曾获全国城市雕塑优秀奖，现为甘肃省文物保护单位，全天免费开放。

It's a park with some historical sites, quite large, and situated on a high point, offering panoramic views of Lanzhou city. I heard it gets very crowded at night, and you can even see the legendary Lanhaton (Lanzhou's iconic landmark), haha. However, the park is too high and too big to walk around in, and the signage is unclear. I often walked for a long time without finding the attractions I wanted to visit, so I gave up.

Discovering such a marine wonderland in Lanzhou is a truly delightful surprise! The 180° underwater tunnel is breathtaking, with sharks and turtles swimming past, making you feel like you're in the deep sea. The jellyfish exhibit is a must-see; the jellyfish under the lights resemble a flowing starry sky, making for stunning photos. The adorable penguins waddle around, and the performances—sea lions balancing balls and mermaids dancing—are high-energy and captivating, especially for children. For an inland city, seeing over 500 species of marine life in an aquarium is a rare treat. The only downside is that the venue isn't very large, and it can get a bit crowded during peak seasons. However, overall, it's great value for money, offering both educational and entertaining experiences—a true gem for family trips in Northwest China!

Very good, the NPCs and performances are great, the dancing of the young man in Longmen Inn is very colorful, although the immersive performance is similar to the Twelve Hours of the Tang Dynasty in Xi'an, but there are still differences, with grottoes and scenes of the Western Regions. Don't miss it when you come to Lanzhou.

Today (May 19th), I happened to meet the instructors, numbers 51, 52, 53, and 55, while riding the sheepskin raft. They sang and interacted with everyone, making it a safe and fun experience. I highly recommend trying it at least once.