Best Places to Visit in Lanzhou: Lanzhou City Area, Yuzhong County, Yongdeng County

Born of the river and flourishing by it, Lanzhou is the only provincial capital through which the Yellow River flows. The mighty river brings misty moisture and ancient charm, shaping Lanzhou’s history and fueling a cultural pulse unique to the city. Along the ever-flowing banks of the Yellow River, there is Yongdeng's endless array of Northwestern flavors, Yuzhong’s enduring legacy of civilization, the modern vibrancy of Chengguan District, and Yongjing’s deep connection to the river amidst its lush mountains and green waters. Here are the best places to visit in Lanzhou.

Top 1: Lanzhou City Area

Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, historically known as Jincheng, is located in the central part of the province and is one of the key cities in the western region, serving as an important node along the Silk Road Economic Belt. With a history of over 2,000 years since its establishment in the Qin Dynasty, Lanzhou has long been a vital transportation hub that connect with all regions around, earning the nickname "Pearl of the Yellow River".

Thanks to its strategic position on the Silk Road, Lanzhou city area has become a crucial transit point for travelers heading to attractions like Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, and Gannan, linking notable attractions such as Mogao Caves, Maiji Mountain Grottoes, Colorful Danxia, and Labrang Monastery.

From the highest point of Gaolan Mountain, you can take in a sweeping view of all of Lanzhou city area. In the sunlight, the Yellow River shine like a shimmering ribbon, winding its way through the city, bringing the coolness of the Tibetan Plateau while accumulating the mildness of the southern and northern mountains. The Yellow River flows through Lanzhou city area, with the famous "Yellow River Scenic Line" along Binhe Road at Chengguan and Qilihe Districts, featuring landmarks like the Yellow River Iron Bridge (Zhongshan Bridge), Yellow River Tower, Yellow River Mother Statue, and the Waterwheel Expo Park, with White Pagoda Mountain Park located directly across from Zhongshan Bridge. The Gansu Provincial Museum and Wuquan Mountain Park can also be found south of the river.

Top 2: Yuzhong County

On the vast Loess Plateau of northwest China, the Yellow River meanders through majestic landscapes, with the Silk Road cutting across, that is the enchanting land of Yuzhong. Yuzhong County, part of Lanzhou, lies in central Gansu, bordered by Qilihe and Chengguan districts to the west. It was named "Yuzhong (inside of elms)" for that the ancient Qin general Meng Tian "built forts with stones and planted elm as walls" during campaigns against the Xiongnu.

As the Yellow River flows through the Lanzhou Basin and into Yuzhong, it carves out its largest gorge, narrow and steep. It winds through the ancient town of Qingcheng, bending and looping along the way. Yuzhong is known as "natural oxygen bar", with the “famous mountain of Longyou” Xinglong Mountain and the "roof of Longshang" Majian Mountain. Xinglong, as the "First Famous Mountain of Longyou", boasts lush forests and high peaks paired with a rich history and enduring cultural heritage, while Majian, which is the Lanzhou's tallest peak, stands snow-covered year-round, with shifting clouds and awe-inspiring views. Qingcheng Ancient Town, a national historic and cultural town, has once attracted scholars, merchants, preserving many treasures of cultural heritage and historic legacies.

Top 3: Yongdeng County

West of Lanzhou, after crossing the Wushao Mountains, lies Yongdeng, the eastern gateway to the vast Hexi Corridor. Over two thousand years ago, this area served as an essential stronghold controling over the Hexi Corridor for Emperor Wu of Han.

Yongdeng, originally known as Lingju or Zhuanglang, under the jurisdiction of Lanzhou, is located in northwestern Lanzhou, central Gansu Province. This small county, with its rich history and beautiful natural scenery, offers a harmonious blend of modern facilities and traditional architecture that gives people a sense of peace and tranquility. When people think of Yongdeng, the vast grasslands and towering mountains often come to mind. From the pristine forests of Tulu Valley National Forest Park to the antique flavour of Liancheng Ancient Town, from the dazzling hues of Ink Danxia to the gorgeous flowers of Kushui Rose, every sight here has a unique allure.

If you have the chance to visit Yongdeng county, take your time to fully appreciate its landscapes. After savoring its beauty, you may find yourself deeply moved by its charm and feeling grateful for choosing this destination.

Top 4: Yongjing County

The Yellow River, descending from the Tibetan Plateau and carving its way through mountains, finally spreads wide here, leaving its azure reflection across the landscape. This is Yongjing County, a grand yet graceful western water town, modern without losing simplicity. Yongjing, part of Gansu’s Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, lies in the southwestern center of Gansu, bordered by Lanzhou’s Xigu and Qilihe districts to the east. While visiting to Lanzhou, you cannot miss Yongjing nearby.

As the Yellow River flows through Yongjing, it slows from its previously vigorous pace, forming the three reservoirs of Liujia, Yanguo, and Bapan gorges, nurturing every inch of the valleys below, giving rise to the winding Yellow River Three Gorges. From the Liujia Gorges Reservoir, a speedboat ride brings you to the artistic treasure of the riverbank—the Bingling Temple Grottoes. Known as the “Encyclopedia of Chinese Grottoes”, Bingling Temple is one of China’s longest-standing sites of stone carving art. The river flows past towering Danxia cliffs, with glimpses of Bingling Lake’s serene beauty, until a grand Buddha gradually emerges from the stone, lifting the veil on Bingling Temple Grottoes’ centuries-old mystique.

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the ancient Silk Road

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