From 23 Aug to 26 Aug 2026, my family spent several days in Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province. Here are our first impressions of Lanzhou.

Lanzhou’s unique valley geography is defined by two mountains embracing one river: Lan Mountain（Or Gaolan Mountain) rises on the south side, while Baita Mountain (White Pagoda Mountain) stands to the north, with the Yellow River winding through the city between them.

Views from Lan Mountain:

From this hilltop vantage point, you get a full panoramic view of Lanzhou. The Yellow River winds through the long narrow valley, with Baita Mountain standing on the northern bank.

Views from Baita Mountain:

From Baita Mountain on the north bank, you look across the Yellow River toward Gaolan Mountain on the southern side. You can clearly see Lanzhou’s unique “two mountains embracing one river” city layout stretching far along the valley.

The Yellow River：

The Yellow River cuts through the centre of Lanzhou. Its water colour changes dramatically with seasons: it turns muddy and yellow in summer during the rainy flood season, while it runs clear and calm in winter, with far less sediment carried downstream. As the only provincial capital city traversed by the Yellow River, Lanzhou is shaped by this mighty waterway sandwiched between Gaolan Mountain and Baita Mountain.

Hundred-Li Yellow River Scenic Corridor：

The Hundred-Li Yellow River Scenic Corridor stretches along the Yellow River through Lanzhou, gathering parks, promenades, bridges and cultural landmarks along its riverside. (100 li = 50km)

Zhongshan Bridge, known as the “First Bridge over the Yellow River”, is Lanzhou’s century‑old iron pedestrian landmark, sitting right at the foot of Baita Mountain along the Hundred‑Li Yellow River Scenic Corridor.

The Yellow River Mother Sculpture is a landmark artwork along the HundredLi Yellow River Scenic Corridor. It depicts a gentle mother holding her infant, symbolising the Yellow River as the nurturing mother of Chinese civilisation.

Along the riverbank of the Yellow River, pebbly rivershores stretch beside the water. Locals and visitors gather along the shore, enjoying the open riverside space.

Gansu Provincial Museum：

As one of China’s topranked national museums in Lanzhou, it is celebrated for its extraordinary painted pottery collections. It presents an unbroken 7,000year sequence of prehistoric painted pottery from Gansu, covering Dadiwan, Yangshao and Majiayao cultures. Intricate swirling geometric patterns are the highlight of Majiayao pottery, representing the peak achievement of Neolithic ceramic art in China.

The Flying Horse of Gansu (Bronze Galloping Horse) is the most famous treasure in Gansu Provincial Museum. This bronze Han dynasty artwork depicts a horse galloping at full speed, one hoof lightly stepping on a flying swallow. It serves as the official symbol of China’s tourism, capturing the vitality and bold spirit of ancient Silk Road travellers.

Airport and railway station:

Both Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport and Lanzhou West Railway Station are large and highlymodern facilities.

Nightlife:

Lanzhou comes alive after dark, with bustling pedestrian streets and squares filled with locals enjoying the energetic nightlife.

Food:

Renowned for Lanzhou beef noodles, the city offers a wonderful range of authentic Northwesternstyle food.

We really enjoyed our short stay here. If you are planning a trip through Northwest China, Lanzhou is well worth including on your itinerary.

Yours Truly

Angie Guo - Charmission Travel