Things to do in Lanzhou

Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park is fabulous. One of the top three things I have done on this tour. I used Trip.com to get out to the park and that was very easy. Shuttle buses are necessary to get between the various vantage points. I would come for longer next time and do the zip line. I got an 8am bus from Xiaoxihu Subway Station and it leaves the Park at 12pm to return back to the city.

Lina, the lecturer at the Gambo Museum, is exceptionally skilled. During the two-hour learning experience, she demonstrated a thorough understanding of the chronological order and comparative analysis of the artifacts, meticulously integrating historical evolution with everyday life. I look forward to the completion of the new Gambo Museum and visiting it again next time.

The scenic area seemed reasonably priced, and the scenery was very beautiful. However, the facilities within the area weren't particularly interesting. It's best to come here at sunset to watch the Yellow River. Overall, the experience was still worthwhile.

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.

I was so happy to see pandas 🐼 and raccoons 🐻! The park is so big 😎 with two areas! Both driving 🚗 and walking 🚶🏻‍♀️ are so much fun 😆! In the drive-through area, you can interact with the animals 😏! Just turn around and there are adorable ❤️ animals walking right up to your car 😃! It was my first time getting so close to large animals! So exciting 💗! Even I, a kid, was thrilled! The walking area is very user-friendly 🙂 with escalators and sightseeing vehicles. A well-planned tour of the entire area 😎! You can see all sorts of animals you've seen on TV 📺 🦬

Lanzhou Baitashan Park | A Landmark in Northern Lanzhou Location: North bank of the Yellow River, north end of Zhongshan Bridge; admission is free. Origin: Named after the White Pagoda Temple atop the mountain. The pagoda was originally built in the Yuan Dynasty, but the existing structure is a Ming Dynasty reconstruction. Seven stories high, octagonal, and entirely white, it is a symbol of Lanzhou. The entire park is built along the mountainside, comprising three ancient architectural complexes. Red-columned pavilions and towers with flying eaves cascade down the slope, surrounded by lush greenery, creating a rare mountain forest garden atmosphere in Northwest China. Attractions: 1. White Pagoda Temple on the mountaintop: The core attraction. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Yellow River, Zhongshan Bridge, and the entire city of Lanzhou. The sunset and night views are superb. 2. Two ways to experience the area: ◦ If you have plenty of energy: Hike up the mountain along the stone steps and leisurely explore the ancient buildings; ◦ If you have limited energy (like you did this time): Explore the area at the foot of the mountain and near the bridge. Taking photos of the White Pagoda in the distance and Zhongshan Bridge together is also very beautiful; if you don't want to walk, you can take the Yellow River cable car directly to the mountainside, saving you the trouble of climbing (cable car fee is separate). 3. The Yellow River wharf is located at the foot of the mountain, where you can take a sheepskin raft or a Yellow River cruise; The view of White Pagoda Mountain Park from the opposite bank of Zhongshan Bridge in the evening is exceptionally beautiful; a must-see when visiting Lanzhou.

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。