Lanzhou Gansu, China Travel Guide
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter mainland China. Prepare these documents with care and apply well in advance of your travel dates.
You generally submit your application to a Chinese Embassy or Consulate, or a Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in your country of residence.
Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay and needs at least two blank visa pages. A completed application form, passport-style photo, and proof of legal stay (if applicable) are also necessary.
For a Tourist (L) Visa, include round-trip airline tickets and hotel reservations. An invitation letter from an individual in China can also serve this purpose. Always check the latest visa regulations with the Chinese The embassy Or consulate in your home country before applying. IVisa or VisaHQ can assist with applications.
Vary by nationality and visa type.
Present passport, valid visa, completed arrival card. Fingerprints and facial scans generally collected.
Not for Lanzhou city. Travel to some remote Gansu regions or Tibet Autonomous Region may need additional permits.
Semi-arid, continental monsoon.
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer comfortable temperatures.
Cold, dry, minimal precipitation, some attractions may be harder to reach.
High, Shoulder, Low seasons.
Pleasant weather, full attraction schedules, frequent transport. Expect crowds and higher prices.
Possible in spring (March-April) due to proximity to desert areas, affecting visibility and air quality.
Winters (December-February) are cold and dry, with temperatures often below freezing. Spring (March-May) temperatures rise but can bring wind and dust. Summers (June-August) are warm to hot with occasional thunderstorms. Autumn (September-November) offers cool, dry weather with clear skies.
May-October means pleasant weather and full attraction availability, but also higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder seasons (April, November) offer fewer crowds and mid-range prices, though spring can be dusty and late autumn colder.
Late spring (May) or early autumn (Sept-Oct).
Spring (Apr-May) and autumn (Sept-Nov).
Jan-Feb for the unique frozen Yellow River.
Pack layers for any season, especially spring and autumn.
Dust storms possible in spring. Check AQI.
Plan your Lanzhou trip with a clear understanding of costs to ensure a comfortable experience. Expenses vary significantly based on your travel style, from budget-conscious to luxury.
The currency in China is the Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY, or RMB). Mobile payment platforms, mainly WeChat Pay and Alipay, dominate transactions. Cash is less frequent.
It's not customary to tip in China and generally not expected in restaurants, hotels, or for taxi drivers. Do not feel obligated to give a tip.
Lanzhou offers a variety of price points for accommodations, dining, and activities.
Prioritize your health and safety during your Lanzhou trip. This section covers important health precautions, access to medical services, and safety guidelines.
Lanzhou offers a variety of experiences, but being aware of common health concerns allows for a smoother trip.
Altitude sickness is generally mild at Lanzhou's elevation (1,600m), but staying hydrated is sensible.
Lanzhou has several large, modern hospitals. For emergencies, direct lines are available.
Medical Emergency: 120
Fire: 119
Lanzhou is generally safe for tourists, with violent crime being rare. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Police: 110
Maintain vigilance with your belongings in crowded areas.
Gansu province lies in an active seismic zone. Heavy summer rains can cause localized flooding. Dust storms are common in spring.
China's Official Emergency Number for Foreigners: 010-12308
Travel Insurance is highly recommended for medical emergencies.
| Category | Recommendation | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vaccinations | Consult doctor 4-6 weeks prior. | Routine, Hepatitis A/Typhoid, consider Hep B/Rabies/Brain Inflammation caused by a virus. |
| Water & Food Safety | Use bottled/purified water. Caution with street food. | Avoid raw vegetables, unpeeled fruits from questionable sources. |
| Personal Security | Vigilance in crowds. | Petty crime occurs in markets, stations. No specific high-crime areas. |
General safety guidelines enhance your experience in Lanzhou. Awareness of surroundings and preparedness for minor issues help.
Lanzhou is a generally safe city for tourists. Violent crime is rare.
Pickpocketing or bag snatching can occur in crowded areas. Maintain vigilance with belongings.
No specific high-crime areas for tourists. Common sense precautions universally apply.
Gansu province lies in an active seismic zone. Be aware of earthquake safety.
Heavy summer rains can occasionally cause localized flooding, especially near the Yellow River or in low-lying areas.
Dust storms are common in spring (March-April), reducing visibility and air purity. Check the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Familiarize yourself with earthquake safety procedures: Drop, Cover, Hold On.
Travel Insurance is highly recommended. It should cover medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, and lost or stolen luggage. Review policy details carefully.
Contact your embassy or consulate inside China for assistance with lost passports, legal issues, or other emergencies. The nearest typically resides in Beijing or Chengdu.
In case of delayed or canceled flights, AirHelp might offer assistance with compensation.
Lanzhou features various large, modern hospitals. Smaller clinics and pharmacies are common for minor ailments. Tap water is not safe to drink directly.
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip for personalized advice.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Annual Flu Shot.
Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended for most people traveling to China.
Hepatitis B, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis are considerations for longer stays or specific activities.
