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Things to Do in Lanzhou

Things to Do in Lanzhou

Lanzhou Gansu, China Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Lanzhou’the natural environment along the Yellow River and amidst surrounding hills provides opportunities to do things outside, from leisurely strolls to more vigorous hikes.

Hiking & Trekking Routes

Baitashan Park 白塔山公园

Offers moderate hikes up its slopes. Paved walkways and stairways lead to the summit, providing a good workout with rewarding panoramic views. Difficulty: low to moderate.

Wuquan Mountain Park 五泉山公园

Features surfaced trails and flights of stairs leading to various temples and viewpoints. It offers a leisurely to moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels.

Surrounding Mountains

More challenging trekking routes exist, but these often require local knowledge, suitable gear, and sometimes a guide due to less-marked trails. Generally for experienced hikers.

Water Sports & Cycling

  • Yellow River Boat Trips: Ideal for leisure cruises, including traditional "sheepskin rafts" (yangpifa zi) or motorized scenic tours.
  • No Extreme Water Sports: Lanzhou does not offer high-adrenaline water sports like white-water rafting or extensive kayaking.
  • Yellow River Riverside Promenade: Excellent for leisurely cycling on a paved path, offering beautiful vistas and a safe environment.
  • Mountain Biking: Opportunities exist in surrounding hills, requiring proper gear and knowledge of local trails.

Adventure Sports

  • Limited opportunities directly in Lanzhou city.
  • For extensive adventures, venture into Gansu province.
  • Regions like Zhangye or Dunhuang offer desert exploration.
  • Also more intense trekking options.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Not a main destination for wildlife viewing.
  • City's environment does not support large wildlife.
  • Gansu province has wildlife reserves.
  • These are far from Lanzhou and require dedicated trips.

Visitor's Tip

  • Rent a bicycle and cycle along the Yellow River's promenade.
  • A peaceful way to see the city's landmarks.
  • Experience local life by the lake.
  • Provides a refreshing break.

Important Note on Safety

Always check weather conditions and inform someone of your route if embarking on strenuous hikes or mountain biking outside city limits.

Cultural Immersion

Lanzhou offers various ways to immerse yourself in its unique the social fabric, from classic arts to local festivals, providing a deep understanding of its people and heritage.

Workshops & Performances

  • Workshops and Classes: Limited formal options for tourists from other countries; informal arrangements possible for calligraphy, painting, or crafts.
  • Cultural Performances: Attend Qinqiang opera (Gansu opera) at Gansu Grand Theatre for a fascinating cultural experience.
  • Traditional Ceremonies: Respectfully observe sacred rituals at Wuquan Mountain Park temples or Taoist temples. Observe prayers at Xiguan Mosque.
  • Language Learning: Lanzhou University offers Chinese language programs, great for long-long-term stays and cultural immersion.

Local Festivals

Chinese New Year Spring Festival

Jan/Feb. The city comes alive with lantern displays, temple fairs, and joyful decorations. A time of family gatherings and celebration, though lots of companies close.

Dragon Boat Festival Duanwu Jie

June. Celebrated served with rice dumplings (zongzi) and sometimes dragon boat races on local waterways, symbolizing convention and community spirit.

Mid-Autumn Festival Zhongqiu Jie

Sept/Oct. Features mooncakes and family gatherings, a significant time for reunions and admiring the entire moon with loved ones.

Community Tourism

Community-based tourism initiatives are not widely developed for international tourists within Lanzhou city. They are more common in ethnic minority villages in other parts of Gansu province, offering direct engagement with local communities.

Xiguan Mosque Visit

When visiting Xiguan Mosque or other religious sites, dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Maintain quiet and respect local customs, especially during prayer times.

Local Delights

Exploring local eateries and markets offers informal cultural immersion through shared meals and daily interactions. Use a Translation app to connect with merchants for a more genuine experience.

Relaxation & Wellness

Lanzhou provides options for relaxation and wellness, ranging from hotel spas to customary Chinese healing practices. Take time to rejuvenate during your finding of the city.

Spa & Hot Springs

  • Spa and Wellness Center Recommendations: Luxury hotels often have spas and exercise centers giving a variety of treatments.
  • Hot Springs and Natural Therapy: Some hot spring resorts are found in the wider Lanzhou area (e.g., Xigu Hot Spring), providing therapeutic soaking.
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Lanzhou has many TCM hospitals and clinics for acupuncture, cupping, or herbal medicine.
  • Yoga and Meditation Retreats: Not a prominent feature for visitors from abroad; dedicated retreats are rare.

Rejuvenation Options

Hotel Swimming Pools

Luxury hotels in Lanzhou typically have indoor swimming facilities for guests. Lanzhou is a city not on the coast, so it is not have natural beaches or large public pool clubs.

Traditional Healing Practices

Explore local herbal medicine shops, which sell a wide array of traditional spices and remedies. TCM hospitals and clinics offer diagnosis and treatments based on TCM principles.

Visitor Recommendation

Indulge in a customary Chinese foot massage as soon as you've had a day of going on foot. It is an inexpensive and deeply relaxing experience that helps rejuvenate tired feet.

TCM Consultation & Benefits

Unique Perspective

Consider a consultation at a local TCM clinic for an unique perspective on health and wellness tailored to your needs.

Holistic Approach

TCM offers a holistic approach, considering the balance of body and mind.

Experienced Practitioners

Lanzhou has a strong presence of experienced TCM practitioners.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Lanzhou's entertainment and nightlife scene offers a mix of societal performances, local gathering spots, and late-night dining. It provides enjoyable options for nighttime activities.

Live Performances & Social

  • Live Music Venues: Local bars/pubs around universities or commercial centers may feature Chinese pop, rock, or folk music.
  • Performance halls: Gansu Grand Theatre is the main venue for opera, ballet, and plays. Local opera houses present Qinqiang opera.
  • KTV (Karaoke Television): A favored local pastime with numerous venues offering private rooms for group singing, a fun form of evening entertainment.
  • Nightclubs and Dancing: Limited Western-style nightclubs; the after-dark scene is for the most part more subdued compared to more substantial international cities.

Late-Night & Dining

Bar Districts and Pub Crawls

Few bar streets/clusters exist in Chengguan District or near universities. Lanzhou is not known for a major "bar district" culture. Hotel bars give a relaxed atmosphere.

Night Markets

Zhengning Road Night The market is a major draw for late-night entertainment: lively atmosphere, abundant street food, snacks, and shops operating into the late evening.

Late-Night Dining

Many Lanzhou Beef Noodle shops and other local eateries remain open late, catering to those seeking a late supper after nighttime activities.

People Watching

The night markets provide excellent opportunities for observing local life and culture after dark, offering an energetic and authentic glimpse into Lanzhou's evening pulse.

Local Music Scene

While not a major music hub, some smaller venues host local bands and performers, offering a chance to discover contemporary Chinese music in a more intimate setting.

Socializing Opportunities

Hostels and popular night markets are great places to meet other travelers or locals, especially if you are open to cultural exchange and conversation.

Evening Planning Tips

Night Market Experience
  • For a genuine taste of local evening culture, visit Zhengning Road Night Market.
  • Enjoy delicious street food and soak in the lively atmosphere.
  • People-watch into the late hours.
Safety Awareness
  • When exploring Lanzhou's nightlife, remain aware of your surroundings.
  • Take standard preventative measures for personal safety.
  • Plan your transport back to accommodation, especially late at night.

Evening Experience Insight

For a true taste of local evening culture, visit Zhengning Road Night Market. You can enjoy delicious street food, soak in the lively atmosphere, and people-watch into the late hours.

Activity Planning Summary

Recommended Daily Activities

  • Morning: Visit Gansu Provincial Museum, coming after a stroll along Zhongshan Bridge.
  • Afternoon: Explore Baitashan Park for panoramic city views.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner and street food at Zhengning Road Night Market.
  • Day Trip: Plan a whole day for the Binglingsi Grottoes via boat.

Tips for a Balanced Trip

  • Combine historical sightseeing with natural beauty along the Yellow River.
  • Integrate culinary experiences throughout your itinerary, from noodles to night markets.
  • Schedule downtime for relaxation, like a traditional foot massage.
  • Check local event listings for any festivals or performances during your visit.