Lanzhou Gansu, China Travel Guide
Summer (June-August) means lightweight, breathable clothing. Cotton and linen are good choices. Autumn (September-November) calls for layers as the temperature drop.
Winter (December-February) is very cold, requiring heavy winter clothing. Spring (March-May) temperatures are variable, so flexible layering is important.
Absolutely necessary for exploring the city and sightseeing, as you will likely do a lot of strolling.
Bring these if you plan to visit natural parks or engage in trekking outside the city.
Waterproof shoes are useful during summer rains or winter snow. Sandals for summer evenings.
Careful organization of your travel documents helps prevent complications and secures smooth transitions throughout your trip to Lanzhou. Keep hard copies and electronic copies of all important papers.
Modern travel relies heavily on technology. Proper preparation for your electronic devices keeps you connected and assists with navigation.
Most modern smartphones are compatible with China’s networks. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is necessary to get to many international sites and apps.
Baidu Maps navigation/Amap (accurate in China), Pleco (offline dictionary), Google Translate (with VPN).
WeChat (essential for everything), Didi Chuxing (ride-hailing with English interface), Alipay & WeChat Pay (mobile payments).
Cloud storage (with VPN), External hard drive, or USB flash drive for pictures and papers.
A well-stocked personal health and self-care kit keeps you comfortable. Consider items specific to the local climate and your personal needs.
Be ready for common issues with appropriate over-the-counter remedies plus security against environmental factors.
For Baitashan Park, Wuquan Mountain Park, or remote areas.
Yellow River offers leisure boat journeys and sheepskin raft experiences.
For specific gear, evaluate renting locally versus bringing your own.
Small items enhance comfort, security, and convenience during your trip. These constitute the small things that often prove most useful.
Embrace sustainable travel with reusable items and be prepared for local necessities.
Bring your preferred toiletries if you need particular brands.
Some common medications might not have direct equivalents within China.
Install and set up your VPN before arrival, as it is difficult to purchase in China.
For specific activities, high-quality, personal fit gear might be better brought from home.
Before packing, lay out all your items. Critically review each item and remove anything you can realistically live without.
This approach keeps your luggage light and manageable, making travel much smoother.
