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Where to Stay in Lanzhou

Where to Stay in Lanzhou

Lanzhou Gansu, China Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Lanzhou provides a broad spectrum of lodging options, catering for a range of budgets and travel styles. You can find a range from economical dorm beds to full-service luxury hotels.

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Several budget-friendly hostels operate near universities or in central areas, offering dormitories and private rooms.

  • Budget Hotels

    Numerous local chains (e.g., Hanting, Home Inn) and independent hotels provide clean rooms with basic amenities.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    International chains (e.g., Holiday Inn Express, Ibis) and local upscale hotels offer more comfort and services.

  • Luxury Hotels

    International 4-star and 5-star brands (e.g., Hilton, Crowne Plaza) offer full services, high-end amenities, plus gourmet restaurants.

Unique and Alternative Options

  • Guesthouses (Kezhan)

    Family-run establishments providing a more local experience, often with traditional decor.

  • Self-catering Options

    Available through platforms like Airbnb or Chinese platforms like Tujia, offering extra room and a kitchen.

  • Homestays and Community-based-Based Tourism

    Less common in Lanzhou city, but opportunities for cultural immersion exist in rural Gansu province.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    Not common within the city. Designated sites might exist in natural parks outside city limits, generally basic.

Neighborhood Guide

Lanzhou's main districts each offer a distinct character, providing different ambiances for your stay.

Chengguan District 城关区

Pros:
  • Central location, close to most attractions.
  • Extensive dining and shopping options.
  • Excellent public transport connectivity.
Cons:
  • Can be noisy due to constant activity.
  • Accommodation prices are typically higher.
  • Bustling, might be busy.

Qilihe District 七里河区

Pros:
  • Convenient for Lanzhou West Railway Station.
  • Generally quieter than Chengguan.
  • Residential areas offer a local feel.
Cons:
  • Further from some core tourist attractions.
  • Requires metro or bus travel to reach sights.
  • Fewer immediate entertainment options.

Anning District 安宁区

Pros:
  • Quieter environment, more local feel.
  • Potentially lower accommodation prices.
  • Linked with universities.
Cons:
  • Further from central tourist attractions.
  • Limited food and fun compared to Chengguan.
  • Requires longer travel times.

Considerations

Safety Considerations:

All main tourist-relevant districts are generally safe. Standard precautions against petty theft apply, notably in crowded spots. Exercise common sense and continue to be aware of your surroundings.

Proximity to Attractions and Transportation:

Chengguan offers the best proximity to most major attractions and direct access to Lanzhou Railway Station. Qilihe is excellent for Lanzhou West Train Terminal. Anning offers good metro access.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies help secure the best accommodation for your Lanzhou trip, especially during peak travel periods.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (May-October, national holidays): Book 2-3 months in advance for best selection and prices.
  • Shoulder Season (April, November): Book 1-2 months in advance for good availability and moderate prices.
  • Low Season (December-March, excluding CNY): A few weeks in advance suffices, but Lunar New Year requires early booking due to price surges.
  • Deposit and Cancellation Policies: Policies vary by property. Many offer free cancellation. Some hotels may require a refundable deposit upon check-in.

Trusted Booking Platforms & Local Systems

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, and Online travel agencies like expedia are reliable. IHG Hotels also offers options.
  • Chinese Platforms: Trip.com (formerly Ctrip), Fliggy, and Qunar are dominant. Trip.com offers an English interface and accepts international payments.
  • Negotiation Customs: Less common for established hotels. Cozy guesthouses might offer slight cash discounts. Online booking often yields better rates.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are higher during peak tourist times of year and major Chinese public holidays. Plan travel for low season for better rates.

Visitor Tip

Booking Platforms:
  • Consider using Chinese booking platforms like Trip.com (Ctrip).
  • They often have a wider selection of local hotels.
  • Competitive prices compared to foreign sites.
  • User-friendly interfaces available in English.
Reading Reviews:
  • Always read recent reviews, especially from international travelers.
  • Gain a clear picture of the hotel's quality and service.
  • Check for English-staff who speak availability.
  • Look for comments on location and amenities.

Important Booking Considerations

Local Alternatives:

Chinese platforms often have more options for inns and smaller hotels.

Forms Of payment:

Be aware that some local hotels might prefer WeChat Pay or Alipay.

Passport Check-in:

Foreigners are legally required to present passports for hotel registration.

Accommodation Recommendations

Lanzhou provides a array of accommodation alternatives to suit different preferences and budgets. This section offers specific recommendations.

Recommendations by Budget Level

Budget

Hostels or local budget chain accommodations like Hanting, Home Inn, or Jinjiang Inn provide affordable, clean, and basic rooms.

  • Lanzhou Jinjiang Hot Spring Hostel (if offered)
  • Local Budget Hotel Chains (Hanting, Home Inn, Jinjiang Inn)
  • Guesthouses (Kezhan) for local experience
Mid-range

International chains and local upscale hotels offer more comfort and services.

  • Holiday Inn Express Lanzhou Anning
  • Ibis Lanzhou City Center
  • Hampton by Hilton Lanzhou
  • Vrbo vacation rentals for more space

Luxury & Family-Friendly Options

Luxury

International 4-star and 5-star brands present comprehensive services and high-end amenities for a premium experience.

  • Hilton Lanzhou
  • Crowne Plaza Lanzhou
  • Wanda Realm Lanzhou
  • IHG Hotels for high-end stays
Family-Friendly Options

Bigger international hotels often have family rooms and pools. Serviced apartments also offer more space.

  • International Hotels (Hilton, Crowne Plaza)
  • Serviced Apartments (local platforms like Tujia or Xiaozhu)
  • Vacation Rentals from Vrbo

Solo Traveler & Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels are excellent for social opportunities. Centrally located budget/mid-range hotels offer safety and convenience in Chengguan District.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Serviced apartments or vacation rentals offer home-like amenities. Some hotels provide discounted rates for longer bookings.

  • Alternative Long-Term Options

    Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique stays, particularly outside the immediate city.

Unique Accommodation Considerations

  • Properties with Cultural Significance

    Lanzhou mainly has contemporary hotels. For a traditional feel, smaller, locally-run guesthouses might offer a glimpse into local architecture or decor.

  • Muslim Quarter Guesthouses

    Guesthouses in the Muslim quarter could offer a distinct cultural experience.

  • Boutique Stays

    Limited boutique hotels with one-of-a-kind designs are occasionally found in central areas.

Benefit of Central Location

Maximizing Exploration
  • Easy access to major sights.
  • Excellent public transportation links.
  • Convenience for dining and shopping.
Overall Convenience

Opting for a centrally located option will get the most out of your discovery time in Lanzhou, regardless of your chosen budget level.

  • Reduced travel time.
  • More time for sightseeing.
  • Peace of mind with accessibility.

Accessibility & Services

Check-in Requirements

Foreign visitors must present a valid passport upon check-in at all accommodations.

Language Support

Larger hotels often have English-staff who speak; smaller establishments may require translation apps.

Wi-Fi Availability

Most accommodations and guesthouses offer free Wi-Fi, though connection quality can vary.