Lan Zhou is a city that is used as a transportation hub that connects the East and Central China to West China. If you’re make a journey to West China you’ll either pass through or transfer at Lan Zhou (except if going to Tibet, for Tibet you’ll transfer at Xi Ning 西宁).
If by any chance you were thinking…
Well what’s there to do in Lan Zhou? And… Why are there so few pictures of Lan Zhou?
The answer is not much. Lan Zhou is a transportation hub it is a city that you pass through but by no means should you consider this city your destination.
A traveler’s time would be better served by passing through Lan Zhou instead of staying here for an extended period of time. There are more fun and interesting places within arms reach of Lan Zhou than in the city itself.
Sights
Bái Tǎ Shān 白塔山：
This is the one sight that I will recommend if you’re in Lan Zhou and have to kill some time. Translated as the “White Pagoda Mountain” this park does display some great views of the City of Lan Zhou and the Yellow River.
It is not much of a hike per say but you will be going upwards to the top of the mountain. It is not very strenuous and there are plenty of elderly people that do this hike with little to no problems. The whole hike may take 45 mins to an hour. If you’d like to get a good overview of Lan Zhou this would be the place to go.
How long should you stay in Lan Zhou?
As I said this is a city that you pass through it is not exactly that the destination of a trip. So, staying for a half day or full day would be sufficient.
What foods should you try?
- BBQ- The province of Gan Su is known for their spectacular BBQ. Their lamb and beef are among the top choices.
- Lan Zhou Pulled Noodles- this is a bit less of a specialty because you can get these noodles just about anywhere in China. However, they did originate in Lan Zhou. Try the beef noodles.
Side note: Chinese BBQ is very different from American BBQ. While it is still very delicious, don’t expect to see ribs and hamburgers on the menu. It is more a combination of grilled veggies, naan bread, and meat.
International Kev 