Lanzhou | The Yellow River Flows Through the City, the Golden City's Charm Awaits

| The Yellow River flows through the city, filling the Golden City with warmth and flavor. Hey everyone 👋, today we're taking you on a virtual tour of Lanzhou, the northwestern transportation hub! This city, where the Yellow River runs through its heart, blends the vastness of the desert with the warmth of bustling streets. Save this guide now! 👇 🌟 Must-Visit Attractions 1. **Zhongshan Bridge & White Pagoda Mountain** - **First Bridge Over the Yellow River**: This century-old iron bridge spans the Yellow River, glowing like a golden dragon at dusk. Capture the panoramic view from the south square 🌉. - **Summit of White Pagoda Mountain**: This free park hides a Ming Dynasty white pagoda. Climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the Yellow River and the city skyline, especially stunning at night 🌃. 2. **Yellow River Scenic Belt** - **Stroll Along the Mother River**: From Zhongshan Bridge to the Waterwheel Park, rent a bike (¥20/hour) and watch traditional sheepskin rafts drift by 🛶. - **Waterwheel Park**: Twelve Ming Dynasty waterwheels creak as they turn, making it a perfect spot for Hanfu photoshoots 📸. 3. **Gansu Provincial Museum** - **The Iconic "Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow"**: The museum’s treasure, a bronze galloping horse. Use a wide-angle lens to avoid glass reflections when taking photos ✨. - **Silk Road Exhibition Hall**: From painted pottery to Tang Dynasty tri-colored glazes, immerse yourself in the brilliance of Silk Road culture. Don’t miss the museum’s creative ice cream 🍦. 4. **Zhengning Road Night Market** - **Lanzhou’s Street Food Heaven**: Try milk-egg fermented rice wine (Du Ji Desserts), gray bean soup, and sweet fermented barley milk tea—snacking here is irresistible 🍢. - **Hidden Gem**: Stalls stay open until 2 AM. Locals recommend "Fat Mama’s" spicy noodles paired with apricot kernel water 🌶. 🍜 Must-Try Foods ✅ **Beef Noodles**: Try Ma Zilu or Ma Youbu’s version—clear broth, white radish, red chili oil, and green cilantro. The chili is fragrant but not too spicy, and the broth is incredibly rich 🍜. ✅ **Hand-Torn Lamb**: Head to "Yilan Purple Pavilion" for braised lamb with white noodles. The meat is tender and falls off the bone—dip it in garlic sauce to cut the richness 🐑. ✅ **Liangpi (Cold Noodles)**: Try the thick-style liangpi with mustard sauce for a tangy kick. "Zai Hui Shou" chain stores offer vacuum-packed versions to take home. ✅ **Three Cannon Tea**: A covered-bowl tea with goji berries, longan, and rock sugar. Sip while enjoying Lanzhou drum performances 🎭. 📸 Photography Tips 1. **Zhongshan Bridge at Sunrise**: At 7 AM, use a slow shutter to capture the silky flow of the Yellow River. A red dress by the bridge piers adds elegance 🧚♀️. 2. **Painted Pottery Hall in the Museum**: Shoot from a low angle to highlight the pottery’s layers under the light. Solid-colored outfits make the photos pop. 3. **Lanshan Night View**: Take a taxi to Lanshan Viewing Deck (¥20 one-way) for a cinematic shot of the "Eye of the Yellow River" Ferris wheel and city lights 🌇. 📌 Practical Tips - **Transport**: Take the high-speed train to Lanzhou West Station, then Metro Line 1 to downtown. Shared bikes are ideal for visiting White Pagoda Mountain and Zhongshan Bridge. - **Accommodation**: Stay near Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street (close to night markets) or riverside hotels (e.g., Crowne Plaza) for Yellow River views. - **Best Seasons**: April–May (cherry blossoms) and September–October (autumn scenery). Avoid summer heat and winter cold ❄️. - **Note**: Beef noodles are best eaten in the morning—many shops close in the afternoon. Mix and match night market snacks to avoid waste.