Lanzhou
In the beginning stage of the Silk Road, Lanzhou is the capital of the province of Gansu and the starting point for many circuits. But some argue that the city itself is not of great tourist interest, it is the major transport hub in the region to reach the main tourist destinations in the province. Among them, you can discover Linxia with its superb Buddhist caves or the authentic Hui villages, which preserve their centuries-old traditions along the Silk Road.
If you keep going south, you can reach the world of Tibetan culture, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The Xiahe and Langmusi villages are perfectly preserved, and their Tibetan monasteries attract an incessant flow of pilgrims. In addition, the pastures stretch as far as the eye can see, punctuated here and thereby a few herds of animals and camps of Tibetan nomads…
And from Lanzhou to the northwest, is the most famous section of the Chinese part of the Silk Road, the Hexi Corridor. Several of the most famous Buddhist Caves in Gansu Province are located in this area.
Lanzhou Climate
Lanzhou has a temperate semi-arid continental monsoon climate with cold and dry winters, dusty springs, a short and cool summer, and cold autumn. Winter temperatures can reach -10°C while in summer they do not exceed 29°C with an average of 22°C. In summer bring rain gear and warm clothes for the evening as temperatures can drop considerably. For the winter, remember to take very warm clothes.
To learn more about China’s climate, see our article: China Weather.
What to see and what to do in Lanzhou?
Bingling Temple Caves
The site is located on the small Jishi hill, about 70 kilometers from Lanzhou.
Bingling means “Thousand Buddhas” in the Tibetan language. The beginning of the construction of Bingling Temple Caves dates back to the Western Jin Dynasty (265-316). The place is a real archaeological treasure with 694 stone statues, 82 clay sculptures, and some 900 square meters of wall paintings, all of which are well preserved.
Gansu Provincial Museum
This superb museum displays a collection of objects dating from the Silk Road, including engraved wooden tablets, used to transmit messages, the flying horse of Wuwei, gallops on the back of a swallow (this is the symbol of Chinese tourism); Persian coins, statues of bodhisattvas and a collection of dinosaur skeletons.
Zhongshan Iron Bridge over the Yellow River
Known to be the first bridge built over the Yellow River, this bridge has become a symbol of the provincial capital of Gansu. Opened in 1909, Zhongshan Iron Bridge is the first with this type of metal architecture in China. It crosses the Yellow River over 234 meters in length and 7.5 meters in width.
At nightfall, the bridge, adorned with neon lights, lights up with a thousand lights and offers a very different view of the day. Its reflection on the water reveals a very unique charm much appreciated by the Chinese.
The White Pagoda Temple
Located in the north of the city of Lanzhou, the White Pagoda Park owes its name to the impressive octagonal pagoda of white color which is there. With its icons of Buddha present on its 8 faces, this pagoda of 7 floors and a height of 17 meters is covered with a very pure white from its foot to its top.
If you have the opportunity to go to the White Pagoda Park, do not miss the climb to the top of the pagoda which will allow you to have a magnificent view of the whole city of Lanzhou.
Lanzhou Beef Noodle
Lanzhou is known for its noodles, you can easily find small noodle restaurants in the city. From the window, you can see the talented “noodle maker” at work.
The cook prepares the noodle in the following five steps: “One Clear, Two White, Three Red, Four Green, and Five Yellow”. First, the beef soup should look clear; Second, the radish slides should be crystal white; Thirdly, the color of the chili oil should be bright red; Fourth, the green cilantro leaves and garlic shoots should be jade, and, lastly, the noodle should be smooth and bright yellow.
It is a simple dish but so authentic and tasty. In Lanzhou, locals often serve it as breakfast. A useful expression for you: Bu Yao La Jiao (no chili)!
You will find more detailed information on Chinese gastronomy on the page: Popular Chinese dishes.
Useful Information
Lanzhou Beef Noodle
Lanzhou is known for its noodles, you can easily find small noodle restaurants in the city. From the window, you can see the talented “noodle maker” at work.
The cook prepares the noodle in the following five steps: “One Clear, Two White, Three Red, Four Green, and Five Yellow”. First, the beef soup should look clear; Second, the radish slides should be crystal white; Thirdly, the color of the chili oil should be bright red; Fourth, the green cilantro leaves and garlic shoots should be jade, and, lastly, the noodle should be smooth and bright yellow.
It is a simple dish but so authentic and tasty. In Lanzhou, locals often serve it as breakfast. A useful expression for you: Bu Yao La Jiao (no chili)!
You will find more detailed information on Chinese gastronomy on the page: Popular Chinese dishes.
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