Lanzhou is back, I really don't recommend going in January

Hey guys 👋, in January, Lanzhou is a city where the Yellow River runs through and the aroma of beef noodles fills the air. This northwestern city has a unique charm. I just came back from there, and now I'm sharing this super detailed guide with you all! 🌆 Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, is located in the upper reaches of the Yellow River and is an important node city on the ancient Silk Road. It has both ancient Yellow River culture and unique northwestern charm. Zhongshan Bridge spans the Yellow River, witnessing the changes of time; the Gansu Provincial Museum houses countless historical treasures. In January, Lanzhou is cold and dry, but the scenery on both sides of the Yellow River is still spectacular, and the city's vibrant atmosphere is even more intense in the cold. 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈️ By Air: After arriving at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport, you can take the airport bus to the city center. There are multiple routes to different directions, such as Dongfanghong Square, Lanzhou University, etc. The operating hours are long, convenient, and fast. You can also choose to take the intercity train directly to Lanzhou West Railway Station, with frequent trains that quickly integrate into the city's transportation network. 🚄 By High-speed Rail: Lanzhou West Railway Station is the main high-speed rail hub, with complete facilities and seamless connection to city buses and subways. Some trains also stop at Lanzhou Railway Station, with convenient transportation around, making it easy to reach various attractions and hotels. Some city bus routes operate from around 6:00 to 20:00, and some main road buses extend their operating hours. You can use Alipay or WeChat ride codes to pay. It is recommended to check the bus app for real-time information before traveling. 🗺 Recommended Itinerary Day1️⃣: Gansu Provincial Museum - Yellow River Scenic Line (Zhongshan Bridge - Yellow River Mother Sculpture - Baita Mountain Park) Day2️⃣: Wuquan Mountain Park - Zhengning Road Snack Night Market 🌟 Must-visit Attractions 📍 Gansu Provincial Museum: It houses a large number of cultural relics, from ancient fossils to exquisite silk products, from splendid Buddhist murals to vivid painted pottery. Each relic tells the long history and splendid culture of the Gansu region, making it an excellent window to understand northwestern culture 📷 📍 Zhongshan Bridge: A landmark building in Lanzhou with a history of over a hundred years. In January, the Yellow River water is clear and cold, and the bridge spans both sides of the river. You can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Yellow River on the bridge, feel the majestic momentum of the river, and appreciate the unique charm of Lanzhou. 📍 Yellow River Mother Sculpture: The "mother" has a kind expression, a slight smile, and lies on the waves. A naked baby boy leans against her right side, symbolizing the Yellow River nurturing the Chinese people. The sculpture is simple yet meaningful, a popular photo spot for tourists, and an important symbol of Yellow River culture. 📌 Practical Tips 1. Gansu Provincial Museum is free to enter, but you need to book tickets in advance on the official WeChat account and enter with an ID card or reservation code. The museum has a rich collection, and it is recommended to reserve at least 3-4 hours for visiting. You can also rent an audio guide or join a volunteer guide group to better understand the stories behind the relics. 2. The Yellow River Scenic Line is long, and you can choose to walk or take the Yellow River Scenic Line sightseeing bus to enjoy the scenery along the river. The wind is strong by the river in winter, so keep warm and wear a hat, scarf, and gloves. There are many tourists around Zhongshan Bridge and Yellow River Mother Sculpture, so take care of your personal belongings. 3. Wuquan Mountain Park has low ticket prices, and you can visit the five clear springs and many ancient buildings after entering. There are steps and mountain roads in the park, so it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes. The temperature on the mountain is lower in winter, so dress appropriately. 🍜 Local Food Recommendations 🍜 Lanzhou Beef Noodles: This is a signature dish of Lanzhou! You can choose the thickness of the noodles, which are chewy and served with delicious beef broth, green garlic sprouts, cilantro, red chili oil, white radish slices, etc., with an enticing aroma. First, take a sip of hot soup to warm up your body instantly, then pick up the noodles and take a bite, feeling satisfied! The beef slices are of moderate thickness, tender, and each noodle is coated with broth, with a rich and mellow taste that lingers on the palate 👍 🥘 Hand-grabbed Lamb: The lamb is cooked just right, tender, and without a gamey taste. You can eat it directly with your hands, dipping it in pepper salt or garlic vinegar sauce to taste the original flavor of the lamb. The lamb melts in your mouth, tender and juicy, with a strong northwestern flavor. 🥟 Stuffed Skin: The cold skin has a chewy texture, mixed with special chili oil, vinegar, garlic water, and other seasonings, and tastes sour and spicy. The cold skin absorbs the aroma of the seasonings, is smooth and refreshing, and is full of northwestern flavor. It is a very popular snack that can be found in streets and alleys. 🍢 Milk and Egg Fermented Rice: Sweet milk and tender eggs are combined with fermented rice, raisins, goji berries, peanuts, and other ingredients, cooked until thick. It has a rich taste, with the aroma of milk, wine, and eggs intertwined, sweet and delicious, and nutritious. It is a great winter dish to ward off the cold, and you must try it at Zhengning Road Snack Night Market. 🐔 Sanpao Tai: Also known as "Gaiwan Tea," it is made of tea leaves, goji berries, longan, red dates, rock sugar, etc., brewed with boiling water. It tastes sweet and delicious, with a strong tea flavor, and has health benefits. In Lanzhou's teahouses or restaurants, order a bowl of Sanpao Tai, savor it slowly, and experience the leisurely life of northwestern people. 🏨 Hotel Accommodation 📍 Near Gansu Provincial Museum: Holiday Inn & Suites Lanzhou Center, located in the Lanzhou Center business district, with a superior location, close to Gansu Provincial Museum, and convenient transportation. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with complete facilities and attentive service. There are many shopping malls and restaurants around to meet various living needs. 📍 Near Yellow River Scenic Line: Hyatt Regency Lanzhou, close to the Yellow River, with some rooms offering stunning views of the river. The rooms are luxuriously decorated, with high-end facilities, providing a high-quality accommodation experience. The hotel has a restaurant offering various cuisines, including Lanzhou specialties, allowing you to enjoy delicious food while admiring the Yellow River scenery. 📍 Near Wuquan Mountain Park: Lanzhou Wuquan Mountain Hotel, located near Wuquan Mountain Park, with a quiet environment. The rooms are clean and tidy, reasonably priced, allowing you to rest well after visiting Wuquan Mountain Park. There are some small restaurants and convenience stores around the hotel, making it easy to buy daily necessities and taste local food. 💖 Travel Experience In these two days in January in Lanzhou, I felt like I had entered a northwestern world full of historical heritage and vibrant atmosphere. The heaviness of Gansu Provincial Museum, the magnificence of Yellow River Scenic Line, the tranquility of Wuquan Mountain Park, and the liveliness of Zhengning Road Snack Night Market all made me feel the unique charm of Lanzhou. And those delicious foods made my taste buds immersed in the unique flavors of Lanzhou. Although Lanzhou is cold in January, the enthusiasm of the people and the vitality of the city made me feel warm. I am already looking forward to coming back to Lanzhou again to continue exploring this magical land 💕