Listen up, I really don't recommend visiting Lanzhou during the off-season from July to September because...

because it's just too beautiful!!! The Yellow River flows through the city, and the ancient Silk Road converges here. Lanzhou, a city full of Northwest boldness, offers authentic local cuisine in its fragrant streets and magnificent natural scenery. This two-day guide will take you to deeply experience the unique charm of the Golden City, Lanzhou. 🗺️ Classic Itinerary DAY 1: Cultural History and Yellow River Scenery Tour - Morning: Gansu Museum As a window to understanding Gansu's history and culture, the Gansu Museum has a rich collection. Here, you can see the authentic "Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow," a bronze horse galloping in mid-air, vigorous and handsome. There is also the Silk Road Civilization Exhibition, which recreates the prosperity of the ancient Silk Road through various artifacts. It is recommended to reserve 2-3 hours to savor the weight of history. - Afternoon: Xiaoxihu Park and Yellow River Scenic Line From the museum, head to Xiaoxihu Park, where pavilions and towers stand amid rippling green waters. Adjacent to the park is the Mother Yellow River Statue, one of Lanzhou’s iconic sculptures, delicately carved to depict the warm scene of a mother and child, worth stopping to admire. Stroll along the Yellow River bank, passing Zhongshan Bridge, a century-old iron bridge spanning the Yellow River, known as "The First Bridge over the Yellow River." Standing on the bridge, watch the rushing Yellow River flow beneath your feet, feeling the collision of history and reality. - Evening: White Pagoda Mountain and Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street Climb White Pagoda Mountain at dusk, where the towering white pagoda echoes Zhongshan Bridge. From here, overlook the entire Lanzhou city as the lights come on and the Yellow River banks sparkle. After descending, head to Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street, lined with shops and various specialty stores, where you can also taste many snacks and experience the lively local atmosphere. DAY 2: Natural Scenery and Unique Neighborhood Experience - Morning: Ink Wash Danxia Scenic Area Early morning, visit Lanzhou Ink Wash Danxia Scenic Area, where the Danxia landforms display colorful hues of red, yellow, orange, and green interwoven, resembling a natural ink wash painting under the sunlight. The scenic area has multiple viewing platforms; it is recommended to take the sightseeing bus, stop at the platforms to take photos, and appreciate this masterpiece of nature. - Afternoon: Yellow River Tower and Lanzhou Old Street After lunch, return to the city to visit Yellow River Tower. This ancient-style building is magnificent; from the tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Yellow River scenery. Inside, there are several themed exhibition halls showcasing Yellow River culture and Lanzhou’s development history. Next, visit Lanzhou Old Street, with its antique architecture and distinctive shops, making you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Here, you can browse creative shops for Lanzhou-themed souvenirs or find a teahouse to enjoy a pot of Sanpao tea and experience a slow-paced life. - Evening: Lanshan Santai Pavilion and Nanguan Night Market At dusk, climb Lanshan Santai Pavilion, an excellent spot to overlook Lanzhou’s night view. The myriad lights and the shimmering Yellow River create a breathtaking scene. After descending, head straight to Nanguan Night Market, where a dazzling array of delicious food awaits, starting a feast for your taste buds. 🍜 Taste of Lanzhou - Beef Noodles: A must-try in Lanzhou, different from other places’ "Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles," Lanzhou beef noodles emphasize "one clear, two white, three red, four green, five yellow." Recommended are Mazilu Beef Noodles, with chewy noodles and rich broth; Cangying Beef Noodles offer a spicy aroma, paired with a soft-boiled egg that is simply perfect. - Hand-Pulled Lamb: A Northwest specialty, Shajiatai hand-pulled lamb is tender and free of gamey taste, dipped in pepper salt to enjoy the original flavor; Asiya lamb hand-pulled meat paired with special sauce has a rich taste. - Specialty Snacks: - Gray Peas: Du Weicheng’s gray peas is a time-honored brand, slow-cooked with wood ash and peas, sweet and soft with a dense texture. - Stuffed Noodles: Gaodan stuffed noodles are chewy and fragrant with sesame paste and chili oil; the water-washed version is smoother. Mazilu stuffed noodles are recommended. - Sweet Fermented Barley Drink: Made from fermented oats or highland barley, it is sweet and refreshing, perfect for cooling down. - Lamb Offal Soup: Anboer lamb offal soup is fresh and delicious, with cleanly prepared offal, garnished with coriander and chili, warming and satisfying. ⚠️ Travel Tips 1. Lanzhou’s climate is dry; remember to carry a water bottle and stay hydrated; those with dry skin should bring moisturizing skincare products. 2. Local food mainly features noodles and beef or lamb, with strong flavors. If you’re not used to it, you can choose some light porridge shops or restaurants with more vegetables. 3. Attractions are far apart; city transportation options include subway, bus, or taxis. Plan your routes in advance and arrange your time reasonably. 4. The Yellow River flows swiftly; be sure to pay attention to safety when playing near the river, avoid dangerous areas, and especially watch out for children. Step onto this land, measure Lanzhou’s charm with your footsteps, savor the passion of the Northwest with your taste buds, and start an unforgettable journey in the Golden City!