Where to Go in Lanzhou?

Of course, you can explore the city on your own and then join our exclusive small group tour to Gannan! Lanzhou has plenty of fun attractions and delicious food, so we recommend spending two days thoroughly enjoying the city.

Day 1: First Impressions of Lanzhou
Arrive in Lanzhou in the morning and visit the Gansu Provincial Museum to admire treasures like the Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow (reservation required). For lunch, try authentic Lanzhou beef noodles at Mogouyan or Anboer. In the afternoon, stroll along the Yellow River Scenic Line, visit the Yellow River Mother Sculpture and Waterwheel Garden, and experience a sheepskin raft ride. In the evening, climb White Pagoda Mountain Park for a panoramic view of the city, and don’t miss the night view of Zhongshan Bridge. For accommodation, we recommend staying near Xiguan Cross.

Day 2: In-depth Lanzhou Tour
In the morning, visit the Lanzhou Stele Forest, then head to Zhengning Road Night Market to taste local snacks like milk egg custard and Liangpi. In the afternoon, choose between Wuqian Mountain Park or taking a cable car up Gaolan Mountain. In the evening, visit Lanzhou Center to shop for essential supplies for the next day’s trip to Gannan.

After enjoying two days in Lanzhou, you can switch to "since you’re here" mode and consider joining a group tour or renting a car to explore the surrounding areas. Here’s a highlight of our four-day, three-night small group tour to Gannan (if interested, click the link to see other itineraries—we have something for everyone).

Day 1: Lanzhou → Liujiaxia Bridge → Ganjia Secret Land → Labrang Monastery → Xiahe
• 08:00 Depart from Lanzhou, arrive at Liujiaxia Bridge in 2 hours to see the confluence of the Yellow and Tao Rivers
• In the afternoon, explore the Ganjia Secret Land, including Bajiao City and Baishi Cliff
• 16:00 Arrive at Labrang Monastery (entrance fee: 40 RMB), follow a monk to visit the world’s longest prayer wheel corridor
• Overnight in Xiahe County

Day 2: Xiahe → Sangke Grassland → Guomang Wetland → Gahai Lake → Langmusi
• Morning crossing of Sangke Grassland, with optional horseback riding (50-80 RMB/hour)
• Pass through Guomang Wetland to see black-necked cranes, and visit Gahai Lake in the afternoon (entrance fee: 50 RMB)
• Arrive at Langmusi, the "Little Switzerland of the East," in the evening; try the apple pie at Lisa’s Restaurant

Day 3: Langmusi → Namo Grand Canyon → Ruoergai Flower Lake → Zhagana
• Morning visit to Langmusi (Gansu side entrance fee: 30 RMB), hike Namo Grand Canyon to find the source of the Bailong River
• Arrive at Ruoergai Flower Lake by noon (entrance fee + sightseeing bus: 115 RMB), enjoy birdwatching and reflections
• Reach Zhagana before sunset, stay in a Tibetan-style homestay, and stargaze at night

Day 4: Zhagana → Milarepa Buddha Pavilion → Lanzhou
• Morning view of Zhagana Stone City in the mist, visit a Tibetan family and taste butter tea
• Return to visit Milarepa Buddha Pavilion in Hezuo City (entrance fee: 20 RMB)
• Arrive back in Lanzhou around 8:00 PM, ending the trip

Travel Tips:
1. Gannan’s altitude is over 3000m, so bring windproof jackets, sunscreen, and Rhodiola supplements.
2. Our small groups are limited to 6 people, making it easy to stop for photos.
3. The best travel period is July-September for grassland flowers, or October for golden autumn scenery.
4. This fulfilling and beautiful 4-day trip costs about 2000 RMB/person (including transportation and accommodation, but tickets are self-paid).

This itinerary seamlessly combines Yellow River culture, grassland wetlands, and Tibetan charm. With two days of free exploration in Lanzhou followed by a four-day small group tour in Gannan, you’ll experience both the urban vibrancy of Lanzhou and the breathtaking beauty of Gannan’s hidden gems.