Want to meet you in Lanzhou

Coming to Lanzhou, I always feel this lyric echoing in my ears. As a major city in the west, Lanzhou has broken my impression of the Northwest. This city by the Yellow River has nurtured the easygoing, hospitable character of the Lanzhou people. Although my stay was brief, I truly fell in love with this city 🏰 1. Transportation Guide 1️⃣ External Transportation - ✈️ Airplane: Arrive at Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport, then take the airport shuttle bus or intercity high-speed train (about 40 minutes) to the city center. - 🚄 Train: Lanzhou Station (Metro Line 2) and Lanzhou West Station (Metro Line 1) both offer convenient transfers to city transportation. 2️⃣ City Transportation - 🚇 Metro: 2 lines cover major attractions (such as Lanzhou West Station, Gansu Provincial Museum). - 🚌 Bus/BRT: Over 110 routes plus BRT rapid transit, supports Alipay QR code payment. - 🚕 Taxi: Starting fare 10 yuan, suitable for short trips. 2. Must-Visit Attractions 📍 Historical and Cultural - ✅ Zhongshan Bridge (Yellow River Iron Bridge): A century-old iron bridge, dazzling night lights, overlooking the magnificent Yellow River. - ✅ Gansu Provincial Museum: Home to the treasure "Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow" and Silk Road relic exhibitions, free admission with reservation. - ✅ Baita Mountain Park: Climb to the top for panoramic views of Lanzhou, connected to Zhongshan Bridge, ideal for evening visits. 📍 Natural Scenery - Lanzhou Ink Wash Danxia: Colorful Danxia landforms, sightseeing buses connect Silk Road ancient routes and other spots. - Xinglong Mountain: Known as "the top mountain of Longyou," covered with red autumn leaves, a summer resort. 📍 Urban Leisure - Yellow River Mother Sculpture: Lanzhou landmark, starting point of the Yellow River Scenic Line. - Waterwheel Expo Park: Experience the ancient Yellow River waterwheel culture. 👨👩👧👦 Family Recommendations - Lanzhou Wildlife Zoo: Interactive animal feeding. - Dunhuang Art Museum: Immersive experience of Dunhuang culture. 3. Food Recommendations 🍜 Must-Try Specialties - Lanzhou Beef Noodles: Recommended at Mogouyan and Wumu Le, standard "one clear broth, two whites, three reds, four greens." - Hand-Pulled Lamb/Barbecue: Donglanyuan hand-pulled lamb (milky and non-gamey), Gamazi barbecue (freshly grilled and skewered). - Snack Collection: Stuffed skin noodles, sweet fermented rice, milk egg fermented rice (at Maye or Donglanyuan). 🍴 Popular Restaurants - Hu’s Steamed Buns: Carrot beef buns with chili vinegar, sold by half baskets. - Zhengning Road Night Market: Gray beans, lamb skewers, fermented rice yogurt, full of local flavor. - Sanpaotai Tea Stall: Tea by the Yellow River (be cautious during summer flood season). 4. Accommodation Options 🏨 Recommended Areas - Xiguan/Zhangye Road Business District: Such as Atour Hotel, Home Inn Neo, close to Zhongshan Bridge and night market, convenient transportation. - Qilihe District: Yellow River Yinran Riverside Hotel, near the Provincial Museum, with smart facilities. - Unique Homestays: No. 59 Kangqiao Jun Villa (Moroccan style by the Yellow River), suitable for families or gatherings. 💰 Budget Reference - High-end: Yellow River Yinran Riverside (500+ yuan/night) - Mid-range: Atour Hotel (200-500 yuan/night) - Budget: 7 Days Premium, Hanting (100-200 yuan/night) 5. Nearby Short Trips 🚗 2-Day Itineraries - Yongjing Direction: Liujiaxia Reservoir (spectacular blue and yellow water convergence) → Bingling Temple Grottoes (stunning grotto art). - Jingtai Direction: Yellow River Stone Forest → Yongtai Ancient City (Ming Dynasty military fortress). 6. Practical Tips ⚠️ Precautions - Avoid water activities near the Yellow River during flood season (June-August), choose safe areas for tea drinking. - Respect Muslim customs, avoid loud noises or eating near mosques. - Keep valuables safe in crowded places like train stations. 🌤️ Best Travel Time - September to October: Crisp autumn air, fruit harvest, red leaves covering the mountains. - May to August: Cool summer, charming Yellow River night views, but remember sun protection and hydration.