清真·胡家包子(七里河店)

There happened to be a Hujia Baozi nearby, which was a chain store and a time-honored brand. When we arrived at the restaurant, we had to wait for the carrot and beef buns we had planned, so we ordered half a basket of beef buns and a bowl of millet porridge. I first got the millet porridge, drank a few sips, and then went to get the buns. Half a basket had 5 buns, not too big.

Gansu, you're not promoting Lanzhou...you're so clueless!! Why didn't anyone tell me there were so many delicious things to eat besides Gansu Mala Tang? Luckily, I did my research! I ate [One][Zero] meals in two days 🙈 Every meal was incredibly satisfying!! Lanzhou is a treasure trove! 👇🏻 Here's a highly efficient food and shopping list! Check out the restaurants that are close by! Use the time in between to digest your food. 1⃣️Hujia Baozi: Giant carrot buns 2⃣️Qingzhen Mogouyan Beef Noodles: 8 yuan a bowl of beef noodles 3⃣️Haijia Chuan Chuan Mala Tang: A different kind of Gansu Mala Tang 4⃣️Zaihuishou Snacks: Spicy Three Delicacies, Gray Beans, Liangpi (cold skin noodles), Potato Pie 5⃣️Qingzhen Yililai Dry Pot: Shrimp and Chicken Wing Combo 6⃣️Fangha Sweet Fermented Rice Milk Tea: Sweet fermented rice milk tea, ice cream mochi buns 7⃣️Longnan Jiaotuan King: Sauerkraut Jiaotuan (stirred rice dumplings) 8⃣️Pei Afu Apricot Peel Tea: Apricot peel tea [Nine]Chuntai Hand-Grabbed: Hand-grabbed lamb chops, stir-fried veal 1⃣️[Zero]Fengqin Secret Dessert: Four-in-one, Cut Cake

If you're traveling to Lanzhou for tourism or business, you absolutely cannot miss this steamed bun shop! I'd call it the pinnacle of steamed buns I've ever eaten—I ate the most in one go, four in one go!!! The buns have thin skins and generous fillings; one bite and the broth drips straight to your heart. They have meat and beef fillings, beef and carrot fillings, and vegetarian fillings too. We ordered one beef and one vegetarian, and they were both incredibly delicious! My carb-loving brain went absolutely crazy!!! Most importantly, it's the chili oil I've only ever had in Lanzhou. It's truly the soul of the place—fragrant but not spicy. Pouring it over the buns instantly infuses them with flavor. One bite is like fireworks exploding in your brain; it's so fragrant you can't move. A local told me that there's a queue every morning at this shop. After leaving Lanzhou, this is the taste I miss most. After eating at Hu Jia Steamed Buns, I finally understand what "one bite of bun, one taste of soul" means. It's definitely a hidden gem of Lanzhou cuisine. Everyone who goes there, go check it out!!!

Arriving at Lanzhou West Station in the morning, I immediately searched for nearby Lanzhou noodles and found Mogouyan [all the food options are on page 8]. It was about 800 meters away, and the shop was mostly frequented by locals. The service was so-so (a few middle-aged men ignored customers), but the noodles were indeed delicious, quite different from Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles. They had beef chunks, not just lightly sliced ​​beef. After breakfast, I took the water bus, which I did by bicycle. (I feel like when crossing overpasses, you absolutely can't just rely on the navigation; you have to look around, maybe it's on the other side. But because you can't ride a bike against traffic, the navigation will make you take a longer route.) It was really fun for three yuan. After getting off the bus, I took the subway to Gansu Museum. On the way, I passed the provincial government building. There was a zebra crossing right in front of me, but I didn't notice it and saw someone standing guard ahead. Lust got the better of me! I didn't realize I couldn't cross at the intersection! But I didn't want to turn back, and finally crossed the zebra crossing only to find the subway entrance was on the other side of the road, hahaha, so funny! Lust got me! Gansu Museum was alright (I didn't see the original Flying Horse of Gansu), but the cultural and creative products there are truly exceptional!! Nobody leaves empty-handed; everyone goes on a shopping spree. Afterwards, there's an underground market selling local specialties. I didn't buy any of the lilies or other random things; I bought one bag of every flavor of yogurt. My personal ranking of Lanzhou yogurt: Bitter Rose > Fermented Rice > Sweet Fermented Rice > Fermented Rice Water > Lily Bulb > Soft Pear. After buying everything, I rode my bike to Hu's Steamed Buns—delicious! There were so many people, many were packing up huge bags of food. The wait was quite long. They only sell half portions, so I bought two flavors, but I couldn't finish them all, so I forced myself to eat them. This shop is right next to Xiaoxi Lake and the Yellow River Bridge, a perfect spot for a city walk. I cycled directly to the Yellow River Bridge because I wanted to finish at Xiaoxi Lake. I also wanted to eat some hand-pulled noodles there that evening (I did eat them, but I couldn't tell which one I wanted; there were so many with the same name, and the owners just brought them to the shop, but they all seemed pretty good). Just keep walking along the Yellow River. The sunshine was wonderful. I was so full and dizzy, I just wanted to lie down and take a nap. I tried to find rose jam at the market because I'd read other people's guides, but to no avail. I ended up adding thousands of steps, reaching over 30,000 steps that day. My dad caught me and asked why I'd done a month's worth of steps in one day. It's fun that you can add routes now!

🐑 Just got back from Lanzhou! 3 days, 2 nights, 1200+ RMB per person, a healing trip of carbs and the Yellow River Anyone who understands? 😭 Lanzhou is so much more than just beef noodles! The evening breeze by the Yellow River, the fragrant hand-pulled lamb, the rich history of the Silk Road—this trip truly touched my heart! I've compiled a super-realistic, test-based guide, covering budget, route, food, and attractions—all practical information. Beginners can copy this without hesitation! Pure sharing, no ads! 💰Real Budget Breakdown (1200+ RMB per person, excluding major transportation) • Accommodation: 300-500 RMB/night (Super convenient city center or Yellow Riverfront location! Budget hotels are 150+ RMB per person, riverside guesthouses are 250+ RMB per person, with Yellow River views right outside the window 🌊) • Dining: 150 RMB per day (Carb lovers rejoice! Beef noodles are 15 RMB and you'll be stuffed, main dishes are 60+ RMB per person, night market snacks are 5-20 RMB for everything) • Transportation: Taxi fare starts at 10 RMB within the city, bus fare is 1-2 RMB, riding shared bikes along the Yellow River is super pleasant 🚲; Airport/train station to city center is about 30-50 RMB • Entrance Fees: Under 50 RMB in total (Most attractions are free! Baitashan Park is 10 RMB, Shuimo Danxia is an option, students with ID get a better deal) • Additional expenses: Local specialties (beef jerky, lily bulbs) approximately 100 RMB, creative souvenirs within 50 RMB • Total: 1200-1500 RMB per person (for good food, drinks, and comfortable accommodation; students can keep it under 1000 RMB by budgeting accommodation) 🌟 Must-see attractions (with photogenic tips and avoidance tricks) • Yellow River Iron Bridge (Zhongshan Bridge): ✅ The First Bridge Across the Yellow River! During the day, admire the ancient brick bridges against the backdrop of the flowing Yellow River; at night, the colorful lights create a romantic atmosphere, perfect for taking stunning night photos 🌉 (Free! Recommended to go in the evening to capture both the sunset and the night view, avoiding the midday sun.) • Baitashan Park: ✅ A 10-minute climb to the top offers panoramic views of Lanzhou and the winding Yellow River. Ancient temples and lush greenery create a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for taking atmospheric photos 🏞️ (Entrance fee 10 RMB; wear comfortable sneakers, and remember to bring a jacket as it can be windy at the summit.) • Gansu Provincial Museum: ✅ A treasure trove of Silk Road civilization! Must-sees include the Flying Horse of Gansu (take the right angle for photos), dinosaur fossils, and painted pottery. A 2-hour visit will broaden your knowledge 📜 (Free! Book 3 days in advance via the official WeChat account; closed Mondays; bring your ID card for entry.) • Yellow River Tower: ✅ A new landmark of Lanzhou! The Tang Dynasty-style architecture is magnificent, and the nighttime light show is absolutely stunning. The view of the Yellow River Tower at night is incredibly atmospheric! ✨ (Exterior view is free, climbing the tower is optional; we recommend viewing it from a distance for better photos.) • Lanzhou Old Street: ✅ Super lively at night! Ancient-style streets with blue bricks and gray tiles, red lanterns hanging high, intangible cultural heritage performances, and unique shops—perfect for an after-dinner stroll 📸 (Free! Avoid the daytime sun; the atmosphere is better at night, and the snacks are slightly more expensive than at the night market). 🗺️3 Days 2 Nights Classic Itinerary (Super Comfortable, No Rushing) • Day 1: Arrive in Lanzhou → Yellow River Scenic Belt → Night Market Carnival 🚗 Afternoon: After arriving and checking into the hotel, head straight to the Yellow River Iron Bridge for a stroll with the evening breeze from the Yellow River. Take photos at the classic Zhongshan Bridge spot. 🌮 Evening: Explore the Nanguan Night Market/Zhenning Road Night Market, trying out lamb skewers, liangpi (cold skin noodles), and sweet fermented rice—experience the vibrant atmosphere of Lanzhou. 🌙 Evening: Enjoy a night cruise along the Yellow River Scenic Belt, watch the Yellow River Tower light show, and ride shared bikes along the riverbank—super relaxing! • Day 2: History and Culture → Panoramic View 🍜 Morning: Make a bowl of authentic Lanzhou beef noodles (it's even more authentic when eaten early! Get the thin noodles with meat and egg!) 🕌 Morning: Visit the Gansu Provincial Museum, immerse yourself in Silk Road culture, and take photos with the Flying Horse of Gansu. 🥘 Noon: Eat hand-pulled mutton and fermented noodle soup near the museum to replenish your energy. 🏯 Afternoon: Climb Baitashan Park, reach the top for a panoramic view of Lanzhou, and then take a sheepskin raft ride on the Yellow River (optional, a fantastic experience). • Day 3: Slow stroll through the old city → Return trip ☕ Morning: Eat Hu's steamed buns and apricot juice; the soft buns are so delicious you'll want to lick the plate clean! 🚶 Morning: Stroll through Lanzhou Old Street, visit intangible cultural heritage shops, and buy local specialties such as beef jerky and lilies. 🌉 Lunch: Finish with a hearty braised mutton meal, then pack your bags and head back, picking up a bowl of sweet fermented rice as a souvenir along the way. 🍜Lanzhou Food Recommendations (No Disappointments! Locals Love Them Too) • Lanzhou Beef Noodles: The soul of Lanzhou beef noodles lies in its "clear broth, white sauce, red chili oil, green toppings, and yellow sauce"! Choose either thin or extra thin noodles, add a side of beef and a braised egg, and serve with garlic slices – super fragrant! 🍜 (15-25 RMB/serving; go to an old-fashioned restaurant in the morning for a fresher broth) • Hand-pulled mutton: Tender and not gamey, dipped in salt and pepper or minced garlic – incredibly satisfying! 🐑 (60+ RMB per person, sold by weight, perfect with rice) • Braised mutton: The mutton is stewed until tender and flavorful, with a rich broth; it's delicious with noodles! 🌶️ (50+ RMB per person, super warming in autumn and winter) • Liangpi (cold skin noodles): Chewy and flavorful, drizzled with chili oil, vinegar, and garlic sauce, topped with cucumber strips and gluten – a tangy and spicy appetizer! 🥢 (10-15 RMB/serving, available at night markets and small shops) • Sweet fermented oat milk: A sweet and sour dessert made from fermented oats, it can be eaten directly or mixed with water to make a refreshing drink 🍶 (5-10 RMB/serving, a local favorite) • Grilled lamb skewers: Freshly grilled over charcoal, tender and juicy meat, sprinkled with cumin and chili, so fragrant you'll want to stomp your feet 🍖 (5-10 RMB/skewer, a must-try at night markets) ⚠️Tips to Avoid Pitfalls 1. Beef noodle pitfalls: Don't trust "trendy" restaurants! The old, local eateries along the roadside are more authentic. No need to specifically look for a particular place; eating early is better than late. 2. Transportation tips: Some sections of the road along the Yellow River have traffic restrictions. Use reputable taxi platforms; avoid unlicensed taxis to avoid being overcharged. 3. Clothing suggestions: Large temperature differences between day and night in spring and autumn; layer with a jacket. In summer, wear sunscreen and sunglasses; remember to bring a hat as it can be windy along the Yellow River. 4. Ticket reminder: Advance booking is essential for the Gansu Provincial Museum! Weekends are crowded, go early to avoid the crowds. 5. Food Tip: Lamb is warming in nature, so pair it with fermented noodle soup or sweet fermented rice to cut through the richness. Those with sensitive stomachs should consume in moderation. Lanzhou is truly a city you'll love more and more the more you explore it. It offers the comfort of carbohydrates and the grandeur of the Yellow River. I definitely want to come back for more beef noodles! #PlacesYouGetAskedAboutOnWeChat #CityCultureNotes #OffTheBeatenPathDiscovery #LanzhouTourism #RomanticDomesticTravelDestinations