Have a look at this incredible series of photos "Qi Lihe" by Stephen JB Kelly (also published on the FOTO8 website, as a photodocumentary). He explores the area that I have covered in the "Walk to Hualin Ping", if you want to see the place for yourself.
 
 
As I'll be leaving Lanzhou soon, I thought I'd post some links to websites and blogs that might be of interest for travellers passing through Gansu, or thinking of working here. 

Hope you enjoy these, and feel free to pass some more recommendations back to me.