WELCOME TO LANZHOU
Lanzhou has certainly changed since the first foreign visitors started coming here 100 years ago. But the city retains its distinct character due to its location along a narrow valley astride the Yellow River, and the visible Muslim culture. The river is never far away, and the hills to the north and south offer spectacular views from hilltop tea gardens. Looking down on the city you'll be sure to spot some mosques. The Hui Muslim population is small but very visible. There are Halal qīngzhēn (清真) restaurants on every street (not all noodles, by the way), and if you are nearby a mosque at prayer time, you'll hear the call to prayer.
|
In May 2010, Lanzhou won a 'Best International Tourist City' award, and in 2011 Lanzhou came second in the list of cities with best landscapes (China Institute of City Competitiveness). You can find news and upcoming events on the eChinacities.com Lanzhou in Pulse page.
Walking around the city really feels no different from walking around most Chinese city centres. There is a pedestrian shopping street (with nearby antiques markets, see photo on the left), restaurants and bars, department stores where you can buy imported foodstuffs, and a big square. Again, like any typical Chinese city, Lanzhou has several parks, temples, museums, and opportunities to chance upon street performances of traditional music. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can even go ziplining, skiing (images), rock climbing or mountain biking. |