Lanzhou is China's great Yellow River city and the practical gateway between the central plains, Hexi Corridor, Qinghai and Gannan. Its core experience is compact: Gansu's museums, the riverfront, Zhongshan Bridge, White Pagoda Hill, tea beside the water and a bowl of beef noodles ordered like a local. Two days are enough for the city; add more only for a confirmed regional excursion.
