Lanzhou — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Lanzhou.
Gansu's capital on the Yellow River — the noodle capital famous for hand-pulled beef noodles.
🍜 Signature dishes in Lanzhou
- 兰州牛肉面Lanzhou Beef Noodles
- 灰豆子Gray Bean Soup
- 酿皮子Liangpi Noodles
- 手抓羊肉Hand-pulled Lamb
- 牛奶鸡蛋醪糟Milk Egg Ferment
- 浆水面Fermented Noodles
- 甜醅子Sweet Grain
- 羊肉串Lamb Skewers
🎟️ Top things to do
- Wutai Mountain
Scenic ridge
- Lanzhou Waterwheel Park
Old waterwheels
- Zhongshan Bridge
Iron bridge, 1909
- White Pagoda Hill
Hilltop river views
- Gansu Museum
Silk Road treasures
- Yellow River Mother Statue
Riverside icon
- Wuquan Mountain
Scenic ridge
- Waterwheel Park
Old waterwheels
- Yellow River Night Cruise
City lights from the river
- Zhengning Road Night Market
Famous night market
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Lanzhou?
Take the metro or a taxi from LHW (Zhongchuan) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Lanzhou on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Lanzhou. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Lanzhou visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
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Data provided by PivotCN · airport (LHW (Zhongchuan)) · verify with official sources before travel.