A Millennium of Fireworks and Hidden Landscapes Along the Yellow River Pearl

I. Essential Pre-Trip Info

Best Seasons: April-May (willow-lined Yellow River Scenic Belt) or September-October (crisp autumn air). Summer visits require sun protection.
Documents: ID card, student ID (half-price at some attractions), health code.
Gear: Comfortable walking shoes (many cobblestone paths), sunglasses, thermos (for Sanpaotai tea), sun protection.

II. In-Depth Exploration of Core Attractions

1. Zhongshan Bridge · First Bridge Over the Yellow River

- Activities: Cross at dawn for morning light; photograph "iron bridge reflections" during night illuminations. North end connects directly to Baita Mountain for panoramic views.

- Hidden gem: "Yellow River Cableway" (¥40 one-way) northwest of bridge to White Cloud Temple, capturing the river's bends from above.

2. Yellow River Scenic Belt · Riverside Stroll

- Route: Mother River Statue (morning reflections) → Waterwheel Expo (ancient irrigation) → River Cruise (¥49 one-way for riverside views).

- Photographer's spot: Waterwheel Square 500m east of expo for drone shots of "waterwheel clusters + river" panorama.

3. Gansu Provincial Museum · Home of Galloping Horse Treading on Flying Swallow

- Must-see: 2F "Silk Road Civilization" (original bronze horse exhibit), 3F "Gansu Painted Pottery" (Banshan-type drum pottery).

- Hands-on: Touch fossil replicas in "Yellow River Ancient Elephant Hall" (B1), buy "Galloping Horse" fridge magnets at museum shop.

4. Lanshan Night View · City Summit

- Experience: Drive up Fuzhi Road at dusk (30min) to Santai Pavilion for sunset; sip Sanpaotai tea at Lanshan Park while overlooking city lights.

- Budget tip: Post-7pm when cable car (¥30 one-way) closes, hike up (≈1hr).

III. Itinerary Suggestions

Classic 3-Day

- Day1: Zhongshan Bridge → Baita Mountain → Yellow River Scenic Belt → Zhengning Road Night Market (milk-egg fermented glutinous rice)

- Day2: Provincial Museum → Wuquan Mountain (wishing at Moziquan Spring) → Lanshan night view

- Day3: Waterwheel Expo → River Cruise → Xiguan Grand Mosque → Nanguan Night Market (lamb skewers)

In-Depth 5-Day

- Day4: Hekou Rafting (summer) → Renshou Mountain Park (peach blossom grove)

- Day5: Tulugou National Forest Park (hiking) → Departure

IV. Food Guide

- Must-try:

- Beef noodles (Mogouyan's "first-broth" with fried egg; Ma Anjun's chili oil version)

- Hand-torn mutton (Zhonghua Mutton City, served with pepper salt + garlic)

- Liangpi (cold wheat noodles with mustard oil at Jin Qiang)

- Street snacks:

- Grey beans (Du Weicheng's shop, summer cooler)

- Sweet fermented barley (at Ma San Potato Chips, tangy flavor)

- Fried glutinous cakes (Zhengning Road, crispy red bean filling)

- Local secrets:

- Ma Ye Fermented Rice (Zhengning Road's queue champion with egg+ milk+ goji)

- Riverside tea stalls (Sanpaotai tea + baked buns for lazy afternoons)

V. Accommodation Picks

- Chengguan District:

- SFEEL Designer Hotel (Zhangye Pedestrian St, ¥100+/night smart rooms, walk to Zhongshan Bridge)

- Atour Hotel (Xiguan Cross branch, subway access + free laundry)

- Unique stays:

- Riverside B&Bs ("River View Rooms" with premium pricing)

VI. Pro Tips & Warnings

1. Transport:

- Airport metro (¥18) saves 30min vs bus; downtown cabs start at ¥10.

- Drive to Lanshan before 9am or after 7pm to avoid traffic.

2. Tickets:

- Book museum tickets via WeChat 1 day prior (free but required).

- Baita Mountain Park offers free morning entry (6:30-7:30).

3. Cultural Notes:

- Remove shoes at mosques; women borrow headscarves at entrance.

- Avoid public alcohol or sensitive topics.

4. Local Secrets:

- Dazhong Alley (time-honored eateries), Mutalane (breakfast stalls)

- Lanzhou Stele Forest (free calligraphy exhibits)

Travel Essence: Hear the Yellow River's roar at Zhongshan Bridge, watch city lights from Lanshan Peak, taste northwest passion in night market smoke—Lanzhou's beauty lives in steaming beef noodle bowls and every "Master, extra chili!" shouted with gusto. 🗺️