How to get to Lanzhou

As you plan your journey to Lanzhou, it is worth considering your logistics in advance, as this city is a significant transport hub in China. You can get here in various ways: the local airport receives numerous flights, and a developed railway network connects the region with the country's key metropolises. Whether you choose a quick flight or a scenic train ride, the journey will be a comfortable start to your acquaintance with Gansu Province.

The primary way to reach the city by air is via Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW). This is a key transport hub serving Lanzhou and ensuring stable connections with other regions.

The airport receives many scheduled flights from China's largest metropolises, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. Thanks to the wide geography of flights, travelers can easily find a convenient route or connection from anywhere in the country.

The airport is located at a distance from the urban area (approximately 70 kilometers to the north), but is excellently connected to the center by transport highways. The fastest way to reach the city after landing is to take the high-speed airport express train, which departs directly from the terminal.

Traveling by train is one of the most convenient and scenic ways to reach your destination. Lanzhou is a key railway hub in northwest China, acting as a gateway between the central provinces and the western regions of the country.

The city is integrated into the high-speed rail network, so it is easy to arrive here on modern express trains. The main hub for high-speed trains (categories G and D) is Lanzhou West Station. Trains from Xi'an, Beijing, Urumqi, and other major cities arrive here regularly. For example, the journey from Xi'an by high-speed train takes only about 3–4 hours.

The city also operates the old central station, which receives regular passenger trains. The railway route to this region is often called one of the most beautiful, as it partially follows the ancient Silk Road, offering passengers views of changing landscapes — from loess plateaus to mountain ranges.

Bus services effectively complement the railway network, connecting Lanzhou with neighboring provinces and corners of the region where rails have not yet been laid. This is a particularly relevant mode of transport for tourists heading from the southern part of Gansu (for example, from the Tibetan autonomous prefectures) or neighboring Qinghai.

Several large bus stations operate in the city, receiving trips from all directions. Thanks to modern expressways, the journey is quite comfortable and fast. The trip from the nearest major city, Linxia, takes only about 2–3 hours, and from Xining, you can get there in approximately 3 hours. From the bus window, impressive views of the loess hills and mountain valleys characteristic of this part of China open up.

Traveling to Lanzhou by car offers the opportunity to see the impressive contrasts of northwest China, from green highlands to desert loess hills. The region's road network is well-developed, and modern expressways make the trip comfortable and fast, allowing easy access to the city from neighboring provinces and districts.

One of the most scenic routes leads from the city of Hezuo, located in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The distance is about 230 kilometers, and the travel time will take approximately 3 hours. The road passes through colorful mountain landscapes, which are gradually replaced by the urban panorama of the Yellow River valley.

For travelers heading from the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the route from Guyuan is convenient. A trip of 350 kilometers along the expressway will take about 4.5 hours. This is a popular direction for those who want to combine visiting the region's historical monuments with a visit to a major metropolis.

If you are starting your journey from the vicinity of Lanzhou itself, for example, from Zhongchuan International Airport or the new district, the road to the center will take only about 1 hour (distance — 70 km). The average cost of a taxi ride along this route varies between 150–200 RMB, making a car a convenient alternative to the high-speed train.

Thorough preparation for your trip to Lanzhou will help avoid minor organizational issues and allow you to focus entirely on your experiences. To ensure your journey through this part of China is as comfortable and safe as possible, we have compiled a list of important recommendations regarding daily life, transportation, and local features.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The climate in the region is continental, so the weather can bring surprises. Even if your trip is planned for summer, be sure to take a light windbreaker or sweater for evening walks — temperature drops can be noticeable. Shoes should be as comfortable as possible, as there will be much sightseeing, often on foot.
2. Transport Nuances. To move around the city, it is most convenient to use a taxi; it is an inexpensive and fast way to get to your desired location. It is recommended to install Chinese ride-hailing apps (such as DiDi) in advance, as catching a car "off the street" during rush hour is difficult, and explaining the address to the driver without knowing the language can be problematic.
3. Financial Matters. Cash is used less and less in the country. The main advice is to install and set up Alipay or WeChat Pay in advance by linking your bank card to them. This is the primary payment method everywhere: from large shopping centers to street stalls. It is worth having a small reserve of cash RMB just in case.
4. Health and Water. Never drink tap water — it must be boiled or you should buy bottled water. Pharmacies are easily recognized by the green cross sign, but most medicines have names in characters, so it is better to bring the necessary minimum of medications with you.
5. Language Barrier. English is not widely spoken here, especially outside major hotels. Be sure to download an offline translator on your smartphone that can translate speech and text from the camera (for reading menus and signs). This app will become your main communication tool.
6. Local Etiquette. Residents appreciate restraint and politeness in communication. You can greet each other with a slight nod. Leaving tips in restaurants and taxis is not customary — this is not part of the culture and may be perceived with bewilderment.
7. Safety. Beware of unlicensed taxi drivers and intrusive touts near popular tourist places. Use only official transport. Also, try not to plan important movements between cities during national holidays when the transport system is overloaded.
8. Internet and Connectivity. Given the blocking of many familiar western services and social networks, take care of access to information in advance. Install the necessary VPN services or purchase a tourist SIM card with data roaming before entering to stay in touch with loved ones.

Observing these simple rules will make your visit to Lanzhou pleasant and carefree. The local atmosphere may seem unusual, but it is openness to new experiences and respect for traditions that will help you truly get to know this city.