A described in the main introduction to Lanzhou City, there are probably more things to see, experience and do in a wide ring around the City, then within it. To keep matters clear this introduction first deals with the landmarks, monuments and hotspots of the City first, the second half of this introduction is entirely dedicated to the Sights to See and Visit outside of the City of Lanzhou. There are many such excursions.
The Main sites of interest in Lanzhou are mainly found in the Chengguan District, which constitutes the original or 'Old City' of Lanzhou. Today there is nothing much Old about it, as most of the historic city was bombed away during incessant Japanese Air-raids during world war 2, or later offered up to the Progress of the City at some later time.
Today , Lanzhou is a fairly modern looking City, a city of skyscrapers built within a narrow strip of land along the Yellow River Banks. The Yellow River, also known as 'The Mother River' throughout China, cuts right through the city and even spawned the very itself, some 2000 years ago.
Until around 1950 AD, the Chengguan District constituted the City of Lanzhou and was its only urban district. Around lay only small villages and the odd mansion, temple or dagoba. Hence, a tour of the City of Lanzhou starts on the Chengguan District.
To make navigation somewhat easier, the Chengguan District extends roughly from West to East with the River running almost straight through it. Only in the very East the Yellow River makes a slight curve northward allowing for some additional urban space. In addition, Chengguan includes a part of the Northern Bank of the River, namely the Five Spring Mountain also known as the White Dagoba Hill (Baita Shan). This is the Hill that can be clearly seen on the North Bank, with a Temple Dagoba on Top, overlooking the City and River.
The Oldest Structures of the City of Lanzhou can be found (roughly) in the West, near or along the river banks, and in the center of the south banks' urban sprawl. Possibly however, they are NOT the oldest parts of Town as it is said that there are trees in the City that are older than any of the structures today. These are the scholar trees of Lanzhou, One of the Great Symbols for the City, of which it is said there are still 3400 standing in- and around the City today. The oldest tree in Lanzhou supposedly dates from the Tang Dynasty Era (618 AD - 907 AD) and is designated as the 'Tang Scholar Tree'.
Blooming in April and May, and providing easy shade in Summer, the trees can be found throughout the City. The scholar trees are well adapted to growth in arid regions with large temperature differences as are the 'Ming Elm' and the 'Zuguong Willow' which are the other types of old trees found around the City and its Parks.
Apart from the 1000 year old trees and their twisted trunks, the next ancient element in the City, again may not be a building or object, but a technology and a tradition. Today, nearly out of use within the urban realms of the City, the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 221 A.D.) invention of the Waterwheel provided for the basic conditions necessary for the agricultural development and then succesful colonization of these regions. Later, it was equally useful in the taming, damming and controlling of the Yellow River. To get taste of this ancient technology and see it all in practice, simply head down to the South river bank and follow it downstream to the Lanzhou Waterwheel Park.
Next in ancienity are the very people within the City of Lanzhou. With their bloodlines running back countless of generations (some) of the Hui Minority who are abundant in Lanzhou, actually belong to and adhere to a culture founded upon the traditions of Persian and Arabic Silk Road traders, the ones who entered China during the prosperous Han Dynasty (206 BC - 221 AD) and the later blossoming of the Silk Road during the Sui and Tang Dynasties (581 AD - 907 AD).
Although the Hui are the leading Minority of the City and the most visible in the Streets, other inhabitants stand at the end of equally impressiveblood-lines, derived from the Tibetan High Plateaux and or Mongolia. Among them are the Tu, Salar, The Yugur, and the Bao'An and Dongxiang, two groups which are exclsuively found in Gansu Province. Although the main population centers of these 'Tribes are scattered around Lanzhou some of them have moved to the City as well. If you are lucky, you may run into them.
The Hui are represented in many ways.
Start your tour of the City in the extreme West near the border with the Qilihe District upstream where appropriately tucked away in the West corner nearest to Mecca, stands the Cities' largest Mosque, the Xiguan Mosque, in Chinese Lánzhōu Xīguān Qīngzhēn Dà Sì (兰州西关清真大寺). This is a very good place to start getting acquainted with the Islamic Culture of the City.
A majestic and grandiose mosque in the Islamic style, it was originally founded in the Ming Dynasty Era (1368 AD - 1644 AD) as the Central Mosque in the 'Western Town', which was the home of the lesser citizens of the City including the Islamic Hui.
This was the normal arrangement for this Time. Similar arrangements were made in the Imperial Capital Beijing, where the Ox Street Mosque was equally located in the West and outside the City Walls, and in Jiuquan, administrative bordertown of the Great Wall of China in the West, where foreign Traders and Emissaries were lodged in the (western) Islamic Quarter, outside the walled city with the Han inhabitants.
Thus, at least since the Ming Dynasty Era the western section of the City (Chengguan District) was the Home of the Hui. Xiguan Mosque was their Central Mosque.
Foreign Language Bookstore
The Store ...
Lanzhou University
Modernity .. !
Dunhuang Art Gallery
Modernity .. !
Lanzhou Shui Temple Museum
Very well hidden away and noted by few guide-books is one of the Old charms of the City of Lanzhou ....
Gannan Lu - Main Boulevard
One of the Main City Boulevards ....
Yellow River - South Bank
The Great Yellow River flows right through the City of Lanzhou. In fact, Lanzhou as a City emerged from a settlement on a Crossing Point on the Yellow River that would become a vital passage during a dangerous journey on the Silk Road. One past the Yellow River ....
Islamic Street - Muslim Quarter
The Islamic faithis well represented in Lanzhou. But then, this City on the Yellow River Banks was historically vital and important on the Ancient Silk Road. Forcenturies the Hui Ethnic group havebeen the main representatives of Islamic Culture in the City. In the past most of them were located in the Xiguan, west city of the South Bank of the River. Walk down to the traditional Main Street of the 'Islamic Quarter' which today is only a narrow lanewithanusualMosque.
Hui Temple Market
The Store ...
Yellow River - Fuci Street Bridge
The ..
Map Great Wall China - Layers of Dynasties and Era's
A Schematic Map of China and East-Asia, with a super-imposed schematic of the various layers of the Great Wall of China.
Features Pre-Qin Dynasty Wall, Qin Dynasty Wall, Western Han Great Wall of China, the (Northern) Jin Dynasty Great Wall and finally the Ming Dynasty Great Wall as mainly remains today.
Main Features are Names and locations location of Passes on the Great Wall of China, outer layer and inner layer. Includes Shanhai Pass, Huangya Guan (Yellow Cliff) Pass, JiYunGuan Pass, Ningwu Guan Pass, Pingxin Guan, YaMen Guan Pass, Pian Guan Pass, JiaYuGuan pass, YuMen Guan Pass (Jade Gate) and Yang Guan Pass.
Further included for reference are City names, geographical features of landscape and main mountain ranges. Updates occur several times a year adding new pass locations and photo-virtual tours of Passes throughout China.
Yellow River - Zhongshan Bridge
The Great Yellow River ..
the Zhongshan Bridge is also known as Sun Yat-Sen Bridge.
Lanzhou Old City Center
The ....
The Concrete Revolution - critical chinese made documentary film on the destruction of Hutong of Beijing and the creation of the Olympic City of 2008. Buy it ! - Click Here
Yellow River - Zhongli Bridge
The Great Yellow River flows right through the City of Lanzhou. In fact, Lanzhou as a City emerged from a settlement on a Crossing Point on the Yellow River that would become a vital passage during a dangerous journey on the Silk Road. One past the Yellow River ....
YongdingTowncenterliesontheNorth-EastpointoftheLiujiaxiaYellowRiverGorgeinLinxiaHuiAutonomousCounty.Inhistory,longbeforetherisingoftheLiuJiaXiahydro-electricDamoftheYellowRiverandwithitsthewatersofaLakeReservoir,the Ancient TownofYongjing (and Luijiaxiaxiang) wasfamousforitsscenery. Here was a spectacular corner in the river which more upstream seasonally turned into a mud-brown devil-spurred torrent that thundered down through the bends of the Luijiaxia (Gorge). At the time it was a spectacular, even frightening thing to see, hence the reputation of this remote gorge throughout the nationspread by poets and other speakers.
It was significant in a military sense as well...
Today the main reason to travel to Yongjing Town is clearly that it serves as the Gateway Town for the famous Bingling Si Buddhist Caves. The caves themselves lie in a small side-valley located all the way on the upper end of the lake reservoir. Head out to the town by Bus, Car or Train and rent aboat or boat-ride to travel for over 1 and a half hours across the reservoir and reach the Bingling Buddhist Complex.
more traditional markets and temples,
RunningaroundtheSouthoftheCityaretheyellowrivergorgecliffsoftheLoessPlateaux.OntopofthePlateauxsitsacollectionofHillsknown as the Gaolan Mountain Range, ofwhichthehighesttopisknowasLanshanMountain.
The Lanshan Park is known to Lanzhou's citizens as the first artificial park in the City. It was established only after the 1949 establishment of The peoples Republic, and isone of the prides of the City Government.Reachinganelevation of almost 500meters above sea level, theparkcontains pavilions, halls and a profusion of trees.
To find your way upthere,followJinchangNanlutoitsverysouthernendandgoacrosstherailroads.Fromthereturnleft(andEast)upastreetknownasHepinglu.Itisabout500meters walking totheentrancetoWuquanparkwhereonecanbuyentrancetickets.Onceinside,takethefirstsmallroadleadingtotheright(South)anduphilltoclimbyourwaytothepeakorgetaboardforthecable-cartridetotheTop.Thecableridetakesabout20minutestotravelalongthecliffstotheTopterminal,quiteaninterestingride.
Intheendoneisrewardedwithgreatviewsofthecityaswellassomecoolingwinds,whichcanbeverywelcomeafteralenghtyclimbinsummer.Itissaidthatthe temperature inside the park is -onaverage- around 5 degrees Celcius lower than inthe city belowit,henceitspoplaritywiththeinhabitantsoftheChengguanDistrict.DwellaroundthelandscapedgardenandpavilionsenjoyingthescenesandtheviewsoftheCitybelow.Onaveragedays,theusualsmogstakesawaymuchofthehorizonbutitsstillworthyourwhiletospendyourdayreachingthetop.EspeciallytheSteleGardenandTempleatopLanshanHillareamongthehiddentreasuresoftheCity.From down belowonthevalleyflooritcanhardlyberecognizedasasiteofmajorimportance.Onlythepointyroofisvisible.
TheParksareopenfrom8:00 AM to 20:00 PM from May through October. Bus Line 31 and Line 34 have stops near the the Railroad crossing and Jinchang Nanlu.
also known locally as the Five Springs Mountain due to the fact that -at one time- no less than five springs sprouted from it to deliver clear and refreshing water. In this arid and dust-ridden landscape such a thing must mean that the Hill was and is blessed, hence the gradual construction of a whole set of religious buildings and pavilions along the way to its top. surprising and magnificent Lanzhou Steles Forest (兰州碑林 Lánzhōu Bēilín)
XILIHE DISTRICT:
Gansu Provincial Museum.
Stele Fortress.
Temple of Literature.
Wuji Mountain Tourist Scenic Zone.
Lianhuachi Mosque.
Gonglin Road Mosque.
Lanzhou Martyrs Museum.
Gansu Western Railroad Station.
West Lake Park.
Shitouping Forest Park.
Qiaomen Mosque, Sand-gravel land form at Tianfusha Palace.
ANNING DISTRICT:
LanzhouearthquakemuseuminAnningDistrict.
Lanzhou Botanical Gardens.
Bao 'An Temple.
Longwang Temple adjacent Zhongli Bridge.
EXCURSIONS OUTSIDE THE CITY OF LANZOU:
Various.
Shifogou National Forest Park.
Xinlongshan National reserve.
Liujiaxia Hydro-Electric Dam.
Bingling Caves.
Xiahe' and Labrang Monastery.
Great Wall of China. Hard to locate.
Yongdeng county, some 4 kilometers of the most ancient Great Wall dating from the Han Dynasty.
A Full Google Earth Supported Map of Lanzhou by Google.com
MapTibetHistoricalBorders
A Schematic Map of Historical Tibet, today Tibet Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province and a part of Sichuan province.
Included for reference are current Internationa Borders, provincial borders, locations and names of main cities and towns, main rivers, mountains and other places of significance.
Further Reports link to More Photos and History & Backgrounds of each City, Town or Ethnic Community of Yugur, Dongxiang Tibetan, Lhoba, KazakhMongol or others where available.
Today Tibet only exists as Tibet Autonomous Region of China !
Lanzhou
Xining
Guyuan
Wuwei
Zhangye
Dingbian
Yulin
Zhongwei
Shanhai Guan/Pass
Zhangjiakou
Lop Nor
(Salt lake)
Yu Men Pass
A Schematic Map of the Several Layers of the Great Wall of China defenses as they existed during the Ming Dynasty (1368 AD - 1644 AD) in Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Shanxi and Hebei Provinces. Map includes location of + link to Great Wall Passes as reported on by ChinaReport.com. Mouse over & Click Links for more Information and Photos.
Yang Guan Pass
Jia Yu Guan Pass
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YanMen Guan Pass
Pian Guan Pass
Ordos Desert
TengGer Desert
Taklamakan Desert
Gobi Desert
Gobi Desert
Gobi Desert
Ngoring Hu
Wei River
X
Pingxing Guan Pass
Damaqun Shan
Sanguankou
Wei River
Yellow River
Yellow River
Fen River
Xiguan Huizu Si - West Gate Mosque
Althoughentirelymodernstyledandbuiltinthe1990's,XiguanMosque,byitsnameanditshistoryrepresentstheHuiMinorityandthecities'milleniaoldtieswiththeSilkRoad. Admire thetheUFOlikeMinaretswiththeirbrightnightlylightsfromafarduringatripontheyellowriver,orheaddownforapersonalvisit.Once at thecenterofLanzhou'slesserdistrict,Xiguan,theMosqueisagreatplacetostarta(hiking) tourofthehistoriccity.Othermonumentsarenearby.
The Xiguan Mosque of today is an entirely modern structure built on the grounds of the Old Mosque in the year 1990 AD. Not much information can be found on its history during the Dungang Revolts of the Hui during the Qing Dynasty (1644 AD - 1911 AD) , nor its situation during ban on religious activities that was part of the slightly more recent 'Cultural Revolution'. Likely the Mosque was closed from 1962 AD to 1985 AD, after which new policies allowed for the re-opening of Temples and
Mosques.
The huge mosque is currently one of the largest in China (P.R.C.) and certainly in the North-West. Although not visible from all over town due to the abundance of highrises, its brightly lit evenings lights help put a lively face on the nightime city.
Find at Eastern Jiefangmen Square some way uphill from the River Bank and +/- 300 meters west of Xiguan Crossing (西关什字 Xīguān Shízì). The mosque welcomes tourists, with the condition that only Muslim are allowed to enter the large rounded prayer hall.
Strolldowntothe Taoist BaiyunGuantogetsenseoftheancientandmosttraditionalLanzhou.InthisfineobvioulsyChingDynastyEra-styled Temple, which includes a small Theater, its a colorful world of wooden architecture, delicate and lively rock carvings and ever present visitors and worshippers.
The WhiteCloudpagodahonorsitsnamebycontinuouslyemanatingcloudsofwhiteincensesmokeandcanbefoundontheSouthBankoftheRiverjustupstreamfromtheZhongshanBridge.
The first Temple of Lanzhou was a Taoist Temple, no doubt. The presence of Daoism in the City goes back all the way to the founding years of the City, and even further to the years of the Zhou Dynasty. During the Zhou Dynasty (1121 BC - 256 BC) already, a nearby Mountain, Xinglong, was revered as a Taoist Holy Place. At the time the three main Philosophies at the core of Chinese Civilization itself were; Confucianism, Legalism and Daoism.
defenses of the City of Lanzhou. Because of its frontier like reputation and its reclusive location and the peace guaranteed by Imperial Armies it soon once more became attractive to the adherents of Daoism. During the earliest centuries of the City it became a paradise for Taoist wisemen, seeking enlightenment in the confines and rawness of this far away destination. The Taoist stayed on until this very day and the White Cloud Pagoda is their main shrine within the urban confines of the City. Several others are located outside of town however, among things at Xinglong Mountain some five kilometers south-west of the City
(See: Excursions outside of Lanzhou).
Only later the Buddhist Faith entered China through the pathways of the Silk Road. The First Buddhist Temple built in China was the Bai Ma Si - White Horse Temple near Luoyang in Henan Province, which was founded in the year 1 AD. Not very much later Lanzhou itself would become a center of the Buddhist Faith, as more and more were converted and Monks started flocking along the early trails of the Silk Road. The new 'foreign' faith would grow and grow, to have lasting influence throughout the regions and even Asia
The main Buddhist Temple and Monument of Lanzhou can be found atop White Dagoba Hill (Baita Shan), a hill on the North Bank of the River opposite of the 'Old City' and the other main historic monuments of Chengguan District.
Overlooking the River from this high vantage point stands the White Dagoba (Baita) and its Temple, a monument erected by the Mongol Yuan Dynasty after their defeat of Lanzhou on the way to conquest of China entire.
The White Dagoba itself was originally built by the Mongols in commemoration of a deceased Tibetan Lama and envoy to the Court of Genghis Khan. Its stands as a lasting Monument to the reign of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty which ruled the city for more than a 162 years as well as a reminder of the near alliance that Genghis Khan and the Tibetans forged against the 13Th Century Han Chinese Dynasties of Song (South) and Jin (North). It is one of the 8 official Monuments of the City.
The surrounding White Dagoba Temple (Baita Si) is only small and includes the three gods hall and the Guesthouse of "Hailing the Rising Sun", a place from where poets and tourists love to see the sun go down over the city and river.
Other unexpected wonders to be found along the ridge of White Dagoba Mountain are various smaller and larger pavilions, kiosks, and even a small Zoo. On the north side of the Hill is an additional small garden holding a Stele with mysterious origins. Especially famous inside the Baita Shan Park are the archway of "Phoenix Forrest of Incense and Fragrance" and the arhats hall and the sanguan hall on the third platform.
The other authorative book on Chinese Buddhism by the Buddhist Association of China. Very in-depth introduction to the historic growth of buddhism in Asia, East-Asia and China. Long treatise on Chinese Buddhist Deities, 4 sacred mountains and more, explaining the different styles (forms) of Chinese Buddhism.
Although certainly the most popular the White Dagoba is by no means the only Buddhist Temple in Lanzhou. In fact, for those who look well enough there are several others.
Another, minor Dagoba Temple can be found located on the South Bank, some ways west of Dongfanghong Square and Jingning North Road, along the northern front of Qingyang Road. So afr we have not been able to even find its name, let alone information on its history and origins. The Temple, however contains the second standing Dagoba in the City.
Yet another budhist shrine, the smallest Temple in town known as Yufu Si, can be found just a short walk south from there, along the West front of the Jingning South Road. This temple is very small, but at least it is marked on google maps, making it easier to locate.
Other jewels of the historic city scattered around the south bank are varied and less famous. The last and main historic structure that is always every worthwhile to visit is the Chengguan Districts 'Traditional Temple Market' found near ...
From the monuments of the historic city one can move on to the great motheriver itself, the Yellow River. On the River banks are various places where one can experience different aspects of the River.
FirstuparetheSculptures of the Mother River, then the somewhat celebrated Yellow River 'beach'. One of the Latest additions:
Cable Ride across the River aka Yellow River Ropeway (黄河索道 Huánghé Suŏdào). Or the historic alternative, the inflated Rams'-skin rafting ride.
Once one is done exploring the Old Relics, or simply is in the mood for some modernity, there is ..
Modern Architecture .... xxx building.
Zhongxin Square now Dongfanghong Plaza. Modern City center with fashionable department stores and smaller shops.
Lanzhou Cathedral.
Second Church In Lanzhou, situated due south-west of Dongfanghong Square.
Art and Culture. Dunhuang Art Gallery. Gansu Provincial Museum in Lanzhou, in the extreme east part of the neighboring Qilihe District.
Lanzhou University ....
Two years later in 1909 AD Lanzhou University (兰州大学) was founded in the last death-throws of the Ching Dynasty (1644 AD - 1911 AD) during the Reign of China's notorious Last Emperor 'Henry' Aisin-Gioro Pu Yi. The establishment of the Institute was one of the very few positive achievements under the shortlived Regime.
Green Corridor along Binhe Road.
Mind your step on the way up as well as down. The top of Dagoba on the Hill stands at some 1700 meters above sea level, which is 100's of meters above the yellow river. The hike up leads along several minor platforms in between of which the paths are unexpectedly steep at many points, and after rainfall or cleaning slopes are slippery and outright dangerous. Don not slip and get knocked over the edge of a cliff.
Apart from the required effort it is among the best walks to be had in the city. Climbing along the geography of the city and river below are slowly revealed. As becomes obvious the Hill is a very strategic position. In fact, in history it guarded a vital pass leading from the West around the Hill into a Pass. Only through this pass, the "piled jade pass" or "gold city pass", could one easily make ones way down to the River below and prepare cross it. Above the pass on the Hill stood a fortress, the Wangbao Fortress, however none of todays structures belong were part of it.
Reaching the upper and third platform below the top, the beforehand seemingly disorganized garden lemenst line up to create a magnificent view known in ancient literature as "distant view over the river and bridge". It was an unsurpassed achievement of garden architecture in its time.
Other Hui landmarks and locations of special interest are a little bit harder to locate. Among these, the 'traditional islamic street' or the supposed main Hui Cultural Center. Dwell around the streets of the Western Section of Chengguan District until you find signs of the now sparse remains of old style buildings. This is what used to
be the 'muslim quarter', not the best part of Town. Somewhere close is the main islamic street which holds a Colorful Gate, and an Islamic Seminary and mosque behind it halfway down the narrow street.
As for the Islamic Faith and its Culture, apart from the traditional Hui headcaps and their owners who can be seen in many places one has to go looking for additional islamic influences. One of the best places to go looking is in a restaurant.
Hui and Uyghur 'Kebab' barbeque sticks, barbequed mutton, boiled mutton, and lamb with wide vermicelli are local delicacies among the various ethnic groups. Many of the local dishes are influenced by the Hui and their specialized tastes.
As for the Islamic Culture to be experienced in Lanzhou, that is basicly all there is about. Naturally, there are many more Mosques in the City, including two that are visible along the North Bank of the River, however apart from what has become known as the 'Waterside Mosque' (水上清真寺) these are hardly worth a tourist visit. In the wider region, especially to the South and East, there are 1000's of Mosques to visit.
An even older Religion or at least a Philosophy than Islam is Taoism. The story of Taoism and Lanzhou really goes back to the founding years of the City. Taoism was there when the Han Dynasty first gained control of the strategic location on the Banks of the River. Although rebuilt at a later Time and recently completed renovated with donations from local adherents, the White Cloud Dagoba goes as the oldest and earliest Monument of the City. Today, as a lingering representative of this ancient form of mystical wisdom, the White Cloud Dagoba (BaiyunGuan) stands along the Rivers' south bank not too far upstream from the Zhongshan (or Sun Yat-Sen) Bridge. It is a fairly small but interesting place to dwell, including Impressive white clouds of Incense, many delicate stone carvings and a wooden opera theatre and stage. At most times however locals flock there to pray or meditate, have their fortunes told by one of the elderly Taoist wise-men annex Fortune-tellers, or just simple to chit-chat and see eachother. Most of the Times the Temple is fairly active and full op people.
entire. Not only Tibet and Mongolia, but even the Chinese Nation would firmly embrace it in time.Today Tibet, a historical region which borders lie only a few tens of miles from Lanzhou, is still a devoutly Buddhist region.
Qinghai Province Map 1 - Geographic Map
A Geographic overview of Western China's Qinghai Province entire, delineating Provincial Borders and parts of neighboring Xinjiang-Uygur Autonomous Region, Gansu Province, Sichuan Province and Tibet (Xizhang) Autonomous Region. Includes Cities and Towns (shown by size), Main Monuments & landmarks, the flow of the yellow river in Qinghai Province, surrounding Bayan Har Mountain area's (TengGer),locations of Ethnic Minority Enclaves in Qinghai Province, Main Mountains (with Height), major highways, provincial railroads and main railroad-stations and main waterways & rivers. This Map further provides links to on site photos and information on Cities, Monuments and main transportation hubs of the wider Region.
This Schematic overview Map shows the entire "Downtown" or Old City Section of Lanzhou, officially known as the Chengguan District.TheChengguan,astheoriginalcityofLanzhouholdsmostofthehistoricremnantsandalthoughfullofmodernbuildingsandtoweringhighrises,todayisstillthemainculturalcenteroftheCity.
Browse the Map to explore the city and find your way tothe Main landmarks, monuments and hotspots of this part of the City.ClickthelocationsandLinkthroughtomoreInformationandPhotosoneachlocation!
