Lanzhou Location Map: Where is Lanzhou in China on Map
Lanzhou is situated in northwestern China, serving as the capital and largest city of Gansu Province. The city lies along the banks of the Yellow River, which flows through the region, and is nestled between the Tibetan Plateau to the west and the Loess Plateau to the east.
Lanzhou is an important transportation hub in China Silk Road, connecting various parts of northwest China through its strategic location along major transportation routes.
Lanzhou City Map: Lanzhou Airport & Lanzhou Railway Station on Map
Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport:
Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW) is the primary airport serving Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China. It is located about 70 kilometers north of the city center. The airport offers domestic and limited international flights, connecting Lanzhou to major cities in China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and some international destinations such as Bangkok, Singapore.
Lanzhou West Railway Station (Lanzhouxi Railway Station):
Lanzhou West Railway Station, also known as Lanzhouxi Railway Station, is a high-speed railway station located in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China. This station primarily serves high-speed trains, offering convenient connections to cities across China on the high-speed rail network.
Lanzhou Railway Station:
Lanzhou Railway Station is a conventional railway station in Lanzhou, Gansu Province. It mainly serves conventional trains, including regular passenger and freight services. Lanzhou Railway Station connects Lanzhou to various destinations within China through traditional train services.
Lanzhou Attractions Map: Lanzhou Tourist Map
Lanzhou offers a blend of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. Here are some of the top attractions in Lanzhou:
- White Pagoda Mountain Park (白塔山): Visit this park to see the iconic White Pagoda, an ancient Tibetan-style structure with panoramic views of Lanzhou.
- Gansu Provincial Museum (甘肃省博物馆): Discover the rich history and culture of Gansu Province through the museum's exhibits, including artifacts from the Silk Road era.
- Lanzhou Waterwheel Expo Park (兰州水车博览园): Learn about the history of waterwheels and their importance in irrigation systems along the Yellow River.
- Xiguan Mosque (西关清真大寺): Visit this historic mosque, one of the largest in Lanzhou, to appreciate its traditional Islamic architecture and cultural significance.
- Lanzhou Zhongshan Bridge (中山桥): Walk across this historic bridge spanning the Yellow River, offering great views of the river and the city skyline.
- Yellow River Mother Sculpture (黄河母亲雕塑): This iconic sculpture in Lanzhou symbolizes the Yellow River as the "Mother River" of China. It is a significant landmark that represents the importance of the Yellow River to the region.
- Bingling Temple Grottoes (炳灵寺石窟): Explore these ancient Buddhist cave temples carved into the cliffs along the Yellow River, featuring intricate sculptures and murals.
- Liujiaxia Reservoir (刘家峡水库): Located on the Yellow River near Lanzhou, the Liujiaxia Reservoir is not only a source of hydroelectric power but also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and water. Visitors can take boat tours on the reservoir to enjoy the scenic beauty.
These attractions offer a glimpse into the diverse heritage and natural beauty that Lanzhou has to offer, making it a fascinating destination for travelers interested in history, culture, and scenic landscapes.
Lanzhou Transportation Map
Lanzhou to Zhangye Map
- Distance: Approximately 515 kilometers (320 miles).
- Flight: The fastest option, taking around 1 hour.
- High-speed train: The most convenient and fastest option. The journey typically takes around 2.5-3.5 hours.
- Regular Train: A more budget-friendly option, offering soft sleeper and hard sleeper berths. The journey takes around 5-6 hours.
- Overland: A more affordable option but with a longer journey time of around 6 hours.
- Highlights: Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, with its vibrant, colorful rock formations.
Lanzhou to Zhangye & Zhangye Danxia Geopark (Train, Flight or Bus)
Lanzhou to Dunhuang
- Distance: Approximately 1,100 kilometers (683 miles).
- Flight: The fastest option, taking around 1.5 hours.
- High-speed train: The popular option, taking around 7-8 hours.
- Regular Train: A more budget-friendly option, offering soft sleeper and hard sleeper berths. The journey takes approximately 12-14 hours.
- Overland: The longest option, taking around 18-20 hours.
- Highlights: Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of Buddhist cave paintings and sculptures.
Lanzhou to Dunhuang: By Train & Flight from Lanzhou to Dunhuang
Lanzhou to Jiayuguan
- Distance: Approximately 750 kilometers (466 miles).
- Flight: The fastest option, taking around 1.5 hours.
- High-speed train: The journey typically takes around 4-5 hours.
- Regular Train: A more budget-friendly option, offering soft sleeper and hard sleeper berths. The journey takes around 6-7 hours.
- Overland: A more affordable option but with a longer journey time of around 8-9 hours.
- Highlights: Jiayuguan Great Wall, the westernmost point of the Great Wall of China, and the Overhanging Great Wall for historical insights.
Lanzhou to Jiayuguan: Train, Flight or Car from Lanzhou to Zhangye
Lanzhou to Xiahe
- Distance: Approximately 240 kilometers (149 miles).
- Overland: The only option travel from Lanzhou to Xiahe, taking around 3-4 hours.
- Highlights: Discover the serene Labrang Monastery, a prominent Tibetan Buddhist site amidst picturesque landscapes.
Lanzhou to Xiahe: 2 Ways from Lanzhou to Xiahe (Bus & Car)
Lanzhou to Urumqi
- Distance: Approximately 2000 kilometers (1242 miles).
- Flight: The fastest option, taking around 3 hours.
- High-speed train: The journey typically takes around 10-11 hours.
- Regular Train: A more budget-friendly option, offering soft sleeper and hard sleeper berths. The journey takes around 16-18 hours.
- Overland: Though there is an available expressway connecting Lanzhou and Urumqi, it’s quite a long distance taking for over 24 hours.
- Highlights: Experience the unique blend of cultures at the Xinjiang Regional Museum and explore the beautiful Tianchi (Heavenly Lake).
Lanzhou to Urumqi: High Speed Train, Flight & Car (Updated 2025)
Lanzhou Travel Map
Day 1: Arrival in Lanzhou
Arrive in Lanzhou, where you will be picked up from the airport and check into your hotel. Enjoy the day exploring the city at your leisure.
Day 2: Lanzhou to Zhangye by High-Speed Train
Experience a high-speed train journey from Lanzhou to Zhangye. Visit the Liujiaxia Reservoir for a thrilling speedboat tour and explore the Bingling Temple Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 3: Zhangye to Jiayuguan
Explore the Giant Buddha Temple in Jiayuguan and the Zhangye National Geopark known for its colorful Danxia landforms.
Day 4: Jiayuguan to Dunhuang
Visit the Jiayuguan Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage Site part of the Great Wall of China. Optional visit to the Great Wall Museum and the Hanging Great Wall.
Day 5: Exploration in Dunhuang
Discover the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Buddhist art. Visit the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake, and explore the Dunhuang Night Market.
Day 6: Departure from Dunhuang
Check out from your hotel in Dunhuang and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
This itinerary takes you on a cultural and scenic journey through Gansu, exploring ancient Buddhist art, stunning landscapes, and historical sites along the Silk Road.