From City Life to Desert Landscapes along the Yellow River
Lanzhou Hub & Yellow River Culture
Overview
From City Life to Desert Landscapes along the Yellow River
Highlights some of Gansu’s most well-known natural sights and historic landmarks. Travellers will experience changing scenery, from painted rock hills and river valleys to desert stone forests and sacred caves, all closely tied to the Yellow River and its role in regional history.
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Lanzhou Water-Ink Danxia
This Danxia landscape is known for its layered hills in soft reds, yellows, and greys, resembling a traditional Chinese ink painting. The rock formations were shaped over millions of years, creating a wide and open view that feels calm yet striking.
Located near the city centre, Wuquan Mountain Park has been a cultural and religious site for over a thousand years. It is named after its five natural springs and is home to temples, pavilions, and shaded paths, offering a peaceful break from the city while reflecting Lanzhou’s long history.
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Wuquan Mountain Park, Lanzhou
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Yongtai Turtle City, Baiyin
Built in 1608 during the Ming Dynasty, Yongtai Turtle City is over 400 years old. Designed in the shape of a turtle, it once served as a military fortress protecting the region. Today, its walls, streets, and layout provide a rare glimpse into ancient defence planning and frontier life.
Forests are usually filled with trees, but this one is made of stone. Tall rock pillars rise from the ground, shaped by wind and water over time, forming a dramatic landscape near the Yellow River. The area shows how nature slowly creates powerful forms without human intervention.
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Yellow River Stone Forest National Geopark, Baiyin
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Bingling Temple Grottoes, Linxia
Carved into cliffs along the Yellow River, the Bingling Temple Grottoes date back more than 1,600 years. The site contains hundreds of Buddhist statues and murals from different dynasties, making it one of the most important grotto complexes in northwest China.
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Songmingyan Scenic Area, Linxia
Songmingyan is a well-known scenic and religious area surrounded by hills and forests. The site has long been associated with Buddhist culture and local traditions, offering a quieter setting where nature and faith come together naturally.
