1. Sheer Buddhist Brilliance
Rising to seven stories and 17 meters in height, the White Pagoda is one of Lanzhou's architectural jewels. Dating from the 13th century, the temple can't be missed as you look across to northern Lanzhou, and getting there is simple via the Zhongshan Bridge. When you enter, you'll be intoxicated by the temple itself, the 8,000 square meter park that surrounds it, and the stunning views to be obtained by scaling the mountain's peak.
2. Fabulous Views From A Landmark Crossing
Wherever you go in Lanzhou, the Yellow River never seems far away, and dominates the geography of the city. This attractive, sturdily built bridge has a pretty good claim to be the heart of the city, connecting the two banks of the river. Built in 1907-09 and stretching 250 meters, it was the very first bridge across the formidable waterway. But aside from history, it's the position of the bridge that really matters. At night, it's an incredible place to view the White Pagoda Temple and the rolling river making its way across Gansu.
3. The City's Most Powerful Park
As the name suggests, this picturesque green space is centered around a series of water wheels. These are not simply ornamental, however. In fact, they are remnants from a time when wheels like this powered the city's mills and workshops. For centuries, the Yellow River poured into their buckets, producing huge amounts of energy. Coal and solar may be in the ascendant now, but the park is a fascinating testament to the power of water. These particular wheels have been restored, but are almost exact replicas of those that would have lined the river's banks 800 years ago.
4. A Mammoth Museum
Lanzhou's pre-eminent museum is a vast reservoir of delights that takes hours (or maybe days) to do it justice. The exhibition halls cover over 18,000 square meters and documents the province's history, from neolithic pottery urns to gorgeous silk fabrics (a reference to Lanzhou's position at the end of the "Silk Road"), and written slips from the Han era. There are artistic masterpieces like the so-called "Flying Horse of Wǔwēi", and natural masterpieces, too, including a 4 meter high mammoth skeleton. All-in-all, an absorbing museum.
5. Put A Spring In Your Step At This Gorgeous Park
Lanzhou's escape valve for family recreation, Five Springs Park can be found on the lower slopes of Gaolan Mountain, not far northwest of the city center. Opened in 1955, the park includes a zoo and amusement park that kids will love. However, as the name suggests, it's also full of natural springs, dotted around the slopes. Exploring them all is possible on foot, and they are all achingly photogenic. And, to top it all off, the park also hosts a cluster of Buddhist temples. Definitely an easy place to spend a day.
