Sight Overview
Although a stopover for most travelers bound for other destinations within the province such as Jiayuguan, Tianshui, Zhangye and Xiahe, Lanzhou, the capital city, still boasts a number of attractions worth seeing.
In the city, the Provincial Museum is one of China’s best for anyone interested in Chinese culture and history. This museum is full of relics, including such delights as the Galloping Horse of Gansu that toured Canada and the US, and a plate from the Eastern Roman Empire. Also worth a visit for those interested in Chinese religion, the Baiyun Taoist Temple remains an area of active worship.
On the city outskirts are also numerous parks, that all have their own unique features. Lanshan Park, perched high on Gaolan Mountain, is the perfect summer get away, green, quiet and much cooler than the town below.
The Five Springs Mountain Park is a Buddhist complex with architecture mainly from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The highlight here is the 16m high bronze Buddha and an ancient, 5 ton bronze bell. Finally there is the White Pagoda Hill Park that is across the murky Yellow River and gives some of the best sights of both the city and the swirling river that runs past it.
The Bingling Temple Caves are definitely worth a visit for anyone who has time on their hands. The whole trip will take at least a day of your time, but it can encompass a viewing of the Yellow River, the Liujiaxia Reservoir with its Hydro-electric Dam, and the amazing scenery that the cliff face of the gorge and the caves, provide.
Sight Index
Baiyun Taoist Temple
Bingling Temple Caves
Five Springs Mountain Park
Gansu Provincial Museum
Lanshan Park
White Pagoda Hill Park
