Lanzhou, as the provincial capital, is a large city with many shopping options. The area is particularly good for cold weather gear, which can be bought at many of the shops that line the streets. Thick and warm army coats, and small, tough boots can be bought at bargain prices, ideal for those heading to the colder parts of Sichuan, Qinghai, Tibet and beyond.

The city is also a good place for those after handicrafts. Along with the products that are popular throughout the province, including the Yeguang Cup, jade carvings and silk carpets, Lanzhou has its own specialties that can be bought in many of the craft stores and stalls in the city. Particularly notable are the Jincheng Babao Melon-skin Carvings, the Pebble Carvings, and the Tao Inkstones. The city is good for its ancient memorabilia, and replicas of Silk Road paintings and murals, as well as beautiful copies of the Maiji Grottoes Buddha heads, abound.

Some of the better stores for handicrafts include the Gansu Cultural Relics Shop (3 Xijin xilu), the Provincial Arts and Crafts Shop (76 Dongang xilu), and the Cuibaozhai Shop (263 Dongang xilu). For carpets your best bet is to head to the Feitian Carpet Shop (140 Duanjiatan lu), and for Buddha heads the Le Seine Culture and Art World (45 Qinan lu) is good. For a more interesting experience the Dingxi Nanlu Market (Dingxi nanlu shichang) is worth visiting during weekdays, while on weekends the Huangmiao Market (Huangmiao shichang) has a large selection of curios. For everyday items, there are numerous department stores throughout the city. Near to the western train station is the Huangjin Shopping Centre (Huangjin dasha).