Three Golden Autumn Days in Lanzhou: Encountering the Poetry and Vibrancy by the Yellow River

As the autumn breeze sweeps across the northwest land, Lanzhou, this ancient city along the Yellow River, dons a golden coat. At this time, the sky is high and clouds are vast, with temperatures comfortably ranging between 15°C and 25°C—neither cold nor hot, just perfect. The Yellow River shimmers under the autumn sun, and the leaves on both banks gradually turn yellow, adding a touch of Jiangnan’s elegance to this northwestern city. As a travel blogger, I am deeply captivated by Lanzhou’s autumn charm and have specially planned this three-day independent travel itinerary to take you through the most enchanting autumn scenery of the Golden City, Lanzhou. Itinerary Overview Day 1: Classic Yellow River Scenic Line Tour: Baita Mountain Park → Zhongshan Bridge → Yellow River Mother Sculpture → Waterwheel Expo Park → Zhengning Road Night Market Day 2: Natural Wonders One-Day Tour: Lanzhou Ink Wash Danxia → Yellow River Tower “Great Lanzhou” Light and Shadow Show Day 3: Cultural Ancient Town Exploration: Qingcheng Ancient Town → Return to the city Day 1: Classic Yellow River Scenic Line Tour Morning: Baita Mountain Park → Zhongshan Bridge Start early from downtown Lanzhou and head to Baita Mountain Park. Autumn at Baita Mountain is the perfect place to enjoy a panoramic view of Lanzhou. You can choose to hike or take the cable car depending on your energy level. From the summit, you can see the entire city’s autumn colors—the Yellow River winding through the city like a golden ribbon, trees on both banks dyed in autumn gold, and the city’s outline sharply defined against the clear autumn sky. After descending Baita Mountain, it’s a short walk to Zhongshan Bridge, known as the “First Bridge over the Yellow River.” This century-old iron bridge is a symbol of Lanzhou. Under the autumn sun, the sturdy iron structure contrasts beautifully with the autumn leaves of Baixia Mountain on the opposite bank. Standing on the bridge, overlooking the flowing Yellow River, the autumn breeze brings the unique freshness of the river’s mist. Lunch Recommendation: A 14-minute walk from Zhongshan Bridge leads to Maoxue on North Binhe Road, famous for its specialty veal and lamb dishes. The stir-fried veal is a must-try, and the dry-pot potato slices and spicy-sour jia sha are also distinctive Lanzhou flavors, perfect for replenishing energy after the morning hike. Afternoon: Yellow River Mother Sculpture → Waterwheel Expo Park After lunch, stroll along the Yellow River Scenic Line or take a bus to the Yellow River Mother Sculpture. This landmark artwork symbolizes the relationship between the Yellow River and Chinese civilization. Next, visit the Waterwheel Expo Park, which showcases how ancient Lanzhou used waterwheels for irrigation. The magnificent Yellow River and the ancient waterwheels create a beautiful scene, serving as a vivid lesson in physics and cultural history. Evening: Zhengning Road Night Market As the autumn chill sets in, it’s the best time to savor the lively food atmosphere of Lanzhou. Step into Zhengning Road Night Market, where the aroma of food instantly dispels the coolness of the autumn night. Enjoy a bowl of steaming hot lamb offal soup, rich and warming to both stomach and heart; taste the sweet and moist winter pear that soothes autumn dryness; and don’t miss Lanzhou’s unique lily feast, sweet and fragrant. Of course, the milk egg fermented rice wine is also a must-try local snack. Accommodation Recommendation: There are many hotels in downtown Lanzhou, such as the Lanzhou Shengda Hilton Hotel, located in the central Chengguan District with convenient transportation and some rooms offering views of the Yellow River. Day 1 Itinerary Timing: Baita Mountain Park (2.5 hours) → Zhongshan Bridge (1 hour) → Lunch (1 hour) → Yellow River Mother Sculpture (30 minutes) → Waterwheel Expo Park (1 hour) → Zhengning Road Night Market (2 hours) Day 2: Natural Wonders One-Day Tour All day: Lanzhou Ink Wash Danxia Tourist Area After breakfast, drive to Lanzhou Ink Wash Danxia Tourist Area (about 13 km from downtown). The Danxia landform in autumn, under the cool and dry climate, shows even more distinct colors. This “palette fallen to earth” is a unique geological formation shaped over billions of years, resembling a giant ink wash painting against the clear blue autumn sky. In the scenic area, you can not only admire the Danxia landscape but also watch the “Dancing Horse Danxia” performance, a close-up equestrian show. Walking among the colorful hills, you will marvel at nature’s craftsmanship. Lunch Recommendation: There are dining options inside or near the scenic area, where you can try the northwest specialty fermented sour noodles, which are very appetizing. Evening: Yellow River Tower “Great Lanzhou” Light and Shadow Show After returning to the city, head to the Yellow River Tower. As night falls, the “Great Lanzhou” 3D light and shadow show at the tower is an unmissable visual feast. Using lights and music to narrate Lanzhou’s history, you can feel the powerful fusion of past and present in the cool autumn night. Day 2 Itinerary Timing: Hotel → Ink Wash Danxia (30-minute drive, 4 hours visit) → Lunch (1 hour) → Return to city (30-minute drive) → Yellow River Tower (2 hours) Day 3: Cultural Ancient Town Exploration All day: Qingcheng Ancient Town After breakfast, drive to Qingcheng Ancient Town (about 2 hours from Lanzhou city center). The ancient town in autumn has a unique charm. Stroll through the streets, wander among Ming and Qing dynasty buildings like the Luo Family Courtyard and Gao Clan Ancestral Hall, and feel the rich history of Longyuan in the incense of the City God Temple and the ink fragrance of Qingcheng Academy. The town also features a hundred-acre lotus pond; although the lotus flowers have withered in autumn, the remaining lotus leaves create a special atmosphere. Additionally, you can enjoy northwest folk art and experience the tranquility and harmony shaped by time. Lunch Recommendation: Local farmhouses in the town offer authentic northwest home-style dishes. Afternoon: Continue exploring the ancient town and return to Lanzhou city at a suitable time. Day 3 Itinerary Timing: Hotel → Qingcheng Ancient Town (2-hour drive, 5 hours visit) → Return to city (2-hour drive) Travel Tips Best Travel Time: October is the most vibrant and charming season for Lanzhou’s autumn, with suitable temperatures (15°C-25°C), little rain, and clear blue skies. Transportation Advice: Lanzhou’s city attractions are relatively concentrated, so combining self-driving and public transport is recommended. For surrounding scenic spots, renting a car is advisable. Cost Reference (per person, three-day itinerary): Accommodation: 300-800 RMB/night (depending on hotel grade) Meals: 80-150 RMB/day Tickets: Baita Mountain Park free, Ink Wash Danxia about 60 RMB, Qingcheng Ancient Town about 35 RMB Transportation: Car rental 200-400 RMB/day, fuel costs extra depending on itinerary Clothing Suggestions: October in Lanzhou has a large temperature difference between day and night. Wear long-sleeve T-shirts and light jackets during the day, and add warm clothing in the morning and evening. In the golden autumn of Lanzhou, every scene is bright and peaceful under the autumn light. Whether it’s the breeze by the Yellow River, fallen leaves in ancient temples, or the smoke rising from night market stalls, they all tell the unique autumn story of this Yellow River city. Take this guide and set off to find your own poetry and distant dreams in the Golden City’s autumn.