Who understands the shock a Southerner feels when visiting Gansu for the first time?

The northwest wind is always rugged; if you like romance, this is not a place where nothing grows. This trip to Lanzhou finally unlocked the romantic code of the northwest! Without the noise of over-commercialization, there is only the wild tenderness woven by Danxia landforms, the Yellow River, trains, and lights. Four hidden gem spots, every snap feels like a cinematic masterpiece~ 1️⃣ Kushui Danxia: A colorful carnival on the surface of Mars A pristine secret spot just an hour’s drive from the city, untouched by excessive commercialization. The mountains in ochre red, blue-gray, and warm orange look like a spilled palette. The best spot is the water-reflecting Danxia viewpoint—when there’s no wind, the water is like a mirror, with red and yellow mountains inverted in the lake, creating a full sci-fi vibe! Hiking deep into the ravines, the red rocks beneath your feet rise like flames. Drone shots from above look like the “surface of Mars.” At sunset, the mountains gradually turn violet, hiding extreme gentleness within the rugged terrain. 2️⃣ Zhongshan Bridge: The romantic lights over the Yellow River Lanzhou’s iconic landmark, a century-old iron bridge spanning the Yellow River. During the day, watch the river rush with the bold spirit of the northwest; at night, the lights turn on and instantly double the tenderness. Stand by the bridge to shoot silhouettes with the Yellow River’s evening breeze as your backdrop, or sit at a riverside tea stall sipping Sanpao tea, watching the lights reflect on the water. Even the rugged Yellow River hides delicate romance. 3️⃣ Lanshan Santai Pavilion: Overlooking the day and night splendor of the Golden City Who understands the romance of Lanzhou’s highest point! A 360° unobstructed view of the city, with the majestic Yellow River flowing through it all. Climb the pavilion at dusk to see the sunset dye the city gold; when night falls, thousands of lights turn on, instantly transforming it into “Little Hong Kong of Lanzhou.” The moment of feeling the breeze while watching the night view perfectly blends the vastness of the northwest with the city’s lively atmosphere. 4️⃣ Wasteland Train: The post-apocalyptic aesthetic of Lanzhou West EMU Depot Navigate to the “Western Scrap Metal Market.” After 6 PM, the marshalling yard lights up, with orange lights illuminating the trains, fully evoking a post-apocalyptic wasteland vibe! Use your phone’s telephoto lens to capture the moment a train passes by, with a person standing by the tracks looking back at the camera—this atmosphere is instantly legendary. The rugged industrial style colliding with dusk is a unique, niche romance exclusive to Lanzhou. 💡 Blogger’s Private Tips ▫️ Outfit advice: Choose solid colors (white, black, khaki) to contrast with the intense colors of Danxia and the industrial style of the trains. Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection and great photos. ▫️ Best shooting times: For Kushui Danxia, choose 2 hours after sunrise or 1 hour before sunset for soft, layered light; for Zhongshan Bridge and Santai Pavilion, prioritize dusk to night for better night shots; for Wasteland Train, aim for after 6 PM when the lights turn on. ▫️ Transportation tips: City attractions are accessible by subway or bus; Kushui Danxia is best reached by car or carpool; Lanshan can be reached by cable car or driving to avoid time-consuming hikes; there is no public transport near Wasteland Train, so taxis are more convenient. Lanzhou’s romance is a color explosion in rugged landscapes, the tender lights over the Yellow River, and the post-apocalyptic aesthetic in industrial style~ Save this guide and unlock the unique charm of this northwest city!