Overview
Editorial note: The destination code "62" in China's national standard (GB/T 2260) corresponds to Gansu Province (甘肃省). This guide covers Gansu as that is the only factual interpretation available. If you intended a different place, please verify the destination name.
Gansu is a long, narrow province in northwestern China, stretching roughly 1,600 km from east to west along the ancient Silk Road. It connects the Central Plains with Central Asia and historically served as one of the most important overland trade and cultural-exchange corridors in the world. The province borders Mongolia to the north, Xinjiang and Qinghai to the west, Sichuan and Shaanxi to the south and east.
The landscape is extraordinarily varied: the arid Gobi Desert and Badain Jaran dunes in the north, the fertile Wei River valley in the east, high Tibetan plateau grasslands in the south, and the famous Hexi Corridor — a narrow strip of fertile land flanked by mountains and desert — running across the middle. This geographic diversity translates into a wide range of experiences for travelers, from desert hiking and cave art to Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and rural farmland.
Gansu remains one of China's less-visited provinces by international tourists, which means lighter crowds at many major sites and a more local atmosphere in its cities and towns.
Before You Go
Visas
China has specific visa requirements that vary significantly by nationality and can change without much notice. Do not rely on any fixed rules stated here. Check TravelerPulse's dedicated Visas section and consult the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country well in advance of travel.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations are typically required for China, but consult a travel medicine clinic or your physician before departure. Altitude can be a factor in southern Gansu near the Tibetan plateau — parts of Xiahe and Maqu county sit above 3,000 m. Travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
Connectivity and apps
China maintains a national internet firewall that blocks many commonly used apps and websites, including Google services, most Western social media, and WhatsApp. Consider setting up a VPN before you enter the country (note: the legal status of VPNs in China is complex — research this independently). Download offline maps and translation tools before arrival. WeChat and Alipay are the dominant platforms for communication and payment; linking a foreign bank card can be difficult, so verify this process in advance.
Currency and payments
Cash (RMB/Yuan) is still widely used, especially outside Lanzhou and major tourist sites. ATMs in larger cities generally accept foreign cards, but coverage in rural and remote areas can be patchy. Carry sufficient cash when venturing into the Hexi Corridor or southern grasslands.
Getting There
By Air
Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW) is the main gateway and receives flights from major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi'an. Dunhuang Airport (DNH) and Jiayuguan Airport (JGN) also handle domestic routes and are useful for travelers focusing on the Hexi Corridor. International connections are limited; most visitors transit through a major hub city. Check current routes with airlines or a booking platform as schedules change frequently.
By High-Speed Rail
Gansu is well integrated into China's high-speed rail network. The Lanzhou–Xinjiang High-Speed Railway passes through the Hexi Corridor, with stops at Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and eventually Urumqi. Trains from Xi'an and Beijing reach Lanzhou reasonably quickly. The rail network is a comfortable, efficient, and often scenic way to traverse the province.
By Long-Distance Bus
Long-distance buses serve areas not reached by rail, including Xiahe and parts of southern Gansu. Journey times can be long on mountain roads, so factor in extra time and check road conditions, especially in winter.
Getting Around
Within Lanzhou, public buses and the metro system cover major destinations. Ride-hailing apps (primarily Didi) function in larger cities but may be limited in rural areas — having Chinese characters for your destination written down is helpful.
For the Hexi Corridor (Zhangye → Jiayuguan → Dunhuang), high-speed train is the most practical option between cities. Local taxis or hired minivans are typically used to reach sites outside town centers, such as the Zhangye Danxia landforms or the Mingsha Sand Dunes near Dunhuang.
In southern Gansu (Xiahe, Langmusi), roads are narrow and mountain driving is involved. Shared minibuses and private car hire are common. Renting a vehicle independently is possible but requires a Chinese driving license or a valid international permit recognized in China — verify requirements before attempting this.
Things to See & Do
Mogao Caves, Dunhuang
One of the world's great repositories of Buddhist cave art, the Mogao Caves contain hundreds of painted grottos spanning roughly a thousand years of artistic output. Visits are managed with timed tickets and tour groups to protect the fragile interiors; book well in advance through official channels, especially in peak season (summer).
Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park
The multicolored, layered sandstone formations here are among the most visually striking landscapes in China. Several viewing platforms allow visitors to walk above the formations at different times of day for varying light conditions.
Jiayuguan Fort
The western terminus of the Ming-dynasty Great Wall, this fortress complex marks the historical boundary between the Chinese interior and the Central Asian frontier. The site includes the fort itself, surrounding beacon towers, and a section of earthen Great Wall.
Labrang Monastery (Xiahe)
One of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, Labrang sits in a green valley in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It remains an active religious community. Visitors can join guided tours of the main assembly halls and walk the long outer kora (circumambulation path) lined with prayer wheels.
Lanzhou's Yellow River
Lanzhou is the only Chinese provincial capital bisected by the Yellow River. The riverside promenade is a local gathering place, and short boat rides are available. Try Lanzhou-style hand-pulled noodles (lanzhou la mian) at a local restaurant — this is considered the dish the city is most famous for.
Maiji Mountain Grottoes
Near Tianshui in eastern Gansu, these cliff-face Buddhist caves and sculptures are carved high into a strangely shaped mountain. Less visited than Mogao, they offer a quieter experience of a comparably significant artistic tradition.
Food & Drink
Gansu cuisine reflects the province's position on the Silk Road and its diverse population. Wheat-based foods dominate — noodles, flatbreads, and dumplings are staples. Lamb and beef are the most common meats; pork is less prevalent given the significant Muslim (Hui) population, particularly in Linxia and parts of Lanzhou.
Key dishes and foods to try:
- Lanzhou la mian (兰州拉面): hand-pulled beef noodle soup. The local version in Lanzhou is considered distinct from what is sold as "Lanzhou noodles" elsewhere in China.
- Niangpi: cold wheat or rice noodle sheets served with vinegar and chili, common street food.
- Lamb skewers and roasted meats: widely available, especially at night markets.
- Gansu flatbreads (bing): various styles baked in tandoor-like ovens, a Silk Road culinary influence.
- Yak-based dairy products: in the southern Tibetan areas, yak butter tea and dried yak meat are traditional foods.
Alcohol is available in Han Chinese areas, though less prominent in predominantly Muslim neighborhoods. Tea — both Chinese-style and Tibetan butter tea — is important socially throughout the province.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
China's national emergency numbers are publicly documented: Police 110, Fire 119, Ambulance 120. Verify that these work from your mobile provider when you arrive.
Medical Facilities
Lanzhou has the province's best-equipped hospitals. In smaller cities and rural areas, facilities are limited. Carry any prescription medications in sufficient supply, along with documentation in English and ideally Chinese.
Climate Summary
Gansu's climate varies dramatically by region. Lanzhou and the Hexi Corridor have hot, dry summers and cold winters with low precipitation. Southern Gansu (Gannan) has a cooler, more humid plateau climate with significant snowfall possible in autumn and winter. The best overall travel seasons are late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October), when temperatures are moderate and visibility is generally good.
Altitude Awareness
Southern Gansu towns such as Xiahe (approximately 2,900 m) and Langmusi (around 3,400 m) sit at elevations where altitude sickness is possible. Ascend gradually if coming from low altitude, stay hydrated, and do not exert yourself heavily on your first day. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe.
Photography
Photography restrictions apply inside the Mogao Caves (no flash or tripods) and in some religious buildings. Ask permission before photographing local people, particularly in Tibetan communities where sensitivities around photography can be significant.
Safety
Gansu is generally considered safe for travelers by Chinese standards. Petty crime occurs in busy tourist areas and transportation hubs, as in any large province — keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded markets and stations.
Road travel in mountainous southern Gansu carries inherent risks, especially in winter and during or after heavy rain. Check conditions before setting out on remote mountain routes.
Some areas near the Qinghai, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia borders may have checkpoints or require additional permits for foreign nationals. Requirements and enforcement vary and can change; check with your accommodation or a reliable current source before traveling to border-adjacent areas.
The political and social context in Tibetan-inhabited areas of Gannan requires sensitivity and awareness. Travelers should research current conditions, respect local religious and cultural practices, and follow guidance from local authorities. Travel advisories from your home government's foreign affairs ministry should be consulted before departure.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Gansu is one of China's most ethnically diverse provinces, with Han Chinese forming the majority but significant Hui (Chinese Muslim), Tibetan, Dongxiang, Tu, Yugu, and other minority communities present throughout the province. This diversity is reflected in architecture, food, religious practice, and language.
In Hui-majority areas such as Linxia — sometimes called "China's Little Mecca" — mosques are central community institutions and Islamic customs should be respected. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and avoid eating or drinking in public during Ramadan out of respect.
In Tibetan areas of Gannan, Tibetan Buddhism permeates daily life. When visiting monasteries, walk clockwise around prayer wheels and stupas, remove shoes before entering temples, and keep voices low inside sacred spaces. Photography policies vary by site — always check or ask.
The Silk Road heritage of Gansu means that the province has absorbed centuries of cultural exchange. This is visible in the syncretic artistic traditions of the cave temples, the architectural fusion of Islamic and Chinese styles in Hui mosques, and the mixing of Central Asian and East Asian culinary influences in local food.