Lanzhou
City of the Yellow River
The only provincial capital the Yellow River runs through, Lanzhou strings bridges, parks and waterwheels along its banks — and pours the best beef-noodle breakfast in China. The Iron Bridge has spanned the river since 1909.
Don't miss
- Zhongshan Iron Bridge
- Beef noodles at dawn
- The Yellow River sculptural promenade
Best time to visit: May–October
Visas: Australian passport holders currently enter China visa-free for up to 30 days — an arrangement scheduled to end on 31 December 2026, so confirm the rules for your travel dates.