Lanzhou

Lanzhou or Lanchow is an industrial city of about three million people. It is the capital and largest city of Gansu Province in Northwest China. As a prefecture-level city, it is a key regional transportation hub, allowing areas further west to maintain railroad connections to the eastern half of the country.  

The city is located on the shores of the Yellow River and was a major stop on the Silk Road, where it was known as the Golden City. From the 5th to the 11th century the city was a major seat of Buddhist learning, and it acquired its present name during Qing Dynasty in 1656. Until 19th century, Lanzhou was the primary point in crossing the Yellow River via a bridge made by chaining a flotilla of boats together with a road on top to cross on.

Lazhou top attractions are Gansu Provincial Museum, White Pagoda Mountain, Sun Yat-Sen Iron Bridge, Waterwheel Garden, Sculptures of the Mother River, Binglingsi Temple and Cave grottoes and a boat ride, all in one trip.  


Xiahe
Xiahe, located 2.5 hours bus from Lanzhou, is an ethnically-Tibetan town in Gansu Province, China.
The town lies along one main street parallel to the Daxia River. The Chinese section (commercial) lies to the eastern end of the road and the Tibetan section lies at the western end. In between lies the monastery. Xiahe has developed along with the influx of visitors. Some old timers may bemoan that it has lost its off-the-beaten-path charm, but Xiahe is still far from being overrun with hawkers, karaoke or foot massage joints as have many other attractions in China.

For most travellers, Labrang Monastery will keep them occupied for couple of days or more. Literally the centre of town, Labrang Monastery is the main focus for visitors and residents alike with all social and commercial activity deriving from it. The Monastery was established in 1709 and expanded greatly in following centuries to become one of the six great monasteries of the Gelukpa sect (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism. The resident monks wear saffron robes, black UGG-style boots and shaggy yellow Mohawk shaped hats, sometimes pitched to impressive heights.

Apart from the graceful landscape and colourful people, Xiahe doesn't offer much else of interest. The surrounding region harbors a few worthwhile day-trip destinations. Sangke Grasslands is wonderful grasslands with many nomad tents and herds of yaks and sheep. 12 km outside Xiahe is Sangke town, where most people who rent a bike go to. There is nothing to see in the town, you really need to go INTO the grasslands to enjoy the wonderful views.