Lanzhou Travel Guide: A Silk Road Jewel on the Yellow River. Lanzhou, historically known as Jincheng, is the capital of Gansu Province and the only provincial capital in China where the Yellow River flows directly through the city. Long a key transport hub in Northwest China, Lanzhou blends dramatic river landscapes, deep Silk Road history, and vibrant local life - earning its reputation as the "City of the Yellow River." The city is often summed up by three icons: one river (the Yellow River), one magazine (Reader), and one bowl of noodles (Lanzhou beef noodles). At the same time, Lanzhou's growing modern appeal has earned it a spot on the "Asia's 100 Must-Visit Destinations 2026" list. For first-time international visitors, Lanzhou is an ideal gateway to Northwest China. Start your morning with a freshly pulled bowl of beef noodles, spend the day strolling across the century-old Iron Bridge to feel the power of the Yellow River, and end the evening with panoramic city views as the riverbanks light up after sunset.