Gansu Overview

Basic Information

  • Chinese Name: 甘肃
  • Location: Northwestern China
  • Provincial Capital: Lanzhou
  • Area: Approximately 454,000 square kilometers
  • Population: Around 26 million
  • Ethnic Groups: Gansu is home to 56 ethnic groups, including the Han, Hui, Tibetan, Dongxiang, and others.

Administrative Divisions

Gansu consists of 14 prefecture-level cities and 2 autonomous prefectures:

  • 14 Prefecture-level Cities: Lanzhou (兰州市), Baiyin (白银市), Tianshui (天水市), Wuwei (武威市), Zhangye (张掖市), Pingliang (平凉市), Jinchang (金昌市), Qingyang (庆阳市), Longnan (陇南市), Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture (临夏回族自治州), Dingxi (定西市), Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘南藏族自治州), Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (海北藏族自治州), and Jiuquan (酒泉市).
  • Autonomous Prefectures:
    • Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture: Home to the Hui people.
    • Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture: Known for its Tibetan culture.

Geography

  • Location: Gansu lies in the heart of north-central China, and it's bordered by Ningxia to the east, Shaanxi to the south, Sichuan to the southeast, Qinghai to the southwest, Xinjiang to the west, and Inner Mongolia to the north.
  • Terrain: Gansu's landscape is diverse, with the eastern part of the province featuring plains and river valleys, while the western part is dominated by mountains and plateaus. The province is split by the Yellow River, which flows through its central region.
  • Mountains: Gansu is home to part of the Tibetan Plateau in its southwestern region and several major mountain ranges, including the Qilian Mountains in the northeast and the Loess Plateau in the east.

Climate

Gansu's climate varies due to its diverse geography:

  • Northern and Western Areas: These regions experience a semi-arid to arid climate, with cold winters and hot, dry summers.
  • Southern and Central Areas: The climate is more temperate and has distinct seasons, with a relatively mild winter and warm summers.
  • Annual Precipitation: Average annual rainfall ranges from 150 mm in arid regions to 800 mm in the more temperate southern areas.

Best Time to Visit

  • Best Seasons: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the most ideal times to visit Gansu, as the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their most scenic.
  • Winter and Summer: The summer can be hot in the lowlands, while the winter in the mountainous regions can be quite cold, so planning is essential based on the specific destinations within the province.

Major Attractions

Lanzhou

  • Lanzhou: The provincial capital, Lanzhou, is a major transportation hub in north-central China. Visitors can explore the Gansu Provincial Museum, White Pagoda Mountain, and the Zhongshan Bridge over the Yellow River.
  • Lanzhou Beef Noodles: A must-try local delicacy.

Dunhuang

  • Mogao Caves: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Mogao Caves are one of the greatest treasures of Buddhist art and culture, with intricate murals and statues dating back over a thousand years.
  • Dunhuang Oasis: Visit the vast desert landscapes, including the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring, a natural oasis in the desert.

Zhangye

  • Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park: Known for its stunning, multicolored rock formations, which resemble a surreal landscape.

Jiayuguan

  • Jiayuguan Pass: The westernmost pass of the Great Wall of China, located in the Gobi Desert. The Jiayuguan Fort is a key historical site along the Silk Road.

Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture

  • This region is famous for its Hui Muslim culture, beautiful landscapes, and traditional Islamic architecture, including the Dongxiang Mosque and the Hui-style villages.

Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

  • A culturally rich region where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced. Visit Labrang Monastery, one of the six great Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.

Tianshui

  • Maiji Mountain Grottoes: A spectacular series of caves containing Buddhist statues and murals carved into the mountainside.

Wuwei

  • Home to the ancient Guo Gushi Tombs and the historical Tianshui Grottoes.

Pingliang

  • Longmen Grottoes: An important archaeological site with thousands of Buddha statues.

Qilian Mountains

  • Known for their rugged terrain, this mountain range is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts interested in hiking and exploring Gansu’s natural beauty.

Transportation

  • Railways: Lanzhou is the main railway hub in Gansu, with well-connected train services to other parts of China. High-speed trains run from Lanzhou to cities like Xi’an, and the Gansu railway network connects to cities along the Silk Road.
  • Airports: Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport serves the capital city, and there are smaller airports in other cities such as Jiayuguan and Dunhuang.
  • Buses: Gansu has a well-developed bus network, with long-distance buses connecting major cities, towns, and tourist attractions.
  • Private Car Hire: Renting a car or hiring a private driver is a good way to explore the province, especially in rural and remote areas.

Economy

Gansu’s economy is traditionally based on agriculture, mining, and animal husbandry. The province is known for producing wheat, corn, and other crops, and it also has large reserves of coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Over the years, Gansu has focused on developing tourism, particularly around its Silk Road heritage, Buddhist sites, and natural landscapes.

Cultural Heritage

  • Silk Road: Gansu is a critical part of the ancient Silk Road, connecting China to Central Asia and beyond. Many sites along the route, including Jiayuguan Pass and the Mogao Caves, are rich in historical significance.
  • Tibetan and Hui Culture: Gansu is home to several ethnic groups, including Tibetans in the south and Hui Muslims throughout the province. Their culture, religion, and festivals add to the province’s rich cultural tapestry.
  • Traditional Arts: Gansu is known for its traditional crafts, including embroidery, paper-cutting, and pottery. Local performances of traditional Chinese opera and Tibetan opera are also popular cultural attractions.

Festivals

  • Tibetan New Year: Celebrated in Gannan, the Tibetan New Year (Losar) is one of the most important Tibetan festivals and includes religious ceremonies, family gatherings, and traditional dances.
  • Chinese New Year: Celebrated across the province with festive decorations, temple fairs, and dragon dances.
  • Qingming Festival: During this time, people visit ancestral graves and offer food to their ancestors.

Gansu Cuisine

Gansu cuisine is influenced by the province’s diverse ethnic groups, particularly the Hui, Han, and Tibetan communities. Some typical dishes include:

  • Lanzhou Beef Noodles (兰州牛肉面): Famous for its hand-pulled noodles and tender beef slices, typically served with a spicy broth.
  • Qingke Beer (青稞酒): A traditional Tibetan barley liquor, often served during festivals.
  • Dunhuang Hot Pot: A flavorful hot pot dish that reflects the Hui Muslim influence in the region.

Gansu is a province steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Its location along the ancient Silk Road, its ethnic diversity, and its stunning landscapes make it a fascinating destination for travelers interested in China’s rich heritage and natural wonders. Whether exploring the Mogao Caves, hiking in the Qilian Mountains, or experiencing Tibetan culture, Gansu offers a wide variety of travel experiences.