In the early morning, we took a ride to the Shui Mo Danxia attraction, located just 13 km from downtown Lanzhou. This magnificent red rock formation, dating back 150 million years to the Cretaceous period, was shaped by the Himalayan orogeny and sculpted by millennia of weathering, ultimately unfolding into a grand 400-square-kilometer landscape painting.
The unique feature of the Danxia here lies in its "ink-wash painting" charm. Over 30 types of minerals create a rich palette of red, yellow, brown, and other hues. The sunny slopes are predominantly orange-red, while the shady slopes are deep green, forming a striking contrast between the two landscapes. From the "Dan Summit Scenic View" platform, you can overlook the undulating peaks and hidden valleys, as if the "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" and "A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains" paintings were superimposed here.
Walking along the 3,550 m boardwalk, you can observe up close the peculiar views of Danxia cliffs, solitary peaks, secluded valleys, and narrow gorges. With every step, the colors before your eyes change—fall mountain scenes, rainbow seas, Danxia reflecting the sun... Behind each name lies nature's craftsmanship honed over hundreds of millions of years.
In the afternoon, we arrived at He Kou Ancient Town, located at the confluence of the Yellow River and the Zhuanglang River. Known as the "Western Gateway of Jincheng," it was a vital junction of the ancient Silk Road and the Tang-Tibet Ancient Route. In early 2026, He Kou Ancient Town was newly designated as a national 4A-level tourist attraction.
Stepping into the ancient town, the winding cobblestone paths connect iconic structures like the Bell and Drum Tower, the Reclining Bridge, the city gate, and memorial archways. Thirty-seven well-preserved courtyard residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties, along with historic sites such as the original Gansu Customs House, quietly narrate the former prosperity of this "Golden Waterway." In its heyday, long haul transportation across the northwest region frequently passed through here, with goods being loaded and unloaded at the ancient Hekou Wharf, creating a bustling hub of merchants and vibrant activity.
You can stroll along the wetlands by the Yellow River to embrace the springtime atmosphere or explore the living heritage of two intangible cultural treasures: the Jun Nuo Dance and Hekou Lanterns. This ancient town, where historical charm meets modern vitality, is now brimming with renewed energy.
In the evening, we arrived at the Yellow River Building standing by the riverside. This 93.39m-tall structure adopts an innovative architectural layout of "seven visible and six hidden floors," integrating mountain, river, and building into one, continuing the millennium-long vigil of the "North Tower of Golden City."
Take the elevator directly to the 16th-floor observation deck, where a breathtaking view unfolds before your eyes—the mighty Yellow River flows through the city, offering a panoramic vista of Jin Cheng's beauty. In this moment, you'll truly understand the meaning behind the phrase "The banks of the Yellow River are also stunning."
The Yellow River Building is not just a scenic spot, but also a window to understand the Yellow River culture. On the 14th floor, visitors can read books and enjoy tea in the Yellow River Study; the 15th floor's "Lanzhou Memories·Light and Shadow Museum" presents the grand epic of Yellow River civilization through high-tech displays. From calligraphy and painting exhibitions to ancient animal fossil displays, from urban memory exhibitions to premium Yellow River stone collections, the millennia-old Yellow River culture becomes visible and tangible.
As the sun sets and the city lights come to life, the journey concludes. In just one day, you've traveled through time—from the billion-year-old wonders of the Danxia landforms, to the centuries-old charm of ancient towns, and finally to the dazzling lights of the modern metropolis. This is not just a journey across time, but also a heartfelt encounter with Lanzhou.