Strolling along the Yellow River, feeling the charm of Lanzhou, the 109th day of self-driving around China.

July 1, 2023, the 109th day of self-driving around China, playing in Lanzhou for two days. Lanzhou, a dazzling pearl embedded at the junction of the Loess Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is famous for its unique geographical location, long history and culture, and magnificent natural scenery. It is not only an important node on the ancient Silk Road, but also the only provincial capital city where the Yellow River flows through the city, giving the city endless spirituality and charm. The beauty of Lanzhou, first and foremost, is the Yellow River. The Yellow River, the mother river of the Chinese nation, exhibits both majestic and delicate features in the Lanzhou section. Along the two banks of the river, mountains rise and fall, trees grow lush, and the rushing Yellow River water complements each other, forming a breathtaking landscape painting. When night falls, the two banks of the Yellow River are brightly lit, with colorful lights reflected on the water surface, as if countless stars have fallen into the mortal world, making people feel like they are in a dreamland. The Yellow River Riverside Road is the essence of Lanzhou's riverside landscape. This route connects many attractions such as White Pagoda Mountain, Waterwheel Expo Park, and Yellow River Mother Sculpture, each of which contains profound historical and cultural heritage and unique natural beauty. Here, you can take a sheepskin raft to drift on the Yellow River and experience an ancient way of crossing the river; you can also climb White Pagoda Mountain and overlook the entire Lanzhou city, feeling the ambition of "Standing on the top of the mountain, overlooking all the mountains". The Yellow River Mother Sculpture is a landmark of Lanzhou. The mother's image has flowing hair and a kind expression. Her body is slender and her curves are graceful. She smiles slightly and lies on the waves, giving people a warm and touching feeling. The baby is cute and cuddly, nestled in the mother's arms, symbolizing the Chinese nation growing up in the embrace of the mother river. Sunlight shines, and the golden light flows slowly on the sculpture, as if adding a touch of sacredness and warmth to the picture. White Pagoda Mountain Park is located on the north side of Zhongshan Bridge, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, on the north bank of the Yellow River, with an altitude of over 1,700 meters, which is the natural barrier of Lanzhou. Taking a cable car to White Pagoda Mountain, the moment the cable car crosses the Yellow River, it will make your heart surge. The White Pagoda Temple in the park was first built in the Yuan Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty. It is the landmark building of White Pagoda Mountain Park. The white pagoda is located in the center, with eight sides and seven levels, about 17 meters high. The whole body is white, tall and beautiful. Each level and corner has a carved dragon head with a wind chime hanging below, which flutters in the wind, with a clear and crisp sound. The white pagoda and the iron bridge on the Yellow River form a magnificent picture, becoming one of the symbols of Lanzhou. Take a walk on the forest path, enjoy the natural scenery, overlook the city of Lanzhou, and feel the hustle and bustle of the city. The construction of Lanzhou Zhongshan Iron Bridge began in the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. It spans the Yellow River and is one of the landmark buildings of Lanzhou. It not only witnessed the vicissitudes of Lanzhou, but also became an important link connecting the two banks and communicating the past and present. Walking on the bridge, under your feet is the rolling Yellow River water, and in front of your eyes is the bustling city scene on both sides. A sense of pride surges in your heart. In addition, Lanzhou is also a city of food. Numerous snack stalls and restaurants built along the river attract visitors from all over the world with their authentic Lanzhou beef noodles, hand-grabbed mutton, and sweet rice wine. Here, tasting a bowl of steaming beef noodles is not only an ultimate temptation for your taste buds, but also a profound experience of the city's culture. In short, Lanzhou, with its unique Yellow River scenery, rich history and culture, tempting delicacies, and hospitable people, presents a series of colorful pictures to the world. Whether strolling along the Yellow River or wandering in the long river of history, you can feel the unique charm and flavor of this city.