Updated Feb 18, 2026
KEY STATS
3.0M
Population
13,192 km2
Area
318 Mbps
Internet
1,572m
Elevation
UTC+08:00
Timezone
LHW (55km)
Airport
OVERVIEW
Straddling the Yellow River, Lanzhou offers a rugged gateway to China's northwest, with crisp continental air and sweeping steppe views. Nomads appreciate its improving connectivity and affordable living, perfect for focused work amid Silk Road echoes.
QUICK FACTS
Country
China
Region
Eastern Asia
Population
3.0M
Timezone
UTC+08:00
Elevation
1,572 m
Currency
CNY
Language
Chinese
Airport
LHW
GPS
36.06, 103.84
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Tech
318 Mbps average download — faster than most capital cities worldwide
A major city with a population of 3,000,000
INFRASTRUCTURE
3,687 total POIs 0.3 per km²
Above avg per capita
Average
Below avg
Food & Drink
Restaurants
326
Cafes
66
Bars
19
Fast Food
62
Shopping
Supermarkets
67
Convenience
151
Shopping Malls
58
Healthcare
Hospitals
51
Clinics
49
Pharmacies
69
Education
Schools
282
Universities
42
Libraries
11
Recreation
Parks
200
Playgrounds
5
Sports
34
Cinemas
10
Museums
18
Theatres
7
Transport
Bus Stops
958
Train Stations
47
Fuel Stations
55
Services
Banks
316
ATMs
11
Post Offices
16
Police
41
Fire Stations
4
Source: DropThe Database | dropthe.org
INTERNET SPEED
318 Mbps
Download
54 Mbps
Upload
64ms
Latency
5,082
Tests
1,430
Devices
2025-Q4
Last updated
CLIMATE
Best time to visit: Jun - Aug
-3°
J
-1°
F
4°
M
10°
A
17°
M
22°
J
24°
J
22°
A
17°
S
10°
O
4°
N
-1°
D
18-28 C ideal
Warm/Cool
Extreme
Year avg: 10.4 C Range: -2.9 - 23.7 C Rain: 317 mm/year Sunshine: 3,045 h/year
CITY SCORES
80.1
Nomad Index
C
Livability
37.5
Culture
50.6
Overall
AIRPORT
LHW
Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport
55 km from center
~83 min drive
FUN FACTS
Lanzhou is the capital and largest city of Gansu province in northwestern China.
Located on the banks of the Yellow River, it is a key regional transportation hub, connecting areas further west by rail to the eastern half of the country.
Historically, it has been a major link on the Northern Silk Road and it stands to become a major hub on the New Eurasian Land Bridge.
Lanzhou is the geographical center of China’s land territory, and the third largest city in Northwest China after Xi'an and Ürümqi.
History Originally in the territory of the ancient Western Qiangs, Lanzhou became part of the territory of the State of Qin in the 6th century BC.
EXTERNAL LINKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Lanzhou known for?
Straddling the Yellow River, Lanzhou offers a rugged gateway to China's northwest, with crisp continental air and sweeping steppe views. Nomads appreciate its improving connectivity and affordable living, perfect for focused work amid Silk Road echoes.
How fast is the internet in Lanzhou?
Lanzhou has an average download speed of 318 Mbps and upload speed of 54 Mbps, based on Ookla speed test data.
What is the weather like in Lanzhou?
Lanzhou has an average year-round temperature of approximately 10.4 degrees Celsius.
What airport serves Lanzhou?
Lanzhou is served by LHW (Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport), approximately 55 km from the city center.
What is the population of Lanzhou?
The population of Lanzhou is approximately 3.0M.
What infrastructure does Lanzhou have?
Lanzhou has 3,687 mapped points of interest, including 326 restaurants, 51 hospitals, 282 schools.
What country is Lanzhou in?
Lanzhou is located in China.