Lanzhou

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. In 81 BC, under the Han dynasty (206 BC–AD 220), it was taken from the Huns' Huandi Chanyu and made the seat of Jincheng commandery (jùn), and later of the Jincheng (Golden City) county (xiàn), later renamed Yunwu. From at least the first millennium BC it was a major link on the ancient Northern Silk Road, and also an important historic Yellow River crossing site. To protect the city, the Great Wall of China was extended as far as Yumen. Parts of the Great Wall still exist within the built-up area. After the fall of the Han dynasty, Lanzhou became the capital of a succession of tribal states. In the 4th century it was briefly the capital of the independent state of Liang. …

At 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) above sea level, Lanzhou lies in China's northwest geographical center. The metropolitan area covers more than 20 square kilometres (7.7 sq mi) of urbanisation along the southern banks of the Yellow River, which flows through from west to east. The Qilian Ranges, Mt. Pingliang, and Mt. Kongtong are located on the south and north sides of the city. Lanzhou is situated on the upper reaches of the Yellow River where it emerges from the mountains and has been a center since early times, being at the southern end of the route leading via the Hexi Corridor across Central Asia. It commands the approaches to the ancient capital area of Chang'an (modern Xi'an) in Shaanxi province from both the west and the northwest, as well as the area of Qinghai Lake via the upper waters of the Yellow River and its tributaries. …

The city is the cultural centre of Gansu. It is home to many different ethnic groups and their respective cultures, but the most prominent three groups are the Han, Hui, and Zang. Chinese opera: Qinqiang opera (Gansu style): The most important form of folk opera in Lanzhou. Unlike Shaanxi Qinqiang opera, the Gansu style (Gan school) is more impassioned, rough, and higher pitch. It also reserved some unique performance skills such as "San Bian Zi" (Three Whips), "San Gou Zi" (Three Hooks), and "San Huo Cai" (Spraying Fire). Lanzhou Guzi (Lanzhou Drum Narrative): This is recognised as a National intangible cultural heritage of China. This type of opera is primarily performed in the Lanzhou dialect and the content largely comes from historical tales and folklore. Cuisine: Lanzhou beef noodles are well known throughout China. …