Unique Gansu (Ⅰ)

Updated: 2016-09-22
By Li Xiaoxu ( chinadaily.com.cn )

Gansu province in Northwest China is an important province along the Silk Road, an ancient trade road that has come to life in recent years due to the Belt and Road Initiative. Located in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, Gansu is considered one of the cradles of Chinese culture.

The province is home to many well-known tourist attractions such as the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, and the Jiayuguan Pass of the Great Wall. It is also China’s second largest producer of medicinal plants and herbs.

The population in Gansu is ethnically diverse, home to groups such as Han, Kazakh, Mongolian, Tibetan, Hui, Dongxiang, Tu and Manchu.

There are 14 cities and regions, each renowned for particular specialties and resources.

Lanzhou city

Lanzhou is the capital city of Gansu province in northwest China. The Yellow River runs through the city, ensuring rich crops and fruitful harvests. The city is the transportation and telecommunication center of the region.

It has abundant natural resources and minerals. The city generates vast amounts of hydropower from its Liujiaxia, Bapanxia and Yanguoxia stations.

Jiuquan city

Situated in the northwest of Gansu province, Jiuquan neighbors Zhangye to the east. It is also bordered by Qinghai province to the south, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region to the west and Inner Mongolia and Mongolia to the north.

In the city, there are 1,153 scenic relic spots, including 14 national relic heritages and 208 provincial relic heritages. Among them, 98 scenic spots are open to visitors, such as the relic site of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 24), and the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

Jinchang city

Jinchang city is located in northwestern Gansu province at the north foot of the Qilian Mountains.

Known as the "city of nickel ore", in recent years it has sought to balance its industrial heritage with more eco-friendly industries.

In order to achieve sustainable development, Jinchang has developed a flower industry, photovoltaic industry and modern agriculture.

After bringing in lavender in 2014, the city now has more than 20 hectares of the flowers. The city now boasts the honor of being a "flower city in North China" and the "livable city" after years of transformation.

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Unique Gansu (Ⅱ)

Edited by Owen Fishwick