My Travel Experience in Western China I almost didn’t come this way on my China tour, but I am so glad I did. I was inspired to travel to Zhangye after seeing photos of Danxia, the rainbow mountains, while researching beautiful places in the Middle Kingdom. What I have seen and experienced in this region will stay with me forever. My trip to China began with the popular traveller’s route from Beijing to Pingyao and Xi’an. After taking a relaxing overnight train into Lanzhou, it was immediately clear that I was off the beaten path. I bought a hash-brown cake and some friendly locals pointed me toward the bus that would take me to Lanzhou Huar Youth Hostel. A short walk from the bus stop and I found the modern art district in which the hostel is located. Thus far, it is the most interesting hostel I have stayed at in China. The establishment, like most of the buildings in the area, is a converted warehouse. Huar is affordable and the staff is very helpful, despite a limited knowledge of English. They have an elevated lounge area, spacious rooms and even a drama theatre where, if you’re lucky, you can catch a traditional opera show. The food nearby is tasty, I had the best lamb dish just around the corner from the hostel, and you can try Lanzhou’s signature beef noodle soup all over the city. In good traffic, you can bus into the city centre in about half an hour. Here you will see a number of Muslim temples and countless jewellery and antique markets. The city has a welcoming, exciting vibe. The people are warm and happy to see a foreign face in the crowd. A brief walk takes you to the awesome Huang He, Yellow River, where
My Travel Experience in Western China I almost didn’t come this way on my China tour, but I am so glad I did. I was inspired to travel to Zhangye after seeing photos of Danxia, the rainbow mountains, while researching beautiful places in the Middle
