[2025 Lanzhou ] Travel Guide for Waterwheel Expo Park (Updated Jan)

Friends who come to Lanzhou 👋Most of them probably don’t know that Lanzhou is also known as the “City of Waterwheels” 😉. Due to Lanzhou's special geographical location, the Yellow River passes through the city🌊, so the historical origin of Lanzhou's waterwheel is relatively early🤓. The Jinshi and Lanzhou people of the Ming Dynasty continued to use the structural principles of the southern wooden barrel wheel, combined with the characteristics of the Yellow River's rapid water, and after repeated research and development, the Yellow River waterwheel was successfully made in the 35th year of Jiajing in the Ming Dynasty (1556), and then the Yellow River Farmers on both sides of the Taiwan Strait rushed to imitate it, and waterwheels suddenly appeared on the banks of the Yellow River. The scene must have been spectacular😎. Nowadays, the Waterwheel Expo Park reproduces the spectacular scene of waterwheels on both sides of the Yellow River in the past 50 years. It is really worth seeing🥰. Location: Lanzhou Waterwheel Expo Park is located on the south bank of the Yellow River on Binhe East Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City📍. Scenic spot introduction: Lanzhou Waterwheel Expo Park was built in August 2005. It is a national 4A scenic spot👍, it’s great~ Ticket information: Free and open, isn’t it super surprising😜! Transportation route: Take bus 20, 25, 109, 116, 135, 140 and get off at Waterwheel Expo Park Station🚌, it is very convenient~ Best time to visit: Spring and autumn have pleasant weather, which is the best time to visit Lanzhou Waterwheel Expo Park🌸🍃. It’s super comfortable to go at this time~ Browsing guide: Lanzhou Waterwheel Expo Park consists of three parts: Waterwheel Garden, Waterwheel Square, and Cultural Square. From the south gate, visit the Waterwheel Square first. There are dozens of waterwheels in Waterwheel Square, which is very shocking to see. 😃 , and as we continued walking, we saw the statue of Duan Xu, the founder of Lanzhou Waterwheel. This statue reflected the scene of Duan Xu creating the waterwheel, as if it could allow people to travel back to that time🤩. There are also watermills and waterwheel gardens in Waterwheel Square. They all reproduce the harmonious scene of the Yellow River, waterwheels and agricultural production, which is very charming🥳. Finally, the expo park also has some cultural and creative products. You can buy some special souvenirs, which are great as souvenirs🎁. On May 20, 2006, Lanzhou's Yellow River waterwheel manufacturing skills were approved by the State Council to be included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage lists. It's amazing👏👏. With the development of the times, waterwheels have withdrawn from the stage of history. Today's waterwheels no longer have practical functions and have become a display with commemorative significance. If you are interested in history and culture, you are welcome to experience the wisdom of ancient water conservancy facilities. With unique ingenuity, I believe you will definitely gain something else.

Northwest China, a land of wonders sculpted by wind and sand, is simply exhilarating! As a seasoned traveler from the south, I was instantly captivated by the breathtaking eroded landscapes! I can't wait to plan my second adventure in the northwest 🚀🚀 Now, let me take you on this unparalleled journey~ 🌟Day 1️⃣: First Impressions of Lanzhou, a Cultural Feast Begins! - 🛫 Arrive in Lanzhou, and set off to explore the charm of this small city after lunch. - 👩‍🎨 Gansu Provincial Museum, check out the national treasure "Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow" and bring history to life in front of the camera! - 🎨 Dunhuang Art Gallery, a palace of art, remember to enter before 4:30 pm to avoid missing out. - 🌊 Waterwheel Expo Park, a light of wisdom, 1.5-hour immersive experience, the wisdom of the ancients is breathtaking! - 🌉 Zhongshan Bridge, from dusk to night, enjoy the double delight of food and scenery, with a view of Baita Mountain Park, a dreamlike Manhattan night view, not to be missed! 🌟Day 2️⃣: A Duet of Nature and Ancient Charm! - 🚗 Join a day tour group, easily solve transportation, and go directly to Ink Danxia and Hekou Ancient Town. - 🌈 Ink Danxia, a must-visit! With black clothes, you are the coolest scenery hunter, and every photo is a blockbuster! - 🏘 Hekou Ancient Town, a bit plain, if you have enough time, it is a leisurely time, but not a must-visit place. 🌟Day 3️⃣: A Martial Arts Dream in the Yellow River Stone Forest! - 🏞 Yellow River Stone Forest, a paradise for martial arts fans! Sightseeing cars shuttle through it, and every stone tells a story of the martial arts world. - 👗 White clothes fluttering, ethnic style accessories embellish, you are the independent heroine, every frame under the camera is a beautiful picture! 🌟Day 4️⃣: Local Specialties and the Anticipation of Departure! - 🛍️ Stroll through the streets and alleys, collect authentic specialties, and leave a thought for the next trip to the northwest. 😍 Summary: Lanzhou, a city with the aroma of mutton, leaves beautiful memories everywhere. Fresh mutton, authentic taste, unforgettable! 🌟 Next time, we'll meet again in Lanzhou and continue to explore this magical land!

Address: No. 524, South Binhe East Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City Time: 08:00-22:00 The Waterwheel Expo Park is a great place to take kids in Lanzhou. You can see all kinds of waterwheels here. The layout is very reasonable, and the park is located on the banks of the Yellow River, with beautiful scenery, like a large park. A small stream of Yellow River water is diverted to directly drive the windmills in the park. Children can see how the waterwheels work and participate in turning the waterwheels to divert water to the relevant places. It's really fun! Highly recommended! If you have time, you must visit the Waterwheel Expo Park when you come to Lanzhou, especially now that it's summer vacation. Take your children to visit this Waterwheel Expo Park, which not only increases their knowledge, but also allows them to experience the principles of waterwheels firsthand and exercise their bodies. The Waterwheel Expo Park is divided into three areas: Waterwheel Square, Waterwheel Park, and Watermill. The Watermill is especially interesting, as it uses water power to turn corn kernels into corn grits. The scenery on the banks of the Yellow River is beautiful! It looks great! So excellent

The Waterwheel Expo Park in Lanzhou is worth visiting for several reasons: 1. **Cultural Significance**: The park showcases traditional waterwheels, which are integral to the region's agricultural history and water management. 2. **Beautiful Scenery**: Located along the Yellow River, the park features lovely landscapes, gardens, and waterfront views. 3. **Educational Experience**: Visitors can learn about the history and technology of water conservation in the arid region of Gansu. 4. **Artistic Structures**: The park includes various artistic installations and waterwheel models, making for interesting photos and exploration. 5. **Recreational Activities**: The park offers walking paths, picnic areas, and opportunities for relaxation by the river. Overall, it provides a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a unique destination in Lanzhou. #traveldiaries #lanzhou

The hotel is right across from the Waterwheel Expo Park. After having a bowl of beef noodles in the morning, I took a stroll in the park. It was so relaxing. The Waterwheel Expo Park is a free park built along the Yellow River. There weren't many people in the morning. You can admire the various waterwheels and the rushing Yellow River at the same time. There were many locals exercising in the park, walking, running, singing, dancing. I could feel the relaxed atmosphere of the people in Lanzhou. I felt much more relaxed myself.

Lanzhou, a city through which the Yellow River flows, has a long history and profound cultural heritage. The surging momentum of the Yellow River endows Lanzhou with a bold and unrestrained temperament, and the scenery along the river is breathtakingly beautiful. Lanzhou has a plethora of delicious foods, among which the steaming beef noodles are renowned far and wide. The night scene in Lanzhou is brilliantly lit, filled with the atmosphere of life. It is an important hub connecting the east and the west, witnessing the hustle and bustle of people coming and going. Lanzhou Hand-pulled Noodles Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles are known for their unique production techniques and flavors. The hand-pulled noodles are evenly thick and chewy, smooth and resilient. Paired with a delicious beef broth and garnished with green onions, coriander, and other seasonings, the aroma is overwhelming. Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles are famous for 'one clear (clear soup), two white (white radish), three red (red chili oil), four green (green coriander and garlic sprouts), and five yellow (bright yellow noodles)'. The selection of ingredients is meticulous, the craftsmanship is exquisite, and the process is complex, featuring deliciousness, affordability, nutrition, and convenience. It is not only a delicacy but also a symbol of Lanzhou's food culture. Gansu Museum - Flying Horse of Gansu The basic exhibitions of the Gansu Provincial Museum include 'Gansu Silk Road Civilization Exhibition', 'Red Gansu - Towards 1949 Exhibition', 'Gansu Paleontological Fossils Exhibition', 'Gansu Painted Pottery Exhibition', 'Solemn and Wonderful Images - Gansu Buddhist Art Exhibition', etc. Among them, the 'Gansu Silk Road Civilization Exhibition' is its core exhibition, comprehensively showcasing Gansu's important position and cultural contributions on the ancient Silk Road. The museum's collection is very rich, covering categories such as paleontological fossils, pottery, bronzes, porcelain, jade, wood carvings, silk fabrics, paintings, wooden slips, goldware, natural specimens, etc., gathering a large number of cultural treasures from Gansu from ancient times to the modern era. Among them, there are 16 national treasure-level cultural relics, including the bronze galloping horse, courier figure mural bricks, human head-shaped pottery vase, tripod-shaped bronze lamp, and tri-colored phoenix-headed pot. The bronze galloping horse, unearthed from the Leitai Tomb of the Han Dynasty in Wuwei City, Gansu Province, is the treasure of the Gansu Provincial Museum, also known as the Flying Horse of Gansu, Horse Stepping on a Flying Swallow, and Horse Surpassing a Sparrow. The bronze galloping horse is 34.5 cm high, 45 cm long, 13.1 cm wide, and weighs 7.15 kg. The bronze horse is depicted with three hooves in the air, its head raised and neighing, with one hoof stepping on a flying bird, representing the speed of the galloping horse, with a momentum that carries the wind and rain. The bronze galloping horse is considered a symbol of friendly exchanges between the East and the West, and in 1983, it was designated as the symbol of Chinese tourism by the National Tourism Administration. Mother of the Yellow River Statue The Mother of the Yellow River statue is located on the south bank of the Yellow River in Lanzhou, created by He E. It is a landmark sculpture of Lanzhou city. The sculpture consists of 'mother' and 'baby boy', with the mother lying on her side watching over the child, with a graceful demeanor. It represents the image of the Mother of the Yellow River and the historical and cultural significance of Gansu. Zhongshan Bridge Zhongshan Bridge in Lanzhou spans the Yellow River. It was built in the 33rd year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty and is one of Lanzhou's landmark buildings. The bridge's steel structure is sturdy and simple, having withstood the test of time, witnessing the changes and development of Lanzhou. Yellow River Waterwheel Expo Park The Lanzhou Waterwheel Expo Park is located on the east side of the South Binhe Road in Lanzhou, by the bank of the Yellow River. It is a theme park showcasing the culture of waterwheels. Lanzhou University Lanzhou University is a well-known institution of higher learning with a long history and profound heritage, located in Lanzhou.

Lanzhou Waterwheel Expo Park, located on the south bank of the Yellow River in Chengguan District of Lanzhou City, is a modern open-style park with ancient architectural features, and also a place for leisure and entertainment for the citizens of Lanzhou. The Expo Park has dozens of ancient-style large waterwheels, Lanzhou Wo Bridge, and upon seeing the surname 'Duan', those familiar with the history of Jincheng Lanzhou will think of the inventor of the Lanzhou Yellow River waterwheel—Duan Xu. Therefore, right at the entrance of the Expo Park is the statue of Duan Xu. There are also statues depicting the market life of some Lanzhou residents. The Lanzhou Yellow River waterwheel is also known as 'Sky Wheel', 'Turning Wheel', 'Irrigation Wheel', 'Tiger Wheel'. It originated in the Ming Dynasty and is the oldest irrigation tool along the ancient Yellow River in Lanzhou. 🌟Highlights: Ancient waterwheels, Lanzhou Wo Bridge, life sculptures, 👍Most recommended: Open-style, leisure and entertainment park 🕙Business hours: Open 24 hours a day 📍Detailed address: Lanzhou Waterwheel Expo Park 🚉Transportation strategy: You can reach Chengguan District of Lanzhou by walking or by bus, and if you are driving, there is a parking lot at the entrance of the Expo Park. ⏳Recommended visit duration: All day ❤Recommended reason: You can sit in the leisure teahouse in the Expo Park, drink three rounds of 'Tai' tea, and watch the Yellow River ✅Must experience: Waterwheel viewing, sheepskin raft experience, speedboat experience. A great place to check in and take photos of the Yellow River sunrise and sunset!

|Reproducing the glory of Lanzhou waterwheels. Lanzhou, known as the \"City of Waterwheels\", has built a Waterwheel Expo Park here, reproducing the spectacular scene of waterwheels lined up on both sides of the Yellow River more than 50 years ago. Lanzhou Waterwheel Expo Park is located on the Binhe East Road of the Hundred-Mile Yellow River Scenic Line, located on the south bank of the Yellow River. It is connected to the Zhongli Bridge Wharf and Sports Park in the east, and the Qinshui Platform, Lanzhou Port, Zhongshan Bridge and Baita Mountain Park in the west. Lanzhou Waterwheel Expo Park consists of Waterwheel Park, Waterwheel Square and Cultural Square, which is a theme park displaying waterwheel culture. In the Waterwheel Park, there are 12 huge Lanzhou waterwheels lined up along the Yellow River. They make a melodious \"creaking\" sound, playing the music of time. The Yellow River in the park is surging, the waterwheels are rotating, and the canal water is winding, reproducing the harmonious scene of the Yellow River, waterwheels and agricultural production. The park is based on the historical site of the \"Waterwheel Park\" for restoration and construction, and fully displays the true appearance of Lanzhou waterwheels. In order to vividly demonstrate the whole process of waterwheel irrigation, the Yellow River water is introduced into a sand field. Looking at the lush vegetables in the sand field, visitors can't help but exclaim: \"The Lanzhou waterwheel is a miracle, it embodies and displays the broad wisdom of Lanzhou people like the Yellow River.\" Walking in the \"Waterwheel Park\", there is another unforgettable scenery, that is the ingenious garden design. Along the winding canal, various sizes of waterwheels and waterwheel machinery are arranged in a staggered manner. The water splashed by the rotation of the waterwheel seems to make the still garden lively. The beauty of the garden is reflected in the finely carved details. The lawns and flower beds in the park are surrounded by them, breaking the traditional flat layout and adopting a three-dimensional, multi-level greening form. At a glance, various flowers and trees are shining, and the colorful colors are intoxicating. Whether you look up or down, you can see the beautiful scenery. Moreover, the \"Waterwheel Park\" cleverly designed a path paved with stones. The red and white stones are inlaid on the road into the shapes of lotus, chrysanthemum, etc., walking among them, it is like strolling in a \"sacred\" art hall. Address reference: No. 524, South Binhe East Road, Guangwumen Street, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City

The most eye-catching on the water wheel square, apart from sparrows, are pigeons. Unintentionally, a large group of pigeons suddenly flew up, making a rustling sound, flew around the square and came back, still landing on the square to forage. Perhaps the pigeons have become accustomed to this way of foraging, there are many people coming to the square, and there are also elderly people with children, they keep throwing food to the pigeon flock, and the pigeons have taken it for granted.

Walking from west to east along the Waterwheel Garden, taking pictures and strolling around, it's quite enjoyable. On one side are various types of waterwheels, which are eye-opening, and on the other side is the unique landscape of the Yellow River, which is truly unforgettable. Looking back at history, how wonderful the ancient scenery on the banks of the Lanzhou River must have been more than half a century ago, and what kind of feelings will it arouse when it reappears!

We arrived at the Waterwheel Garden a bit late, so we missed some of the views, which was quite regrettable. But there was also a unique charm to visiting at this time. Not to mention anything else, just the sight of the slender willows full of yellow leaves swaying in the breeze was enough to fascinate anyone. Not to mention the charm of the ancient waterwheel under the cover of the slender willows, and the long-standing and mysterious feelings it brings to us.

The Waterwheel Expo Park is located on the south bank of the Yellow River on Binhe East Road in Lanzhou. It is a theme park that displays waterwheel culture, recreating the real scene of using waterwheels for irrigation on both sides of the Yellow River more than 50 years ago. The park was built on the site of the original 'Waterwheel Park'. In the park, you can see more than 10 waterwheels scattered along the riverbank, with rows of willow trees swaying in the wind. On one side, the Yellow River is rushing, and through the water diversion canal, the waterwheel is slowly turning. The canal water flows in a winding way, splashing out thousands of rays of light, which is really intoxicating.

In Lanzhou, in the northwest, there is also a name called the city of watermills. The waterwheel in Lanzhou originated from the Ming Dynasty more than 400 years ago. It was still very popular until 50 or 60 years ago. The waterwheel turning on the bank of the Yellow River became a symbol of the city. The Yellow River traverses Lanzhou City. This city is also a city built along the river. The terrain of Lanzhou is both mountains on both sides. It can only develop in the east-west direction. The side is also the most scenic area, there are many attractions along the Yellow River. Zhongshan Bridge is the most famous bridge in Lanzhou. It has a history of more than 100 years. This iron bridge spans the Yellow River, with a bustling urban area on one side and Baita Mountain on the other, along the Yellow River. To the east, there is a waterwheel expo park. Speaking of Lanzhou's waterwheel, one person is mentioned. This person is called Duan Xuan, Lanzhou Duanjiatan, an official of the Ming Dynasty. Later, when he resigned and went home, he invented the Lanzhou waterwheel. He was welcomed by the local people and fought to build. He finally achieved the reputation of Lanzhou Waterwheel City. The segment has served as the royal history of Yunnan Road, and has a strong interest in the local car, so he sent people to paint and keep them. When I resigned and went home, I studied the waterwheel according to the pattern and the actual situation in Lanzhou, and finally succeeded in Jiajing thirty-five years (AD 1556). Before the invention of the waterwheel, the people of Lanzhou basically relied on the sky.