Lanzhou, Gansu · Updated April 2026
Lanzhou is a Silk Road gateway located in Gansu, China. With a population of approximately 4.4 million, it ranks among China's top 25 largest cities. The city covers 13086 km² and operates in the CST (UTC+8) timezone.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Province / Region | Gansu |
| Population | 4.4 million |
| Area | 13086 km² |
| Main language | Mandarin / Northwestern dialect |
| Timezone | CST (UTC+8) |
| Main airport | Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW) |
| Best month to visit | May–September |
| Summer temperature | 30°C avg |
| Winter temperature | -4°C avg |
| Expat population | 3,000 |
The average monthly salary in Lanzhou is approximately $$700 USD. Lanzhou is considered a tier-2 city offering a good balance of salary and cost of living. Many expats choose Lanzhou for its growing international community and strong job market.
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