Where two rivers turn gold in a realm of wonder
Shifting waters meet at the striking confluence in Gansu, revealing ancient stories, quiet beauty, and fleeting moments of awe, Deng Zhangyu and Ma Jingna report.
In Lanzhou, a city divided by the Yellow River, a 15-minute drift on a sheepskin raft has become known among locals as "the brave one's game". In fact, watching adventurers bob along the waves has itself become a lively pastime — spectators gather along the riverbanks, cheering, laughing and snapping photos as riders cling to their rafts, caught between excitement and fear.
As visitors drift downstream, Lanzhou's riverside scenery unfolds like a living scroll. Tea drinkers wave from wooden verandas and anglers nod from the shore. When a stray wave leaps onto the raft, riders may even catch a faint taste of the Yellow River's mineral-rich silt — an unexpected but undeniably authentic souvenir.
And so the journey along China's mother river concludes not just with awe-inspiring landscapes but with a blend of adventure, serenity and memory. Part spectacle, part challenge, part poetry — wholly unforgettable.
If you go
Tips: April to October is the ideal window to experience Gansu province's dramatic landscapes, though the high-altitude sun brings intense UV radiation. Pack a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen.
Road trips are both convenient and rewarding. Car rentals are widely available in Lanzhou, the provincial capital, placing most scenic areas within a two- to three-hour drive. High-speed rail seamlessly connects Lanzhou to nearby cities.
Tickets: A round-trip boat tour at Liujiaxia Reservoir in Linxia costs 160 yuan ($22.6) per person. Entry to the Bingling Temple Grottoes is 50 yuan, with additional fees for access to special caves. Admission to the Yellow River Stone Forest is 108 yuan per person, including the scenic shuttle bus ride. For a taste of local tradition, a sheepskin raft experience is priced at 100 yuan per passenger.
Accommodation: Hotels in Lanzhou offer the most comprehensive facilities, with nightly rates ranging from 200 to 500 yuan. Linxia and Baiyin provide more budget-friendly options, though amenities tend to be modest. Travelers seeking immersive stays can also find village guesthouses near Yellow River attractions for under 100 yuan per night.
