Lanzhou Weather in December

Cold, dry days

December in Lanzhou feels properly wintry. Afternoons reach about 6°C, while nights fall to around -6°C. It's dry, with plenty of sunshine, but the short days and cold air can make long walks tiring. November is milder, and January is colder.

The weather suits a clear-day visit to the Gansu Provincial Museum, where you can spend time indoors with its famous Flying Horse of Gansu. A short walk along the Yellow River can also be pleasant in the sun. Skip long riverfront outings after dark, and don't count on December for comfortable hiking in the hills around the city.

Quiet season

December is low season compared with April, May and October, Lanzhou's better-known visiting months. You'll usually find fewer sightseeing crowds, and hotels may cost less than in those busier periods. The trade-off is a quieter city and a colder feel outdoors. If you hate crowds, this is a good time to see Zhongshan Bridge without peak-season bustle.

There's no major citywide December festival that reliably draws visitors. The winter solstice, Dongzhi, falls in December some years and is marked with family meals; dumplings are common in northern China. Christmas isn't a major local holiday, so don't expect a big public celebration.

Make the most of it

Travelling with kids? Keep outdoor plans short, then warm up over a bowl of Lanzhou beef noodles. December's dry weather makes it easier to enjoy the city's sights without rain getting in the way, but the cold can still cut a riverside stroll short.

A useful local tip: visit the Yellow River near Zhongshan Bridge around midday, when sunshine is more likely to make the walk comfortable. Then head to a nearby noodle shop for lunch. The city's hand-pulled noodles are a warming break, and you'll be following a local routine rather than searching for a winter event that may not be on.