Lanzhou Weather in November

November feels like autumn turning cold

Lanzhou's November days are cool, with highs around 12°C, but temperatures can fall to 0°C overnight. Rain is rare, and you'll often get bright spells, though the days are short. It's a good month for the Gansu Provincial Museum or a walk along the Yellow River. Save longer outdoor visits for the middle of the day, when the air feels less chilly.

The riverfront can feel cold after sunset, so don't leave Zhongshan Bridge for a late evening stroll. November isn't the best time for a long, leisurely visit to the hills around the city, either.

A quieter month for sightseeing

Lanzhou has no major, well-known annual festival that reliably draws visitors in November. China's Singles' Day shopping event falls on November 11, but it's mainly an online shopping occasion, not a city festival.

If you hate crowds, you'll likely find the Gansu Provincial Museum and Zhongshan Bridge calmer than in October, one of Lanzhou's best months to visit. November is also outside the spring peak, so accommodation is generally easier to find and often costs less than in April, May or October.

Make the most of a sunny day

With limited daylight, pair an outdoor stop with something cosy indoors. Walk beside the Yellow River, then warm up with Lanzhou beef noodles, served in a clear broth with hand-pulled noodles.

Travelling with kids? Keep the riverfront walk short if the wind picks up, and choose a museum visit for the colder part of the day. A useful local tip: Zhongshan Bridge is close to the Baitashan Park entrance, so you can combine both without crossing town. Check the steps up the hill before setting off; they're less appealing when it's cold and getting dark.