Lanzhou Weather in October

October days outdoors

Lanzhou's October days feel cool and sunny, with afternoons near 19°C and chilly mornings around 6°C. It's a lovely month for walking along the Yellow River, crossing Zhongshan Bridge, or taking the cable car up to White Pagoda Mountain. The autumn air suits sightseeing better than the hotter, wetter days of September.

Rain falls on about 10 days, so a shower can interrupt a riverside stroll. Keep indoor stops like the Gansu Provincial Museum in mind. Evenings cool quickly, and November is colder still.

Holiday crowds

China's National Day holiday runs in early October. Lanzhou's main sights and transport can get busy then, and fares and hotel prices may rise compared with quieter months. Outside the holiday, crowds usually ease, though October remains a popular time to visit because the weather is comfortable.

If you hate crowds, travel after the National Day rush. Mid-Autumn Festival sometimes falls in October, but its date changes each year.

Make the most of it

October works well for city walks and day trips, but it's less suited to lingering on chilly riverbanks after dark. The shorter daylight also leaves less time for long outings, so keep a visit to Bingling Temple or a trip along the Yellow River flexible.

For breakfast, try Lanzhou beef noodles near your hotel or along Zhangye Road. Ask for "yī qīng èr bái sān hóng sì lǜ wǔ huáng": a traditional way to order the broth's clear, white, red, green and yellow toppings. The noodles are warming on a cool morning, and you can choose how much chilli to add.