How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Lanzhou, China

1. White Pagoda of Qingyang Guesthouse

A popular tourist attraction often overpriced. Visit during off-peak hours for cheaper prices.

Off-Peak Hours: Visiting during off-peak hours can reduce crowds and costs.
Group Discounts: Consider buying group tickets to save money if traveling with others.
Local Eateries Nearby: Explore local eateries nearby for authentic and affordable food options.

Known for inflated prices in tourist areas. Visit the local market nearby for reasonable shopping.

Local Market Nearby: Visit the local market for souvenirs and food items at lower costs.
Avoid Weekends: Weekdays are less crowded, making it easier to negotiate prices.
Authentic Local Experiences: Explore local neighborhoods for a more authentic experience.

Famous market can be crowded and overpriced. Visit during the day for better deals.

Daytime Visits: Visiting during the day allows you to explore without the crowds.
Haggle for Prices: Always haggle for prices, especially on food and souvenirs.
Local Street Food Stalls: Try local street food stalls for authentic flavors at lower costs.

Often overpriced. Book in advance or find local tour agencies.

Book in Advance: Booking your cruise in advance can help secure lower prices.
Local Tour Agencies: Local tour agencies may offer better prices and deals.
Off-Peak Tours: Consider taking off-peak tours to avoid the crowds.

Frequently overcrowded and expensive. Visit during the morning or evening for a peaceful experience.

Morning or Evening Visits: Visiting early in the day or late in the afternoon reduces crowds.
Public Transportation: Utilize public transportation to save money on transportation costs.
Local Snack Shops: Visit local snack shops for affordable and delicious food options.

Tourist trap with inflated prices. Visit during prayer times to see the true culture.

Prayer Times: Visiting during prayer times offers a more authentic cultural experience.
Local Food Vendors: Try local food vendors near the mosque for affordable meals.
Avoid Souvenir Shops: Avoid souvenir shops around popular attractions for better prices.

Can be crowded with overpriced food and drinks. Bring your own picnic.

Bring a Picnic: Bringing your own food can save money on expensive park concessions.
Avoid Weekends: Weekdays are less crowded, making it easier to find a quiet spot.
Local Bakeries: Visit local bakeries nearby for affordable snacks and drinks.

Entrance fees can be high. Check for discounts or free days.

Check for Discounts: Always check for student, senior, or group discounts.
Free Museum Days: Some museums offer free admission on certain days. Research ahead.
Local Lunch Spots: Explore local lunch spots near the museum for a filling meal.

Tourists often overpay for transport. Organize your transportation in advance.

Organized Transportation: Organizing your own transportation can help avoid inflated prices.
Group Tour Discounts: Consider joining a group tour for discounted transport costs.
Local Guides: Hiring local guides can help navigate the area and find deals.

High entrance fees. Visit during off-peak hours or check for discounts.

Off-Peak Hours: Visiting during off-peak hours can help reduce costs and crowds.
Discounts for Students or Seniors: Always inquire about student, senior, or group discounts.
Local Restaurants Nearby: Explore local restaurants nearby for affordable dining options.

Often overpriced and crowded. Visit during the early morning hours.

Early Morning Visits: Visiting early in the morning can help you beat the crowds.
Street Food Bargains: Bargaining is common at street food markets.
Local Specialties: Try local specialties for an authentic Lanzhou culinary experience.

Overpriced souvenirs and food. Pack a lunch and buy souvenirs outside the park.

Pack a Lunch: Bringing your own food can help you save money on expensive concessions.
Avoid Souvenir Shops: Buying souvenirs outside the park can be cheaper and more authentic.
Hiking Trails: Explore the hiking trails for a peaceful and scenic experience.

Tourists often pay high fees. Visit during prayer times or off-peak hours.

Prayer Times: Visiting during prayer times offers a more authentic cultural experience.
Off-Peak Hours: Visiting during off-peak hours can help reduce costs and crowds.
Local Food Vendors: Try local food vendors near the mosque for affordable meals.

Prices can be high. Visit during the off-season or check for discounts.

Off-Season Visits: Visiting during the off-season can help reduce costs and crowds.
Check for Discounts: Always check for student, senior, or group discounts.
Local Snack Shops: Visit local snack shops nearby for affordable and delicious food options.

Entrance fees can be steep. Visit during off-peak hours or check for discounts.

Off-Peak Hours: Visiting during off-peak hours can help reduce costs and crowds.
Check for Discounts: Always check for student, senior, or group discounts.
Local Restaurants Nearby: Explore local restaurants nearby for affordable dining options.