Lanzhou

Lanzhou is the capital of Gansu province and a historic city on the ancient Silk Road, stretched narrowly along the banks of the Yellow River. With a metropolitan population of around four million, it is northwest China's key transport and industrial gateway toward Central Asia. The climate is cold semi-arid, with warm, dry summers and cold, dry winters and relatively little rainfall. Landmarks include the Yellow River waterfront, the iron Zhongshan Bridge, White Pagoda Mountain overlooking the city, and the traditional waterwheel park. Lanzhou is nationally famous for its hand-pulled beef noodles, and its sizeable Hui Muslim community means halal food and mosques are easy to find. A new metro line, Zhongchuan International Airport, and high-speed rail connect it toward Xi'an, Xining, and Urumqi. For an international student, and especially a Muslim one, Lanzhou offers low living costs, a welcoming halal food culture, and a strong sense of Silk Road history.