During the winter season, much of the world is covered in a blanket of snow, offering a unique experience for travelers. Visiting such destinations provides a special kind of peace. In China, the beauty of the country in winter is also something to behold. To increase tourism in the city of Lanzhou, China, the Winter–Spring Tourism Season has been launched on a large scale. The campaign is called the “Golden Season,” aimed at attracting more tourists to Lanzhou during the cold months and connecting them with the region’s rich culture. Situated along the Yellow River, this beautiful city has planned the initiative based on its history, culture, and natural beauty. Let’s take a look at what makes this program special.
Winter–Spring Tourism Season: A Host of Special Programs
The Winter–Spring Tourism Season will feature 185 special events, supported by 26 unique discount policies. The aim of this initiative is to enhance Lanzhou’s image and make it a top choice for travelers even in the cold season. The plan focuses on making Lanzhou a place where travel is easy, comfortable, and budget-friendly.
As part of the initiative, local hotels are getting significant support. Over 10 star-rated hotels in Lanzhou are participating in the program and offering discounts ranging from 10% to 30% on rooms. These offers make it more affordable and attractive for travelers to visit Lanzhou during the winter season. Hotels are also adding extra services to ensure a pleasant experience for guests. Some hotels are offering “free breakfast” for long-term guests, while others include tickets to local tourist spots or a cruise on the Yellow River as part of their packages. The goal is to make every tourist’s experience comfortable and affordable during the winter-spring season.
How to Enjoy the Program
The entertainment program of this season emphasizes Lanzhou’s rich culture. The 23rd Lanzhou Spring Festival Temple Fair, starting on February 17, 2026, will be one of the main highlights. It will feature many traditional performances related to intangible cultural heritage, such as the famous “Sing Dance” and an energetic “Taiping Drum Show.” These performances will be available for viewing in two ways: in person at designated locations and online through live streams, allowing more people to enjoy the traditional arts.
Traditional Cultural Programs
This season’s cultural events will highlight both art and music. The official calendar includes three symphony concerts, to be held in Lanzhou Concert Hall in November and December. The aim of these events is to combine traditional folk arts with modern, spectacular cultural experiences, providing tourists with a diverse range of programs to enjoy. The Spring Festival will also focus on connecting tourists with local traditions, featuring unique folk dances and traditional performances.
Discounts and Offers
To increase the number of tourists, the city has significantly improved access to its major historical and natural attractions, along with affordable services. A total of 26 different discounts have been introduced, which can be availed at popular locations like the Shuoimo Danxia National Park, the Yellow River Tower, and the ancient Kingcheng city ruins. Thanks to these discounts, visiting these sites has become easier and more affordable for tourists. A special offer allows travelers to get a 50% discount on entry to several tourist spots if they show their boarding pass, particularly helpful for those who have just arrived by flight and want to explore the city’s local attractions without hassle.
New Flight Services Launched
New flight routes have made it even easier to travel to Lanzhou and nearby areas. This season, five additional inter-city routes have been introduced, connecting Lanzhou to neighboring cities. These flights are called “Air Shuttles” because they offer fast and comfortable travel over short distances. With these new routes, Lanzhou now has direct flight connections to cities like Jiayuguan, Zhangye, and five other major cities in Northwest China. Previously, it would take 8 to 10 hours to reach these places by road, but now, with a flight, the journey can be completed in just 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
