01Historic Walk
Gansu Provincial Museum
甘肃省博物馆
All Ages
Admission
Free entry; real-name reservation recommended
Typical Visit
2-3 hours
Quick Facts
Ticket
Standard entry CNY 12; round-trip sightseeing bus CNY 20; glass walkway CNY 30 extra.
Hours
08:30-18:00; last entry 16:50. Final sightseeing-bus timing may be earlier than park closing.
Transport
No metro. Take Minibus 751 from Wenhuagong (文化宫), or Bus 44 and transfer to F44; drivers should use Shifo Valley National Forest Park Visitor Service Center (石佛沟国家森林公园游客服务中心).
Duration
4-6 hours
Best Time
Jun-Sep for cooler forest conditions; autumn for colour, subject to mountain weather
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Choose your transport and arrive before last entry
The 2026 announced hours are 08:30-18:00, with last entry at 16:50. Take Minibus 751 from Wenhuagong directly to the park, or take Bus 44 and transfer to F44. Drivers should navigate to Shifo Valley National Forest Park Visitor Service Center.
Tip:Small-car parking costs CNY 10 per day, and visitors still need to follow the park's transport arrangements to reach the core area.
2
Treat the ticket, sightseeing bus and optional attractions as separate decisions
The standard entry ticket is CNY 12, the round-trip sightseeing bus is CNY 20, and the glass walkway costs CNY 30 extra. If your priority is the forest and Lingyan Zen Temple, do not let optional attractions take too much of the day.
Tip:The park covers a large area with real elevation change, so the sightseeing bus is particularly useful on a short visit.
3
Choose the forest-and-temple short route if your energy is limited
Take the sightseeing bus from the visitor center, focus on Lingyan Zen Temple and the nearby forest paths, then return the same way. This works well within half a day and is a better fit for older visitors or anyone avoiding a long mountain walk.
Tip:Wear non-slip trainers even on the short route, as there are steps, mountain paths and potentially damp forest sections.
4
Treat Yunding Mountain as a proper hike
If you choose Yunding Mountain and the higher viewpoints, allow at least 4-6 hours and make reaching the return sightseeing-bus stop on time your priority. Do not add a long route late in the day simply to fit in the glass walkway or one extra viewpoint.
Tip:Conditions at higher elevation feel noticeably cooler and windier than central Lanzhou, even in summer, so bring a windproof outer layer.
5
Shorten the route when mountain weather is unstable
Rain, lightning, strong wind and forest-fire controls can affect higher paths or access to some areas. When conditions worsen, use the temple and lower forest route instead of forcing a summit walk.
Tip:The final sightseeing bus may leave before the formal closing time, so begin descending with transport in mind.
Highlights
- A close-to-city forest escape that is especially useful during Lanzhou's hotter months.
- Lingyan Zen Temple combines temple architecture with an accessible forest walk.
- The Yunding Mountain area suits hikers who want more ascent and broader valley views.
- Sightseeing buses let visitors separate long-distance access from the amount of walking they choose to do.
- Higher forest areas are windier and feel cooler than Lanzhou's river-valley city center.
Insider Tips
✦Cooler in the mountains does not mean no warm layers are needed; early mornings, evenings, wind and rain can feel distinctly cold.
✦Elevation and route gradients vary across the park. Pace yourself, drink water and turn back according to your energy rather than trying to complete every stop.
✦Food choices are limited in the forest. Bring water, simple snacks and a rain layer.
✦Smoking and open flames are prohibited throughout the forest area; do not carry ignition sources.
✦The glass walkway is separately ticketed. If time is limited, prioritize the forest walk and getting back to the sightseeing bus.
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中山桥
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黄河楼
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Typical Visit
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