Lanzhou

Lore & Background

Originally in the territory of the ancient Western Qiangs, Lanzhou became part of the State of Qin in the 6th century BC. In 81 BC, under the Han dynasty, it was taken from the Xiongnu and made the seat of Jincheng commandery. From at least the first millennium BC it was a major link on the ancient Northern Silk Road and an important historic Yellow River crossing site. Sections of the Han dynasty Great Wall exist in Gansu province, though no established evidence places Qin dynasty Great Wall sections within the modern built-up area of Lanzhou; the Qin wall is located further east and north. After the fall of the Han dynasty, Lanzhou became the capital of a succession of tribal states, and in the 4th century it was briefly the capital of the independent state of Liang. Under the Sui dynasty the city became the seat of Lanzhou prefecture for the first time, retaining this name under the Tang dynasty. The name Lanzhou was reestablished, and the county renamed Lanzhou.

Reader's Guide

Lanzhou's significance stems from its long history as a strategic crossroads on the Northern Silk Road and its role as a gateway between eastern and western China. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, it became the terminus of the Chinese–Soviet highway, a vital route for Soviet supplies, and its Donggang Airport was the primary entry point for combat aircraft provided under the Sino-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact. On the ground, KMT Muslim Generals Ma Hongkui and Ma Bufang protected Lanzhou with their cavalry, preventing Japanese capture. In modern times, Lanzhou is a center for heavy industry, petrochemicals, and scientific research, ranking among the top 50 major cities in the world by scientific research output as tracked by the Nature Index.

Did You Know?

• Lanzhou is the geographical center of China’s land territory.
• During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Lanzhou's Donggang Airport was the primary entry point for combat aircraft provided under the Sino-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact.