Wuwei

 Introduction: Also known as Liangzhou, Wuwei has a history of over 4,000 years. It was one of the important transportation hubs along the ancient Silk Road. The famous bronze artwork of the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), Bronze Galloping Horse (or Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow), which is the emblem of Chinese tourism, was excavated in Wuwei.

 Location: Wuwei is located in the center of Gansu Province, neighboring Inner Mongolia to the north and Qinghai to the south. It is about 240 km (149 miles) from Lanzhou, 900 km (559 miles) from Dunhuang, and 460 km (248 miles) from Jiayuguan.

 Physical Features: The southern part of the city is Qilian Mountain, with an altitude of 2,100 - 4,800 meters (6,890 - 15,748 feet); the central area is oasis and plains; the northern part is desert.

Area: 33,000 sq km (12,741 sq mi)
Population: 1,918,300 (according to the statistic of 2009)

Zip Code: 733000
Area Code: 0935 

 Nationalities: Han, Hui,  Mongolian, Tu

 History: Over 4,000 years ago, the ancestors of Chinese lived here. 2,100 years ago, the Xiongnu People built Guzang City here, which was the origin of Liangzhou. In 212 AD, the famous general Huo Qubing of the West Han Dynasty (25 - 220), founded Wuwei County here.

 Products: grapes, grape wine, honeydew melon, vinegar & fabrics.

 Climate: Wuwei has a temperate continental climate, with an average annual temperature of 7.8 ℃ (46.0 ℉). The highest temperature in summer will reach 41 ℃ (105.8 ℉), while the lowest in winter will drop to -29.8 ℃ (-21.6 ℉). The mountainous area in the south is the ideal summer resort with a cool climate; the central plain has a pleasant climate while the north desert area is dry and windy.
Best Time to visit: Summer and autumn

 Transportation: 
 Wuwei Railway Station: in the city. Regular trains from/to Xian, Urumqi, Zhengzhou, Jiayuguan, Lianyungang, Chengdu, Chongqing North, Hangzhou, Lanzhou, Hankou, Shanghai, Beijing West, Jinan, Dunhuang, etc. 
 South Railway Station: operating regular trains to/from Lanzhou, Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Xian, Urumqi, Jinan, Lianyungang East, Zhongwei.
 Wuwei Long-distance Bus Station: Located at the West Nanguan Road in the city. There are daily coaches to/from Lanzhou, Xining, Urumqi, Dunhuang, Baiyin & Yinchuan. Bus routes to the station: Bus No. 3, 4 or 6.
 Getting From Lanzhou: There are over 20 trains from Lanzhou to Wuwei; the journey takes around 3 hours and costs CNY 24 - 47 for hard seat and CNY 66 - 107 for hard sleeper. Visitors can also take the coaches at Lanzhou East Long-distance Bus Station; the bus departs at 09:30, 10:00, 13:00 & 17:00. The journey takes about 4 hours and costs CNY 45.
 From Dunhuang: Train journey from Dunhuang to Wuwei takes 9 - 12 hours and costs CNY 103 for hard seat and CNY 191 for hard sleeper. Coaches are also available from Dunhuang Long-distance Bus Station to Wuwei.

 Travel Tips:
 Local Food: cold noodles, fried rice cake, honeydew melon, Chinese sandwich.
 Shopping: The Gonghe Street in the city center is the most famous commercial pedestrian street.