Lanzhou is located in the central part of Gansu Province in northwest China, situated in the Lanzhou Basin through which the Yellow River flows. To the east, Lanzhou borders Dingxi; to the west, it connects with Qinghai; to the south, it is adjacent to the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture; and to the north, it borders the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Lanzhou is an important node along the upper reaches of the Yellow River and is often referred to as the "Capital of the Yellow River." Due to its location as a key transportation hub and military stronghold, Lanzhou has historically been a crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures. 

The city lies in a river valley where the Yellow River passes, characterized by a terrain primarily consisting of plateaus and mountains, with a general topography of higher ground to the north and south, and lower ground in the center. The urban area of Lanzhou is sandwiched between two mountain ranges: the southern mountain is part of the Loess Plateau, and the northern mountain is a foothill of the Helan Mountains. The Yellow River passes through the center of the city, dividing it into two parts, making Lanzhou the only provincial capital in China through which the Yellow River flows. The river not only provides abundant water resources but also shapes Lanzhou's unique natural landscape. The presence of the Yellow River has a significant impact on Lanzhou's agricultural irrigation, urban water supply, and transportation, contributing to Lanzhou's reputation as the "Golden City."

Lanzhou is located in a temperate continental climate zone, with distinct seasons. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold. The city experiences low annual rainfall, making it arid and dry, but the Yellow River ensures a relatively abundant water supply, which supports the agricultural and urban water needs. Due to its inland location, Lanzhou experiences significant temperature differences between day and night, and the city benefits from long hours of sunshine, which is favorable for agricultural production. The vegetation around Lanzhou is primarily grassland and shrubs, with a vertical zonation of vegetation distribution as the altitude changes. Both the northern and southern mountains around Lanzhou have sparse vegetation, dominated by drought-resistant shrubs. In recent years, with strengthened ecological protection efforts, the vegetation coverage around Lanzhou has increased, especially in the construction of protective forest belts along the Yellow River.

The Yellow River provides Lanzhou with valuable water resources, making the area an important agricultural, industrial, and residential water supply hub in northwest China. Due to the city's distribution along the river, Lanzhou has developed a linear urban layout, which limits its horizontal expansion. In addition, Yellow River water is used for irrigation of surrounding farmland, creating fertile agricultural zones around Lanzhou.

Climate and Agricultural Production  

Lanzhou has a dry climate, but with ample sunlight and large diurnal temperature variations, making it favorable for the growth of specialty crops. Lanzhou is renowned for its high-quality melons and fruits, particularly the "Lanzhou Bailan melon," which enjoys nationwide acclaim. The combination of Yellow River irrigation and favorable climate conditions makes Lanzhou's agricultural production advantageous.

Transportation Hub  

Due to its strategic geographical location, Lanzhou has become an important transportation hub connecting the northwest with the Central Plains and is a key node on the Silk Road. Today, Lanzhou serves as a transportation and logistics hub in northwest China, connecting multiple major rail lines, including the Lanzhou-Xinjiang Railway, Baoji-Lanzhou Railway, and Lanzhou-Qinghai Railway, playing a vital role in the region's transportation network.

Impact of Terrain on Urban Flood Control  

Lanzhou's unique geographical feature, with the Yellow River running through the city, means that changes in the water level of the river have a significant impact on the city. During flood season, the increased water volume in the Yellow River led to the construction of embankments along the river early on, strengthening flood control measures. The city's development relies on the topography formed by the two mountains and the river, making flood control works an essential part of Lanzhou's urban safety.

Cultural and Tourism Resources  

Lanzhou's unique geographic environment provides it with rich tourism resources. Attractions such as the Mother Yellow River Statue, Zhongshan Bridge, and White Pagoda Mountain are located within the city, attracting large numbers of visitors. Lanzhou is also a significant site for Silk Road culture, rich in historical atmosphere. The Yellow River Scenic Area is a major tourism project in Lanzhou, where cultural landmarks and natural scenery complement each other, showcasing the unique charm of the Yellow River region.