Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, has a population of 1.09 million.
  In the Sui Dynasty (581--618), Lanzhou Prefecture was set up; the Tang (618--907) made it Wuquan County; the Song (960--1279) called it Lanquan County; and in the Kin, Yuan and Ming periods (1115--1644), it was changed to Lanzhou Prefecture.
  Known for its history is the former battle ground of General Huo Qubin, Five Spring Hill, back to the days of the Western Han (206 B.C.--A.D.24) when Xiongnus, an ancient tribal people of the time were fought.

  The hill is dotted with temples, towers and pavilions. White Pagoda Temple, first built in the Yuan (1271--1368), bears the architectural features of Indian Buddhist pagodas. Yuntan Island in the Yellow River is known for its picturesque scenery, under a dense foliage of green trees.
  Melons locally produced are fragrant, sweet and refreshingly tasty. Jade objects and luminous rings by Lanzhou are its traditional arts and crafts.
  Easy accessibility is provided by air routes and railways from Lanzhou to other major Chinese cities. Hotels providing tourist service include the Friendship Hotel, Jincheng Hotel, Lanzhou Hotel and Ningwozhuang Hotel.