Chinatodo
Who says cyberpunk cities only exist in movies? Lanzhou, the often-overlooked capital of Gansu Province, is taking the internet by storm with its jaw-dropping "Lanhattan" skyline. Locals joke that their city transforms from "daytime Afghanistan to nighttime Manhattan" - but you'll only understand this surreal contrast when witnessing it from Lanshan Mountain's Three-Terrace Pavilion: Golden Hour MagicAs dusk falls, the entire city basks in warm hues. Tower clusters nestle between mountain ridges like carefully arranged building blocks, while the Yellow River snakes through downtown like a glowing ribbon. This otherworldly northwest aesthetic looks…
Lanzhou, the pearl of Northwest China, sits gracefully along the Yellow River, captivating travelers with its breathtaking nightscapes and rich cultural charm. As darkness falls, the city comes alive with a sea of shimmering lights, their reflections dancing on the river's surface like scattered stardust. Must-See Attractions: Zhongshan Bridge – This century-old iron bridge, illuminated by colorful neon lights, stands as Lanzhou's iconic landmark. Yellow River Scenic Corridor – Stroll along the riverside promenade, where dazzling light displays blend with the city skyline, offering a perfect mix of tradition and modernity. Zhengning…
Lanzhou, where the Yellow River flows through the city, is redefining itself as an eco-friendly urban hub in Northwest China. This article explores its urban planning, skyscrapers, Yellow River landscapes, and Dunhuang-inspired aesthetics, revealing how this Silk Road city crafts a multi-dimensional urban space within natural barriers. Architectural Beauty from Dawn to Dusk Dunhuang Colors in Modern Design: Buildings feature earth-toned facades and glass curtain walls infused with Mogao Cave pigments, glowing like the "Golden City" at sunrise. Evolving Skyline: The 160-meter Asia-Europe International Tower anchors a cluster of skyscrapers, forming a striking contrast with the historic Baita…
"The Northwest wind blows wild and free - no roses grow here, but damn if this place isn't romantic in its own way." Yinchuan ain't some dead wasteland. It's got that epic "lone smoke over endless desert" vibe that'll knock your socks off. Seriously, if you're looking for a trip that's anything but basic, Yinchuan's got you covered.
On the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains, amidst the vast Gobi Desert, stands an astonishing complex of pyramid-like mausoleums—known as the "Eastern Pyramids." These are the enigmatic Western Xia Tombs, remnants of a lost kingdom shrouded in mystery. In 1038 AD, a multi-ethnic empire dominated by the Tangut people, along with Han Chinese, Uyghurs, and Tibetans, rose to power here. They established the "Great Xia" dynasty (Western Xia), which flourished alongside the Song, Liao, and Jin dynasties for nearly two centuries. The Western Xia developed their own unique script…
After the rain cleared, Yinchuan’s sky put on a breathtaking show! As the heavy clouds dispersed, the golden glow of the sunset bathed the entire city, turning Lanshan Park, the Helan Mountains, and Yinchuan’s skyline into a dazzling spectacle. The Roman-style architecture of Lanshan Park looked even more romantic under the evening hues, while the twin towers behind it shimmered with a modern urban glow. Gazing into the distance, the majestic Helan Mountains emerged faintly in the twilight, resembling an ink-wash painting. At this moment, Yinchuan’s cityscape appeared extraordinarily magnificent—skyscrapers, lakes, and distant mountains blending into a cinematic…
After the rain clears, Xi'an's most popular photo spot comes alive again. The elevator fills with strangers capturing time-lapses, exchanging knowing smiles. In the frame, the Qinling Mountains stand like ink wash, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda glows in sunset hues, the TV Tower lights up at dusk, and fountains scatter neon across the water. Everyone adjusts their angles, chasing the perfect shot—but in this city, even a random snapshot holds the soul of Chang'an.
When the Danfeng Gate of Daming Palace lit up for Dragon Boat Festival, magic happened. Through my lens, the 1,300-year-old Tang Dynasty monument stood proudly against Xi'an's glowing Hi-Tech CBD skyline, with the silhouette of Qinling's Guifeng Mountain completing this extraordinary triptych. This single frame encapsulates Xi'an's soul — where imperial legacy, cutting-edge progress, and eternal nature converge under the same starry sky.
Xi'an's central axis stretches from the Bell Tower to the TV Tower, extending all the way to the Qinling Mountains. The Bell Tower guards centuries of history, the TV Tower flickers with modern lights, while the Qinling Mountains lie like a silent dragon, connecting the past and the future. Along this line, ancient charm meets urban vibrancy, and humanity encounters nature.
I rarely shoot nightscapes, but this time I chose to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda after dark. The moment the pagoda and the Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City lit up, I finally understood what "the golden age of Chang'an" truly meant. This might be the easiest ground-level spot to capture a stunning aerial-like view of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda—no drone needed! Location: Hou Cun Jia Yuan, Building 1 (10-minute walk from the North Square of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda)Access: No keycard required—easy entryNote: Be respectful of residents while shooting
Top Attractions in Xi'an Terracotta Warriors – Marvel at the life-sized clay army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – A Tang Dynasty Buddhist landmark with panoramic city views. Xi'an City Wall – Cycle along the best-preserved ancient fortification in China. Muslim Quarter – A bustling food street offering authentic local flavors.
As dusk descends upon the ancient "Dragon City," the Fen River dons a dazzling gown of light. This iconic urban landscape has recently become a viral sensation on Xiaohongshu and Douyin. Strolling along the 33-kilometer riverside promenade, you'll witness a mesmerizing interplay of flowing radiance that both preserves the historical legacy of "Fen River's Autumn Charm" and showcases modern urban vitality. Where the solemnity of ancient Jinyang meets the technological glow of LED lights, it creates Shanxi's most captivating "night economy masterpiece." We recommend setting aside 2-3 hours to fully…
The Yongzuo Temple Twin Pagodas (Lingxiao Twin Pagodas) are the tallest surviving ancient structures in Taiyuan, renowned as the "Twin Peaks of the Writing Brush" and considered the finest twin pagodas in China. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the nearly identical twin pagodas consist of the earlier Wenfeng Pagoda and the later Relic Pagoda, both 13-story octagonal structures standing just 2 cm apart in height.
Taiyuan, an ancient capital with 2,500 years of history, carries the cultural legacy of the "Jinyang Ancient City" while embracing vibrant modernization. The Fen River flows through the city like an emerald ribbon, with modern high-rises and ecological wetlands lining its banks, creating a harmonious blend of urban and natural landscapes. The millennia-old Jinci Temple, with its ancient cypresses and Tang-era relics, stands in quiet dialogue with the sleek glass facades of the Changfeng Business District. The iconic Twin Pagodas pierce the sky as a modern subway network expands beneath…
As dusk bleeds into the ancient city's silhouette—made famous by blockbuster films—the real awakening begins. Buy your 20 RMB wall pass by 5:30pm to witness three transformative acts: ACT I: 6:00-6:30pm — BLUE HOUR THEATERThe southwest watchtower becomes nature's proscenium. Capture the cobalt sky wrestling with amber LEDs using a tripod (30+ sec exposure). This is where Zhang Yimou's cinematography dreams are born. ACT II: Post-7:00pm — LIGHTSTRIKEThe "Full River Red" lantern array ignites along Cross Street. Shoot upward with 24-70mm—the collision of vermillion paper globes against indigo darkness will…
As the Taihang Mountains dissolve into dusk, the city sheds its industrial skin. Neon fractals ignite along Zhongshan Road, their reflections fracturing in the Huai River's current. Office towers swallow the last embers of sunset, only to exhale constellations of artificial light—where the geometric lightshow of Lego Mall dances with the vintage glow of Zheng Tai Hotel, staging a century-spanning dialogue in luminescence.
Getting There High-speed rail to Shijiazhuang Station + 30min taxi to Zhengding Perfect 2-Day ItineraryDay 1: Hebei Museum → Pilu Temple → Zhengding Ancient TownDay 2: Bailin Temple → Hebei Academy of Fine Arts Must-See HighlightsZhengding Ancient Town Longxing Temple: Song Dynasty marvel with the famed "Eastern Mona Lisa" Guanyin statue Four Iconic Pagodas: Don't miss Huagui Pagoda (architectural unicorn) & Tang-era bell tower Night Views: Watch the illuminated pagodas from South City Gate Pilu TempleMing Dynasty murals rivaling Dunhuang's artistry Hidden Gems Hebei Museum: Home to the legendary Changxin…
I walked until my step counter hit 20,000, and finally - the Hu Tuo River came alive after dark. Street lamps and neon signs shimmered across the water's surface. On the bridge above, car lights streaked like comets. The distant city skyline floated like a constellation against the night. A cool breeze carried murmurs from evening strollers, while occasional cyclists cut through the shadows with their blinking lights. Here, the river softened Shijiazhuang's urban clamor into something quieter - just ripples and reflections trading secrets. No fancy camera, just my…
As neon lights ignite the night, the city’s steel-and-glass skyline pulses with color, while the distant Taihang Mountains stand in silent contrast. These six frames capture the duality of Shijiazhuang—its daytime energy and nocturnal glow. Glass towers mirror the sunset, their sharp angles clashing with the mountain’s rugged silhouette. Here, modernity and nature strike a fleeting balance: a cyberpunk dream against an ancient backdrop, where the plains of North China tell their own visual story.
At the heart of Zhengzhou stands the iconic Erqi Memorial Tower, its distinctive twin spires silently narrating the city's revolutionary legacy. More than just a landmark, it's a living chronicle of China's workers' movement. Monument of RevolutionBuilt in 1971 to commemorate the 1923 Beijing-Hankou Railway Workers' Strike (known as the "February 7th Movement"), this "youngest national cultural heritage site" embodies proletarian valor through its hybrid architecture. The hourly chimes of "The East Is Red" still resonate across the city. Architectural SynthesisThe 14-tiered twin towers (representing February 7th) fuse traditional Chinese pavilion…