Legends and stories about Lanzhou:
1. The Legend of the “River-Taming Divine Beasts” at the Yellow River Iron Bridge
The Zhongshan Bridge (Yellow River Iron Bridge), the first modern bridge over the Yellow River in Lanzhou, has a legendary tale. During its construction, German engineers allegedly faced severe challenges and offered sacrifices to the river god. They placed two cast-iron lions (still standing at the bridgeheads) as “divine beasts” to pacify the Yellow River’s turbulent waters and protect the bridge. Though the lions are decorative, the story reflects locals’ awe for taming the river and their hope for safety from floods.
2. Huo Qubing and the “Five-Eyed Springs” of Five Springs Mountain (Wuquan Shan)
Lanzhou’s Five Springs Mountain is named after five natural springs. Legend says that during Emperor Wu of Han’s reign, General Huo Qubing led troops to battle the Xiongnu (Huns). When soldiers grew parched, Huo struck the ground five times with his whip, miraculously creating five springs: *Ganlu* (Sweet Dew), *Juyue* (Catching the Moon), *Mozi* (Touching for a Son), *Hui* (Benevolence), and *Meng* (Enlightenment). These springs remain iconic attractions in the mountain’s park today.
3. The White Pagoda’s “Demon-Quelling” Legend
White Pagoda Mountain (Baita Shan) is crowned by a Yuan Dynasty-era white pagoda. Folklore claims that water demons once plagued the Yellow River, causing floods. A Buddhist monk, ordered by the emperor, built the pagoda to suppress the demons. Once completed, the river calmed, and Lanzhou was saved. The pagoda now symbolizes the city’s guardian and offers panoramic views of Lanzhou.
4. The Origin of the Sheepskin Rafts
The inflatable sheepskin rafts used on the Yellow River have a creative origin story. A herdsman, desperate to cross the river, allegedly inflated sheepskins and tied them into a raft, discovering their buoyancy. Later generations refined the technique, crafting rafts from entire hides. This tale highlights the ingenuity of Lanzhou’s people in adapting to their environment.
5. The Legend of the “Buried Gold” in Golden City (Jincheng)
Lanzhou’s ancient name, Jincheng (Golden City), has two origin tales. One links it to the phrase “as secure as a fortress of gold” , while another claims Emperor Wu of Han buried gold beneath the city during its construction to ensure its permanence. Though unverified, the name endures as a cultural emblem.
6. The Fox Spirit Tale of Qingcheng Ancient Town
In Qingcheng Ancient Town (Yuzhong County), a legend tells of a scholar who saved an injured white fox. The fox transformed into a woman, helped him pass imperial exams, then vanished. Locals still honor fox spirits in rituals, adding mystique to the historic town.