Gaolan

Gaolan is a district of Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, China. Located to the west of the city core, it lies along the banks of the Yellow River and forms part of the Lanzhou metropolitan area. The district contains both urban and rural areas and is administratively divided into several subdistricts and towns.

Geography and overview: The landscape features river plains in the east and foothills to the west, with a climate typical of the region. Gaolan borders several other districts of Lanzhou as well as surrounding counties, reflecting its role as a transitional zone between urban development and rural communities.

Economy: Gaolan has a diversified economy that blends agricultural activity in its rural areas with industrial and logistics development in its modern zones. The Gaolan Port Area serves as a major transport and logistics hub on the Yellow River, linking inland markets with regional rail and road networks. Industrial parks focus on energy, materials, and related manufacturing, while agricultural output supports local markets.

Infrastructure and development: The district is connected to central Lanzhou by arterial roads and rail lines, with ongoing development to expand port facilities, industrial zones, and urban services to accommodate growth. This infrastructure supports both manufacturing activities and the movement of goods through the inland region.

History and administration: Gaolan has undergone administrative changes as Lanzhou expanded, transitioning from earlier rural or county-level governance to its current district status as part of urban expansion and modernization. The district continues to evolve as a component of Lanzhou’s regional development strategy.