Things To Do
in Caotan
Caotan is a small town tucked into the northwestern Chinese countryside, where rugged hills cradle a slow-paced lifestyle and traditional courtyards. Narrow lanes weave past ancient gates, stone bridges, and markets that wake with the dawn. The town blends Hui and Han influences with hearty Northwestern flavors, creating a distinctive culinary and cultural vibe.
Visitors are drawn by tranquil scenery, approachable locals, and a sense of stepping off the typical tourist path.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Caotan Temple, where intricate carvings and vibrant murals will captivate your senses. Engage with local monks as they share the rich history of the temple and its significance in the community. Enjoy a peaceful meditation session among the serene gardens that surround the temple, offering a perfect start to your exploration.
After lunch at a nearby noodle shop, head to the Guanyin Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. The temple's architecture showcases traditional Chinese styles, and you can witness locals lighting incense and offering prayers. Spend the afternoon strolling through the peaceful grounds and absorbing the spiritual ambiance.
As the sun begins to set, visit the bustling Night Market, where the aroma of street food fills the air. Try local delicacies like stinky tofu and sweet potato balls while mingling with friendly vendors. End your evening with a traditional tea ceremony, learning about the art of tea while enjoying a cup of locally sourced green tea.
Begin your day by wandering through the Caotan Morning Market, where vibrant colors and lively sounds create an unforgettable atmosphere. Engage with local farmers selling fresh produce and try sampling exotic fruits you’ve never seen before. Don’t miss the handmade crafts section, where artisans display their intricate pottery and textiles.
After your market experience, head to a local workshop where you can participate in a pottery-making class. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, create your piece of pottery, learning about the techniques that have been passed down through generations. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a nearby café, featuring dishes made from fresh market ingredients.
As dusk falls, take a leisurely walk along the riverfront promenade, where locals gather to enjoy the evening breeze. Stop by a riverside tea house to savor a cup of jasmine tea while watching traditional performances. The evening culminates with a stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking in the vibrant nightlife of Caotan.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🧃Bottled water (1 liter) | $0.50-1.00 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic Northwestern China experience away from crowds
- Rich local culture, markets, and seasonal foods
- Photogenic landscapes and approachable locals
- Good value for money and easy to combine with other Gansu/Ningxia itineraries
- Limited nightlife and fewer Western-style amenities
- Language barriers may arise in more rural areas
- Healthcare facilities are basic outside larger towns; plan for contingencies
- Public transportation options may be sparse between towns
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问，这个多少钱？" - Excuse me, how much is this?
- "厕所在哪里？" - Where is the toilet?
- "我想要这个" - I would like this
- "素菜" - Vegetarian dish
- "好吃" - Delicious
- "请稍等" - One moment, please
- "对不起" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "可以刷卡吗？" - Can I pay by card?
Places to Visit in Caotan
Visit one of these nice places.
The old town gate framed by the stone bridge creates a classic northwest China photo, especially at sunrise when reflections ripple in the water.
A hilltop viewpoint that yields sweeping panoramas of fields, rooftops, and distant hills as the light softens.
A traditional courtyard scene with hanging lanterns, patterned shadows, and quiet, reflective atmosphere.
Narrow lanes parallel to the river bustle with steam from street stalls and colorful awnings, ideal for candid street photography.
Golden light over rolling fields near the outskirts provides expansive landscape shots and silhouettes.
Food in Caotan
Caotan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting bowl of beef broth with tender beef slices and hand-pulled noodles; widely available in town noodle shops.
Must-Try!
Charred lamb skewers seasoned with cumin, chili, and pepper, popular at street stalls and night markets.
Freshly stretched noodles served in broth, sesame sauce, or mixed with vegetables—a staple for a quick lunch.
Slow-cooked beef with soft radish in a savory sauce, common in rural eateries and family-run restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling morning-market scene with fresh produce, noodles, lamb, pickles, and daily staples.
Appealing evening stalls offering warm skewers, flatbreads, yogurt, and cumin-flavored snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple nod or 'Ni hao' (hello) is customary. Address elders with respect and avoid loud behavior in religious sites.
Dress modestly when visiting temples and remove shoes where required. Queue in lines and avoid interrupting others during rituals.
Use chopsticks properly, wait for elders to start eating, and avoid pointing feet toward religious symbols or temples.
Safety
Tipping in Caotan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not common in most everyday services in Caotan. In tourist-oriented or higher-end places, small tips to guides or staff may be appreciated, but it is not expected.
Cash is widely accepted; mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are common. Many shops and stalls also display QR codes for quick payments; cards are less commonly accepted in rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with higher humidity; quick afternoon showers are common. Stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
Comfortable daytime temperatures with crisp evenings; clear skies offer excellent visibility for canyon and hill views.
Cold with occasional snow; pack warm layers and a windproof jacket. Indoor tea houses are great refuges on chilly days.
Mild temperatures with fresh greenery; breezy days mean layering is useful and there are pleasant opportunities for outdoor photography.
Caotan at Night
Hiking in Caotan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A moderate loop with scenic valley views and seasonal wildflowers; great for sunrise or golden-hour photography.
Easier trail along the foothills with gentle slopes and opportunities to observe rural life and crops.
Airports
How to reach Caotan by plane.
Major international and domestic airport serving Lanzhou; about a few hours' drive from Caotan, with rail and road connections.
Regional airport offering connections to major cities; useful if combining a visit with Zhangye or other parts of Gansu.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant group in the town, many families have lived here for generations and maintain traditional customs.
An appreciable community presence, evident in halal food offerings and cultural practices.
Smaller communities, including rural residents with shared Northwest Chinese cultural traits.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Common in community centers and schools; a popular pastime for all ages.
Regularly played in parks and gymnasiums; easy for visitors to join locals.
Local matches and informal games among neighborhoods attract spectators in the evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Caotan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes rely on meat or broth; ask for 素 (vegetarian) or 清淡 (light) options, request no meat stock, and look for vegetable-forward dishes or noodle soups labeled 素.