London to Mumbai by Road 2016 – Revisited
Day 40 – 6 October 2016
Following the Yellow River to Lanzhou
We woke to a bright and sunny morning in Jiayuguan, although there was still a noticeable chill in the air. Autumn was beginning to make its presence felt, especially in the higher regions we had been travelling through.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, Team Kontiki set off on another long driving day. Our destination was Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, situated approximately 450 miles away.
China continued to impress us with its infrastructure.
The roads were excellent, smooth, wide, and well maintained. As we travelled further east, we found ourselves driving through mountain ranges connected by an endless series of tunnels and bridges. Some tunnels seemed to stretch for miles through the mountains, a testament to the enormous engineering projects undertaken across the country.
The scenery throughout the day was spectacular.
Mountains surrounded us on all sides, their rugged peaks creating a dramatic backdrop to the journey. Every now and then we would emerge from a tunnel to be greeted by yet another stunning valley or mountain panorama.
Around 1:00 pm, we stopped for fuel and a well-earned tea break.
By now, a familiar pattern had emerged wherever we stopped.
Within minutes, people would begin gathering around Kontiki.
Some were fascinated by the motorhome itself, while others were intrigued by the route map displayed on its side. Despite the language barrier, they quickly understood that we were driving all the way from London to Mumbai.
The reaction was almost always the same—wide smiles, enthusiastic thumbs-up, and requests for photographs.
Many wanted selfies standing beside the motorhome, while others simply wanted to know where we had come from and where we were going. It was heartwarming to see how much interest and encouragement we received from complete strangers.
As we continued eastwards, we passed one of China’s most important geographical landmarks—the mighty Yellow River.
Often referred to as the “Mother River of China,” the Yellow River has played a crucial role in Chinese civilisation for thousands of years. Many of China’s earliest settlements developed along its fertile banks, making it one of the country’s most historically significant waterways.
Seeing it in person was another reminder of the rich history that surrounded us throughout this journey.
After a long day’s drive, we finally arrived in Lanzhou during the evening.
This would only be a brief overnight stop before continuing our journey the following day, but even in the short time we spent there, the city left a positive impression.
One thing we immediately noticed was the sheer number of scooters and electric bikes. They seemed to be everywhere, weaving efficiently through the traffic and providing a popular means of transport for local residents.
After checking in, Dayal, Abby, and Team USA chose to relax at the hotel, while Ramesh and I decided to stretch our legs and explore the city on foot.
It proved to be a good decision.
As darkness fell, Lanzhou came alive with lights. Many of the buildings were beautifully illuminated, creating an impressive skyline against the night sky. Streets bustled with activity, shops remained open late, and there was a lively atmosphere throughout the city.
China’s rapid modernisation was evident everywhere we looked.
After our walk, we reunited with the rest of the group for an evening of relaxation.
A few drinks soon appeared, stories from the road were exchanged, and before long someone suggested pizza for dinner.
It seemed a little ironic that after travelling thousands of miles through China, our meal that evening would be Italian rather than Chinese—but that is one of the joys of travel. Sometimes familiar food is exactly what you fancy after a long day on the road.
The pizzas were excellent, the company even better, and the evening provided a welcome opportunity to unwind before another busy day ahead.
As we headed back to our accommodation, we reflected on another successful day.
From mountain tunnels and the Yellow River to modern city lights and unexpected pizzas, China continued to surprise us at every turn.
Distance travelled: Approximately 450 miles (725 km)
Route: Jiayuguan to Lanzhou, China
Weather: Sunny, cool, and pleasant
Highlights: Passing the Yellow River and driving through spectacular mountain scenery
Most memorable moment: Seeing locals gather around Kontiki to admire the motorhome and our journey
Dinner: Pizza and drinks with Team USA and Abby
Location: Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
Mood of the day: Relaxed, impressed, and enjoying every mile of the adventure
Join us tomorrow as Team Kontiki continues east through China, following one of the world’s oldest trade routes and discovering more of the country’s remarkable landscapes, history, and culture on our epic road journey from London to Mumbai.
