How many meters above sea level is Gansu?
Gansu Province is located in northwest China, with complex and diverse terrain and significant differences in altitude. Gansu has a wide range of altitudes, from the high altitudes of the Qilian Mountains to the low-lying areas of the Hexi Corridor. The following is a detailed data analysis of Gansu's altitude.
Altitude of main areas in Gansu

| area | Average altitude (meters) | Highest point (meters) | lowest point (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lanzhou City | 1520 | 2170 | 1450 |
| Jiuquan City | 1470 | 5564 (the main peak of Qilian Mountains) | 1200 |
| Zhangye City | 1480 | 5564 | 1300 |
| Tianshui City | 1100 | 3120 | 900 |
| Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture | 3000 | 4920 | 2000 |
Gansu topographic characteristics
The terrain of Gansu Province is dominated by mountains, plateaus and basins. The Qilian Mountains run across western Gansu, with altitudes above 3,000 meters. The highest peak, Tuanjie Peak, is 5,564 meters above sea level. The Gannan Plateau has an average altitude of about 3,000 meters and is a typical plateau area. The Hexi Corridor is low-lying, with an average altitude of less than 1,500 meters.
The influence of Gansu altitude on climate
| Altitude range (meters) | climate type | Annual average temperature (℃) | Annual precipitation (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| More than 3000 | Alpine cold desert climate | -5 to 0 | 300-500 |
| 2000-3000 | plateau climate | 0-5 | 400-600 |
| 1000-2000 | temperate continental climate | 5-10 | 200-400 |
| Below 1000 | temperate arid climate | 10-15 | 50-200 |
Characteristics of high-altitude areas in Gansu
The high-altitude areas in Gansu are mainly concentrated in the Qilian Mountains and the Gannan Plateau. These areas have the following characteristics:
1. Rich in biodiversity, it is the habitat of many rare animals and plants
2. Glaciers are rich in resources and are important water conservation areas.
3. Summer is cool and it is a summer resort
4. Has unique Tibetan cultural customs
Characteristics of low-altitude areas in Gansu
Gansu's low-altitude areas are mainly distributed in the Hexi Corridor and Longdong areas. These areas are characterized by:
1. Sufficient sunshine and large temperature difference between day and night
2. Agriculture is developed and it is an important food production base.
3. Convenient transportation and an important passage along the ancient Silk Road
4. Rich in mineral resources
Gansu Altitude and Tourism
| tourist attractions | Altitude (meters) | Best travel season |
|---|---|---|
| Mogao Grottoes | 1380 | May-October |
| Zhangye Danxia | 1500-2500 | June-September |
| Labrang Monastery | 2900 | July-August |
| Qilian Mountain Grassland | 3000-4000 | June-August |
Summary
The altitude of Gansu Province ranges from the lowest of about 500 meters to the highest of 5564 meters, showing obvious topographic gradient changes. This difference in altitude has created Gansu's diverse natural landscapes and rich ecological resources. Understanding the altitude of various places in Gansu is of great significance for tourism planning, agricultural production and infrastructure construction.
It should be noted that altitude sickness may occur in high-altitude areas, and tourists should prepare accordingly according to their own conditions. At the same time, there are large temperature differences at different altitudes, so you should bring appropriate clothing when traveling.
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