Lanchow

THERE is only one way in which open competition could be established once more in the interior markets which are accessible to Russia. That would be by constructing a railway into Kansu Province, either by completing the present branch line from the Pekin-Hankow line through Shensi, or by continuing the Pekin-Suiyuan line, which now stops at the Yellow River, up past Ninghsia to Lanchow.

Lanchow, the provincial capital, has been for centuries known as an important crossing place on the Yellow River which flows through the city. Both railway and road bridges have now been built across the river. These bridges add considerably to the beauty of the landscape around Lanchow. With convenient access to communications and sources of coal, water power and animal products, Lanchow has excellent prospects for the development of heavy and light industries.

Trade caravans traveled from Kuldja to distant Peking, passing through Urumchi [Tihwa] and Lanchow [Kaolan].

An aluminum reduction plant was inaugurated in November, 1959, at Lanchow in Kansu Province, but its future development is unclear in view of failure to complete the planned low-cost sources of hydroelectric power on the Yellow River.

Lanchow near the source of the Yellow River and just below the Great Walls was described as a congested center of railroad transportation.

By the time they reached Lanchow, the Golden City, the caravan had settled into the formation it would take for the rest of the journey.