Since Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW) currently does not have direct intercontinental flights from Europe, a one-stop transfer via a major Chinese hub is the most efficient and practical strategy.
Below are recommended routes from major European departure cities:
1. London (UK: LHR / LGW)
- Route A (Fastest):
- London → Beijing (PEK/PKX) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: Air China, China Southern
- Route B:
- London → Shanghai (PVG) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: British Airways, China Eastern
- Route C (Shortest Domestic Leg):
- London → Chongqing (CKG) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: Tianjin Airlines (direct flight to Chongqing, then a quick 1.5-hour hop to Lanzhou)
2. Paris (France: CDG)
- Route A (Mainstream):
- Paris → Beijing (PEK/PKX) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: Air France, Air China
- Route B:
- Paris → Shanghai (PVG) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: Air France, China Eastern
- Route C (Value Option):
- Paris → Guangzhou (CAN) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: China Southern
3. Frankfurt / Munich (Germany: FRA / MUC)
- Route A:
- Frankfurt/Munich → Beijing (PEK) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: Lufthansa, Air China
- Route B:
- Frankfurt → Shanghai (PVG) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: Lufthansa, China Eastern
4. Rome (Italy: FCO)
- Route A:
- Rome → Beijing (PEK) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: Air China, ITA Airways
5. Madrid (Spain: MAD)
- Route A:
- Madrid → Beijing (PEK) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: Air China
6. Amsterdam (Netherlands: AMS)
- Route A:
- Amsterdam → Beijing(PEK) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: China Eastern
- Route B:
- Amsterdam → Shanghai (PVG) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: China Southern
7. Zürich (Switzerland: ZRH)
- Route A:
- Zürich → Shanghai (PVG) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: China Eastern
8. Istanbul (Turkey: IST)
- Route A:
- Istanbul→ Guangzhou (CAN) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: China Southern
- Route B:
- Istanbul→ Beijing(PKX) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: China Southern
9. Vienna (Austria: VIE)
- Route A:
- Vienna → Shanghai (PVG) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: Austrian Airlines
- Route B:
- Vienna → Beijing(PKX) → Lanzhou
- Airlines: Air China
