Payments and Currency  

The currency in China is called the Renminbi (RMB). Chinese currency exchange services are generally available at airports, major hotels and local banks.  

Cash is still more widely used in China than credit cards, especially in smaller cities. Make sure that you have enough cash with you to handle smaller payments, as foreign credit cards and debit cards may not be accepted everywhere. 

Mobile payment in China is advanced and widely used. The two most common platforms are Alipay and WeChat, which are two popular apps. While in China, QR codes for mobile payment could be seen everywhere from taxis to street food stalls, making it a very convenient way to pay.  

Dining 

Canteen of IMP  

Location: No.690 Nanchang Rd., Chengguan District, Lanzhou (On the opposite side of the main gate of IMP) 

Openning hours: 07:30-08:45, 11:50-12:50, 17:50-18:50 

Food of Chinese style is served on the first floor of the canteen, and you can also choose to take it out . 

Another dining hall is located on the second floor of the Jiagu Building, which lies to the west side of the take-out canteen. It provides buffets for lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday.  

You should pay with a dining card, which is issued to IMP staff and students.  You can get it at room 315, third floor of the Jiagu Building, which also provides top-up service from 11:30 to 12:40 on Monday and Thursday. 

Off campus 

1. The food in Lanzhou is quite unique compared to that in the central and southern parts of China, for it has been influenced by ethnic groups, especially the Hui people. Lanzhou dishes feature excellent cooking of beef and mutton. One of the most famous local dishes is Lanzhou beef noodles, which can be stretched wide or slim to meet different preferences.  

It’s easy to find lots of local food along the Nongminxiang Road, which is opposite to the west gate of IMP. 

2. Wanda Plaza is a shopping mall with a variety of food to choose from, including burgers, pizzas, steaks, sushi rolls, korean BBQ, hot pots, breads, cakes, coffee, etc. You could go there by taking bus No.109 or No.116 at the Nangchanglu Shizi Stop, and get off at the Yantanlu Xikou Stop (1 RMB, 3 stops). You could also go there on foot for about 20mintues from IMP. 

Clinics & Hospitals nearby 

1.IMP clinic 

You can go there for basic medical treatment when you suffer a minor illness, such as colds or fevers. 

Location: The first floor of the Single Apartment of IMP, No.738 Nanchang Rd., Chengguan District, Lanzhou (On the opposite side of the main gate of IMP) 

Opening Hours: 8:30-12:00, 14:30-18:00 (from Monday to Friday) 

Tel: 0931-4969239     

2. The First Hospital of Lanzhou University 

This is a comprehensive hospital, with all the usual hospital departments.  

Opening hours for outpatients: 8:00-12:00, 14:30-17:30 (from Monday to Sunday) 

Location: No.1 Donggangxi Rd., Chengguan District, Lanzhou 

Tel: 0931-12320 (24 hours from Monday to Sunday), 0931-8625222 (office hours), 18809409920 (office hours) 

3. Gansu Provincial Hospital  

This is a comprehensive hospital, with all the usual hospital departments.  

Opening hours for outpatients: 8:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00 (from Monday to Sunday) 

Location: No.204 Donggangxi Rd., Chengguan District, Lanzhou 

Tel: 0931-8281763 

Shopping  

1. There are lots of groceries, restaurants, cloth shops and banks along the  Nanchang Road and the Weiyuan Road, which may satisfy your needs of daily life. 

2. For big supermarkets nearby, you can go to the CR Vanguard Supermarket (No.222 Tianshui Rd., Chengguan District, Lanzhou), which lies beside the Oriental Hotel and you could go there on foot.  

3. If you want to go shopping, watch movies and so on, the nearest shopping mall is the Wanda Plaza.  

Zhangye Pedestrian Street is also a good place for shopping. It is a street full of shopping malls and famous local restaurants. You could go there by taking subway Line 1 at Lanzhou University Stop, and get off at Xiguan Stop (2 RMB, 2 stops).  

Useful Numbers 

Emergency calls 

Police: 110 

Fire: 119 

Ambulance: 120 

Banks 

Bank of China (BOC) 95566 

China Construction Bank (CCB) 95533 

Flight & Train 

China Railway Service 12306 

Air China 95583  

Hainan Airlines 95339 

China Southern Airlines 4008695539 

China Eastern Airlines 95530 

Useful websites 

For CAS International Talents     http://international-talent.cas.cn/front/pc.html#/bicsite/home 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China     https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/