The "Golden City" and the second largest city in Northwestern China, Lanzhou's nature as a frontier province remains intertwined with a rebellious legacy. Founded in 86BCE under the Han Dynasty, it was initially used as a spearhead from which efforts to conquer the Xiongnu would be formulated. Under the Sui Dynasty, it was the heart of a major uprising, punished with total destruction in 617. Reestablished once more in 619, Lanzhou would resurge once again, reclaiming its position as an origin point for the Silk Road, exchanging a wide variety of goods and linking much of the Old World together.

As the Silk Role faded, this role was downplayed in favour of its strategic military location to ward off raids, enhanced by an increased army presence under the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Severely affected by the Dungan Revolt, the city nonetheless remained a local administrative centre, eventually becoming a point for Soviet influence in the region that served as a route for aid into the United Front. For years, its skies were lit up by ongoing air battles between Chinese and Japanese forces, bolstering the morale and strategic depth of the United Front for years until its downfall.

Lanzhou continues to fulfil its function for the Co-Prosperity Sphere, but not without cracks. Whilst it officially remains the capital of Longxi Province, the repercussions of the disastrous Battle of Wuwei has shifted any real functions to Tianshui. Lanzhou still helps in exerting influence in the Northeast of China, with a significant military presence, but a steady trickle of soldiers has only gone so far to tame local resistance. With support for the National Resistance Army continually rising, the Reorganised National Government is struggling to fill the gaps regional frustration has opened.