Lanzhou has a growing metro system with several lines serving the main city center. Line 1 runs east-west through the valley and connects the railway station area with the main shopping and sightseeing districts. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive by Chinese standards; most drivers don't speak English, so having destinations written in Chinese is helpful.
The city's long, narrow valley means that most of the tourist sites are arranged in a rough east-west line along the Yellow River. Walking the Binhe riverfront between the Zhongshan Bridge and the Yellow River Mother Statue is a pleasant 4–5 km route and covers several sights along the way. Bicycle sharing (using Meituan or Hellobike apps) is available and the riverfront path is largely flat.
For the Bingling Si day trip, tours depart from various points in the city early morning; ask your hotel to book. For Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, buses run from the Lanzhou West Bus Station.