Dear david, it is happy to know that you will come to lanzhou for learning Chinese. Let me tell you some experience and methods about Chinese learning. it is helpfulyou read more books, reading is good for learning. then, you can watch TV program or movies in chinese. more important, making chinese friends is good for improving your chinese, you can practice Chinese everyday with your friends. a prober says practice makes perfect. if you have any questions, let me know, I am glad to help you. I am looking forward to seeing you soon.