This guide helps you understand how to get to and around Gansu in China, making it easier for you to plan a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Gansu, a fascinating province along China’s ancient Silk Road, is full of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. From the colorful Danxia landforms in Zhangye to the famous Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Gansu is a dream destination for travelers seeking something different.
Getting to Gansu by Air
Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW)
Lanzhou is the gateway to Gansu. Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport(兰州中川国际机场) is the largest airport in the province and handles both domestic and limited international flights. International direct flights from cities like Bangkok and Moscow (seasonal and limited).
Domestic direct flights | ||
Departure City | Departure Airport | Flight Time |
Beijing | Beijing Capital International Airport | 2.5 Hours |
Shanghai | Shanghai Pudong International Airport | 3 Hours |
Chengdu | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport | 1.5 Hours |
Guangzhou | Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport | 3 Hours |
Hangzhou | Hangzhou International Airport | 3 Hours |
Chongqing | Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport | 2 Hours |
Urumqi | Urumqi Diwopu International Airport | 3 Hours |
Shenzhen | Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport | 3.5 Hours |
Airport to Lanzhou city: About 1 hour by airport shuttle or taxi to downtown Lanzhou.
Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (YZY)
Zhangye is known for the famous Danxia landform. Its airport offers limited domestic direct flights.
Domestic direct flights from cities like Xi’an, Lanzhou, Chongqing. Airport to the Zhangye city about 30 minutes by car.
Jiayuguan Jiuquan Airport (JGN)
A convenient entry point for visiting the western end of the Great Wall.
Domestic direct flights from cities like Xi’an, Lanzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Chongqing. From airport to the city takes only 15–20 minutes by car.
Dunhuang Mogao International Airport (DNH)
Dunhuang is one of the top destinations along the Silk Road, famous for the Mogao Caves.
Domestic direct flights from cities like Beijing, Chengdu, and Xi’an. If you are traveling to Dunhuang from other cities such as Shanghai or Guangzhou, you can transit in Lanzhou or Xi’an.
From the airport to the city takes about 20 minutes by taxi or private transfer.
Note: There are no regular international flights to Zhangye, Jiayuguan, or Dunhuang. Foreign travelers usually enter China through a major international hub (like Beijing or Xi’an) and then take a domestic flight to Gansu.
Getting to and Around Gansu by Train
Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Gansu. It’s affordable, comfortable, and offers scenic views through deserts, mountains, and historic Silk Road landscapes.
To Lanzhou
Lanzhou is the main railway hub of Gansu Province, with two major stations: Lanzhou West Railway Station for high-speed trains and Lanzhou Railway Station for regular trains.
You can take high-speed trains from Xi’an (3 hours), Chengdu (6 hours), Beijing (8 hours), and many other major Chinese cities to Lanzhou. Lanzhou also connects to Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang by train, making it the perfect starting point for a Gansu train journey.
To Zhangye
Zhangye is well-connected by high-speed rail, mainly through Zhangye West Railway Station. You can reach Zhangye easily from Lanzhou and Jiayuguan, making it a convenient base for visiting the famous Danxia landform.
To Jiayuguan
Jiayuguan is served by both Jiayuguan South Railway Station for high-speed trains and Jiayuguan Railway Station for regular trains. It’s a key connection point for travelers heading west toward Xinjiang or east to Zhangye and Lanzhou.
To Dunhuang
If you plan to travel to Dunhuang by high speed train, you can go to Liuyuan South Station from Lanzhou, Xining, Zhangye, Jiuquan, Jiayuguan, Yumen, and other cities. The station is about 130 kilometers away from Dunhuang City and 155 kilometers away from Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes (2.5 hours drive).
How to Get Around by High-speed Trains | ||
⇌ | Time | |
Lanzhou | Zhangye | 3 Hours |
Lanhzou | Dunhuang | 7.5 Hours |
Lanzhou | Jiayuguan | 4.5 Hours |
Lanzhou | Tianshui | 1.5 Hours |
Zhangye | Dunhuang | 4.5 Hours |
Zhangye | Jiayuguan | 1.5 Hours |
Zhangye | Tianshui | 5 Hours |
Dunhuang | Jiayuguan | 2.5 Hours |
