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Start your journey in Lanzhou, the Yellow River city. Head straight to Nanguan Ethnic Food Street as the sun sets. Watch chefs stretch hand-pulled noodles like elastic ribbons, smell sizzling cumin-spiced lamb skewers, and try sweet niangpi (fermented rice desserts). Let the bustling energy of Gansu’s food culture welcome you. Sleep well—tomorrow’s drive is epic!
D, Stay in Lanzhou
After breakfast, buckle up for a 6-hour drive through the Hexi Corridor, the ancient Silk Road’s lifeline. First stop: Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple, home to a 34.5-meter-long reclining Buddha from the 12th century. Then, race sunset to Zhangye Danxia—hike boardwalks through hills striped pink, gold, and turquoise by mineral deposits. Dinner in Zhangye: try cuōyúmiàn (hand-pinched “fish” noodles).
B, L, D, Stay in Zhangye
Today’s highlight: Jiayuguan Fort, the dramatic western end of the Ming Great Wall. Walk the restored battlements where soldiers once guarded against invaders, then drive 4.5 hours through the Gobi Desert. Arrive at Mingsha Shan (Singing Sand Dunes) by late afternoon. Climb barefoot as the sands “hum”, then find Crescent Lake—a miracle oasis that’s survived 2,000 years.
B, L, D, Stay in Dunhuang
Morning visit to Mogao Caves, where 492 grottoes hold 1,000 years of Buddhist art. Guides use flashlights to reveal jewel-colored murals of dancing deities and Silk Road traders. After, drive 6 hours to Golmud, stopping at Emerald Lake—a hidden salt lake with water so turquoise it looks dyed. Dinner in Golmud: hearty shouzhua (hand-grabbed mutton).
B, L, D, Stay in Golmud
Explore Chaka Salt Lake first—a blinding white mirror reflecting mountains and clouds. Wear bright clothes for photos! Next, visit Qarhan Salt Lake, the world’s second-largest salt flat. Walk on roads made of salt crystals and see giant salt sculptures. Arrive in Chaka Town by evening.
Tip: Buy salt-infused skincare at local shops!
B, L, D, Stay in Chaka
Morning drive to Qinghai Lake, Asia’s largest saltwater lake. In summer, golden rapeseed flowers frame turquoise waters; in fall, snow dusts distant peaks. Rent a bike (optional) to pedal part of the lakeshore loop. Spot Tibetan prayer flags and yaks grazing. Arrive in Xining by evening—try sūyóu chá (salty yak butter tea) if you dare!
B, L, D, Stay in Xining
Visit the Tibetan Culture Museum in Xining to see intricate thangka paintings and butter sculptures. Drive back to Lanzhou, stopping at Zhongchuan Ancient Town—a restored Ming Dynasty village with cobbled streets.
Last dinner: feast on Lanzhou’s famous beef noodles. Pack souvenirs like rose tea (Gansu’s specialty) and desert date candies.
B, L, D, Stay in Lanzhou
One final bowl of noodles at the airport! You’ve crossed deserts, marveled at rainbow mountains, traced Great Wall history, and tasted Silk Road flavors—all in 8 days. Safe travels, and keep those salt lake selfies handy to make friends jealous!
B, Departure from Lanzhou
Distances: Up to 6 hours/day (e.g., Dunhuang to Golmud). Survival Tips: ✔ Download offline playlists/podcasts. ✔ Snack on local treats like dried apricots (sold at rest stops). ✔ Stretch during photo breaks at scenic viewpoints.
Yes, but be smart: ✔ Stick to hot, freshly cooked dishes (avoid raw veggies). ✔ Drink bottled water (tap water isn’t safe). ✔ Try street food at busy stalls (high turnover = freshness).
Tibetan Areas: ✔ Don’t touch prayer wheels or altars. ✔ Always walk clockwise around temples. General: ✔ Never point at Buddha statues. ✔ Ask before photographing locals.
Yes, but…: ✔ Qinghai Lake freezes (stunning but icy). ✔ Desert days are cold (below 0°C), nights brutal (-15°C). ✔ Fewer crowds, but some sites close.
Lanzhou - Hezuo - Diebu County - Tangke County - Aba County - Hezuo - Lanzhou
Lanzhou - Xining - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Jiuquan - Zhangye - Wuwei - Lanzhou
Lanzhou - Xiahe - Langmusi monastery - Diebu County - Tanchang County - Tianshui - Lanzhou
Lanzhou - Wuwei - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Lanzhou
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Great!
Thando Dlamini –
Bucket list check! Danced with Tibetan grannies at Qinghai Lake ?. Tour mates from 8 countries—made friends for life. Missing the lamb skewers already… ?
Good
Sokha Vannak –
Qinghai Lake bike ride my favorite! Met Tibetan herder—let me hold baby goat ?. Everyone friendly.
Good Service
Lucía Martínez –
Amazing Natural Wonders. I took sooooo many beautiful Pictures with my Family.
Will come back again!
Juan Dela Cruz –
Gansu food = ?! Lanzhou beef noodles, spicy lamb skewers… my stomach happy but toilet not so much ?. Mogao Caves art? Mind-blowing. Tour bus AC broke one day—sweat like pig but still fun!
Best trip ever!
Putri Sari –
Qinghai Lake so blue like sapphire. Ate yak yogurt first time—sour but addictive! Guide Tenzin explain Tibetan culture very patient. Altitude made me dizzy first day, but ok after.
Excelent
Naree Thongdee –
Labrang Monastery monks chanting gave me goosebumps. Bought thangka painting for 500 RMB—maybe overprice but beautiful. Warning: Toilets in rural areas… bring tissue!!
Aiman Hakim –
Zhangye Danxia is MOTHER NATURE’S INSTA FILTER! ?️ Colors unreal. Driver Mr. Wang play Chinese pop songs whole trip—now I know ‘Xiao Pingguo’ by heart ?. Bring snacks, long drives but worth it!
Absolutely Satisfied
Nguyen Thi Linh –
Chaka Salt Lake like walking on sky! Wear red dress for photos—I look like k-pop star ?. Tibetan homestay family so kind—taught me make momo dumplings!