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Welcome to Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu Province! Upon your arrival at the airport or train station, your guide will be there to greet you and escort you to your hotel. Feel free to explore the city at your own pace. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide for recommendations and travel advice, of course, your guide will inform you in advance.
Stay in Lanzhou
Visit Zhongshan Bridge, the first bridge on the Yellow River, and White Pagoda Park(白塔山公园) for a great city view. See the Yellow River Mother Statue and visit Water Wheel Park(水车园), famous for its traditional waterwheels.
At Zhengning Road Night Market, try local food like Lanzhou Beef Noodles, Pulled Lamb, Sweet Barley Wine, and Gray Pea Porridge. Enjoy Sanpaotai Tea by the Yellow River while admiring the night lights of Zhongshan Bridge and White Pagoda Mountain.
B, L, D, Stay in Lanzhou
After breakfast at the hotel, drive 1.5–2 hours to Liujiaxia Gorge. Take a boat at Liujiaxia and enjoy a one-hour ride on the Yellow River to Binglingsi Grottoes(炳灵寺石窟). Along the way, admire the beautiful river scenery. Walk for 1.5 hours through Bingling Gorge and explore the ancient Buddhist statues, murals, and stone carvings from 1,600 years ago. The dry climate and remote location have helped preserve the original colors and details of these masterpieces.
In the afternoon, return to Lanzhou and take a high-speed train to Zhangye. During the ride, pass through oasis plains between the Qilian and Longshou Mountains. This region is an important gateway of the “Hexi Corridor.”
B, L, D, Stay in Zhangye
Today, explore Zhangye. Start with a 1–2 hour visit to Big Buddha Temple (Dafo Temple, 大佛寺). This temple is a city landmark with a 34.5-meter-long reclining Buddha statue. Built in 1098 by the Western Xia Dynasty, it is one of China’s Four Remaining Royal Temples.
In the afternoon, spend 3–4 hours at Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park(张掖丹霞国家地质公园). Visit the Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot, known as the Rainbow Mountains. These vibrant rock formations attract geologists and photographers from around the world.
Afterward, travel 260 kilometers to Jiayuguan, a journey of about 4 hours. If time allows, visit the Great Wall on the Cliff before 5 p.m. Hike and enjoy the stunning sunset views. After a long day, relax at your hotel in Jiayuguan.
B, L, D, Stay in Jiayuguan
Today, visit Jiayuguan Pass(嘉峪关), the western end of the Ming Great Wall, which stretches over 60 kilometers. Walk along the wall and learn about its rich history from your guide.
Next, climb the Great Wall on the Cliff, also called the Overhanging Great Wall(悬壁长城). Built in 1539 during the Ming Dynasty, this section follows the natural landscape with steep inclines, some reaching 45 degrees. It looks like it is hanging in the air, giving it its name.
Then, explore the Great Wall Museum(长城博物馆), the first museum dedicated to the history and culture of this famous structure.
After the visit, take a high-speed train to Dunhuang, a journey of nearly 3 hours. Upon arrival, a local guide will meet you and take you to your hotel.
B, L, D, Stay in Dunhuang
Visit the Mogao Grottoes(莫高窟), one of China’s most famous cave complexes. Stretching 1,700 meters along the cliffs, they contain 735 caves. The southern section has 492 caves filled with murals and sculptures. The northern section has 243 caves, once used by monks for meditation and living.
After lunch, head to Echo Sand Mountain(鸣沙山), a key Silk Road landmark. The sand makes a unique sound when the wind blows. You can slide down the dunes, ride a camel, or go off-roading (extra cost). At the foot of the mountain, visit Crescent Spring(月牙泉), a clear-water oasis surrounded by sand dunes.
In the evening, explore Dunhuang Shazhou Night Market(沙洲夜市). Try local snacks like Apricot Skin Water, Donkey Meat Noodles, and Bubble Oil Cakes. Dunhuang locals love lamb, chicken, and beef, and they excel in making noodles. Enjoy the flavors and the lively market atmosphere.
B, L, D, Stay in Dunhuang
Your 7-day Gansu Tour ends today. You’ll have free time in Dunhuang to explore the city. Your guide will then take you to the airport for your flight to the next destination. Thank you for choosing AsiaSilkRoadTours. We hope to welcome you back for your next adventure in Asia. Have a safe journey!
B, Stay in Dunhuang
Activities are moderate: flat walks at Ta'er Monastery and guided paths at Mogao Grottoes. Vans handle long drives (e.g., Xining to Zhangye).
May–September: Mild weather (15–28°C) for Rainbow Mountain hikes and Mogao Grottoes visits. Avoid July crowds.
Absolutely! Add a 2-day Xi’an extension (Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter) with seamless flight connections from Dunhuang.
Absolutely! We design activities for all ages: camel rides at Echoing Sand Mountain, interactive storytelling at Karez Wells, and easy hikes at Heavenly Lake. Our guides adjust pacing for kids, and hotels include family-friendly amenities.
Lanzhou - Hezuo - Diebu County - Tangke County - Aba County - Hezuo - Lanzhou
Lanzhou - Zhangye - Dunhuang - Golmud - Chaka - Xining - Lanzhou
Lanzhou - Xining - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Jiuquan - Zhangye - Wuwei - Lanzhou
Lanzhou - Xiahe - Langmusi monastery - Diebu County - Tanchang County - Tianshui - Lanzhou
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Different from our city life in Singapore!
Vikram Pillai –
Just returned from this Gansu Silk Road tour and can’t stop showing everyone my photos!
Amazing views. Worth it!
Ahmad Zulkifli –
Bit exhausting with all the travel between cities but totally worth it! Would recommend bringing good walking shoes and a hat for the desert sun.