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Welcome to Lanzhou, the gateway to your Gansu journey! After settling in, head to Nanguan Ethnic Food Street for a lively evening. Try hand-pulled beef noodles, roasted lamb skewers, and sweet fermented rice. The mix of Hui Muslim and Han Chinese flavors gives you a delicious first impression of Gansu. Rest well—your adventure starts tomorrow!
D, Stay in Lanzhou
After breakfast, drive to Yongjing (70km, 1.5 hours) to explore the Bingling Temple Grottoes. These ancient Buddhist caves, carved into cliffs along the Yellow River, feature stunning statues from 1,600 years ago. Take a boat ride to admire the scenery. Later, journey to Xiahe (160km, 3.5 hours), a Tibetan town near Labrang Monastery. The air gets crisper as you enter the highlands—rest early to adjust to the altitude (2,900m).
B, L, D, Stay in Xiahe
Today is all about Tibetan culture. Visit Labrang Monastery, one of Tibet’s six great monasteries. Watch monks debate in the courtyard, spin prayer wheels, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere. After lunch, drive to Langmusi (185km, 3 hours), stopping at Gahai Lake, a serene alpine wetland where birds flutter over mirror-like waters. Arrive in Langmusi by evening—this tiny town straddles Gansu and Sichuan, with rugged mountains as its backdrop.
B, L, D, Stay in Langmusi
Explore Langmusi’s twin monasteries (one in Gansu, one in Sichuan) at sunrise, with mist rising over the valleys. Then, drive to Zhagana (95km, 2 hours), a hidden Tibetan village nicknamed “Stone Mountain Paradise”. Hike through terraced fields and past wooden cabins—it feels like stepping into a painting. End the day in Diebu, a quiet county town surrounded by forests.
B, L, D, Stay in Diebu
Journey to Guan’E Gou Scenic Area (160km, 2.5 hours), a lesser-known gem with emerald lakes, waterfalls, and deep canyons. Walk along wooden trails, breathe in the pine-scented air, and listen to rushing streams. The park blends Tibetan and Han landscapes—perfect for nature lovers. Stay overnight in Tanchang, a small town with a relaxed vibe.
B, L, D, Stay in Tanchang
After breakfast, drive to Wudu (110km, 2 hours) to explore Wanxiang Cave, a massive limestone cave system with surreal stalactites lit by colorful lights. Later, continue to Tianshui (230km, 4 hours), an ancient Silk Road city. Try local snacks like Tianshui liangfen (cold mung bean jelly) for dinner.
B, L, D, Stay in Tianshui
Visit Maijishan Grottoes, where 1,500-year-old Buddha statues cling to a sheer cliff face. Climb the steep staircases for jaw-dropping views. Next, stop at Fuxi Temple, dedicated to the mythical creator of Chinese civilization. Drive back to Lanzhou (310km, 4.5 hours), enjoying rolling hills along the way.
B, L, D, Stay in Lanzhou
Enjoy a final bowl of Lanzhou beef noodles before your flight. Take home memories of Tibetan monasteries, rainbow mountains, and Silk Road history—until next time!
B, Departure from Lanzhou
Xiahe (Labrang Monastery): 2,900m; Langmusi: 3,300m Most people adjust fine, but some may feel mild headaches or fatigue. Tips: Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol & heavy meals, walk slowly the first day, consider altitude pills (consult a doctor).
Roads: Well-maintained but winding in mountain areas; Vehicles: Comfortable vans/cars with AC; Train option: Possible for Lanzhou-Dunhuang (but takes longer)
Highly recommended! Covers altitude sickness, trip delays, lost luggage. Check if your policy includes China.
Book 1 month in advance (limited daily entries). Your tour operator can help secure tickets.
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 - Wuwei - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Lanzhou
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Excelent
Maria Santos –
Best part? Sunrise at Langmusi grasslands—fog, yaks, monks in red robes. Like movie scene! Tibetan tea salty… but good for cold!
Yak Stew, Bumpy Roads
Rajesh Kumar –
Cultural immersion 10/10. Ate with Tibetan family—yak meat stew, barley wine. Guide spoke good English, explained rituals. Dislike: Long drives on bumpy roads.
Fantastic
Aisyah Rahman –
THIS TOUR IS MAGIC. Saw sky burial ceremony (no photos allowed—respect!). Xiahe morning market sold yak cheese, bought some… smells strong but yummy with tea. Driver Mr. Li played Bollywood songs—funny mix! ?
Monastery Magic!
Dewi Susanto –
Labrang Monastery blew my mind! Monks chanting, prayer wheels spinning… so peaceful. Ate tsampa (roasted barley) first time—tastes like earthy cereal. Guide Tenzin taught us Tibetan greetings. Altitude headache first day, but worth it!
Peaceful
Yui Nakamura –
Liked butter sculpture art at monastery. Guide Mr. Wang tried speak Japanese—kawaii effort! Enjoyed much time for photos.
Good Foodie Class
Somsak Chaiwat –
Monasteries so colorful! Monks smiled, let us join butter lamp offering. Homestay family in Langmusi taught me make momo dumplings ?. Warning: Toilets in villages VERY basic… bring wet wipes!