• Welcome to Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province, where the mighty Yellow River flows through. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, our guide and driver will warmly greet you and whisk you away to your downtown hotel for check-in.
• The remainder of the day is yours to unwind or, if time permits, embark on a city tour featuring the historic steel bridge, a testament to German engineering in China from a century ago. Stroll along the banks of the Yellow River or opt for a leisurely cruise to soak in the city's charm. For those seeking adventure, a hike up White Pagoda Mountain offers invigorating fresh air and stunning vistas. Don't miss the panoramic view of Lanzhou City from the mountain summit—a sight that's truly breathtaking.

• City tour along the Yellow River
• Stay in Lanzhou

After breakfast, board on a morning high-speed train from Lanzhou to Zhangye, enjoying a scenic 3.5-hour ride. Upon arrival at Zhangye West Railway Station, meet your local guide. In the afternoon, drive an hour to Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, renowned for its vibrant landscapes of red sandstones and conglomerates dating back to the pre-Jurassic Age. Thousands of vividly colored mountains and cliffs resemble a majestic sunset palette, adorned with red grit rock strata and patches of white, yellow, and other hues, creating a surreal, painting-like scenery. Explore the park's viewing decks connected by shuttle buses, each offering unique perspectives. Capture the stunning sunset from Viewing Deck No. 4 (七彩红霞台), celebrated for its panoramic views. Arrive early for the best spot. Afterward, return to Zhangye downtown for overnight accommodation.

• Visit Danxia Landform Geological Park
• Stay in Zhangye, B, L

• After breakfast, visit the Giant Buddha Temple, built in 1098 AD, renowned for housing Asia's largest indoor sleeping Buddha, a majestic 34.5-meter wooden statue depicting Buddha's Nirvana, with ears spacious enough for four adults to sit side by side.
• Later, embark on a 2.5-hour, 220 km drive to Jiayuguan City and check into your hotel. Begin your exploration at Jiayuguan Pass, known as "the First and Greatest Pass under Heaven" and the westernmost starting point of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall.
• Start with an enlightening tour of the Great Wall Museum, delving into its history with artifacts, old photos, and relics. Then, explore the imposing Jiayuguan Fort, a sprawling complex of towers and city walls covering over 25,000 square meters, featuring walkways allowing horses to ascend.
• If time permits, consider an optional visit to the Xuanbi Great Wall (Overhanging Wall), 18 km from the fort, where walls built on steep cliffs offer breathtaking views of the landscape.

• Discover the Grand Buddha Monastery
• Explore the Jiayuguan Fortification
• Visit the Great Wall Museum
• Stay in Jiayuguan, B, L

• Today, start early from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang. En route, visit the Yulin Grottoes, known as the "sister caves" to Mogao Caves, part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites along the Silk Road. These Buddhist cave temples, located 160 km east of Dunhuang, boast 43 caves with 5,200 square meters of murals and over 259 colored sculptures. Marvel at up to 6 caves with stunning mural paintings, often considered more exquisite than those at Mogao Caves. Special caves like No. 2, No. 3, and No. 25 offer exceptional artistic value for an additional fee.
• Upon reaching Dunhuang, check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore this oasis in the Gobi Desert. Enjoy an evening stroll to the ShaZhou Evening Market for beer, kebabs, and souvenirs.

• Visit the Yulin Grottoes
• Explore the ShaZhou Evening Market
• Stay in Dunhuang

• After breakfast, a short 10 km drive from Dunhuang takes you to the newly opened Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center. Here, enjoy informative documentaries detailing the history, art, and significance of the Mogao Grottoes before boarding the interzonal bus to the grottoes themselves. Known as the "Louvre of the East," Mogao Grottoes houses 492 caves with 45,000 square meters of mural paintings and 2,100 intricately painted statues, spanning 1,600 years of Chinese art history across various dynasties. Approximately 40 common caves are open to the public, where expert guides lead you through 7-8 caves (April to November) or 12 caves (December to March), offering insightful commentary.
• Additional special caves (10 in total) can be visited at an extra cost for a more in-depth experience. Next, visit Mingshashan, the Echoing Sand Mountains, where on sunny days, the sands create echoes resembling orchestral music, even without wind. Experience this phenomenon firsthand by sliding down the dunes to hear the resonant sound. Conclude your day at Crescent Lake, an oasis nestled amidst the Echoing Sand Mountains. With its picturesque crescent-shaped lake, adorned with traditional Chinese architecture, trees, and flowers, it offers a serene and timeless setting.

• Explore the Mogao Grottoes and Its Digital Exhibition Center
• Visit the Cresent Lake and Echoing Sand Dunes
• Stay in Dunhuang, B, L

Our guide and driver will meet you at the hotel for a private transfer to the airport or train station for your onward journey. Thank you for choosing JustChinaTours as your land tour operator. We look forward to serving you again in the future and remain dedicated to providing excellent service for you and your friends.

• Departure, B