• Morning Departure from Xi'an: Your day begins with a convenient pickup from the hotel in Xi'an. From there, your driver will take you to Xi'an North Train Station to catch the high-speed train to Tianshui. The train ride offers a perfect opportunity to either rest or soak in the scenic beauty along the way.
• Arrival in Tianshui: you'll be greeted by your local English-speaking tour guide and driver, who will be holding a welcome board with your name. From there, your exploration of Tianshui's treasures begins.
• Maiji Grottoes: Your first stop is the renowned Maiji Grottoes, distinguished as one of the "Four Great Grottoes in China." These grottoes boast a stunning landscape and are steeped in history, with the earliest caves dating back to the post-Qin Dynasty. Marvel at the intricate Buddha statues and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
• Fuxi Temple: Next, you'll visit Fuxi Temple, an ancient and well-preserved ancestral temple complex. It serves as a vital cultural monument where Chinese people honor and remember their cultural ancestor, Fuxi. As you explore the temple grounds, you'll be captivated by the rich tapestry of ancient Chinese culture, as your guide shares tales of Fuxi and the dawn of Chinese civilization.
• Check-in at Local Hotel: After a day filled with exploration and discovery, you'll transfer to your local hotel to unwind and rest for the night, ready to continue your adventure in Tianshui the next day.
• With its blend of historical significance and natural beauty, Tianshui promises to be a fascinating destination on your journey through the Hexi Corridor.

• Explore Maiji Grottoes
• Admire UNESCO World Heritage site
• Visit Fuxi Temple
• Stay in Tianshui, B, L, D

• Morning Departure from Tianshui to Lanzhou: After breakfast, your driver will meet you at the hotel lobby in Tianshui and transport you to Tianshui South Train Station. catching a morning high-speed train to Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu Province.
• Upon your arrival at Lanzhou Station, you'll be greeted by your local English-speaking tour guide and driver, who will be waiting for you at the exit gate with a welcome board bearing your name.
• Gansu Provincial Museum: Your first stop is the Gansu Provincial Museum, the largest museum in Gansu Province. Here, you'll immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Gansu and the Silk Road. Highlights include the Bronze Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow, a renowned artifact symbolizing the region's heritage. Don't miss the Buddhist Hall, which showcases the diverse Buddhist cultures of the Han, Tibetan, and Western regions, as well as grotto art from Dunhuang and Tianshui.
• Yellow River Tour: We will visit the Yellow River that flows through LanZhou city, this section is often referred to as "the Bund of Lanzhou City." This scenic route follows the Yellow River, with the Iron Bridge built by Germans some one hundred years ago as its axis. Along the way, you'll visit landmarks such as the Yellow River Mother Sculpture, White Pagoda Hill Park, and Waterwheel Park. The leisurely stroll along the River bank, offers a perfect opportunity to soak in the beauty of Lanzhou.
• Accommodation: After a day of exploration, you'll check into your hotel in Lanzhou for a well-deserved rest, ready to continue your journey through the Hexi Corridor the next day.

• Explore Gansu Provincial Museum
• Tour Yellow River banks stroll along scenic Lanzhou Bund
• Stay in Lanzhou, B, L, D

• Morning Departure from Lanzhou to Zhangye: After breakfast, you'll catch the morning high-speed train from Lanzhou to Zhangye. The approximately 4.5-hour train ride through the desert offers a chance to relax and anticipate the adventures awaiting you in this amazing city.
• Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park - Rainbow Mountain Scenic Area: Upon your arrival in Zhangye, you'll be greeted by your guide and head straight to the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, renowned for its stunning Danxia landform. This natural wonder earned its reputation as one of the "10 Wonders of Nature in the World" by National Geographic News.
• Exploring the Rainbow Mountain Scenic Area: Within the park, you'll visit the Rainbow Mountain Scenic Area, known for its vibrant and colorful rock formations. As you ascend to a high platform, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape bathed in the warm glow of the sunset. The layers of red mountains, illuminated by the setting sun, create a mesmerizing scene that's sure to leave a lasting impression.

• Visit Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park
• Watch sunset over mountains
• Stay in Zhangye, B, L, D

• Visit to Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple (Dafo Temple): Our first stop after breakfast is the Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple, also known as Dafo Temple. Dating back to the Western Xia Dynasty, this temple has stood for over 900 years along the Silk Road. The highlight of the temple is the gigantic sleeping Buddha statue of Sakyamuni, which is the largest in Asia. As you explore the temple, you'll be captivated by the beautiful woodcarvings, paintings, and statues, all of which showcase the rich culture and history of the region.
• Drive to Jiayuguan: Following your visit to the Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple, you'll embark on a scenic drive lasting approximately 2.5 hours to Jiayuguan. As you journey through the desert landscape, you'll be treated to views of the vast expanse of yellow sand, setting the stage for your arrival at Jiayuguan Pass.
• Exploration of Jiayuguan Pass: Known as the "First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven" and "the Throat of the Hexi Corridor," Jiayuguan Pass marks the western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. This historic site, constructed over hundreds of years, played a crucial role in military defense and trade along the ancient Silk Road. You'll have the opportunity to climb up the pass tower to admire panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Visit to Jiayuguan Great Wall Museum: Within the Jiayuguan Pass Scenic Area, you'll explore the Jiayuguan Great Wall Museum, the first museum dedicated to the Great Wall. With seven major exhibition halls, the museum offers detailed insights into the construction and history of this monumental engineering feat. Don't miss the highlight of the museum, an oil painting of the Great Wall with a large scale of about 220.5 square meters.

• Visit Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple
• Explore Jiayuguan Pass
• Tour Jiayuguan Great Wall Museum
• Stay in Jiayuguan, B, L, D

• Our journey to Dunhuang today will be filled with fascinating historical sites and stunning natural landscapes. With ancient tomb murals, spectacular grottoes, and breathtaking landscapes, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang offer a captivating glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Silk Road region.
• Visit to Weijin Tombs: Morning visit to the Wei&Jin Dynasty Tombs, also known as the "Underground Gallery." Located about 20 kilometers from Jiayuguan City, these ancient tombs offer a glimpse into the lives of scholars and officials during the Weijin period. Despite being buried beneath the desert sands, the tombs reveal vibrant wall paintings depicting scenes from daily life. With only six tombs open to the public, the visit is a rare opportunity to uncover the mysteries of this ancient burial site. Your guide will provide insights into the historical, cultural, political, and economic significance of the paintings, enriching your understanding of this fascinating site.
• Drive to Dunhuang with a Stop at Yulin Grottoes: After exploring the Weijin Tombs, you'll embark on a scenic drive lasting approximately 4 hours to Dunhuang. Along the way, you'll make a stop at the Yulin Grottoes, located in Jiuquan City, about 100 kilometers east of Dunhuang. Despite being less famous than the Mogao Grottoes and Longmen Grottoes, the Yulin Grottoes are highly rated by visitors for their stunning beauty and historical significance. Engraved during the North Wei Dynasty on the cliffs of the Yulin River Valley, these grottoes feature colorful wall paintings that transport you to another world steeped in history and religion. The grottoes' lower fame ensures they are less visited and better preserved, offering an immersive experience for visitors.

• Explore Wei&Jin Dynasty Tombs
• Drive to Dunhuang
• Visit Yulin Grottoes
• Stay in Dunhuang, B, L, D

• Our visit today in DunHuang is filled with iconic landmarks and cultural experiences.
• Visit to Mogao Grottoes: Your day begins with a visit to the renowned Mogao Grottoes, often hailed as the "best Buddhist art troves" and a UNESCO World Heritage site. These caves are a treasure trove of murals, paintings, and statues dating back over a thousand years. As you explore the caves, you'll be mesmerized by the intricate artwork and religious significance preserved within these ancient chambers. Your visit offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and spirituality of the Silk Road.
• Exploration of Crescent Lake and Singing Sand Dunes: After visiting the Mogao Grottoes, you'll journey to the scenic Crescent Lake, nestled amidst the Singing Sand Dunes. This natural wonder has been a prominent landmark along the Silk Road for centuries. As you marvel at the crescent-shaped oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes, you'll have the chance to experience the unique phenomenon of the "singing" sands, where the shifting grains emit melodic sounds with the wind.
• Stroll in ShaZhou Evening Market: In the evening, you'll immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the ShaZhou Evening Market. This bustling market offers a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and flavors, with vendors selling a variety of local delicacies, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Take your time to explore the market, sample delicious street food, and perhaps pick up some unique treasures to commemorate your visit to Dunhuang.

• Visit Mogao Grottoes
• Experience Singing Sand Dunes
• Stroll through Shazhou Evening Market
• Stay in Dunhuang, B, L, D

Our driver will meet you at the hotel lobby, transfer then to the airport / train station for your onward journey.

• Departure, B