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Itinerary
Welcome to Lanzhou, the lively capital of Gansu Province! Upon your arrival, your guide will be there to meet you at the airport or train station, ready to take you to your hotel. If you arrive early, take some time to explore the city on your own. Wander through the bustling streets, or ask your guide for local tips on hidden gems. Lanzhou is known for its vibrant culture and delicious food, so keep your eyes peeled for the famous beef noodles, a local specialty! It’s the perfect way to ease into the city and start your adventure.
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Stay in Lanzhou
During your stay in Lanzhou, you’ll want to take in the city’s most famous landmarks. Start with the First Bridge of the Yellow River, also known as Zhongshan Bridge. This historic iron bridge, named after Dr. Sun Yat-sen, spans the mighty Yellow River and offers incredible photo opportunities. From there, head to White Pagoda Park. The park’s elevated spot gives you panoramic views of the city and the river, making it a perfect place to relax and soak in the scenery.
Next, visit the Yellow River Mother Statue, an iconic symbol of Chinese culture, before exploring Waterwheel Park. Here, you’ll see traditional waterwheels, just as much a part of Lanzhou’s landscape as windmills are to the Netherlands.
In the evening, dive into the local flavour at Zhengning Road Night Market. This bustling market is the best place to sample Lanzhou’s famous Beef Noodles, tender Pulled Lamb, and other hearty dishes. Don’t miss the Sweet Barley Wine and Gray Pea Porridge – a real taste of Lanzhou. For a relaxing finish, enjoy a cup of Lanzhou Sanpaotai Tea by the Yellow River, watching the night lights reflect on Zhongshan Bridge and White Pagoda Mountain. A perfect end to your day!
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Stay in Lanzhou
After enjoying your breakfast at your hotel, your adventure begins with a scenic 1.5-2 hour drive to Liujiaxia Gorge. As you arrive, you’ll hop aboard a boat for an exciting ride along the Yellow River. For nearly 1 hour, the boat will cruise through the tranquil waters, offering you stunning views of the riverbank. The landscape is peaceful yet dramatic, a perfect introduction to the rugged beauty of the region.
Our next stop is the Binglingsi Grottoes, where history comes to life. As you wander through the Bingling Gorge for 1.5 hours, you’ll encounter ancient Buddhist statues, intricate murals, and stone carvings that date back over 1,600 years. The artworks are remarkably well-preserved, thanks to the dry, secluded climate, and they give you an authentic look at China’s rich Buddhist heritage. The striking colours and detailed artistry are a testament to the skill of the artisans who created them.
In the afternoon, we head back to Lanzhou to catch the high-speed train to Zhangye. As the bullet train speeds through the oasis plains nestled between the Qilian and Longshou Mountains, you’ll be treated to views of vast, open landscapes. This train journey offers a chance to appreciate the unique geography of the “Hexi Corridor,” one of China’s most important historical routes. It’s an ideal moment to reflect on the natural beauty and rich history of this region before arriving in Zhangye.
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Stay in Zhangye
Today, get ready for a full day of discovery in Zhangye, starting with the Big Buddha Temple (Dafo Temple). A 1-2 hour visit will take you through this ancient Buddhist landmark, where you’ll be mesmerised by the 34.5-metre-long reclining Buddha. The temple, built in 1098 during the Western Xia Dynasty, is not just a place of worship but a piece of living history. Its quiet charm and beautiful architecture make it an essential stop for those interested in Buddhist culture and ancient structures. As you explore, feel the peace that has settled over the temple for centuries.
Afterward, we’ll head to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, famous for its vibrant rock formations known as the Rainbow Mountains. A 3-4 hour exploration will reveal the stunning hues of reds, yellows, and purples that make this place so unique. This geological wonder is a photographer’s dream, with striking views that change as the light shifts. For geology enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, this site is a must-see, with its otherworldly landscapes that seem almost too beautiful to be real.
In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a 260-kilometre journey to Jiayuguan, which takes about more than 3 hours by road. As we arrive, if time allows, we’ll head straight to the Great Wall at the Cliff. This section of the Wall offers stunning panoramic views, and the late afternoon light creates a magical sunset experience. Hike along this iconic structure and let the beauty of the surrounding desert landscapes take your breath away.
By the time we reach Jiayuguan, it’s time to unwind. After such a packed day, enjoy a well-deserved rest at your hotel, ready for the next adventure.
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Stay in Jiayuguan
Today, get ready for a journey through history as we head to Jiayuguan Pass, the western end of the Ming Great Wall. As you walk along the ancient Wall, you’ll feel its long history come alive, with the stark desert landscape stretching out before you. Your guide will share fascinating insights about its role in the ancient Silk Road and its immense cultural significance. It’s a powerful reminder of China’s strength and the people who built this monumental structure.
Next, we’ll visit the Great Wall on the Cliff, also known as the Overhanging Great Wall. Dating back to 1539, this dramatic stretch of the Wall clings to the cliffs and rises almost 45 degrees. The view is awe-inspiring, as if the Wall is floating above the desert below. It’s a challenging climb, but the reward is a unique perspective of the Great Wall and its natural surroundings. Imagine standing on this ancient structure, with the wind on your face and the vastness of the desert before you.
After soaking in the panoramic views, we’ll explore the Great Wall Museum, the first of its kind dedicated to the history and culture of this iconic landmark. Here, you’ll learn more about the construction of the Wall, its strategic importance, and the stories of those who lived and worked along it.
Later, we’ll board a high-speed train to Dunhuang, a comfortable 3-hour ride that offers scenic views of the countryside. Upon arrival, a local guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel for a well-earned rest. This day is filled with history and stunning views, a perfect blend of culture and adventure.
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Stay in Dunhuang
Your day in Dunhuang begins at the iconic Mogao Grottoes, one of China’s cultural gems. Stretching 1,700 meters along the cliffs, the site features 735 caves adorned with vibrant murals and sculptures. Explore the Tang Dynasty frescoes, depicting Buddhist teachings and Silk Road life. In the northern caves, discover quiet meditation chambers, while the southern caves display impressive ancient art and spirituality, offering a captivating insight into China’s rich history.
After a satisfying lunch, your adventure continues with a visit to Echo Sand Mountain. Here, the wind sweeps over the dunes, creating a unique and almost musical sound that gives the mountain its name. Feel the thrill as you climb the slopes or slide down the soft sand, or opt for a camel ride to add a touch of adventure. For those seeking even more excitement, off-road driving is also an option. At the foot of the mountain lies the tranquil Crescent Spring, a crystal-clear oasis amidst the desert, where you can pause and take in the breathtaking contrast of water surrounded by the endless expanse of sand.
As night falls, visit the Dunhuang Shazhou Night Market to experience local flavours. The air is filled with the scent of sizzling meats and spices. Try unique snacks like sweet Apricot Skin Water, tender Donkey Meat Noodles, and crispy Bubble Oil Cakes. The lively market offers a variety of mouth-watering dishes, making it the perfect way to end your day in Dunhuang, blending culture and taste.
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Stay in Dunhuang
Your 7-day Gansu Tour may be coming to an end, but there’s still time to soak in the charm of Dunhuang. Spend the morning wandering at your leisure. Perhaps take a final stroll through the city, snapping photos or picking up last-minute souvenirs. Your guide will then meet you to escort you to the airport for your flight to the next destination. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and look forward to welcoming you back on your next adventure in China. Safe travels!
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Gansu offers stunning sites like the Mogao Grottoes, Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains, and the Jiayuguan Pass. These landmarks provide a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
The journey between Lanzhou and Zhangye by train takes around 3 to 4 hours, offering passengers scenic views of the oasis plains nestled between the Qilian and Longshou Mountains.
At Echo Sand Mountain, you can enjoy activities like camel rides, sandboarding, and off-roading. The unique sound of the sand as the wind blows over the dunes adds a magical touch to the experience.
The best time to visit Gansu is in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.
Yes! Be sure to try Lanzhou Beef Noodles, Donkey Meat Noodles, and Bubble Oil Cakes in Dunhuang’s Shazhou Night Market for a true taste of local flavours.
Plan to spend around 3 to 4 hours at the Zhangye Danxia Scenic Spot, exploring the vibrant rock formations and taking in panoramic views of the Rainbow Mountains.
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Silk road history brought to life
Emily Rodriguez –
Walking along Jiayuguan Pass was like stepping into history. The entire journey through Lanzhou, Zhangye, and Dunhuang was seamless. Great guide, Zoe, and unforgettable sights!
A Perfect Gansu Tour
Martin Johansson –
Seeing the Rainbow Mountains in person was a dream come true! The high-speed trains and comfortable hotels made the journey smooth. Next time we go to China, I’d book with JustChinaTour again!
Fantastic Trip
Rebecca Evans –
Everything was taken care of—from hotels to transportation. The boat ride at Liujiaxia Gorge was stunning! While, Echo Sand Mountain at sunset was magical. Riding a camel through the dunes felt like an adventure straight out of a movie. JustChinaTour made it all effortless!
worth every penny
James Whitmore –
This was my first time in China, and I felt completely taken care of. The guide was fantastic, and the sights were unbelievable. Btw, Chinese cuisine is truly unparalleled! I’ll be back for more!
Incredible Gansu Adventure!
Thomas Dupont –
The landscapes were breathtaking! JustChinaTour made sure everything was well-organized, and I loved exploring the Rainbow Mountains and Mogao Caves. Highly recommend this trip!