Gansu’s Adventure Playground: 10 Must-Do Outdoor Escapades for Thrill Seekers
Gansu offers ten thrilling outdoor adventures, from hiking Zhangye Danxia's rainbow cliffs and camel trekking in Mingsha Dunes to Silk Road cycling, Qilian Mountain trekking, and desert jeep safaris, blending extreme sports with ancient Silk Road landscapes.
Gansu Province, a land of rugged deserts, towering mountains, and vibrant Silk Road history, offers adrenaline-pumping activities for every explorer. From hiking rainbow-hued canyons to cycling ancient trade routes, here are ten unforgettable ways to experience Gansu’s wild beauty.
1. Zhangye Danxia Hiking
Explore "China’s Rainbow Mountains"
Trek through the surreal, multi-colored sandstone cliffs of Zhangye Danxia Geopark. Follow trails that wind past striped rock formations, dramatic valleys, and hidden viewpoints. Sunrise and sunset hikes offer magical lighting for photographers.
2. Desert Camping in the Tengger or Gobi Desert
Sleep Under Starry Skies
Pitch a tent in the vast Tengger Desert near Wuwei or the Gobi Desert around Dunhuang. By night, stargaze without light pollution; by day, sandboard down dunes or watch sunrise over endless golden waves.
3. Silk Road Cycling Adventure
Pedal Through History
Cycle the ancient Silk Road route from Lanzhou to Jiayuguan, passing oases, ruins, and camel caravans. Highlights include the Lock Key Gorge (Shimen Gorge) and the Western-most Great Wall section at Jiayuguan Fort.
4. Rock Climbing in Binggou Danxia
Scale the "Ice Valley" Cliffs
Binggou Danxia, near Zhangye, offers challenging sandstone routes for climbers. Its jagged canyons and crimson cliffs provide both beginner-friendly bouldering and advanced multi-pitch climbs with breathtaking views.
5. White-Water Rafting on the Tao River
Conquer Gansu’s Rapids
Navigate the Tao River’s Class III-IV rapids near Linxia. Raft through narrow gorges, past Tibetan villages, and beneath cliffside monasteries. Perfect for thrill-seekers and culture lovers alike.
6. Trekking the Qilian Mountains
Hike Among Snow Peaks and Alpine Meadows
The Qilian Range offers trails for all levels. Trek to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), a glacial lake at 2,670 meters, or follow ancient nomadic paths through pine forests and past yak herds.
7. Camel Riding in the Mingsha Dunes
Channel Your Inner Silk Road Trader
Ride a "ship of the desert" through Dunhuang’s Mingsha Dunes. Explore Crescent Lake oasis by camelback, mimicking the journeys of ancient merchants who crossed these sands centuries ago.
8. Paragliding Over Shandan Horse Field
Soar Above Grasslands and Peaks
Take off from Shandan’s high-altitude meadows (2,800 meters) for a bird’s-eye view of rolling hills, wildflowers, and the Qilian Mountains. A thrilling way to appreciate Gansu’s "Little Swiss Alps."
9. Caving in Pingliang Icicle Cave
Discover Subterranean Ice Sculptures
Explore Pingliang’s limestone cave, home to year-round ice stalactites and frozen waterfalls. Navigate narrow passages and marvel at crystalline formations even in summer.
10. Off-Road Desert Jeep Safaris
Conquer the Dunes in Style
Join a 4x4 expedition through the Badain Jaran Desert (partially in Gansu), home to some of the world’s tallest sand dunes. Bounce over ridges, visit hidden lakes, and camp under desert sunsets.
Why Gansu is an Adventure Hub
Gansu’s landscapes—formed by tectonic shifts, wind, and ancient rivers—create a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Its history as a Silk Road crossroads adds cultural depth to every adventure, whether you’re cycling past ruins or trekking where nomads once roamed.
Travel Tip: Pair activities with cultural stops! After rafting the Tao River, visit Labrang Monastery. Or cap a Danxia hike with a visit to the Mogao Caves.
Contact Us
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
