Day 1: Arrival in Lanzhou – Explore the Yellow River
Arrive in Lanzhou and start your trip with a visit to the Lanzhou Waterwheel Garden. Walk along The Yellow River, where you can visit the Iron Bridge and enjoy panoramic views of the river. In the evening, try Lanzhou’s famous Beef Noodles at a street-side noodle shop and explore the Gansu Provincial Museum to get an introduction to the region's long history.
Day 2: Zhangye – The Rainbow Mountains and Ancient Temples
Travel toZhangye, located about 2-3 hours from Lanzhou. Spend the day at the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, famous for its rainbow-colored mountains. Afterward, visit the Giant Buddha Temple to see the impressive reclining Buddha statue, one of the largest in China. Don’t miss the Mati Temple (Horseshoe Temple), an ancient temple complex built into cliffs. Overnight in Zhangye.
Day 3: Jiayuguan – Great Wall and the Silk Road
Travel toJiayuguan and spend the day exploring its historical significance. Visit the Jiayuguan Pass, where The Great Wall of China stretches over the mountains, and the Jiayuguan Fortress to see one of the best-preserved military fortifications. Then head to the Overhanging Great Wall, an amazing stretch of the Wall that seems to hang above the valley. Overnight in Jiayuguan.
Day 4: Dunhuang – Mogao Caves and the Silk Road Legacy
Arrive inDunhuang, one of the most significant cities along the ancient Silk Road. Visit the Mogao Caves, where Buddhist monks created stunning murals and sculptures over 1,000 years ago. Explore the Dunhuang Museum, which provides historical context to the city’s role as a cultural exchange hub along the Silk Road. Spend the night in Dunhuang, where you can enjoy the local Uyghur cuisine.
More Silk Road itineraries:
Silk Road Adventure Tour From Xi'an
Legendary Silk Road Tour from Beijing
Day 5: Dunhuang – Crescent Moon Spring and the Desert Adventures
On your final day in Dunhuang, head to theCrescent Moon Spring and Singing Sand Dunes. You can take a camel ride, try sandboarding, or simply enjoy the surreal beauty of the desert. Afterward, relax and explore the city’s vibrant night markets before heading back to Lanzhou.
If you want to know more about Gansu travel guides and itineraries, please contact us.
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