New Lanzhou-Dunhuang Train runs for Booming Silk Road Travel

07/13/2010 15:15:58

Gansu Province operates a new railway route linking Lanzhou, the provincial capital, and Dunhuang, an essential city of the ancient Silk Road. The newly-opened rail aims to provide convenient transfer for the booming Silk Road Travel in Western China.

The Gansu Tourism train stopped at Lanzhou Railway Station to drop off travelers

Nicknamed Gansu Tourism, the Lanzhou-Dunhuang fast train K9671 finished its virgin journey on July 11. According to the train schedule, the Gansu Tourism leaves Lanzhou at 19:04 and arrives in Dunhuang at 12:06 in the next day. The return train heads back at 15:08 from Dunchuang and reaches Lanzhou at 10:05 in the next morning. There are 5 stations that the train will stop over during the journey: Wuwei Station, Zhangye Station, Jiuquan Station, Jiayuguan Station and Guazhou Station. Ticket Prices: RMB 153 (hard sleeper); RMB 258 (soft sleeper).

             The famous Dunhuang Maogao Cave             A group of camels rest in front of the renown Jiayuguan

In recent years, Gansu attracts thousands of tourists across the world with its long history and mysterious legends, unique landscapes and exotic local customs. Dozens of reputed scenic spots like Mogao Cave in Dunhuang, the iconic Jiayuguan, the enchanting Bingling Temple, the mud-made Great Wall relics and the beautiful Qilian Mountain are regarded to be must-sees in Western China.

           Intact mural orgins inside Maogao Cave                                The exquisite Fresco of Mogao Cave

And the Silk Road has become the defining highlight of Gansu tours, even Western China tours. Travelers flock to the ancient road to trace the history and pursue old traditions. Walking along the old path, visiting the historic sites or deserted old towns, gawking at precious relics and exquisite frescos at various grottos, witnessing the origins and promotion of Buddhism and other religious cultures, taking a camel ride as ancient silk merchants did centuries before, tasting some local flavors and taking part in the mellow dances beside the open fire in the evening, all of these make the Silk Road Travel a life-enriching experience for tourists.

Take a tailor-made Silk Road Tour, you will never miss a delight in traveling Western China.