In-Depth Gansu Tour

Itinerary

• Day 1: Lanzhou, Arrival

  Upon arrival, be warmly greeted by your personal tour guide. They will then escort you to your conveniently located downtown hotel for the evening. Get settled into your comfortable accommodations as tomorrow will begin your in-depth exploration of Gansu.

  • Lanzhou

• Day 2: Lanzhou, Bingling Temple

  Embark on a scenic 2-hour drive west to Liujiaxia Reservoir. Continue by speedboat for approximately one hour across the vast waters, taking in spectacular lakeside vistas.

  Your destination is the renowned Bingling Temple Grottoes. Wander through the labyrinthine caves, admiring exquisite stonework carvings and ancient Buddhist sculptures dating back over 1,600 years. Intricate murals also line the cave walls and portray monastic life, granting insight into the region's rich cultural heritage.

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  • Lanzhou

• Day 3: Lanzhou - Zhangye, Zhangye Danxia Geopark

  This morning, you will be transferred to Lanzhou railway station to board the high-speed train to Zhangye. As a once important stop on the ancient Silk Road trading route, Zhangye is rediscovering its former prominence thanks to the spectacular Danxia landform geological park located nearby.

  Upon arrival in Zhangye, a private vehicle will be waiting to whisk you away to experience this natural wonder firsthand. Reaching the Zhangye Danxia Geopark, spend the afternoon exploring the multi-hued rainbow mountains and uniquely eroded sandstone formations sculpted over millennia, a dazzling display of nature's power.

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  • Lanzhou

• Day 4: Zhangye - Jiayuguan, Jiayuguan Great Wall

  Your day begins with a fascinating sight awaits as you tour the colossal Giant Buddhist Temple. Marvel at the immense reclining Buddha statue, reputedly the largest of its kind in all of Asia, and embark on a scenic 2.5-hour road trip north to historic Jiayuguan.

  Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the city's history with stops at the Great Wall Museum to learn of its significance, the formidable Jiayuguan Pass checkpoint, and if time allows, the Overhanging Great Wall.

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  • Jiayuguan

• Day 5: Jiayuguan - Dunhuang, Yulin Caves

  Heading north forward, the road leads towards your final destination of Dunhuang. During the journey, stop at great cultural importance -Yulin Caves and discover an extensive collection of Buddhist artworks and artifacts. Wander through the grottoes and admire intricately carved stone sculptures and ancient murals that have withstood the test of time. Absorb the artistic accomplishments of the devout monks who once called this sacred place home.

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  • Dunhuang

• Day 6: Dunhuang, Mogao Caves

  Your exploration in Dunhuang begins at the spectacular Mogao Caves. Wander through the labyrinthine complex comprised of over 490 grottoes adorned with countless Buddhist frescoes, sculptures, and artifacts. For over a millennium, devoted artists worked to fill these cliffside grottoes, cementing the site as one of the finest repositories of religious art.

  Afterward, journey to the captivating Crescent Moon Spring and nearby Singing Sand Dune, listening for its haunting melodic tones. As evening falls, soak up the lively atmosphere of the old town at the Shazhou Night Market. Browse the stalls selling traditional handicrafts, tasty snacks, and fresh produce as you mingle with residents.

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  • Dunhuang

• Day 7: Dunhuang, Departure

  Enjoy some free time this morning in Dunhuang before transferring to the airport later for your departure flight, marking the end of this tour highlighting the rich Buddhist heritage and natural beauty along the ancient Silk Road.

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