7 Days Gansu Tour Zhangye-Hexi Corridor-Jiayuguan-Dunhuang

Zhangye Welcome, the important town for merchants and businessmen along the Silk Road in ancient times. Upon you arrive at Zhangye, our professional driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel for rest.

Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes (Mati Si) ------ Thousands of grottoes are grouped together in seven clusters, and each group of grottoes is no more than a mile or so from another. Human-made tunnels link the various grottoes.The history of Mati Si is so ancient that it is shrouded in mystery and legends. Legend has it that Long Ma (a winged horse with dragon scales in Chinese mythology) descended from the heavens and left a hoof print on the place where the temple was established.

Zhangye Danxia National Geopark------Zhangye Danxia National Geopark is a geological park located in Zhangye, Gansu Province, China. The park covers an area of about 510 square kilometers and is known for its unique danxia landforms, characterized by red sandstone and colorful rock formations.The park features various scenic areas, including Rainbow Mountains, Binggou Danxia, and Sunan Danxia. Visitors can hike along the trails to admire the vibrant colors of the rocks and cliffs, which range from deep reds and oranges to rich yellows and blues.Zhangye Danxia National Geopark is also home to numerous natural attractions, such as waterfalls, valleys, and gorges. Visitors can take a boat ride down the Liyuan River or explore the nearby Matisi Temple, a historic Buddhist temple nestled in the mountainside.
The park is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in China and attracts millions of visitors every year who come to witness the stunning beauty of the danxia landforms. It's a must-visit destination for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world.

Binggou Danxia Scenic Area------Morning we will pay a visit to the spectacular Binggou Danxia, compared with Zhangye Danxia, the color of Danxia is relatively simple and has a little different. However, the most prominent feature is that the shape of the Binggou Danxia Landform is unique, with various styles of modeling, and the scale is quite spectacular. is the most significant geological and geomorphic relic of the window lattice palace in China, mainly composed of sandstone geomorphic relic landscape. The narrow ridges in the Ice Valley are all pointing to the sky, making this valley the Red Stone Forest of the Great Northwest. From a distance, the rolling hills look like temples, pagodas, and figures of Buddha, making the valley a natural Buddhist land. Coming out from the Binggou Danxia, we will drive all the way to Jiayuguan about 2-3 hrs, check in hotel and relax with free time for the rest of the day.

Jiayuguan Fortress------We will climb the Jiayuguan pass in the morning. This Ming Dynasty fort guards the strategic Jiayuguan pass, at the western end of the Great Wall – this was the last section built by the Ming Dynasty. (There are many steps from one tower to the other, please consider if are able to walk and climb about 2 hrs)

Great Wall Museum of Jiayuguan------Visit the The Great Wall Museum, which was opened to visitor in October 1989 and it is the first one to exhibit the Great Wall culture in a comprehensive and systematic way.

Great Wall at Jiayuguan Pass------We will pay a visit to the Overhanging Great Wall, The wall here was built on the ridge with a gradient of 45 degrees. It is high in the air and it looks as if it fell down from the top of the hill. So people refer to this section of the Great Wall as the "Suspended Wall".

After today's tour,Transfer to Jiayuguan Railway station at around 17:00, then catch an express train to Dunhuang, a famous frontier town and a well-known art center along the Silk Road. Your driver will wait you at the train station and assist you with hotel check in.

The Mogao Grottoes------also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, China. The grottoes are a collection of 492 caves that contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art dating back to the 4th century.
The grottoes feature elaborate murals, sculptures, and frescoes depicting various scenes from Buddhist scriptures, as well as ancient Chinese culture and history. Visitors can explore the various caves, each with their unique artistic and cultural significance, and learn about the history and evolution of Buddhism in China.
In addition to its historical and cultural significance, the Mogao Grottoes are also renowned for their stunning architecture and engineering feats. The caves were built into the cliffs along the Silk Road and feature intricate tunnels, chambers, and corridors that were carved out by hand.

Echoing Sand Mountain------Mingsha Shan, also known as Echoing-Sand Mountain, It's named for the unique sound created by the shifting sand dunes that resembles the sound of echoing music.Visitors can hike up the dunes for panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscapes or take a camel ride through the dunes to experience the traditional way of traveling across the desert.Mingsha Shan is also home to the Crescent Lake, a rare natural oasis nestled between the sand dunes. The lake has been a vital source of water for travelers on the Silk Road for centuries and is now a popular spot for boating and fishing.When there is wild wind, the sands will be blown up and make a loud sound, while the sound sounds like being produced by some ancient musical instrument when blown by the breeze. Riding the camel (approximately 40 mins) as the Silk Road Caravan in the vast desert is highly recommended. Experience the feeling of the camel team marching in the desert. The sound of camel bells is a must-play item for every tourist.

Crescent Lake------also known as Yueyaquan in Chinese, is a crescent-shaped lake. It is a natural oasis surrounded by the Echoing Sand Mountain and is considered one of the most beautiful desert lakes in the world.It's relatively shallow, with an average depth of only 5 meters. The water is clear and blue-green, reflecting the surrounding sand dunes and the sky above.Crescent Lake has been an essential source of water for travelers on the Silk Road for centuries. Despite its location in the middle of the desert, the water level remains stable due to underground water sources and regular maintenance.Today, Crescent Lake is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world who come to admire its stunning natural beauty and relax in the tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can take a boat ride (By your own choice) on the lake, explore the surrounding gardens, or simply enjoy the view from the nearby observation deck.Crescent Lake that has been in existence for hundreds of years without ever being buried by the sand.

Shazhou Nightly Market-------Shazhou Night Market is a famous street food market,The night market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious local cuisine, with vendors selling a wide variety of snacks, street foods, and traditional Chinese dishes. Visitors can sample local specialties such as lamb skewers, grilled fish, fried rice noodles, and steamed buns, among many others.

Yadan Ghost City------- also known as Yadan National Geological Park. It's named after its unique rock formations that resemble an ancient ghost city.The Yadan Ghost City features towering sandstone formations, deep ravines, and unique geological phenomena like wind-eroded pillars and stone bridges. Visitors can hike along the various trails to explore the stunning landscapes and see the unique land formations up close.The park is also home to numerous historic sites and landmarks, Yadan Ghost City is a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers who come to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the desert landscapes.

Yangguan Pass------- It's a historical pass situated at the western end of the Hexi Corridor and was one of the important passes on the ancient Silk Road.
The pass dates back to the Han Dynasty (202 BC - 220 AD) and played a vital role in China's trade and cultural exchanges with Central Asia and beyond. It once served as a gateway for traders, scholars, and monks traveling between China and the West.Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the Yangguan Pass and learn about its history and cultural significance. The site features numerous attractions, including the Han Dynasty Great Wall, the Yangguan Museum, and the famous poem "A Song of Yangguan" written by Wang Wei, a Tang Dynasty poet.

Transfer to Airport or Train station by our driver
End of the tour!