Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day journey through the heart of China’s ancient Silk Road with our meticulously crafted Gansu Silk Road Tour. This itinerary takes you to the must-see destinations of Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, and Zhangye, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks such as the UNESCO-listed Mogao Grottoes, the mesmerizing Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Spring, the historic Jiayuguan Pass, the breathtaking Zhangye National Geopark with its rainbow mountains, and the serene Dafo Temple.
Perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure seekers, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty. With comfortable stays in 3-star hotels, daily breakfasts, and private transportation, you can focus on enjoying the journey without worrying about the details.
Whether you’re dreaming of walking the ancient Silk Road or marveling at Gansu’s stunning landscapes, this 5-day Gansu Silk Road Tour promises an experience of a lifetime. Book now and start planning your adventure with Manjing Travel!
Highlights
- Take our Gansu Silk Road Group Tour to Dunhuang, Jiayuguan & Zhangye. Travel through the Gansu Corridor to marvel at the Mogao Grottoes, the intersection of the Silk Road and the Great Wall, the Zhangye Danxia Geopark. Enjoy Gansu Group Tour through Hexi Corridor along the ancient Silk Road.
- Stand in awe in front of Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake, one of the Top 5 Most Beautiful Deserts in China, to witness the unique spectacle of mountains, spring, and sand coexisting in the desert. Sit atop the peak of Singing Sand Dunes and await a stunning sunset in front of the Crescent Spring
- Unlock Mogao Grottoes (World Heritage) that became famous due to the Dunhuang Manuscripts taken to the UK and France by A. Stein and Paul Pelliot. Uncover the Library Cave and delve into the tales of Monk Le Zun, Daoist Wang, Zhang Daqian
- Standing at Jiayuguan Pass, known as "The Impregnable Pass under Heaven" and part of the World Heritage Site "The Great Wall of China," to feel the magnificence and grandeur of this ancient military defense structure overwatching of the Hexi Corridor.
Itinerary
Day 01 :
Dunhuang, Gansu Arrival | Pick-up Service & Free Time to Explore
Welcome to Dunhuang, a city steeped in history and art that offers a spiritual cleansing experience. As a key point along the Silk Road, many merchants prayed for safe journeys at Dunhuang’s grottoes. Artists from Chang’an brought the latest artistic trends to the walls of these grottoes, injecting new vitality into Dunhuang’s art. The city boasts a wealth of cultural and artistic treasures.
Upon arrival in Dunhuang, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. We recommend visiting the Dunhuang Night Market, where you can sample local delicacies such as apricot skin water, donkey meat noodles, and fried rice flour cakes. Locals here have a preference for lamb, chicken, and beef, and they excel at preparing various noodle dishes.
Warm Tips:
- The local climate is dry, so bring moisturizing skin care products.
- When visiting local markets, remember to bargain politely.
- Dunhuang’s culinary scene is diverse, with lamb, chicken, and beef dishes being local favorites. Don’t miss out on trying the unique noodles.
3 Stars Hotel
Breakfast
Day 02 :
Dunhuang Tour | Mogao Grottoes, Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Spring
Today, you’ll explore Dunhuang’s highlights. First, visit the Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes. The site consists of a digital display center and the actual grottoes, housing a vast collection of murals, sculptures, and cultural relics. The digital center features an introductory film that provides background information on the Mogao Caves. After the film, you’ll tour the grottoes and admire the grand scale and rich content of the murals and sculptures. The caves feature numerous Buddha statues and flying apsaras, ranging from towering nine-story figures to tiny bodhisattvas, each with unique characteristics.
Next, head to the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring. The dunes are named for the sound produced when the wind moves the sand, formerly known as “Sha Jiao Shan” or “Shen Sha Shan.” Climbing the dunes offers a panoramic view of the Crescent Moon Spring and the opportunity to enjoy the vast desert sunset. The spring, nestled within the dunes, resembles a crescent moon, making it the most famous spot in the area.
Warm Tips:
- Booking Mogao Caves tickets in advance is highly recommended.
- Camel rides are available for those who wish to experience this traditional mode of desert transportation.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for sand and carry sufficient water.
3 Stars Hotel
Breakfast
Day 03 :
Dunhuang to Jiayuguan | Overhanging Great Wall, Jiayuguan Pass
After breakfast, depart for Jiayuguan, a journey of approximately 5 hours. Jiayuguan, historically known as the “throat of Hexi,” is renowned for its strategic location and magnificent architecture, earning it the nickname “Lian Chui Lock.” As a key point along the ancient Silk Road and one of the Three Great Wonders of the Great Wall (along with Shanhaiguan in the east and Zhenbei Tai in the center), Jiayuguan Fort was the westernmost point of the Ming Great Wall and a crucial “Silk Road” checkpoint. Construction of the fort began in the Ming Dynasty, and it features inner and outer cities as well as a moat. The outer city’s “Yang Guan Shui Zhai” offers scenic views of the fort’s exterior, while the inner city’s towers provide views of the Qilian Mountains. The site also features numerous stalls with ancient costumes for photo opportunities, calligraphy, and paintings. The Great Wall Museum within the site is a great place to learn about the fort’s history and is well worth a visit.
Later, visit the Suspended Great Wall, named for its construction along a 45-degree mountain ridge, giving it a hanging in mid-air appearance. As an extension of Jiayuguan Fort to the north, it was an integral part of the ancient military defense system. Originally built in 1539 during the Ming Jiajing reign using local gravel and yellow soil, only 750 meters remain. After restoration in 1987, it features a path, battlements, and beacon towers. With three beacon towers in total, the Suspended Great Wall is the final section of the Great Wall as it reaches Jiayuguan and is known as the Great Wall’s end.
Warm Tips:
- The Jiayuguan Fort is vast, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring sun protection as there’s limited shade during the tour.
- Photography enthusiasts should bring a zoom lens to capture the fort’s grandeur from a distance.
3 Stars Hotel
Breakfast
Day 04 :
Jiayuguan to Zhangye | Zhangye National Geopark (Zhangye Danxia Geological Park), Dafo Temple (Big Buddha Temple)
After breakfast, depart for Zhangye, around a 4-hour drive. Zhangye, with the saying “If you don’t see the snow on the Qilian Mountains, you might mistake Zhangye for Jiangnan,” reveals that the rugged northwest also has a gentle side.
First, visit the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, recognized as the most typical Danxia landform in northern China’s arid and semi-arid regions. It is the only area where Danxia landforms and colorful hills coexist. The park is famous for its colorful and spectacular scenery. Composed of red conglomerate, sandstone, and mudstone, the formations are unique in shape and grand in scale. It has been rated as one of China’s seven most beautiful Danxia landforms by China National Geography. The park served as the filming location for several movies and TV shows, including “A Woman, a Gun, and a Noodle Shop” directed by Zhang Yimou, “The Sun Also Rises” directed by Jiang Wen, and the TV series “Detective Dee.”
In the afternoon, visit the Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye. Originally constructed during the Xia Dynasty’s Yong’an period, the temple boasts over 900 years of history. Inside, you’ll find China’s largest indoor reclining Buddha statue, measuring 34.5 meters in length and 7.5 meters in shoulder width. A person can comfortably lie on the Buddha’s finger. The temple also houses numerous statues of the Buddha’s ten disciples and eighteen arhats, along with murals depicting the “Journey to the West” and “Classic of Mountains and Seas.” The main buildings of the temple, from west to east, include the Giant Buddha Hall, Wan Sheng Hall, Scripture Hall, Earth Pagoda, and Shanxi Guild Hall.
Warm Tips:
- The Danxia Landform is best appreciated from viewpoints, so plan your time accordingly.
- Respect Buddhist customs by maintaining a quiet demeanor inside the temple.
- Try local Zhangye specialties in the evening, such as roasted lamb.
3 Stars Hotel
Breakfast
Day 05 :
Zhangye to Xining by High Speed Train - Chaka Town | Qinghai Lake, Erlangjian Scenic Area
This morning, take a high-speed train to Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to the vehicle and head to Qinghai Lake’s Er Lang Jian Scenic Area. Qinghai Lake, China’s largest inland lake, is also the country’s largest saltwater lake. Formed by the subsidence of the Qilian Mountains’ Datong Mountain, Riyue Mountain, and Qinghai南山间断层 (Nanshan Intermontane Fault), the lake’s plateau continental climate creates distinct seasonal landscapes.
For tourists, Qinghai Lake is a sacred place, a paradise for hikers and cyclists, and a sea of rapeseed flowers. The Er Lang Jian area features ecological resources such as grasslands, beaches, and wildlife, creating a beautiful scenic line extending into the lake. July and August are the best times to visit, when rapeseed flowers bloom across the region and the annual lake cycling race takes place.
After exploring the Er Lang Jian Scenic Area, continue along the picturesque Qinghai Lake shoreline to Tea Card Town, famous for its stunning Tea Card Salt Lake. Check into your hotel for the night.
Warm Tips:
- High-speed rail travel is comfortable, but keep track of your belongings.
- Qinghai Lake’s weather can be unpredictable, so carry layers.
- Tea Card Town offers basic amenities, but options are limited, so stock up on essentials if needed.
3 Stars Hotel
Breakfast
Day 06 :
Chaka Town - Chaka Salt Lake - Xining City | Mirror of the Sky Scenic Area
Today, visit the Tea Card Salt Lake, often referred to as China’s “Sky Mirror.” The lake, part of the Chaidamu Basin, is a natural crystalline salt lake. Its salt reserves could supply the entire Chinese population for about 75 years. The lake’s water contains abundant minerals that, along with microbial activity, give it its unique color, which changes with the seasons and weather. The lake features numerous salt sculptures for viewing and offers a small train ride deep into the salt flats. Visitors can walk barefoot onto the lake surface to admire and photograph their reflections. With luck, you might witness mirages on the lake during the day.
After touring the Tea Card Salt Lake, drive back to Xining.
Warm Tips:
- Early morning visits to the salt lake offer the best chances for mirror-like reflections.
- Wear sunglasses and sunscreen, as the sunlight reflecting off the salt can be intense.
- Photography settings should be adjusted for bright conditions and reflections.
3 Stars Hotel
Breakfast
Day 07 :
Xining Departure | Ta'er Monastery, Hotel Check-out & Transfer
Today, visit Taer Temple, one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism and the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug sect. The temple’s name derives from the fact that a stupa was built first, followed by the temple. With over 600 years of history, it is one of Xining’s most popular tourist destinations. The temple boasts grand architecture, rich treasures, and a strong spiritual atmosphere. The temple’s “Three Arts” — butter sculptures, murals, and embroidered appliqué — are particularly noteworthy. The temple also houses numerous Buddhist scriptures and academic works on religion, literature, philosophy, medicine, and law.
After the visit, you’ll be transferred to the airport or train station for your departure.
Breakfast
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Transportation: Zhangye to Xining high-speed rail second-class ticket.
- Accommodation: Standard twin rooms (double occupancy). Single rooms are not guaranteed. No breakfast is provided for single occupancy.
- If there's an odd number of travelers, the agency will attempt to pair you with another same-sex traveler. If unsuccessful, a single room supplement will be charged.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel. Other meals are at your own expense. The guide can assist with arrangements.
- Entrance Fees: First-entry tickets to listed attractions and necessary in-park transportation (e.g., shuttle buses).
- Vehicle: All transportation costs (including tolls, fuel, and park entry fees). Vehicles are arranged based on group size. No refunds for unused services.
- Pickup/Drop-off: As a shared group tour, travelers arriving or departing at similar times may be transferred together, with a maximum wait time of 1.5 hours. One day prior to arrival, the agency will confirm the transfer time. Separate transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.
- Guide: Services of an experienced Chinese-speaking guide. Guides are assigned based on availability and cannot be specifically requested.
- Insurance: Travel accident insurance, vehicle liability insurance, and travel agency liability insurance.
- Additional Services: Two mineral water bottles per person per day.
Cost Excludes
- Transportation: Costs for traveling to Dunhuang and departing from Xining are not included.
- Single Room Supplement: Additional fees for single room occupancy are not covered.
- Personal Expenses: Costs for laundry, telephone, fax, pay TV, drinks, snacks, tobacco, and other personal expenses at the hotel.
- Unforeseen Circumstances: The agency reserves the right to cancel or modify the itinerary due to force majeure (natural disasters, war, strikes, epidemics, etc.), airline issues, or insufficient group size. Additional expenses incurred will be the responsibility of the traveler.
- Tips: It is recommended that travelers give their guide a daily tip of 40–70 RMB and the driver 20–50 RMB.
Join Our Fixed Trip Starting Date
- Guaranteed Available PackagesThursdayJune 5, 2025WednesdayJune 11, 2025$980.00Available
- Guaranteed Available PackagesTuesdayJune 10, 2025MondayJune 16, 2025$980.00Available
- Guaranteed Available PackagesThursdayJune 19, 2025WednesdayJune 25, 2025$980.00Available
- Guaranteed Available PackagesThursdayJuly 3, 2025WednesdayJuly 9, 2025$980.00Available
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FAQs
What are the highlights of this tour?
The highlights of this tour include visiting the Mogao Caves, Singing Sand Mountain & Crescent Moon Spring, Jiayuguan Pass, Hanging Wall Great Wall, Zhangye Danxia Landform, and Great Buddha Temple.
What are the local specialties and delicacies I can try during the tour?
Local specialties include apricot leather, donkey meat noodles, and fried rice cakes. The locals have a preference for mutton, chicken, beef, and excel in noodle-making
Are there any specific guidelines for visiting the Mogao Caves?
To protect the caves, there are limits on the number of visitors and the time spent inside. Visitors are required to follow the guide’s instructions.
How comfortable is the transportation between cities?
The tour arranges comfortable vehicles with experienced drivers. Transportation will be arranged based on the group size
What should I prepare for the tour in terms of clothing and personal items?
It is recommended to bring comfortable shoes for walking, appropriate clothing for the weather, and personal items such as sunscreen, moisturizing skincare products, and any necessary medications.
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