6 Days Zhangye Jiayuguan Dunhuang Discovery Tour

History&Culture Tour

The Hexi Corridor, west of the Yellow River, epitomizes the ancient China Silk Road, rich in history and natural wonders. Buddhism entered China through this corridor 1,600 years ago, while ancient Chinese armies defended against nomadic invasions. European and Middle Asian merchants traversed the Hexi Corridor to reach Chang’an for trade. This 6-day tour explores this historic route, from Lanzhou to Dunhuang via Zhangye’s “rainbow mountains” and Jiayuguan’s historical sites. Offering diverse experiences at a budget-friendly price, it’s the quintessential journey through the region. You can opt to start from Zhangye for cost savings, though Lanzhou offers more travel options. Our travel experts will tailor your itinerary accordingly.

Highlights

Itinerary at a Glance

Tour map

Itinerary

Day 1 Lanzhou Arrival

Lanzhou airport/train station pick up

Upon your arrival at Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport or Lanzhou Train Station, our local guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle. You’ll have the rest of the day to unwind in this historic northwestern city at your leisure.

Alternatively, if you prefer, you can skip Lanzhou and head directly to Zhangye. Zhangye is accessible by flights from several major cities including Xian, Lanzhou, Chengdu, Beijing, and Guangzhou. High-speed trains from various locations such as Lanzhou (4 hrs), Xining (2 hrs), Xian (7.5 hrs), Dunhuang (4 hrs), Jiayuguan (1.5 hrs), and Urumqi (8 hrs) also connect to Zhangye.

During your free time, consider taking a stroll along the Yellow River or embark on a river cruise. Another option is to hike up White Pagoda Mountain for breathtaking views and refreshing air. The panoramic vista of Lanzhou City from the mountain peak is truly spectacular.

Day 2 Train to Zhangye

Today’s highlight: Zhangye Danxia Landform Geographical Park

After breakfast, board a morning high-speed train from Lanzhou to Zhangye, a journey of about 3.5 hours. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes along the way. Upon arrival at Zhangye West Railway Station, you’ll be greeted by a local tour guide, ready to embark on your adventure.

In the afternoon, embark on a one-hour drive to Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park. Marvel at the extraordinary Danxia landform, a stunning geological phenomenon characterized by vibrant red-colored sandstone and conglomerate formations. These landscapes were shaped during the pre-Jurassic Age, creating a surreal vista of thousands of mountains and cliffs resembling a colorful sunset. The barren peaks are adorned with a layer of red grit rock, while other surfaces display hues of white, yellow, and more, forming abstract patterns akin to oil paintings.

Explore the park’s four viewing decks, each offering unique perspectives of the Danxia Landform. Travel between decks via park buses, allowing you to appreciate the diverse scenery. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunset, best viewed from Viewing Deck No. 4. Arrive early to secure a prime spot for capturing this natural spectacle with your camera. After sunset, return to Zhangye downtown for overnight accommodation.

Tips:

Pack essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, protective clothing, and a hat to shield yourself from the intense sunlight, especially during summer.
Sunset photography is optimal around 19:00 to 20:00 in summer and 18:00 to 19:00 in winter.

Day 3 Zhangye - Jiayuguan

Today’s highlights: Giant Buddha Temple, Jiayuguan Pass, Overhanging Wall

After breakfast, visit the Giant Buddha Temple renowned for housing Asia’s largest indoor sleeping Buddha. Constructed during the Xixia Dynasty in 1098, this expansive complex preserves invaluable Buddhist scriptures and wall paintings. Its centerpiece, the Sleeping Buddha, boasts a monumental wood-carved statue measuring 34.5 meters in length, depicting Buddha’s Nirvana with ears as spacious as seating for four adults.

Following your temple exploration, embark on a 220 km (2.5-hour) drive to Jiayuguan City, where you’ll check into your hotel. Proceed to “the First and Greatest Pass under Heaven,” Jiayuguan Pass, marking the westernmost starting point of the Ming Dynasty’s Great Wall. Begin with an enlightening visit to the Great Wall Museum, delving into the fort’s history through exhibits, ancient photographs, and artifacts. Then, enter the gate to discover the sprawling Jiayuguan Fort, a complex encompassing towers, city walls, and military structures across 25,000 square meters. The nearly 11-meter-high city wall comprises both outer and inner walls, with imposing gates at the east and west. Ascend walkways to the wall’s summit, historically used by horses for traversal.

For those interested and with available time, opt for a visit to the Xuanbi Great Wall (Overhanging Wall), situated approximately 18 km from the fort. Built atop lofty cliffs with steep gradients resembling an overhanging cantilever, these walls offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and mountains from higher vantage points.

Day 4 Jiayuguan - Dunhuang

Today’s highlights: Yulin Grottoes, the “sister caves” of Mogao caves

Today, you’ll journey to Dunhuang from Jiayuguan in the early morning, with a stop en route at the Yulin Grottoes, known as the “sister caves” of the famed Mogao Caves. Situated approximately 160 km east of Dunhuang, these Buddhist cave temples are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, part of the Chinese Section of the Silk Road. The Yulin Caves boast 43 existing caves, featuring over 5,200 square meters of murals and more than 259 colored sculptures. Visitors can explore up to 6 caves, admiring magnificent mural paintings believed to rival those found in the Mogao Caves. Additionally, there are 3 “special caves” (No. 2, No. 3, and No. 25) with exceptional artistry, accessible for an additional fee.

Upon reaching Dunhuang city, check in to your hotel.

For an evening activity, consider strolling through the Shazhou Night Market, offering a variety of local foods, drinking bars, and handcrafted items for a leisurely and enjoyable experience.

Day 5 Dunhuang

Today’s highlights: Mogao Grottoes, Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center, Echoing Sand Mountains, Crescent Lake

After breakfast, drive approximately 10km from Dunhuang city to visit the newly opened Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center before proceeding to the Mogao Grottoes themselves. Here, you’ll watch two short but informative documentary films detailing the history, art, and significance of the grottoes. Following the films, take the interzonal bus to the Mogao Grottoes.

Often referred to as the “Louvre of the East,” the Mogao Grottoes are renowned for their exquisite mural paintings and statues. With 492 grottoes housing approximately 45,000 square meters of mural paintings and 2,100 colorfully painted statues, the site offers a journey through over 1,600 years of Chinese art history. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore around 40 common caves, each offering unique insights into different dynastic periods. Expert tour guides will lead groups through these caves, providing detailed explanations of their historical and artistic significance. Additional caves are available for independent exploration or guided tours, including 10 special caves accessible for an extra fee.

Following your visit to the grottoes, proceed to the Mingshashan, or Echoing Sand Mountains. These sand dunes are known for their unique acoustic properties, often echoing like an orchestra even in the absence of wind. Sliding down the dunes allows visitors to experience the phenomenon firsthand. Finally, explore the Crescent Lake, a picturesque oasis nestled amidst the Echoing Sand Mountains. Surrounded by traditional Chinese architecture, trees, and flowers, the crescent-shaped lake offers a tranquil setting to conclude your day.

Helpful Tips:

Advance reservation is recommended for Mogao Grottoes visits during peak seasons (May-October).
Photography is not permitted inside the grottoes.
During the summer, consider visiting Mingshashan in the evening to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the cooler temperatures and starry skies.

For evening entertainment, consider attending the Silk Road Show – Ancient Sound of Dunhuang, a captivating performance combining holographic projection and 3D visuals to showcase elaborate dances and ancient musical instruments. Note that the show is not available from November to mid-April, and tickets sell out quickly, so advance booking is advised.

Day 6 Dunhuang Departure

Dunhuang airport/train station drop off

Today is your free day until your tour guide sees you off at the airport or train station.

Remember to pack all your belongings carefully and check out of your hotel before 12:00 to avoid extra charges. Enjoy your last moments in Dunhuang at your leisure.

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

The price mentioned above is for a private tour for two individuals. Prices may vary depending on the travel date, group size, hotel category, itinerary, and potential fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

What’s Included?

Skilled drivers and comfortable air-conditioned vehicles at your service.
English-speaking local professional tour guide.
Hotel accommodation with breakfast.
Domestic flights (economy class) or second class tickets on high speed train according to the itinerary.
Tickets, scheduled activities and meals included in the itinerary.
Comprehensive accident insurance.（Passport information required)
We will assist you throughout the trip from initial planning to the end of the trip.

What’s Excluded?

Overseas flight tickets
Visa application costs
Individual expenditures
Additional charge for single occupancy rooms
Suggested extra activities
Arrival and departure transportation on the initial and final days
Gratuities for tour guides and chauffeurs

Important Information for Booking a Private China Tour

How to Reserve a Private China Tour?

Booking a private China tour is a straightforward process. Simply choose the tour you’re interested in and click “Submit a Free Inquiry.” Share your preferences and requirements when filling out the form. You won’t need to make an immediate payment during this stage. Once you’ve submitted your details, one of our expert travel consultants will respond to you within 0.5 to 24 hours. After confirming all the details, you can proceed to make a deposit. If you have any questions before booking, feel free to contact the travel consultant directly.

Customize Your China Tour

The itinerary provided above is a sample that most travelers follow. However, we can tailor the tour to align with your preferences, interests, and budget. If you wish to extend the tour or have specific destinations and activities in mind, simply inform us. Our experienced travel experts will redesign the trip to meet your needs and offer you the best price. Share your ideas with us now >>

Transportation

During your private tour, you’ll be transported to various attractions within each city in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle. Our selected vehicles are spacious and driven by experienced drivers. For travel between destinations, we utilize domestic flights (economy class) or high-speed trains (second class, typically less than 6 hours). Upon arrival at airports or train stations, your local guides and drivers will greet you and escort you to your hotel.

Dining

“B” denotes breakfast, which will be provided at your hotel in the morning.
“L” indicates lunch. The restaurants we select are approved by local tourism authorities and maintain high sanitary standards. Your guide will assist with ordering dishes.
“D” signifies dinner. Dinners are not included in the itinerary, giving you the opportunity to sample authentic Chinese cuisine and local snacks. If you have specific dietary preferences or requirements (such as vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free), please inform us before booking. We will do our utmost to accommodate your needs.

Accommodation & Hotel Condition for Your China Tour

Ensuring a restful night’s sleep is crucial throughout your China tour. With our private tours, you have the freedom to choose from a range of hotel classes, whether it’s luxurious 5-star accommodations, comfortable 4-star lodgings, or economical 3-star options.

All the hotels selected in each destination are conveniently situated near commercial districts or popular tourist attractions. Moreover, our longstanding partnerships with these hotels guarantee a consistent level of quality and service. Each hotel room is equipped with essential amenities such as windows, air conditioning, hot water, showers, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable sleep experience. The English-speaking staff members are dedicated to providing high-quality service and are readily available to assist with any requests or preferences you may have.

Price: Request

(Based on a private tour for two people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people.)

Free Enquiry! You don’t need to pay for the reservation.