8D SILK ROAD: GANSU HEXI CORRIDOR

Car Transfer: Airport to Hotel

Today, fly to Lanzhou. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport, and then we will transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we may be able to include a visit to Gansu Provincial Museum.

Gansu Provincial Museum

You will visit the Gansu Provincial Museum (closed on Mondays). Here, you will discover an intriguing Silk Road collection, featuring highlights such as the graceful Eastern Han (25 BC-AD 220) bronze horse galloping upon the back of a swallow, now an iconic symbol of Chinese tourism.

Car Transfer: Lanzhou to Wuwei with Sightseeings

After breakfast, transfer to Wuwei (approx.. 275km/3h). Along the way, make a stop at the Tiantishan Grottoes, also known as the Temple of the Giant Buddha. Situated in the southern part of Wuwei city, this site is renowned as one of the illustrious travel destinations along the Silk Road.

Leitai Tomb of the Han Dynasty

Visit the Leitai Tomb of the Han Dynasty, a significant brick-and-stone structure constructed during the late Eastern Han Dynasty. Explore the Museum of the West Xia Dynasty, which showcases tomb cultural relics unearthed since 1990 and narrates the history of the Western Xia Dynasty. Another noteworthy attraction is the Wuwei Museum, home to an impressive collection of over 30,000 relics, including more than 280 Class One artifacts, such as the Imperial Edict of Wang Zhang from the Han Dynasty.

Car Transfer: Wuwei to Zhangye via Pingshan

Today, drive to Zhangye (approx. 240km/3h30m), one of the four outposts in the middle of the Hexi Corridor, whose name means“Extending the Arm of the Nation to its Western Realm”.

Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon

Journey to Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, located approximately 60 kilometers from the urban area of Zhangye. This compound tourist attraction offers a blend of natural wonders, canyon exploration, geological research, ethnic customs, and opportunities for self-driving cross-country adventures, making it one of the closest attractions to the city in China.

Spectacular Geopark & Grottoes

Drive to the Zhangye Danxia Geopark. This renowned park is adorned with multi-coloured rock formations and naturally painted foothills, creating some of the most picturesque landscapes imaginable. The vivid hues of the terrain may leave you marvelling, wondering if they were meticulously crafted with coloured sand.

Journey to the Mati Grottoes, also known as Horse’s Hoof Temple, located approximately 75 kilometres from Zhangye Danxia. Renowned for its grottoes and spectacular cave temples, the Mati Grottoes offer an unforgettable experience. Explore the Thousand Buddha Caves, among the most accessible of the grottoes, and marvel at the ancient artistry within.

Car Transfer: Zhangye to Jiayuguam

Embark on a drive to Jiayuguan (approx. 230km/3h).

The Great Wall’s Final Stretch

We will explore Jiayuguan, a Ming Dynasty fort marking the western end of the dynasty. Adjacent to the fort lies the Overhanging Great Wall, offering a panoramic view of the boundless Gobi Desert and distant snow-capped peaks.

Observe the Weijin Tombs wall paintings, which depict a variety of subjects ranging from farming and folk customs to the technology employed during the Wei and Jin periods.

Car Transfer: Jiayuguan to Dunhuang via Yulin Grottoes

Transfer to Dunhuang (approx. 381km/4h30m), En route, make a stop at the Yulin Grottoes.

Exquisite Yulin Grottoes

Explore some of the special caves of Yulin Grottoes. Renowned for its exquisite and colorful murals, the Yulin Grottoes feature artwork spanning various dynasties, depicting Buddha statues, Buddhist stories, as well as flora and fauna.

Story of Dunhuang

Following dinner, we will attend a cultural show titled “Story of Dunhuang,” providing a captivating glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the region.

Best of Dunhuang

Embark on an exploration of the renowned Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our journey includes special access to caves typically closed to the public, allowing for a unique and immersive experience. If you wish, enjoy a camel ride to witness the breathtaking sunset over the Singing Sands Mountain.

Our adventure continues with a visit to the Crescent Moon Lake, a remarkable natural wonder nestled within the Gobi Desert. Here, take in the serene beauty of the surroundings before concluding the day with a sunset dinner set against the backdrop of the majestic dunes.

Car Transfer: Hotel to Airport

This morning, check out and visit Dunhuang Museum (closed Mon). Then, transfer to the Dunhuang airport for your flight home.

Car Transfer: Lanzhou to Xiahe with Sightseeing

Embark on a scenic drive (approx.. 1.5h) to visit the exterior of the Liujiaxia Hydroelectric Power Station. Board a private speedboat for a 40-minute journey to reach the Binglingsi Grottoes, also known as the “Ten Thousand Buddha Caves” in Tibetan. Carved into the Jishi Hill, these grottoes are a remarkable testament to ancient craftsmanship and religious devotion.

After exploring the grottoes, return by boat to the dam and then make a 2-hour drive to the monastic town of Xiahe. Here, settle into a luxury nomad camp (open 1 May – 15 Oct) nestled within the Sangke Grassland, surrounded by the foothills of the Himalayas.

Highlights of Xiahe

Commence your journey at Labrang Monastery, the spiritual nucleus of Kanlho and one of the six great monasteries of the Geluk (Yellow Hat) school of Tibetan Buddhism. Here, embark on a walk along the world’s longest “kora” around the monastery, immersed in the daily rhythms of the local monks. Continue with a visit to the Gong Tang Pagoda, offering a splendid panoramic view of Labrang.

Venture to the old Octagonal Town, a historic enclave where Tibetan and Han people have coexisted since ancient times. Returning to the campsite, unwind with options such as a sauna session, grassland horse riding, invigorating hikes, or visits to black yak textile studios. As night descends, gather around a crackling bonfire to marvel at the stars overhead.

Linxia Immersion

Drive to Linxia Autonomous prefecture to visit its Grand Mosque and have a walk in the local market.

Car Transfer: Xiahe to Lanzhou

Thereafter, transfer to Lanzhou.