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GanSu
About GanSu
A Land of Wonders and Ancient Mysteries
Stretching 1,600 kilometers from east to west, Gansu Province is a land of incredible diversity, featuring eight distinct climate zones and three of China's four major plateaus: the Tibetan Plateau, the Loess Plateau, and the Inner Mongolia Plateau. Here, you’ll find nearly every type of landform on Earth—snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, dramatic deserts, lush forests, serene lakes, and the stunning Danxia landforms—all in one province.
Journey through the Hexi Corridor, the ancient overland Silk Road, and step into a dialogue with millennia of civilization. This historic route was once the gateway to China’s western regions, fostering cultural exchange for thousands of years. Gansu is also home to two of China’s four great grottoes, showcasing the region’s rich artistic and spiritual heritage.
From breathtaking landscapes to profound history, Gansu offers an unforgettable adventure for every traveler.
Kunming
LanZhou: The Gateway to Northwest China
Nestled along the Yellow River, Lanzhou is the capital of Gansu Province and a vibrant cultural and historical hub in Northwest China.
The Yellow River, known as the "Mother River of China," flows through the city, offering stunning views and earning Lanzhou the name "City of the Yellow River."
White Pagoda Mountain provides panoramic views of the city and the Yellow River, with history dating back to the Yuan Dynasty.
For Silk Road tours, the Gansu Provincial Museum is a must-visit, housing the best Silk Road collections and treasures.
Zhongshan Bridge, a historic iron bridge, showcases Lanzhou’s engineering heritage.
Lanzhou is famous for its hand-pulled beef noodles, Lanzhou Lamian. This iconic dish, with flavorful broth, tender beef, and chewy noodles, is a must-try for food lovers.
Kunming
WuWei: A Silk Road Legacy
Wuwei was a key stop on the ancient Silk Road, serving as a vital hub for trade and cultural exchange between China and the West. The city’s rich history is reflected in its many historical landmarks and artifacts.
Leitai Han Tomb the famous "Galloping Horse" (Flying Horse of Gansu), a national treasure of China, unearthed from this ancient tomb. This iconic bronze statue symbolizes the spirit of the Silk Road.
Wuwei Confucian Temple is One of the best-preserved Confucian temples in China, this site offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to learn about traditional Chinese culture and education.
Kumarajiva Temple is a sacred site dedicated to the renowned Buddhist monk and scholar, Kumarajiva (鸠摩罗什). Known for his profound contributions to the translation of Buddhist scriptures, Kumarajiva played a pivotal role in spreading Buddhism in China.
Tiantishan Grottoes is father of all ancient Buddhist caves in China, carved into the cliffs, which showcase intricate statues and murals dating back over 1,500 years.
Kunming
Zhangye: A Colorful Wonder on
Silk Road
Zhangye was a vital stop on the ancient Silk Road, serving as a hub for trade and cultural exchange. The city’s history is deeply intertwined with the Silk Road, and visitors can explore its legacy through its historical sites and museums.
Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park’s colorful rock formations, shaped by millions of years of geological activity, create a surreal, rainbow-like landscape.
Matisi Grottoes known as the "Horse Hoof Temple," these grottoes are carved into cliffs and feature stunning Buddhist statues and murals. The site is often compared to the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang.
Wooden Pagoda Temple is historic wooden pagoda dating back to the Sui Dynasty, offering panoramic views of the city.
Jiayuguan: The Gateway to the Great Wall and the Silk Road
Known as the "First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven," Jiayuguan is home to the western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall and served as a vital military stronghold and cultural crossroads on the ancient Silk Road.
Jiayuguan Pass (Jiayuguan Fortress) is one of the most well-preserved military structures from the Ming Dynasty. Its towering walls, watchtowers, and gates offer a glimpse into China’s ancient defense systems.
Weijin Tomb Murals Explore the ancient tombs of the Wei and Jin Dynasties, famous for their intricate murals that depict daily life, mythology, and cultural practices from over 1,500 years ago.
Jiayuguan is surrounded by dramatic landscapes, including the snow-capped Qilian Mountains and the vast Gobi Desert. These natural wonders provide opportunities for hiking, photography, and adventure.
Dunhuang: The Oasis of the
Silk Road
Nestled at the edge of the Gobi Desert in Gansu Province, Dunhuang is a city of extraordinary historical and cultural significance. Once a thriving oasis on the ancient Silk Road, Dunhuang served as a gateway between China and the Western world, fostering trade, religion, and cultural exchange. Today, it is a treasure trove of ancient art, stunning landscapes, and spiritual heritage.
Mogao Caves (Thousand Buddha Grottoes) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and are one of the world’s most important Buddhist art repositories. With over 700 caves and 45,000 square meters of murals, this site offers a breathtaking glimpse into the spiritual and artistic achievements of ancient China. The caves house intricate statues, paintings, and manuscripts that span a thousand years of history.
Crescent Lake and Singing Sand Dunes (Mingsha Shan) is a natural wonder features a crescent-shaped oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes. The dunes "sing" when the wind blows, creating a magical experience.
Dunhuang Museum showcases artifacts, documents, and art from Dunhuang’s rich history, including relics from the Silk Road and the Mogao Caves.
Yumen Pass and Yangguan Pass were two ancient gates once a key checkpoints on the Silk Road. Yumen Pass (Jade Gate) and Yangguan Pass (Sunny Gate) are steeped in history and offer a sense of the challenges faced by ancient travelers.
Yadan National Geological Park (Devil City) is located about 180 kilometers from Dunhuang, this park features otherworldly rock formations shaped by wind and erosion. The landscape resembles a "city" of natural sculptures.
YuLinCaves: Sister cave
Located about 170 kilometers southeast of Dunhuang in Gansu Province, the Yulin Caves (also known as the Yulin Grottoes) are a stunning yet lesser-known counterpart to the famous Mogao Caves.
The Yulin Caves feature 42 grottoes adorned with intricate murals and statues dating from the Tang Dynasty (618–907) to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). The artwork reflects a blend of Chinese, Tibetan, and Central Asian influences. The murals depict Buddhist scriptures, celestial beings, and scenes of daily life, offering a fascinating glimpse into the religious and cultural practices of ancient times.
The caves are carved into the cliffs of the Yulin River valley, creating a harmonious blend of natural beauty and human artistry. The surrounding landscape adds to the site’s tranquil and spiritual atmosphere. Unlike the more famous Mogao Caves, the Yulin Caves are less frequented by tourists, allowing visitors to explore the site in a peaceful and immersive environment.
The Yulin Caves played a vital role in the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road. They served as a place of worship, meditation, and artistic expression for monks and travelers
ITNERARY
5D4N
Silkroad Essence
Lanzhou - ZhangYe - Dunhuang
7D6N
Authethic Silkraod
Lanzhou - Wuwei - Zhang Ye - JaiYu Pass - Dunhuang
10D9N
In-depth silkroad
Lanzhou - Wuwei - ZhangYe - JaiYuPass - Yulin Cavs - Dunhuang
13D12N
Extended Silkroad
LanZhou-Wuwei-Zhangye-JaiyuPass-Yulin Caves-Dunhuang-LiuLan