Upon arrival in Yinchuan, your local guide will meet you at the airport or train station and accompany you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax, unwind after your journey, or enjoy a leisurely stroll to explore the city.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Yinchuan

Meals: No

Begin the day at the China Western Film Studios (Zhenbeipu West Studio), a unique open-air museum showcasing film sets, props, and architecture from classic Chinese western-style films—a must-visit for both movie enthusiasts and history lovers. In the afternoon, visit the Shapotou Tourist Zone in Shapotou District, Zhongwei City, where desert, river, mountains, and oasis converge in a breathtaking natural panorama. Enjoy China’s largest natural sandboarding field, cross the Yellow River on the famous Yellow River Cableway, and explore cultural relics such as the ancient water wheel and traditional sheepskin raft. On rare occasions, you may witness the desert mirage, a mesmerizing optical illusion that adds even more magic to this extraordinary landscape. 

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Zhongwei

Meals: No

Journey through the heart of Gansu with stops in Zhongwei, Wuwei, and Zhangye, where history, culture, and vibrant local life converge. In Wuwei, explore the remarkable Wuwei Confucian Temple, a cultural landmark that blends religious worship with scholarly tradition. The site incorporates elements of Wenchang Palace, the Confucius Temple, and distinctive Hexi culture. Dating from the Ming Dynasty to the Republic of China, the architecture features classic Dougong and beam-and-column structures, both emblematic of the Hexi region. Conclude your day at the Ganzhou Night Market in Zhangye, sampling local snacks and soaking up the lively street atmosphere.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Zhangye

Meals: 1 lunch

Begin your day at the Dafo Temple of Zhangye (Big Buddha Temple), an ancient royal temple celebrated for its magnificent reclining statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. As a cultural gem along the Silk Road, the temple complex stands as a living museum of Buddhist architecture, sculpture, murals, and relics.

Next, stroll through Danxiakou Town in Linze County and savor over 30 varieties of authentic handmade Northwestern delicacies. Immerse yourself in Gansu’s vibrant folk traditions and enjoy performances that showcase the region’s rich heritage—don’t miss the Silk Road-themed shows, including the Yugur people’s colorful customs and rituals.

Conclude your day with a breathtaking sunset at Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, nestled at the foot of the Qilian Mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features some of China’s most spectacular Danxia landforms. Admire natural wonders such as Caise Gorge, Huoyan Mountain, Dashanbei, and Rainbow Mountain from scenic viewpoints.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Zhangye

Meals: No

Begin your day at the Mati Temple Scenic Resort (Mati Temple), renowned for its Thousand Buddha Caves—over 500 cliffside stupa grottoes intricately carved into dramatic rock faces. Nestled among green mountains, clear streams, and striking rock formations, the temple is a marvel of both nature and culture. Visitors can also experience grassland nomadic culture by entering traditional Tibetan tents, tasting highland barley wine, savoring hand-pulled lamb, and immersing themselves in the authentic lifestyle of the Yugur people.

In the afternoon, visit the iconic Jiayuguan Pass, the western terminus of the Great Wall, perched at the edge of the Gobi Desert. This historic fortress underscores the strategic and symbolic importance of China’s ancient frontier defenses.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Jiayuguan

Meals: No

Journey across the vast Gobi Desert toward Dunhuang. In Guazhou County, encounter striking desert art: the “Son of the Earth” sculpture stands solemnly on the horizon, a quiet tribute to humankind’s bond with the land. Nearby, “Boundless”, a contemporary desert installation, rises like a dream from the past, evoking ancient visions of heavenly palaces or Western paradise.

Next, explore Singing Sand Dune (Mingsha Shan) and Crescent Moon Pool (Yueya Quan). At Mingsha Shan, golden dunes hum beneath your feet, while Yueya Quan—shaped like a delicate crescent—rests peacefully among the sands, defying the surrounding desert expanse.

As evening falls, enjoy local cuisine and crafts at the lively Dunhuang Night Market (Shazhou Nightly Market), sampling regional specialties under the desert stars.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Dunhuang

Meals: No

Begin your day at the renowned Mogao Caves, a remarkable complex of Buddhist cave art dating back to the Sixteen Kingdoms period, housing thousands of exquisite murals and sculptures. As the world’s largest and best-preserved site of Buddhist murals and sculptures, the caves offer profound insight into ancient spirituality and artistic mastery.

Next, visit the Dunhuang Museum, whose architecture reflects the region’s heritage with design elements inspired by the Great Wall, beacon towers, and ancient fortresses. Inside, the exhibits reveal the rich cultural and historical legacy of Dunhuang along the Silk Road.

In the evening, experience See Dunhuang, a captivating live performance that combines history, mythology, and multimedia to showcase Dunhuang’s pivotal role in the spread of Chinese civilization.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Dunhuang

Meals: 1 dinner in Dunhuang

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a smooth and comfortable transfer to Dunhuang Airport or the train station for your onward journey, taking with you cherished memories of the Silk Road’s cultural treasures, breathtaking desert landscapes, and unique experiences that will make this journey truly unforgettable.

Accommodation: No

Meals: No