Trip Overview
Explore the Hexi Corridor—a stunning route between the Qilian Mountains and the Badain Jaran Desert, where cool mountain breezes meet shimmering desert sands. This ancient passage is home to China’s largest Tibetan Buddhist community and renowned grottoes like Zhangye Horseshoe Temple and Dunhuang Mogao, earning it the title “Grottoes Art Corridor.” Discover a land where history, faith, and art have thrived for millennia.
Price Includes
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Private & public transportation in China
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Accommodation
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Services of an English-speaking guide
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Entrance fees
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Mentioned activities
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7 breakfasts & 2 special meals
Price Excludes
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International flights
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Insurance
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Visa (if required)
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Lunches & dinners with 2 exceptions
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Activities not included in the itinerary
Highlights
Itinerary
DAY 1 Arrival in Yinchuan
Upon arrival in Yinchuan, the local tour guide will meet you at the airport/train station, and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight in Yinchuan.
Day 2 Cinematic Sands & Yellow River Wonders
Step into the rugged charm of Zhenbeibao Western Film and Television City, where time stands still. Known for its raw, rustic atmosphere, the site preserves iconic sets and props from classic western-style films—perfect for movie buffs and history lovers alike. Continue to Shapotou, a unique landscape where desert, river, mountain, and oasis meet. Experience the thrill of China’s largest natural sandboarding field, cross the Yellow River on the legendary "First Rope of the Yellow River," and witness cultural relics like the ancient water wheel and traditional sheepskin raft. On rare days, catch a glimpse of the elusive desert mirage. Overnight: Relax and unwind at a star-rated hotel in the scenic Yellow River Cluster.
Day 3 Wuwei Temple & Cultural Trail
Journey through the heart of Gansu with stops in Zhongwei, Wuwei, and Zhangye—where history, culture, and vibrant local life meet. In Wuwei, explore the remarkable Wen Temple, a cultural landmark blending religious worship and scholarly tradition. This site integrates elements of Wenchang Palace, Confucius Temple, and distinctive Hexi culture. The architecture, dating from the Ming Dynasty to the Republic of China, features classic Dougong brackets and beam structures emblematic of the Hexi region. End your day at the lively Ganzhou Night Market in Zhangye, indulging in local flavors and the bustling atmosphere.
Day 4 Colours of Culture and Nature in Zhangye
Start your day at the Zhangye Big Buddha Temple, formerly known as Kasye Tathagai Temple. This ancient royal temple is renowned for housing a magnificent reclining statue of Sakyamuni. A cultural gem along the Silk Road, the temple complex is a living museum of Buddhist architecture, sculpture, murals, and relics. Stroll through Danxiakou Town to 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 inviting rituals. Conclude your day with a breathtaking sunset at the Colorful Danxia Scenic Area, nestled at the foot of the Qilian Mountains. This UNESCO-recognized site boasts some of China’s most spectacular Danxia landforms. Admire natural wonders like the Colorful Gorge, Fire Mountain, Big Scallop, and Rainbow Hills from scenic viewpoints. Overnight in Zhangye.
Day 5 Horseshoe Temple Grottoes & Jiayuguan
Also known as Puguang Temple, the Horseshoe Temple is famed for its Thousand Buddha Caves—over 500 cliffside stupa grottoes carved into dramatic rock faces. Surrounded by green mountains, clear streams, and striking rock formations, the temple is a natural and cultural marvel. Visitors can also immerse themselves in grassland nomadic culture by stepping into Tibetan tents, tasting highland barley wine, savoring hand-grabbed lamb, and experiencing the traditional lifestyle of the Yugur people. Perched at the narrowest valley of Jiayuguan atop Jiayu Mountain, this iconic gate tower marks the western end of the Great Wall. Its impressive wings stretch into the vast Gobi Desert, showcasing the strategic and symbolic significance of ancient frontier defenses. Overnight in Jiayuguan.
Day 6 Jiayuguan to Dunhuang
Travel across the vast Gobi Desert from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang, where the journey is as surreal as a mirage. On the endless Gobi, Boundless rises like a vision from ancient imagination—a striking embodiment of what people once dreamed the heavenly palace or Western paradise might look like. The Son of the Earth sculpture stands solemnly in the desert of Guazhou County, a quiet tribute to the enduring spirit of humankind rooted in the land. At Singing Sand Mountain, golden dunes hum beneath your feet, while the Crescent Spring—shaped like a delicate moon—rests peacefully among the sands, defying the dry expanse around it. As night falls, wander through the lively Shazhou Night Market. Sample local delicacies, explore handcrafted goods, sip tea in a traditional teahouse, and discover regional specialties under the desert stars. Overnight in Dunhuang.
Day 7 Mogao Grottoes & Dunhuang Museum
Explore the timeless charm of Dunhuang, beginning with the Mogao Grottoes—an extraordinary complex of Buddhist cave art dating back to the Sixteen Kingdoms period. Recognized as the world’s largest and most richly preserved site of Buddhist murals and sculptures, it offers a profound glimpse into ancient spirituality and craftsmanship. Continue to the Dunhuang Museum, whose architecture echoes the region’s heritage with design elements inspired by the Great Wall, beacon towers, and ancient fortresses. The exhibits inside reveal the cultural and historical legacy of Dunhuang along the Silk Road. In the evening, immerse yourself in See Dunhuang, a powerful live-action performance that blends history, mythology, and multimedia to tell the story of Dunhuang's role in the transmission of Chinese civilization. Overnight stay in Dunhuang.
Day 8 Departure from Dunhuang
Enjoy a smooth and hassle-free transfer to the airport or train station.
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