7 Days Silk Road Adventure with Desert Feast and Historical Sites

Day 1: Lanzhou Arrival Day with Pick-up Service and Leisure City Walk

1. Iron Bridge of Yellow River
   1h
   In the evening, you can enjoy the Yellow River night view at Zhongshan Bridge, order a cup of Sanpao Tai tea, feel the breeze from the river, and leisurely savor the night.

Day 2: Lanzhou – Gansu Provincial Museum – Tianti Grottoes – Wuwei

1. Gansu Provincial Museum
   3h
   The Gansu Provincial Museum in Lanzhou is the largest museum in the province, showcasing over 350,000 cultural relics. Its highlights include Silk Road artifacts, Buddhist statues, ancient fossils, and exquisite painted pottery, offering a vivid journey through Gansu’s history and culture.
2. Tianti Grottoes
   2h · Admission ticket included
   The Tiantishan Grottoes near Wuwei are among China’s earliest Buddhist cave temples, dating back to the late 4th century. Known as the “origin of Buddhist art in Gansu,” the site preserves ancient sculptures and murals that reflect the early spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road.

Day 3: Wuwei Confucian Temple - Mati Temple - Zhangye

1. Wuwei Confucian Temple
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Step into the Wuwei Confucian Temple, one of Gansu’s best-preserved temples. Wander through its traditional architecture, admire ancient stone inscriptions, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Confucian China.
2. 3h · Admission ticket included
   Explore the Mati Temple Grottoes, perched along dramatic cliffs near Wuwei. Wander among ancient Buddhist caves adorned with intricate statues and murals, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Silk Road in a truly breathtaking setting.

Day 4: Dafo Temple of Zhangye - Zhangye National Geological Park - Jiayuguan

1. Dafo Temple of Zhangye
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Visit the Dafo Temple in Zhangye, home to the magnificent 35-meter-long reclining Buddha. Stroll through the temple complex to admire ancient murals, intricate sculptures, and traditional architecture, and immerse yourself in the rich Buddhist heritage of the region.
2. 3h · Admission ticket included
   Marvel at the Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains (a.k.a. National Geological Park), where layers of red, orange, yellow, and green rocks stretch across the horizon. Formed over millions of years, this breathtaking landscape is a natural masterpiece and a must-see highlight of your Gansu journey.

Day 5: Jiayuguan Fortress - Hanging Great Wall - Dunhuang Night Market

1. Jiayuguan Fortress
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Discover Jiayuguan, the iconic ‘First Pass Under Heaven’ at the western end of the Great Wall. Walk along its massive walls, explore ancient watchtowers, and feel the history of this key Silk Road fortress firsthand.
2. 1h · Admission ticket included
   Explore the Hanging Great Wall near Jiayuguan, a breathtaking section built along steep cliffs. Walk along this ancient marvel and enjoy dramatic views of the mountains and desert, experiencing the ingenuity and spirit of China’s Great Wall firsthand.
3. 2h
   Experience the vibrant Dunhuang Night Market, where colorful stalls line the streets offering local snacks, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Wander through the lively atmosphere, taste authentic street food, and soak up the charm of this bustling cultural hub under the evening lights.

Day 6: Mogao Caves - Mural Copying Experience - Private Desert Camp Adventure

1. Mogao Caves
   4h · Admission ticket included
   Step into the Mogao Caves near Dunhuang, a treasure trove of over a thousand years of Silk Road history. Wander among magnificent Buddhist murals and sculptures carved into the cliffs, and immerse yourself in the art, culture, and spirituality of ancient China.
   ·
   Please note: During peak season (July–August), tickets to the Mogao Caves are very limited. There are two types: A tickets give access to 8 real caves plus 2 digital cinema shows, while B tickets cover 4 real caves. Our tour price includes A tickets. We recommend booking at least 30 days in advance based on your Mogao Caves visit date. If A tickets are sold out on the booking day, B tickets will be used instead, and the difference will be refunded: ¥138 per adult and ¥93 per child.
2. Dunhuang
   1h 30m
   Join a hands-on Dunhuang Mural Copying Experience, where you can step into the world of ancient Buddhist art. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, learn traditional techniques to reproduce the intricate patterns and colors of the Mogao Caves murals. This unique workshop offers a deep cultural immersion, letting you appreciate the skill and devotion of the artists who created these masterpieces along the Silk Road.

Day 7: End of Tour in Dunhuang – Departure

1. 30m
   Transfer to the airport based on your flight schedule.

Pickup details

We provide pick-up and drop-off services at Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport, Lanzhou Railway Station, Dunhuang Airport, or Dunhuang Railway Station. Our guide and driver will arrive in advance and hold a sign with “Tangola Travels” and the guest’s name for easy recognition.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels