Qinghai & Gansu Expedition: Silk Road, Tibetan Culture & Landscapes

Hello, welcome to Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province. Your Gansu and Qinghai journey will start in this northwestern Chinese city where the Yellow River flows through the city. Lanzhou is also one of the historical cities on the ancient Silk Road. Your Easy Tour China local guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for check-in. If you arrive early, perhaps walk around in the city center to take in the views of the Yellow River - the banks are illuminated with lights at night.

Meals: None

This morning, travel by your private vehicle to Linxia, where the Bingling Temple Grottoes, one of the important Buddhist art sites along the Silk Road, are built against the cliff of the Yellow River Canyon. Check out a large number of Buddha statues, murals, and grotto clusters dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty (386 - 534 AD) and the Sui-Tang Period (581 - 907 AD).

Afterwards, drive along canyons and Danxia landforms to Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The landscape gradually changes from the Loess Plateau to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, as you see grasslands, Tibetan villages and prayer flags, entering the tranquil and primitive Amdo Tibetan region.

Meals: B, L, D

You’ll explore Labrang Monastery today – the jewel of Gannan (South Gansu) and one of the six major Gelugpa monasteries! Walk through the world's longest prayer wheel corridor and step into the grand monastery. Gaze up at the intricate murals, Buddha halls, and traditional Tibetan architecture. Learn from your knowledgeable guide about the history of the temple and the daily life of monks.

Continue to the vast Sangke grassland (elevation of about 3100m), surrounded by mountains on all sides, with the Da Xia River meandering through it. The scenery changes with the seasons: in summer, the temperature is mild and wildflowers dot the lush green grass; while in autumn, it is a golden expanse. Spend the peaceful time strolling on the grassland, and take the opportunity to visit the herders' homes. 

Then drive back for the night.

Meals: B, L

Check out of your hotel in Lanzhou, then explore the city's best highlights. Head to White Pagoda Mountain Park at the summit, offering spectacular views of the Lanzhou panorama with the Yellow River flowing through. Visit Lanzhou’s iconic landmark - Zhongshan Iron Bridge, to uncover traces of Chinese civilizations and modern Lanzhou's development. Afterwards, visit the Waterwheel Park to further understand the unique irrigation culture and traditional waterwheel technology in the ancient Yellow River area.

The most enduring monuments in Lanzhou are the Gansu Museum – with its rich collection. Immerse yourself in the charm of Silk Road culture and Han Dynasty art, as well as Neolithic civilizations such as the Yangshao Culture and Majiayao Painted Pottery Culture.

In the evening, say goodbye to Lanzhou and take the high-speed train to Xining (about 1 - 1.5 hours), the capital of Qinghai Province. Take in the magnificent views as your train traverses the Northwest Plateau.

Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, head out to visit Kumbum Monastery, Qinghai's most famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery, the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, and another of the six major Gelugpa monasteries. It is famous for its three artistic wonders—butter sculptures, murals, and appliqué embroidery. Visit the Eight Auspicious Symbols Stupa, the Great Golden Tile Hall, the Great Sutra Hall, and the Small Golden Tile Hall.

After your visit, drive along the scenic highway to Qinghai Lake (with an elevation of 3,196 meters). It is the largest inland saltwater lake in China, covering an area of 4，657.92 square kilometers. Summer is the best time to visit Qinghai Lake, when the rapeseed flowers are in full bloom, creating a golden sea of flowers interwoven with the azure lake water, against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and grasslands.

Meals: B, L

This morning, your local guide will introduce you to more of the traditional culture and real life of Xining. Tour the mighty Dongguan Mosque, one of the most representative Islamic buildings in Qinghai region. You will be amazed by the perfect combination of traditional Chinese architectural style and Islamic elements.

Then your guide will take you through the bustling Shuijingxiang Market of local specialties such as hand-pulled mutton, yogurt, and beef noodles. You will have plenty of time to taste the food and experience the local way of life.

Your adventure continues to Zhangye after a 2-hour high-speed train journey. Along the way, view the wild gobi desert landscapes of the Hexi Corridor.

Meals: B, L, D

From the famous Zhangye Danxia wonder to the ancient Silk Road Buddhist culture, today's journey is certainly prepared for Silk Road natural and cultural explorers.

Catch the morning sunlight in Colorful Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (if the weather is clear). Here, one of the most beautiful Danxia landforms in China, the layer upon layer of colorful rock strata, under the sunlight, presents a wonderful scene of red, orange, yellow, and gray interwoven, as if it comes from another planet.

Then visit the Great Buddha Temple (Dafo Temple) - an important relic of Silk Road Buddhist culture - which preserves one of the largest indoor reclining Buddhas in Northwest China, over 30 meters long. Your guide will share stories about its history, which can be traced back to the mysterious kingdom of the Western Xia (1038 - 1227).

In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Dunhuang, a desert oasis, and another Silk Road historical city.

Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, you will explore the UNESCO-protected Mogao Caves - one of the largest and most well-preserved Buddhist art cave complexes in China and even in the world. From the spectacular murals and sculptures from the Sixteen Kingdoms to the Yuan Dynasty, the Mogao Caves are filled with wonderfully preserved reminders of the integration of Buddhist art in China along the Silk Road.

Spend a fun afternoon in the Singing Sand Dudes and Crescent Lake scenic area, witnessing the wonder of the coexistence of desert and oasis. If you are interested, ride a camel across the sand dunes, experience sandboarding or hike to the top of the sand dune to overlook the crescent-shaped Yamen Lake nestled among the sand sea. For photography enthusiasts, capture the golden sand dunes at sunset.

Meal: B, L

This morning, you will head to the Yadan National Geopark. Be captivated by its wind-eroded landforms that have been shaped over millions of years, taking on the shapes of castles, fleets, or animals. It was named "Devil City" because when the wind howls, it feels like you've entered an ancient world.

Then visit the important ancient Silk Road passes of Yumen Pass and Yang Pass - key gateways from the central plains of ancient China to the Western Regions, serving as historical witnesses. From your guide, learn about their military significance and the ancient frontier culture of China.

When you return to the downtown Dunhuang and arrive at the bustling Sha Zhou Night Market, you will discover many Dunhuang delicacies and handicrafts. If interested, try local snacks such as donkey meat noodles, grilled lamb skewers, and almond water, or purchase Silk Road souvenirs. 

Meal: B, L

Today, you will be escorted to the Dunhuang airport/train station to catch a flight/bullet train back home, or extend your trip to Xinjiang's Turpan or Urumqi, continuing your Silk Road adventure. End of your 10 days private guided China tour package to Gansu and Qinghai. Welcome to travel with Easy Tour China again!

Meal: B