Retracing the Hexi Corridor, Dreaming Back to Dunhuang: 8-Day Tour Wuwei Leitai Han Tomb + Zhangye Colorful Danxia Landform + Jiayuguan Pass Tower + Dunhuang Mogao Caves

Embark on a breathtaking journey through Western China!

**Morning:**
Guests will independently fly to Lanzhou, a renowned city in Northwest China formerly known as “Jincheng.” Upon arrival, our professional service staff will greet you at Lanzhou Airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

**Afternoon:**
Visit the Gansu Provincial Museum to gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural heritage of Gansu Province and the ancient Silk Road. These cultural attractions will enrich your travel experience and make Lanzhou a memorable highlight of your trip.

**Evening:**
Head to Zhengning Road Snack Street to savor local delicacies. Recommended specialties include Ma Ye’s Milk and Egg Fermented Rice Dessert, Lanzhou Beef Noodles, and Niangpizi (cold wheat gluten sheets).

**Helpful Tips:**
1. Please double-check your carry-on luggage before departure and arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance to complete check-in procedures.
2. Gansu is located in the arid inland region of Northwest China. Be sure to bring sunscreen (SPF 50+), a windproof headscarf or scarf, a sun hat, and any necessary medications. We recommend avoiding excessive consumption of beef and lamb on your first night to prevent digestive discomfort, and staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating fresh fruits.

Morning: After breakfast, take a vehicle to the Tiantishan Grottoes scenic area in Wuwei City. The journey takes approximately 3 hours.

Noon: Upon arrival near the scenic area, arrange your own lunch nearby. The Tiantishan region is renowned as China’s hometown of pepino melons (also known as “ginseng fruits”), and tasting them is highly recommended.

Afternoon: Visit the Tiantishan Grottoes, regarded as the origin of Chinese grotto art. The colossal Buddha statue sits majestically against the mountainside, with rippling turquoise waters at its feet and wisps of clouds wrapping around it, creating a breathtaking panorama where mountains, water, the Buddha, and clouds blend harmoniously into one spectacular scene.

[Helpful Tips]
As the morning involves a relatively long drive, guests are advised to bring along some snacks such as beef jerky, chocolate, mineral water, Snickers bars, etc.

Morning: After breakfast, head to Wuwei city center to visit the Leitai Han Tomb, the excavation site of “Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow,” China’s official tourism symbol. Then drive to Zhangye, with a journey time of approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Noon: Arrive in Zhangye. Lunch is at your own expense. We recommend trying local specialties such as Cuoyuzi (hand-rolled fish-shaped noodles), Mao’erduo (“cat’s ear” pasta), Yougao (fried glutinous rice cakes), Niurou Xiaofan (beef and small noodle soup), and Jirou Dian Juanzi (steamed buns topped with chicken).

Afternoon: Visit Mati Temple (Horse Hoof Temple). The temple complex features both Han Chinese Buddhist monasteries and Tibetan Buddhist halls, along with numerous legendary and historical attractions, including the celestial horse’s hoof prints, Yuan Dynasty murals, and Buddha statues.

Morning: Visit the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, one of the most extensive and best-developed areas of Danxia landforms in China, featuring the richest variety of geomorphic formations. It is a quintessential example of China’s colorful Danxia landscapes.

Afternoon: Drive to Jiayuguan (approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes). Upon arrival, tour the Jiayuguan Pass Tower. As the first major fortress at the western end of the Ming Great Wall, Jiayuguan was a vital transportation hub along the ancient Silk Road. Afterwards, visit the “Hanging Arm” section of the Great Wall. This part of the wall winds over black mountain ridges and steep cliffs; built along a ridge with an approximate 45-degree incline, it appears to hang suspended in midair, hence its name “Hanging Arm Great Wall.”

Helpful Tips:
Temperatures at the Zhangye Danxia landform area tend to rise significantly after noon. For your comfort, we recommend setting off early in the morning and bringing a light jacket to avoid catching a chill.

Morning: After breakfast, drive to Dunhuang (approximately 4 hours).

Afternoon: [Mural Copying Experience] Dunhuang clay panel art is a unique artistic form that originated from the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, China. It is a two-dimensional artwork crafted using materials such as clay and cellulose, based on the murals of the Dunhuang grottoes.

Evening: Watch the “Encore Dunhuang” performance, which revives and recreates the exquisite, naturally harmonious beauty of classical Oriental art found in the Mogao Cave murals, guiding audiences to rediscover the mystery and elegance of Dunhuang’s dance and music traditions.

[Helpful Tips]
1. The morning drive is relatively long; guests are advised to bring snacks and drinks (e.g., beef jerky, chocolate, bottled water, Snickers bars).
2. “Encore Dunhuang” offers Standard Seating and Premium Seating. Please confirm your preferred seating category when making your reservation.

Morning: After breakfast, visit the Mogao Grottoes. Here you can personally experience the profound depth of Buddhist culture, as if traveling through time to the distant ancient past, marveling at the craftsmanship and wisdom of the ancients.

Afternoon: Visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring, where you can admire the miraculous scenery of sand and spring coexisting—sand never buries the spring, and the spring never runs dry. Additionally, you may choose to participate in optional desert activities such as sand sliding, camel riding, and desert karting (at your own expense).

[Helpful Tips]

1. Important Notes for Visiting the Mogao Grottoes:
① The Mogao Grottoes scenic area implements a real-name reservation system for ticket purchases. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance.
② Daily visitor capacity is limited to 6,000 people. Group tours must strictly adhere to the reserved time slots. Therefore, the itinerary sequence may be adjusted according to the scheduled visiting time at the Mogao Grottoes. Your cooperation is appreciated!

A. Standard Reservation Visit Procedure:
Mogao Grottoes Parking Lot → Digital Exhibition Center (film viewing) → Shuttle bus to the grotto area (visit approximately 8 actual caves) → Photo stop at the Nine-Story Pagoda → Shuttle bus back → Return to parking lot.

B. Emergency Access Visit Procedure:
Mogao Grottoes Parking Lot → Shuttle bus to the grotto area (visit 4 actual caves) → Institute History Exhibition Hall (Former Residence of Chang Shuhong) → Photo stop at the Nine-Story Pagoda → Cultural Relics Conservation Exhibition Center (featuring 1:1 replicated caves) → Shuttle bus back → Return to parking lot.
(Note: The emergency plan does not include the Digital Exhibition Center; arrangements will depend on actual circumstances.)

Due to the reservation regulations of the Mogao Grottoes, we will adjust the Dunhuang segment’s sightseeing schedule based on the reserved ticket time.

2. Before entering the desert area, it is recommended to protect valuable items such as mobile phones and cameras from fine sand. Avoid wearing leather shoes or other footwear prone to collecting sand or having soles that may soften under high temperatures. Bring sunglasses, sun hats, drinking water, and other essentials.

3. Some activities within this scenic area involve higher risks. We recommend purchasing relevant travel insurance. Before departure, please carefully read all safety-related travel information. Pay attention to activity guidelines and safety notices posted within the scenic area.

Morning: Travel by vehicle to the Yadan Devil City (Yardang Ghost City), with a driving time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. After passing through landscapes shaped by wind erosion, you will uncover the mystery of natural oil paintings left behind from 6 million years ago.

Afternoon: Return to Dunhuang, experiencing the desolate yet awe-inspiring history and culture of the Silk Road along the way, while appreciating the unique charm of the Gobi Desert. En route, stop at the Jade Gate Pass (Yumen Guan) for group photos.

Evening: You may choose to visit Shazhou Market’s Baiwei Street in Dunhuang on your own to savor local delicacies such as donkey meat with yellow noodles, roasted lamb chops, and lamb skewers. Alternatively, take a stroll along the Danghe River Scenic Area to observe the leisurely lifestyle of locals.

[Helpful Tips]
1. Both Yumen Guan and Yadan are located in the Gobi Desert, where the air is dry, sunlight is intense, and sandstorms are common. Please prepare sufficient drinking water and protective gear against sun exposure and sand before visiting.
2. Due to the long driving distance today, it is recommended that guests bring some dry snacks (e.g., beef jerky, chocolate, mineral water, Snickers bars, etc.).

Airport transfer will be arranged according to your return flight schedule, marking the end of your wonderful journey through Northwest China.