7 Days Silk Road Adventure with Desert Feast and Historical Sites

Overview

Day by day itinerary

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

   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.

   Meals: Dinner: Enjoy a warm welcome dinner on your arrival day, with a feast of authentic Lanzhou specialties to kick off your journey.

   Overnight: Overnight stay in Lanzhou at a 4-star hotel

2. 2Lanzhou – Gansu Provincial Museum – Tianti Grottoes – Wuwei⌄

   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.

   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.

   Meals: Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast at the hotel · Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route, sampling authentic regional dishes. · Dinner: Enjoy an evening dinner at a local restaurant, tasting the best of regional cuisine.

   Overnight: Overnight stay in Wuwei at a 4-star hotel

3. 3Wuwei Confucian Temple - Mati Temple - Zhangye⌄

   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.

   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.

   Meals: Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast at the hotel · Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route, sampling authentic regional dishes. · Dinner: Enjoy an evening dinner at a local restaurant, tasting the best of regional cuisine.

4. 4Dafo Temple of Zhangye - Zhangye National Geological Park - Jiayuguan⌄

   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.

   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.

   Meals: Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast at the hotel · Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route, sampling authentic regional dishes. · Dinner: Enjoy an evening dinner at a local restaurant, tasting the best of regional cuisine.

   Overnight: Overnight stay in Jiayuguan at a 4-star hotel

5. 5Jiayuguan Fortress - Hanging Great Wall - Dunhuang Night Market⌄

   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.

   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.

   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.

   Meals: Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast at the hotel · Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route, sampling authentic regional dishes. · Dinner: Enjoy an evening dinner at a local restaurant, tasting the best of regional cuisine.

   Overnight: Overnight stay in Dunhuang at a 4-star hotel

6. 6Mogao Caves - Mural Copying Experience - Private Desert Camp Adventure⌄

   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.

   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.

   Meals: Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast at the hotel · Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route, sampling authentic regional dishes. · Dinner: Private Desert Camp: BBQ & local dishes, camel rides, ATVs, seasonal fruits & drinks.

   Overnight: Overnight stay in Duhuang at a 4-star hotel

7. 7End of Tour in Dunhuang – Departure⌄

   Transfer to the airport based on your flight schedule.

   Meals: Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast at the hotel