Tour Highlights
Discover Zhangye's Colorful Danxia Landscapes: Explore Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, famous for its striking multicolored hills, valleys, and rock formations shaped by geological processes.
Explore the Historic Western End of the Great Wall: Visit Jiayuguan Pass and the First Beacon Tower to discover the defensive structures that protected China's northwestern frontier along the ancient Silk Road.
Admire the Buddhist Art of the Mogao Grottoes: Explore Dunhuang's renowned cave complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its Buddhist murals, sculptures, and centuries of cultural exchange.
Experience Dunhuang's Desert Scenery: Visit Crescent Moon Lake and the Singing Sand Dunes, where a crescent-shaped oasis lies amid sweeping desert sands. Camel rides are available as an optional activity.
Discover the Cultural Heritage of the Hexi Corridor: Visit Zhangye's Giant Buddha Temple, Wooden Pagoda Temple, and Wei-Jin Tombs to learn about the region's religious art, architecture, and ancient history.
Day 1 Arrival in Lanzhou
Day 2 Lanzhou to Zhangye | Zhangye Danxia Landform
Day 3 Zhangye to Jiayuguan | Ancient Temples & Wei-Jin Tombs
The Wooden Pagoda Temple was firstly built by Emperor Suiwen of the Sui Dynasty (581–618). Although destroyed and rebuilt several times, the Wooden Pagoda still is a magnificent architecture with its distinct and traditional features.
Wei-Jin Tombs is a large tomb group with some 1400 tombs built in Wei and Jin Period (AD220-419), famous for its vivid murals and special layouts.
Day 4 Jiayuguan to Dunhuang | Jiayuguan Pass & First Beacon Tower
Take a visit to the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall. The beacon tower was an important part of the defense system in Jiayuguan Pass.
Day 5 Dunhuang | Mogao Grottoes, Crescent Moon Lake & Singing Sand
The Crescent Moon Lake & Singing Sand Dunes are famous attractions in Dunhuang. From a distance make sure to listen carefully for the whistling tunes among the sand dunes. If you are feeling adventurous, take an optional camel ride (on your own expense).
Day 6 Dunhuang Museum & Departure
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What destinations are included in this 6-day Silk Road tour?
A: The tour travels from Lanzhou to Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang, combining colorful geological landscapes, ancient temples, Great Wall heritage, Buddhist art, and desert scenery.
Q: How do I travel between destinations?
A: The itinerary combines a high-speed train from Lanzhou to Zhangye with private road transfers between Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang. The specified train ticket and scheduled land transfers are included as listed in the tour package.
Q: Can I ride a camel at the Singing Sand Dunes?
A: Yes. Camel riding is available as an optional activity at Crescent Moon Lake and the Singing Sand Dunes, subject to availability and additional charges.
Q: Are accommodation, meals, and entrance tickets included?
A: The package includes hotel accommodation with breakfast, lunch as specified in the itinerary, entrance tickets to the listed attractions, and the high-speed train ticket from Lanzhou to Zhangye. Please check the final quotation for the confirmed services and meal arrangements.
Q: Can I customize this Silk Road tour?
A: Yes. CITS offers tailor-made travel services according to your interests and schedule. You can add attractions, extend your stay, or arrange visits to other destinations in China, subject to availability and additional charges.
- Private English-speaking tour guide
- Private air-conditioned coach or car
- Bullet train ticket from Lanzhou to Zhangye
- Land transfers between airport and hotel
- Entrance tickets as listed
- Lunch as listed
- Hotel accommodations with breakfast
- Service charge & government taxes
- Any flight ticket
- Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, fax fee, phone bills, optional activities
- Tips for guides and drivers
- China Visa
- Travel insurance