4-Day Lanzhou and Zhangye Exploration Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Lanzhou Arrival
   ‌Stroll Lanzhou's Riverside Bund, Crossing History at Iron Bridge

   Hello, welcome to Lanzhou! Upon your arrival at Lanzhou airport or train station, your English-speaking guide will meet you at the exit by holding a welcome sign with “China Xian Tour” on it.

   In the late afternoon, your guide will lead you to the Huanghe River Custom Tourist Line. Known as "Lanzhou's The Bund", it stretches along the Yellow River, with Zhongshan Bridge at its center. Along the riverside road, you can see some popular spots including the Iron Bridge, Yellow River Mother Sculpture, White Pagoda Hill, and Waterwheel Park.

   Later, you'll be taken to your hotel in the city to check in.

   Meal: Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Lanzhou

   

2. Day 2: Lanzhou to Zhangye by High-speed Train
   ‌Take a Speedboat to Cliffside Caves with Vibrant Buddhist Treasures

   After breakfast, we will drive about 1.5 hours to reach the Binglingsi Temple, actually a group of ancient Buddhist cave carvings. Since the grottoes are located on a cliff next to the Liujiaxia Reservoir, you’ll need to take a speedboat to get there. The boat ride is exciting and passes through beautiful scenery, giving you a taste of what’s to come. In the temple, walk up close to the lifelike Buddha statues and colorful wall paintings.

   After the visit, go to Lanzhou train station to catch a high-speed train to Zhangye. The ride takes about 4.5 hours. When you arrive, a local driver will meet you at the exit. Then, he sends you to the well-selected hotel in Zhangye for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangye

   

3. Day 3: Zhangye’s Danxia Landforms
   Marvel at the Colorful Danxia Landscapes

   After breakfast, meet your Zhangye guide and drive for 1.5 hours to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. In the morning, be guided to visit Binggou Valley, the best time to go. This area covers 300 square kilometers and has many strange-shaped cliffs and stone columns. Take photos of some popular spots like "The Phantom of the Louvre" and "Divine Camel Welcome." Be sure to bring your camera - red mountain peaks glowing in the morning sun make amazing photos from the viewing platforms.

   In the afternoon, head to the Rainbow Mountain Scenic Area. The hills here show many colors — red, yellow, green, purple — because of different minerals. You’ll ride a sightseeing bus to four different viewing spots. Deck No.1 gives you a wide view of the land, and Deck No.4 is the most stunning, especially at sunset when the hills are extra colorful. In summer, you can also choose a hot air balloon ride (extra cost) for a bird’s-eye view of the landscape.

   After the visit, you’ll return to your hotel by car.

   Tips:

   • Expect to walk a lot, so wear comfy shoes.
   • Sunglasses or a hat will help with the sun.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangye

   

4. Day 4: Zhangye Landmarks, Departure
   See the Asia's Largest Reclining Buddha and Sacred Grottoes

   In the morning, you will further explore Zhangye's landmarks by visiting Dafo Temple, built during the Western Xia Dynasty. It has been standing along the ancient Silk Road for over 900 years. You’ll see the biggest reclining statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in Asia. The statue is 34.5 meters long and 7.5 meters wide at the shoulders. There’s also a mural showing scenes from the famous story Journey to the West.

   Next, transfer you the Matisi Grottoes. Along with the Mogao Caves and Yulin Grottoes in Dunhuang, it is known as one of the "Three Great Grotto Sites of the Hexi Corridor." Here, you will be amazed by the beautiful mix of a grand Buddhist temple built into the hillside and many caves carved into the mountain. One special feature of the temple is that it blends both Han and Tibetan Buddhism.

   After the tour, escort you to Zhangye airport or train station for your departure. This is the end of your 4-day Lanzhou and Zhangye tour.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: N/A