Looking for a short excursion from Xian to the Northwest of China? This 4 days tour from Xian to Lanzhou by round way high-speed train, going through Xiahe, an amazing place with Tibetan-styled buildings and culture, will bring you an incredible exploration of Binglingsi Grottoes, Labrang Monastery, Sangka Grasslands as well as Yellow River, the Mother River of Chinese. This journey will definitely excite both your eyes and mind with its rich cultural relics and natural landscapes.
In the afternoon, the Xian local driver will pick you up from the downtown hotel and transfer to Xian North Train Station for your high-speed train to Lanzhou. The train rides around 3.5 hours, you can take this chance to enjoy the scenery on the way.
Upon your arrival at Lanzhou West Train Station, there will be the local driver picking you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name and transfer to local hotel.
Accommodation: Overnight in Lanzhou
In the morning, follow the English speaking tour guide and driver to have a glimpse of Lanzhou city by visiting Huanghe River Custom Tourist Line, which is considered as “the Bund of Lanzhou City”, taking Zhongshan Bridge as the axis to stretch out along the Yellow River. The sites to visit of the Tourist Line are distributed on the Road River, including Yellow River Mother Sculpture, Zhongshan Iron Bridge, White Pagoda Hill Park, Waterwheel Park and so on. A leisure strolling bathed in rosy light of dusk on the River Road is a top thing to do in Lanzhou.
Later, drive around 1.5 hours to visit Binglingsi Grottoes which is a series of grotto complex featured in Buddhist elements and engraved on the mountain cliffs. Considering Bingling Temple stands on the cliff along Liujiaxia reservoir, people need to take a speedboat to approach the grottoes to have a better visit. The boat thrilling travels through the breath-taking landscape offering a delicious appetizer for travelers, later on, the climax is coming when you walking closely to those giant statues with vivid shapes and walling paintings in bright color, deeply dazzling each visitor.
Accommodation: Overnight in Xiahe
Today’s visit begins with the Labrang Monastery.You will regret that you didn’t pay an earlier visit to Labrang Monastery if you hear the loud titles of it: one of the “Six Great Monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism Gelug Sect”, famous Tibetan Buddhist college with best complete teaching system of Tibetan Buddhism, the longest corridor of turning scriptures in the world…It does deserve the titles and also your visit after trudge. The grand temple complex housing elegant Buddhist images and statues, wall paintings and other treasures receives devout worship from those Tibetans who are pilgriming from misty valley in each dawn, telling you the moved power of belief from hearts.
In the afternoon, pay a visit to Sangka Grasslands definitely would refresh yourself. Distinct from the spiritous touch at Labrang Monastery, Sangke Grasslands is filled with esthetical taste, appealing endless people to cry out mental pressure built up from busy life. Lush grasses waves green carpets here stretching distantly on the plateau with altitude of 3,000 meters while flocks and herds spotted on it to add more vitality, which forms awesome idyllic sights, bewildering travelers to crazily click the shutters. More “wow” moments here is from those interesting activities at local families, like have local foods and appreciate their ethnic dances.
Friendly tip: The best visit time to Sangka Grasslands is from June to September.
After the relaxing sightseeing, drive back to your hotel in Lanzhou.
Accommodation: Overnight in Lanzhou
Free and easy on your own exploration in the morning.
At the confirmed time, the driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer to Lanzhou West Train Station for your high-speed train back to Xian. When you arrive at Xian North Station, the local driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate and transfer back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Overnight in Xian
If you have any further question, please feel free to contact us!
Email: [email protected]
Cellphone number: +86 15129005119
WhatsApp / Wechat ID: 008615129005119
Facebook: @xianholidaystravelagency
The core of our service is excellent travel guides. Over 20 years, we have built up a considerable professional guide team that is knowledgeable, attentive and flexible. The most experienced and reliable guides will be arranged for your unique China tour. Our passionate guide team is full of contagious enthusiasm and keen interest to share culture and history in a pleasant manner. We are always glad at your service to lead you to explore a real China and experience authentic local life in China.
The first mission of our service is to ensure you feel safe and comfortable during your travel. The vehicles we use are air-conditioned, clean and well-maintained. Our drivers are all licensed drivers with many years of driving experience. Moreover, we offer free baby seats for families with little kids.
Food is a very important part of Chinese culture. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to taste the real local Chinese food!
Buffet breakfast will be included in the hotel if you would like accommodation to be arranged by us. Having lunch at local restaurants close and convenient to the attractions you will visit, you would enjoy the local dishes in each city. Chinese style, Vegetarian or Muslim meals are all available. If you have any other diet requirements or allergies, please feel free to let us know, we will try our best to organize it.
For daily dinner, you are suggested to have it on your own when you are exploring each city in your own time, this way would be more flexible for you to choose food as per your interest and preference.