4 Days Xian-Lanzhou-Xiahe Tour by Train

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xian-Lanzhou by High-speed Train (No meal)

   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 

2. Day 2: Lanzhou-Xiahe Tour (Lunch)
   Huanghe River Custom Tourist Line, Binglingsi Grottoes

   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 

   

3. Day 3: Xiahe-Lanzhou Tour (Lunch)
   Labrang Monastery, Sangka Grasslands

   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

   

4. Day 4: Lanzhou-Xian by High-speed Train (No meal)

   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