5 Days Hexi Corridor Silk Road Tour of Lanzhou-Wuwei-Zhangye
Tour Overview
The Silk Road was one of the most important arteries of trade and culture in world history that connected the East and West. Chinaās silk, tea, and porcelain were brought to Middle Asia and Europe by caravans and traders. In exchange, China got glasses, horses, fruits, jade, etc. from Middle Asia and Europe. The Silk Road played a significant role in the cultural exchange between the East and West.
As the artery of the China Silk Road, the old Hexi Corridor in Gansu, nestled between the Qilian Mountains and the desert, is the not-to-miss place for any culture-seeker to Northwest China. This 5-day Silk Road Hexi Corridor tour starts from Lanzhou, Gansu provincial capital ā the eastern gateway to the Hexi Corridor, traveling to Wuwei (once a crucial military and cultural center during the Han Dynasty and beyond), and finally reaching Zhangye. Along the way, you will stroll along the Huanghe River, visit the world-famous Confucius Temple, explore the Tiantishan Caves, and marvel at Chinaās Rainbow Mountains… This short Silk Road route will bring you a true exploration of the splendid cultural relics as well as natural landscapes.
Travel destinations: Lanzhou, Wuwei, Zhangye
Suitable for: History Buffs, Culture Seekers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Take a leisure stroll along theĀ Huanghe River Custom Tourist LineĀ in Lanzhouā, the capital of Gansu province situated at the eastern entrance of the āāHexi Corridor,āā to enjoy the beautiful scenic spots along the way.
- In Wuwei, an oasis city strategically positioned midway in the eastern āāHexi Corridor, you will gain an insight into the story of the Bronze Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow unearthed in the Leitai Han Tombs.
- Learn about Confuciusā thoughts and history at Wuwei Confucius Temple, and enjoy the antique architecture.
- Take in the spectacular view of the colorfulĀ Rainbow MountainsĀ in Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, a highlight of anyĀ tour of the Hexi Corridor.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in LanzhouEnjoy a Scenic Riverside Stroll at Dusk
Welcome to our one of the best Silk Road tours! Upon your arrival at Lanzhou airport/train station, the local English-speaking guide will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board.
After a short break at the hotel in the city center, you will be guided to explore the Huanghe River Custom Tourist Line, often called "the Bund of Lanzhou." It starts from Zhongshan Bridge and follows the Yellow River. Along this riverside, youāll see several famous spots like the Yellow River Mother Sculpture, Waterwheel Park, Zhongshan Iron Bridge, and White Pagoda Hill Park. Taking a relaxing walk here is one of the best things to do in Lanzhou.
Meal: Lunch
Accommodation: in Lanzhou
Zhongshan Iron Bridge across the Yellow River - Day 2: Drive from Lanzhou to WuweiExplore Ancient Tombs and Learn about Chinese History and Culture
After breakfast, we will drive around 3.5 hours to Wuwei. The first site will be Leitai Han Tombs. China is never short in history, even in its wilder western regions, which could be readily found at Leitai Han Tombs in Wuwei.
We will trace back the history of this site to about 1,700 years ago, earning its reputation mainly in unearthing the famous Bronze Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow - which is taken as a Chinese National Tourist Symbol. The tombs were discovered by local farmers in 1969 when they were digging the combat tunnels; henceforth, we have more material to shed light on the Han Dynasty's culture, history, economy, and politics.
After that, continue your visit to Wuwei Confucius Temple, which was built in the Ming Dynasty on a large scale and with high historical status, about 500 years ago, for people to worship the greatest spiritual mentor of China, Confucius. The Temple also houses the Wuwei Museum to allow visitors not only to learn the thoughts and history of Confucius but also to appreciate the historic relics of Wuwei City. After the visit, go to a local hotel for the night.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Wuwei
Bronze Galloping Horse in Leitai Tomb - Day 3: Wuwei to ZhangyeDiscover Tiantishan Caves' Ancient Grottoes
Today, you will explore the main highlight in Wuwei ā the Tiantishan Caves, known as the āFather of All Chinese Grottoes.ā These caves are among the oldest in China, created about 1,600 years ago. Now, you can still see large wall paintings, caves built on three levels, 17 shrines, more than 100 Buddha statues, and Buddhist texts with mixed features of the Western Xia, the Northern Wei Dynasty, the Sui and Tang Dynasty, the Yuan Dynasty as well as the Ming Dynasty.
After the visit, drive to Zhangye, which is around 3 hours away from Wuwei city. On the way, listen to your guide explaining more histories and stories of this city. When you arrive, youāll be guided to the Giant Buddhist Temple, home to Chinaās largest indoor reclining Buddha ā the Nirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha. The statue is covered in gold leaf and painted in various colors, looking quite lifelike. Behind the Buddha, you can also see beautiful wall paintings. After the visit, your guide will transfer you to a local hotel so you can relax and rest.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Zhangye
15-meter-high statue of Shakyamuni Buddha at Tiantishan Caves - Day 4: Zhangye Rainbow Mountains TourExperience the Stunning Rainbow Mountains at Zhangye Danxia Geological Park
Today, you will fully tour the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. Zhangye is best known for its Danxia landform, which is the cityās top attraction. In 2011, National Geographic News named it one of the "10 Wonders of Nature in the World," and it truly lives up to the title. There are two main Danxia scenic areas, each with its unique beauty.
Firstly, go to The Ice Valley Mountain Scenic Area, and read Binggou Mountain in Chinese, which earns its fame mainly with its graceful shapes. Usually, people come here for sunrise scenery. Although the color of the hills here is not as bright as Rainbow Mountain, the unique form here easily excites people's imagination to enjoy the natural masterpiece in another way.
In the afternoon, transfer you to visit The Rainbow Mountain Scenic Area, which features bright colors and is better for enjoying the sunset. Seen from the high platforms, the rising layers of mountains in beautiful red with different saturation are bathed in rosy sunlight, depicting a gorgeous picture for the visitors.
Photography Tips: In summer, the best time to photograph the sunset is from 19:00 to 20:00. In winter, the best time is around 18:00~19:00.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Zhangye
Rainbow Mountain, Danxia Geological National Park - Day 5: Departure from Zhangye
Today is the last day of your 5-day Lanzhou Wuwei Zhangye tour. Free and easy on your own until the pick-up time for departure. Your local driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and send you to Zhangye airport/train station to see you off. If you want to extend your Hexi Corridor tour to Jiayuguan and Dunhuang, we are happy to customize an itinerary for you.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
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Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
