5-Day Zhangye Xining Tour of Danxia Landform and Qinghai Lake

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Zhangye Arrival

   Hello! Welcome to this 5-day Zhangye Xining tour. Upon your arrival at Zhangye, there is a local driver waiting for you at the exit gate. Then he will transfer you to the city center hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangye

2. Day 2: Zhangye’s Highlights
   Zhangye’s Highlights Explore Zhangye's 900-Year Buddha Temple and Rainbow-hued Mountains

   This morning, meet with your guide in the hotel lobby. Afterwards, be transferred to visit the landmark of Zhangye - the Giant Buddha Temple. Also known as Dofo Temple, it was first built during the Western Xia Dynasty and has a history of over 900 years. The temple is an important cultural heritage of Buddhism on the Silk Road, as it is home to the largest indoor reclining Buddha in Asia. You can see the sleeping statue of Shakyamuni Buddha with a length of 34.5 meters, themed murals of Journey to the West, exquisite wood carvings, and colorful sculptures. The tour guide will select some significant stories to tell behind them.

   

   In the afternoon, we head to the Rainbow Mountain Scenic Area, which was hailed as an overturned palette from heaven. As its name suggests, the hills here come in various colors - red, orange, yellow, green, and look like a rainbow. There are 4 observation decks in the scenic area that allow you to overlook the Danxia landform and observe the rock texture up close. At sunset, the colors of the mountains become even more dazzling. After the visit, take the sightseeing bus out of the scenic area. Then your driver will take you back to the hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangye

   

3. Day 3: Zhangye to Xining by High-speed Train
   Climb Sacred Caves Where Han-Tibetan Buddhism Meets Celestial Art

   After breakfast, go to explore the Matisi Temple Grottoes - one of the "Three Artistic Grottoes of Hexi Corridor" (the others are Mogao Grottoes and Yulin Grottoes). The highlight here is the "Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes", located at the summit of Mount Meru. It consists of 7 layers and 21 caves, with tunnels connecting each layer. One special feature of the temple is that it blends both Han and Tibetan Buddhism.

   After lunch, transfer you to the railway station for a 2-hour high-speed train from to Xining. After arrival, a local driver will pick you up with a welcome sign board and send you to the city center hotel for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xining

   

4. Day 4: Xining City to Qinghai Lake
   Discover China's Largest Salt Lake Crowned with June Blossoms

   After breakfast in the morning, take a 150-minute drive with your private guide to Qinghai Lake, known as the "sapphire of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau". As the largest inland saltwater lake in China, Qinghai Lake has long been a star attraction on the northwest tourism route.

   The reason why this magical water area attracts countless tourists is its unique combination of natural landscapes: the deep blue lake surface and continuous sand dunes complement each other, and also the emerald green grassland and golden flower sea. This rare landscape diversity makes Qinghai Lake stand out among numerous tourist destinations. June and July are the best time for sightseeing every year, when thousands of acres of rapeseed flowers bloom around the lake, forming a beautiful picture with a professional cycling track.

   

   The Bird Island in the center of the lake is a paradise for bird watching enthusiasts. Tens of thousands of migratory birds come here in summer to escape the heat. In August, the entire lake area will transform into a golden ocean. Tourists can choose to take a cruise ship to experience the lake and mountain scenery up close, while photographers can capture breathtaking natural landscapes here. After the tour, drive back to Xining city.

   Note: The sunshine in Qinghai Lake is very strong, especially in summer. It is necessary to wear hats, sunglasses, etc. to protect the skin from sunburn.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xining

5. Day 5: Xining Departure
   Witness “Three Arts” of Butter Sculpture, Murals, and Barbola

   Today, continue exploring the best of Xining city! Ta’er Monastery, aka Kumbum Monastery, is one of the “Six Great Monasteries” of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Here you can enjoy the “Three Arts” - Butter Sculpture, Murals, and Barbola. Behind its amazing decorations, the monastery holds deep history, culture, and spiritual meaning.

   

   Next, go to visit Dongguan Mosque, the biggest mosque in Qinghai Province. It is one of the “Four Great Mosques in Northwestern China”. First built during the Ming Dynasty, the mosque has been standing in Dongguan District for over 600 years. The mosque’s round domes, beautiful columns, and groups of Muslims in prayer clothes make it a unique and lively sight.

   After the visit, your driver will take you to Xining airport or train station for your departure. This is the end of the 5-day Zhangye and Xining tour.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: N/A