Written by Veronica |
Gansu is a beautiful province in northwestern China. It is known for its history, its vastness, and unique western landscapes. Its geographic location has made it an critical stop on the ancient Silk RoadĀ in history, in terms of military, trade, and cultural exchange. As a result, there are a wide range of attractions reflecting the regionās rich history and cultural heritage.
Whether this is your first time in Gansu, or you have been here and have come back for more, there is always more to see and do. From mysterious grottoes to stunning Danxia landform, temples to ancient fortresses, this article will take you through the top 10 things to do in Gansu on your Silk Road tour.
1. Marvel at the Majestic Mogao Caves
Visiting Mogao Caves in DunhuangĀ is probably the top thing to do in Gansu for travelers. Also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, it was first built in the sixteen kingdoms period throughout many dynasties. Explore the 735 caves, 45,000 square meters (484,376 square feet) of murals, and 2,415 clay painted sculptures. It has the largest collection of Buddhist art in the world.
Together with Yungang grottoesĀ in Datong, Longmen grottoesĀ in Luoyang, and Maijishan grottoes in Tianshui, Mogao Caves is known as one of Chinaās Four Greatest Grottoes.
2. Traverse the Otherworldly Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park is the most representative and the largest Danxia landform in China. It covers more than 536 square kilometers (207 square miles), is known across the world for its colorful rock formations. The colorful sandstones give it the name of āRainbow MountainĀ in China.ā This natural watercolor painting is the result of millions of years of geological process.
The scenery is so unbelievable, the park has been ranked as one of the āTop 10 Geographical Wonders of the Worldā by National Geographic. It has brought fame and many visitors to Zhangye. The Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park includes Binggou Scenic Area and the Colorful Danxia Scenic Area, which are about 12 km (7.5 miles) apart.
3. Visit the Beautiful Langmusi Town
One of the best things to do in Gansu is to visit Langmusi Town, āLittle Oriental Switzerland.ā It is a small town divided by a river between Sichuan and Gansu Province. People of two cultures live here, Hui people in Sichuan, Tibetan people in Gansu.
In the Gansu part of the town, there are vast grassland and forests. Most residents are devout Tibetan Buddhism followers, so there are ancient temples and monasteries to visit. Explore this classic Silk Road attractionĀ on foot or on horseback.
4. Witness HistoryĀ at Jiayuguan Pass
For history lovers wondering what to see in Gansu, Jiayuguan Pass has the reputation of being the āFirst and Greatest Pass Under Heaven.ā It is the western starting point of the Great Wall of China. JiayuguanĀ was a vital gateway on the ancient Silk Road with great military, cultural, and economic significance.
It has appeared in many ancient Chinese poetry as a place associated with the end of civilization, nostalgia, and poignancy. You can climb the Great Wall and feel the history of this great construction under your feet.
5. Discover the Enchanting Dunhuang Oasis
Dunhuang flourished in the arid desert like an oasis. It is home to two amazing sights that have been named āWonders of the Desert,ā Echoing Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake. Thereās a natural phenomenon when sand makes sounds because of the wind, vibration, or sliding against each other, hence the name of the mountain. These fine sands are red, yellow, blue, white, and black.
The Crescent Lake lies among Echoing Sand Mountain. It is named so because of its shape like a crescent moon. The lake never dries even though itās in the desert. The clear water creates a beautiful contrast with its environment. In this Dunhuang Oasis, you can try desert activities like camel riding and sand sliding. It is also an ideal spot for viewing the sunset.
6. Experience the Spiritual Life of Tibetan Buddhism atĀ Labrang Monastery
Paying a visit to Labrang Monastery is also a popular thing to do in Gansu. The monastery was built in 1709 in Gannan, a region rich in Tibetan culture. It is recognized as one of the six most important monasteries of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. It has the best Tibetan Buddhism teaching system in China.
Labrang Monastery is sometimes referred to as āLittle Tibet,ā because it is home to the largest number of monks outside of Tibet. When you travel to Gansu, Witness the life of devoted Tibetan Buddhist monks engaging in rituals and prayers. The monastery has beautiful architecture and religious artworks.
7. Immerse Yourself in the Stunning Kongtong Mountain
Kongtong Mountain in Pingliang City is named āThe First Mountain of the Westā by Chinaās first emperor Qing Shi Huang. Its peaks and Danxia cliffs reach into the clouds above.
The view of Kongtong Mountain is stunning, but itās even more famous as āThe No. 1 Mountain of Daoism.ā Famous Daoist followers, literati, and emperors have visited this sacred land. There are many ancient Daoist structures left behind for you to visit as well.
8. Uncover the Mystery of Maijishan Grottoes
Named the āOriental Sculpture Museum,ā Maijishan Grottoes in TianshuiĀ is known for its amazing clay sculptures dating back to the late Qin Dynasty (384-417). Within 221 caves, there are 3,938 statues and nearly 1,000 square meters of murals. This is something you donāt want to miss making your list of things to do in Gansu. You can also hike up Maiji Mountain to see Xianren Cave and other attractions.
9.Ā Get Away in the Hidden Tibetan Village Zhagana
Zhagana is a little-known mountain village of Tibetan people. Its name means āstone town,ā and the residential houses here are all made of stone. If youāre wondering about what to do in Gansu, get away in this hidden village. Experience authentic Tibetan lifestyle in person. Amongst the mountains, the village seems like itās taken out of a building. You can walk along the rivers or take a hike in the nearby valleys.
10.Ā See Life of the Tibetan Nomads on Sangke Grassland
At this point, you have seen mountains, caves, deserts, and even the Great Wall in Gansu. This amazing province is also home to a beautiful grassland named Sangke. Also located in Gannan, this vast plain is home to Tibetan nomads in Gansu, who have lived here for generations. Take in the gorgeous view while you experience the nomad lifestyle. Check Gansu weather in different seasonsĀ before your journey.
