5 Days Lanzhou and Zhangye Tour

Tour Overview

This 5-day tour explores two of Gansu Province’s most fascinating destinations along the ancient Silk Road: Lanzhou, the provincial capital and historic Yellow River gateway, and Zhangye, famed for its otherworldly Danxia rainbow mountains and important Buddhist heritage. Trace the footsteps of Silk Road merchants and monks as you visit ancient grottoes, imperial temples, and geological wonders. From the banks of the mighty Yellow River to the multicolored cliffs of the Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty in northwest China.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Lanzhou & Yellow River Scenery

Arrive at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, sits at an elevation of 1,520 meters in a narrow valley carved by the Yellow River, and has been a crucial hub on the Silk Road for over 2,000 years. After check-in, stroll along the Yellow River Iron Bridge (Zhongshan Bridge), known as the “First Bridge Over the Yellow River,” built in 1909 with German engineering assistance. Visit the Waterwheel Garden, showcasing the ancient wooden waterwheels that once irrigated the fertile riverbanks. Walk through the White Pagoda Mountain Park (Baita Shan) for panoramic views of the city and the Yellow River winding through the valley. In the evening, sample Lanzhou’s famous beef noodles (lanzhou lamian), a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage and one of China’s most beloved noodle dishes. Overnight in Lanzhou.

Day 2: Bingling Temple Grottoes & Lanzhou Museums

Morning drive approximately 3 hours to the Bingling Temple Grottoes (Bingling Si), located on a cliff face above the Liujiaxia Reservoir on the upper Yellow River. Dating back to the Western Qin Dynasty (420 AD), these grottoes contain 183 caves and niches with nearly 800 stone statues and 900 square meters of murals spanning over 1,500 years of Buddhist art. The most iconic statue is the 27-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha carved into the cliff face, one of the largest Buddha statues in Gansu. The name “Bingling” means “ten thousand Buddhas” in the Tibetan language. Access to the grottoes requires a scenic boat ride across the reservoir, offering stunning views of the canyon. Return to Lanzhou in the afternoon and visit the Gansu Provincial Museum, home to the famous Flying Horse of Gansu (Bronze Running Horse), a 2nd-century Eastern Han bronze statue that has become the symbol of Chinese tourism. The museum also houses extensive Silk Road artifacts including ancient textiles, coins, and Buddhist relics. Overnight in Lanzhou.

Day 3: Lanzhou to Zhangye via High-Speed Train

After breakfast, take a high-speed train (approximately 3 hours) from Lanzhou West Station to Zhangye West Station, traveling through the dramatic Hexi Corridor, the narrow passage between the Qilian Mountains to the south and the Gobi Desert to the north that served as the main artery of the Silk Road. Zhangye, historically known as Ganzhou, was a major military and commercial garrison on the Silk Road, founded in 111 BC during the Han Dynasty. Upon arrival, visit the Giant Buddha Temple (Dafo Si), built in 1098 during the Western Xia Dynasty. The temple houses a 34.5-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, the largest indoor reclining Buddha in China, carved from wood and clay and gilded in gold. The temple was an important religious center along the Silk Road and is said to have been visited by Marco Polo in the 13th century. Explore the temple’s halls and the accompanying museum showcasing Silk Road artifacts and Buddhist scriptures. Overnight in Zhangye.

Day 4: Zhangye Danxia National Geopark

Full-day excursion to the Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, located approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Zhangye. This spectacular geological wonder covers over 50 square kilometers of multicolored sandstone and conglomerate formations, created over millions of years through tectonic activity, erosion, and mineral deposition. The park’s layered cliffs display a dazzling array of colors, including deep reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and blues, earning it the nickname “Rainbow Mountains.” In 2010, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the China Danxia serial nomination. Visit the park’s four main viewing platforms: the Colorful Screen, the Colorful Clouds, the Colorful Castle, and the Colorful Gorge, each offering different perspectives on the surreal landscape. The best light for photography is during early morning and late afternoon, when the low sun intensifies the colors. Also visit the nearby Binggou Danxia Scenic Area, known for its dramatic canyon formations and window-like lattice structures. Return to Zhangye for overnight.

Day 5: Matisi Temple & Departure

Morning visit to the Matisi Temple (Horse Hoof Temple), located approximately 65 kilometers southeast of Zhangye in the Qilian Mountains. This remarkable Buddhist temple complex is carved into the cliff face at an elevation of 2,600 meters and dates back to the Northern Liang Dynasty (5th century AD). The temple gets its name from a legendary horse hoof print said to be left by a heavenly horse, preserved in one of the caves. The complex includes the Thousand Buddha Caves, the Golden Pagoda Temple, and the spectacular Bodhisattva Hall with its nine-story pavilion built into the cliff. The temple is also an important site for the Yugur ethnic minority, one of China’s smallest ethnic groups with a population of approximately 14,000. After the visit, return to Zhangye for lunch. Transfer to Zhangye West Station for your high-speed train to Lanzhou or onward destination, or to Zhangye Ganzhou Airport for flights. End of tour.

Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• 4 nights accommodation (2 nights Lanzhou, 2 nights Zhangye)
• Daily breakfast
• Lanzhou-Zhangye high-speed train ticket (second class)

Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal
• International and domestic flights
• Travel insurance and personal expenses