◆ Feast on a culinary journey with 5 distinctive meals that promise a gastronomic delight. ◆ Rest in comfort and warmth with 2 consecutive nights in Dunhuang, including a unique experience in a Moroccan-style tent, and stay in hotels surrounding Qinghai Lake. ◆ Travel with ease, covering the essence of Qinghai and Gansu provinces without retracing steps, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the region's highlights. ◆ Enjoy a stable and secure journey with our experienced drivers who are dedicated to ensuring your trip is safe and smooth. ◆ Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains and grasslands to flower seas, lakes, deserts, Gobi, colorful hills, ancient temples, and salt lakes, all reflecting the rich cultural blend of the Hexi Corridor. ◆ Experience the full range of quintessential attractions. 【Special Gifts】Aerial photography at Chaka Salt Lake + camel riding and photo opportunities at Dunhuang Desert Camp + desert motorcycle experience. 【Signature Cuisine】Campsite specialty meals + a taste of the desert with small dishes banquet + a feast of local snacks in a northwestern homestay + Qinghai hotpot + Zhangye snack banquet. 【Exclusive Gift】Witness the grand song and dance performance "Return to Zhangye" for an in-depth understanding of Zhangye's historical Silk Road culture. 【Exclusive Arrangement】Qinghai Wenjia Ranch: Experience the beauty of Tibetan attire, archery, and pot-throwing, along with Tibetan blessings.
Your journey, day by day.
Day 1: Chongqing to Lanzhou/Xining
Embark on a journey of discovery by making your way to the designated high-speed train station. With your valid personal identification, collect your ticket at the railway station and board the train to Lanzhou. Upon arrival, a dedicated representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. Afterward, you are free to explore the city at your leisure, indulging in the local culinary delights that await you.
Day 2: Lanzhou to Menyuan, Qilian, and Zhangye
Embark on an early morning journey by coach to the enchanting Menyuan, a gateway to the ancient Silk Road. As you traverse the majestic Qilian Mountain Range, immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the "Hundred Mile Rapeseed Flower Sea" from June to August, a spectacle that stands as one of China's most magnificent natural displays.
Continue your adventure through the picturesque Qilian Grassland, renowned as one of China's six most beautiful grasslands. Marvel at the pristine waters, lush landscapes, and the ethereal summer skies that resemble a springtime dream.
Culminate your day with an exclusive evening treat—a complimentary ticket to the grand indoor performance of "Hui Dao Zhangye," valued at 280 RMB per person. This captivating show is a must-see cultural experience.
After a day filled with wonder and exploration, retire to your hotel for a well-deserved rest, ready to embark on new adventures the following day.
Day 3: Zhangye to Dunhuang
After a delightful breakfast, embark on an enchanting journey of discovery for the day. Begin with a visit to the mesmerizing **Rainbow Danxia Geopark**, where the unique landforms unfold in a symphony of colors that ripple across the mountains like waves, resembling a cascade of painted ribbons. Under the sun's radiant glow, these hues are exceptionally vibrant, leaving visitors in awe.
Next, proceed to the historical marvel, the **Jiayuguan Fort**, which marks the western end of the Great Wall and was a vital hub on the ancient Silk Road. Renowned for its strategic location and majestic grandeur, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Chinese engineering.
En route to Dunhuang, make a stop to admire the sculpture of **"Child of the Earth"**, a work of art that resonates with the vastness of the landscape. As you gaze south from this sculpture, you'll catch a glimpse of the ethereal mirage known as **"Boundless"**, a rare spectacle in the midst of the Gobi Desert.
Continue your cultural exploration with a visit to the **Emperor Wu of Han Statue** located on Yulin Avenue in Guazhou County. This statue not only captures the illustrious image of Emperor Wu but also intricately links historical figures, regional culture, and specific events.
Conclude your day of exploration by retiring to the comfort of a **Camping Tent**, nestled in the tranquility of the campsite, providing a serene setting to rest and reflect on the day's adventures.
Day 4: Dunhuang
Embark on a mesmerizing journey to one of China's renowned Four Great Grottoes, the Mogao Caves, where you'll explore the B-category ticketed areas. Recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 1987, these caves are celebrated for their vibrant and diverse murals that have captivated the world for centuries.
Afterward, venture into the heart of the desert to witness the marvels of nature at the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring. Often referred to as the twin sisters of the vast Gobi desert, these natural wonders are a testament to the spiritual essence of the mountain and the divine beauty of the water, encapsulated in the phrase, "The mountain resonates with spirit, and the water shines with divine grace."
Conclude your day of discovery with a well-deserved rest at our carefully selected hotel, ready to rejuvenate for the next chapter of your unforgettable adventure.
Day 5: Dunhuang to Geermu
After a delightful breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Dachaidan, where you will visit the stunning Feicui Lake, famously known as the filming location for the movie "A Little Red Flower". The lake's crystal-clear, azure waters, resembling the color of jade, have earned it the name "Feicui Lake". Continue your journey to the enchanting Chaka Salt Lake, which is as renowned as the Chaerhan Salt Lake and is the largest industrial salt lake area in China. Marvel at the unique salt crystal road, acclaimed as the "Vast Salt Bridge". After a day filled with wonder and exploration, retire to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day 6: Geermu to Chaka to Qinghai Lake
After a delightful breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the mesmerizing "Chaka Salt Lake - Sky No.1". Bathed in the golden sunlight, the vast expanse of the salt lake stretches out before you, a pristine white canvas. In the distance, majestic snow-capped mountains stand guard, while beneath your feet lies a sparkling blanket of pure white salt crystals. The lake's surface acts as a natural mirror, reflecting the fluffy clouds above and your own silhouette, creating an illusion of walking on air.
As you wander along the railway tracks that stretch towards the horizon, your imagination soars, conjuring images of a bygone era when trains once traversed this otherworldly landscape. After a day filled with wonder and exploration, retire to your hotel for a well-deserved rest, ready to embark on new adventures the following day.
Day 7: Qinghai Lake to Lanzhou/Xining
Embark on a delightful journey after a hearty breakfast. Begin your day by exploring the breathtaking scenery of the Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area, located in the southeast of Qinghai Lake. Known as the 151 Base due to its 151km distance from Xining, this is the perfect spot to admire the grandeur of Qinghai Lake.
Next, immerse yourself in the rich historical and cultural atmosphere of the Dan Ge'er Ancient City, which was built during the Ming Dynasty's Hongwu period and has a history of over 600 years. Here, you can experience the unique local ethnic customs and feel the charm of history.
Afterward, visit the Wen Jia Ranch, where "Wen Jia" is a transliteration from Tibetan, meaning "guardian." Standing at the highest point of the ranch, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Qinghai Lake, where the azure waves meet the sky and earth.
After lunch, return to Xining and admire the exterior of the Dongguan Great Mosque, one of the four famous mosques in Northwest China, located on Dongguan Street in Xining City, Qinghai Province. This is a grand architectural complex that showcases the region's Islamic culture.
Conclude your day with a relaxing stay at the hotel after a fulfilling day of exploration and discovery.
Day 8: Lanzhou/Xining to Chongqing
As we bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Qinghai and Gansu, we will ensure a seamless departure experience by arranging timely transfers to the train station in accordance with your high-speed train schedule. This marks the end of your delightful journey along the grand circuit of Qinghai and Gansu, leaving you with cherished memories and a heart full of gratitude for the wonders you've encountered.