Dunhuang, Jiayuguan and Zhangye tour

Upon arrival at Dunhuang airport, you’ll be taken to your hotel. In this beautiful oasis surrounded by soul-soothing sand dunes, and as one of the most important cities on the Silk Road in China, you can rest up and enjoy the Shazhou Night Market or some traditional Chinese art performances at the Dunhuang Theater.

You’ll have a morning tour of the magnificent Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, including the Dunhuang Grotto Protection and Exhibition Center. This visit exposes you to ancient Chinese Buddhist art spanning over a thousand years, with hundreds of temples filled with detailed murals and sculptures. Learn about the rich history and cultural significance of the silk road region through these awe-inspiring artworks.

Your adventure continues at the enchanting Crescent Lake and Echoing-Sand Mountain, where the desert’s multi-colored sands sing with every breeze. Experience the beauty of this natural wonder and the serene oasis of Crescent Lake. Enjoy camel riding through this mystical landscape, making for an unforgettable exploration of ancient and natural wonders.

Today embark on a scenic drive to Jiayuguan, which takes approximately 5.5-6 hours drive with a detour to explore the Yulin Grottoes, an ancient network of caves nestled in the cliffs of the northern Silk Road. Within these hidden chambers, you’ll discover a vibrant tapestry of brightly colored frescoes and intricate sculptures that span 1,000 years of Chinese history and Buddhist art. These artworks vividly depict various aspects of daily life, religious beliefs, and mythical tales, offering a fascinating glimpse into the cultural richness and spiritual depth of ancient China. Overnight at Jiayuguan.

Morning you’ll visit Jiayuguan Pass– the first pass at the west end of the Great Wall of China and a key point on the China Silk Road, this defense station is still complete with ramparts, turrets, and eaves. You will also pay a visit to Great Wall Museum where you will get acquainted with the construction history of the Great Wall through models, texts, and pictures. Afterwards enjoy the visit to the Overhanging Great Wall, called the Xuanbi Great Wall in Chinese- a place with one of the most spectacular views along the Great Wall, and a lesson in the tactical ingenuity of ancient Chinese builders. In the afternoon you’ll drive to Zhangye Danxia Geopark for your overnight stay, if time & weather permits, you can enter the park to enjoy the sunset at the 4th or the 5th viewing platforms, the sunset time is different at different months (check with our travel experts for it when you book the tour).

This morning, you will spend the entire morning exploring the stunning Zhangye Danxia Geopark, often cited as the most beautiful landform in all of China. Enjoy this incredible natural wonder at the best time—sunrise (If you are interested in watching the sunrise, just share with your guide, who will arrange for you to get up early.) Hike from different viewing platforms to enjoy various angles of this beautiful Geopark.

In the afternoon, drive to Zhangye, where you will visit the Giant Buddha Temple. There, you’ll witness some of the most intriguing ancient artwork on the Silk Road, including the Giant Buddha itself, which lies inside the temple at 34.5 meters (about 113 feet) long and 7.5 meters (about 25 feet) wide.

In the late afternoon or evening, you will be dropped off at the Zhangye train station to take the train to your next travel destination, such as Lanzhou, Xining, or Xi’an, ending your time with WindHorseTour.