5 days Dunhuang, Jiayuguan and Zhangye tour

Dunhuang
⇀ Jiayuguan
⇀ Zhangye
Beautiful artwork, rich culture, and incredible natural beauty on the China Silk Road! Admire the Buddhist art treasures at Mogao Caves, explore the westernmost fortress of Great Wall, and enjoy the natural wonder of Zhangye Danxia Landform!
Type
Private
Duration
5 days
Theme
Photography
Trip code
SRA-04
Price
From CN¥ 3,200 per person
Discover the wonders of Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, and Zhangye Danxia Geopark on this short 5 day China Silk Tour. Begin with the spiritual Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, where ancient Buddhist murals and sculptures captivate the soul. Journey to Jiayuguan to explore the westernmost fortress of the Great Wall, a testament to China's historical defense. The tour's highlight is the credible natural wonder - Zhangye Danxia Geopark (also called Rainbow mountain), it is a spectacle of nature's artistry with its vibrant, layered rock formations, enjoy the stunning sunrise and sunset if you are interested. This short China Silk Road tour offers a unique blend of China's rich cultural history and stunning geological marvels, ensuring a memorable adventure through time and nature.
Day 01 :
Arrive in Dunhuang

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.

Day 02 :
Dunhuang Tour - visit Mogao Grottoes, Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake

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.

Day 03 :
Drive to Jiayuguan with a Stop to Visit Yulin Grottoes

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.

Day 04 :
Jiayuguan Sightseeing - Drive to Zhangye Danxia Geopark

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).

Day 05 :
Zhangye Danxia Landform - Board the Train to your Next Travel Destination, End 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.

Tour notes:

Please note prices are based in CNY.

General inclusions:

2 bottles of mineral water provided daily.
All required government taxes and fees.
Domestic travel accident insurance.
Meals allowance for your guide and driver.
3 Stars hotel (shared twin room, private bathroom and daily breakfast)
Hotel accommodation is based on double occupancy (two persons sharing 1 standard twin room with private bathroom)
All entrance tickets as noted in the tour's itinerary.
Guide fluent in English, Chinese or Japanese that is certified by the state tourism build and from the local community. (If your native language is not listed please let us know, we are certain we can assist your needs.)
Airport and/or train station pick-up and drop-off.
Transportation will we be provided via a comfortable and clean car, minivan or tourist bus depending upon the groups size.

General exclusions:

Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, internet access, fax, telephone calls etc.
Tips for your guide and driver.
Meals that are not specified in the tour itinerary.
Optional Attractions that are not specified in the itinerary.
Flight and/or railway ticket(s) to the first city of the tour and departure from the last city of the tour.
Meals not specified in the itinerary.

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