How to Plan a Gansu Tour？

Gansu Province, located in northwestern China, is a stunning travel destination combining breathtaking landscapes and a rich Silk Road heritage. From desert landscapes to majestic mountains, Gansu offers unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in China.

Covering over 454,000 square kilometers, Gansu is home to natural wonders such as Dunhuang’s Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake, the Zhangye Danxia Landform (Zhangye Danxia Geological Park, 张掖丹霞地质公园), Badain Jaran Desert, and cultural treasures like the Dunhuang Mogao Caves (敦煌莫高窟), Jiayuguan Pass (嘉峪关关城), and the western end of the Great Wall of China.

This Gansu travel planning guide will help you explore the must-see sights, travel itineraries, and insider tips, including the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and what to eat.

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Learn more details about how to visit China without a visa in 2025.

Facts About Gansu

Chinese Name: 甘肃 (Gān sù)

Named for: A combination of two ancient prefectures, 甘州 (Ganzhou, now Zhangye) and 肃州 (Suzhou, now Jiuquan)

Area: About 454,000 square kilometers

Population: Around 25 million

Location: Northwest China, forming a key section of the ancient Silk Road

Average Elevation: 1,500 to 3,000 meters

Climate: Semi-arid to arid with cold winters and hot, dry summers

Religion: Buddhism, Islam, Taoism, and traditional Chinese folk religions

Language: Predominantly Mandarin, with local dialects and minority languages such as Tibetan and Mongolian

Top Gansu Attractions: What to See in Gansu?

1. Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes (敦煌莫高窟)

• Historical Background: The Mogao Grottoes were established during the Sixteen Kingdoms period and expanded through various dynasties. They are the largest and most comprehensive site of Buddhist art in China and were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
• Highlights:
  • Murals and Sculptures: Featuring over 45,000 square meters of murals and more than 3,000 sculptures, showcasing a wide range of themes from Buddhist figures to traditional myths.
  • Architectural Styles: The grottoes blend architectural styles from India, Central Asia, and China, including meditation caves, central-pillar caves, hall caves, and large Buddha caves.
  • Library Cave: Once housed over 60,000 ancient manuscripts, crucial for studying Chinese history, culture, and religion.
• Practical Information:
  • Ticket: ¥238 (peak season); advance booking required via the official website.
  • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (10:00 AM–4:00 PM in winter).
  • Transportation: Take Bus No. 3 from Dunhuang city.
• Local Cuisine: Niangpi (stuffed noodles) from Xinghuacun, roasted lamb at Dunhuang Night Market.
• Cultural Experience: Join guided tours to delve into Buddhist culture and ancient art.

2. Zhangye Danxia Landform (张掖丹霞地貌)

• Highlights:
  • Colorful Landscapes: Famous for its vibrant colors, with red, yellow, orange, and green hues blending together, especially stunning during sunrise and sunset.
  • Geological Wonders: Unique geological structures, including the Binggou Danxia Scenic Area, make it a paradise for geology and photography enthusiasts.
• Practical Information:
  • Ticket: ¥40–¥60 (includes shuttle bus).
  • Best Time to Visit: June–September, with optimal lighting in the early morning or late afternoon.
  • Transportation: Take a tourist shuttle bus or hire a car from Zhangye city.
• Photography Tips: Use a wide-angle lens for panoramic shots and a telephoto lens for details; visit at different times to capture color changes.

3. Jiayuguan (嘉峪关)

• Historical Background: Jiayuguan was built in 1372 during the Ming Dynasty and is the western starting point of the Great Wall. It was a vital pass along the ancient Silk Road and is known as the “First and Greatest Pass under Heaven.”
• Highlights:
  • Fortress: Comprising inner and outer cities, watchtowers, and moats, it is a masterpiece of ancient military architecture. Visitors can climb the walls for panoramic views.
  • Suspended Great Wall: Built on cliffs, this section of the Great Wall is renowned for its steep and spectacular appearance.
  • First Beacon of the Great Wall: The western begging of the Ming Great Wall, a significant historical landmark.
• Practical Information:
  • Ticket: Jiayuguan Fortress scenic area ¥130 (includes Suspended Great Wall and First Beacon).
  • Transportation: Take Bus No. 3 from Jiayuguan city to the fortress; other sites can be reached from there.
• Nearby Attractions: Great Wall Museum, Donghu Ecological Tourism Area.
• Cultural Experience: Explore buildings like the General’s Residence and Guandi Temple to learn about ancient military and cultural life; visit the Great Wall Museum for insights into its historical development.

4. Crescent Lake and Singing Sand Dunes (鸣沙山月牙泉)

• Highlights:
  • Desert and Oasis Coexistence: A natural wonder where the Crescent Lake remains undried for centuries amid surrounding sand dunes.
  • Sand Sliding Experience: Slide down the dunes to hear the unique “singing” sound of the sand.
• Practical Information:
  • Ticket: ¥110 (includes sand sliding and camel riding).
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening to avoid midday heat.
  • Transportation: Take Bus No. 3 or a taxi from Dunhuang city.
• Local Cuisine: Roasted lamb skewers and niangpi at Dunhuang Night Market.

5. Maijishan Grottoes (麦积山石窟)

• Historical Background: Built during the Later Qin period, Maijishan is one of China’s Four Great Grottoes, renowned for its exquisite clay sculptures.
• Highlights:
  • Cliffside Corridors: Explore the grottoes via cliffside corridors carved into the mountainside.
  • Buddhist Sculptures: Detailed clay sculptures from the Northern Wei Dynasty, particularly the flying apsaras.
• Practical Information:
  • Ticket: ¥110 (advance booking recommended in peak season).
  • Transportation: Take a tourist shuttle bus from Tianshui city.
• Cultural Experience: Admire the Buddhist sculptures and murals to understand the evolution of Buddhist art.

6. Labrang Monastery (拉卜楞寺)

• Historical Background: Established in 1709 during the Qing Dynasty, Labrang is one of the Six Great Monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is known as the “Little Lhasa.”
• Highlights:
  • Prayer Wheels Corridor: A 3.5-kilometer-long corridor for experiencing Tibetan prayer rituals.
  • Buddhist College: Observe monks engaging in debates (requires prior arrangement).
• Practical Information:
  • Ticket: ¥40 (guided tours by monks are available).
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or during religious festivals (e.g., Buddha Unfolding Festival).
  • Transportation: Hire a car or share a ride from Xiahe county.
• Cultural Experience: Participate in Tibetan Buddhist rituals and immerse yourself in Tibetan culture.

7. Qilian Grassland (祁连大草原)

• Highlights:
  • Grassland and Snow-Capped Mountains: The Qilian Grassland stretches endlessly, contrasting beautifully with the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
  • Rapeseed Flower Fields: Golden rapeseed flower fields in June–July create a stunning contrast with the snow-capped peaks.
• Practical Information:
  • Best Time to Visit: June–August (ideal for escaping the heat).
  • Transportation: Hire a car from Xining or Zhangye.
• Nearby Attractions: Zuer Mountain, Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Fields.

8. Lockyang City Ruins (锁阳城遗址)

• Historical Background: An important node on the Silk Road, preserving city walls and temple ruins from the Tang to Yuan dynasties.
• Highlights:
  • Archaeological Experience: Explore ancient granaries and military defenses.
  • Nearby Attractions: About 30 kilometers from Dunhuang’s Yangguan Site.
• Practical Information:
  • Ticket: ¥40 (local guide recommended).
  • Transportation: Hire a car from Dunhuang or Aksai Chin.

9. Chaka Salt Lake (茶卡盐湖)

• Highlights:
  • Mirror of the Sky: The lake’s clear water reflects the sky, creating a perfect mirror effect, ideal for photography.
  • Salt Sculptures: Various salt sculptures showcase the lake’s history and culture.
• Practical Information:
  • Ticket: ¥60–¥100 (includes shuttle bus).
  • Best Time to Visit: May–October, with optimal conditions after rain or in the evening.
  • Transportation: Take a tourist shuttle bus or hire a car from Xining.
• Photography Tips: Wear brightly colored clothing for enhanced reflection effects.

10. Bingling Temple Grottoes (炳灵寺石窟)

• Historical Background: Built during the Western Jin Dynasty, Bingling Temple is one of China’s earliest grottoes, known for its unique location and exquisite Buddhist sculptures.
• Highlights:
  • Grotto Art: Features 183 caves with Buddhist sculptures and murals representing various dynastic styles.
  • Reservoir Scenery: Located by the Liujiaxia Reservoir on the upper reaches of the Yellow River, offering beautiful lake and mountain views.
• Practical Information:
  • Ticket: ¥80 (includes boat fare).
  • Transportation: Take a boat or hire a car from Linxia.
• Cultural Experience: Admire the Buddhist sculptures and murals to understand the development of early Buddhist art.

Suggested Travel Length for Each Gansu City

How to Plan Your Gansu Travel Itinerary

3-Day Classic Gansu Tour

If you’re short on time, a 3-day itinerary focused on Dunhuang is ideal. Explore the famous Mogao Caves, Crescent Moon Spring, and the Singing Sand Dunes.

Suggested Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in Dunhuang and explore the city

• Day 2: Visit Yumen Pass, Yardang Geopark, and Mingsha Mountain

• Day 3: Visit the Mogao Caves before departing

6-7 Day Gansu Tour

For a more comprehensive tour, a 6-7 day itinerary will take you through major sites like Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, and Lanzhou.

Suggested Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival in Dunhuang

• Day 2: Explore Dunhuang attractions like Mogao Caves, Crescent Moon Spring

• Day 3: Travel to Jiayuguan for the Overhanging Great Wall and Jiayuguan Pass

• Day 4: Visit Zhangye’s Danxia Geopark and Dafo Temple

• Day 5: Travel to Lanzhou by high-speed train and visit landmarks

• Day 6: Take a speedboat ride at Liujiaxia Reservoir and visit the Bingling Temple Grottoes

8-10 Day Gansu Tour

For an extended tour, you can explore hidden gems such as Xiahe and the Labrang Monastery.

Suggested Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival in Dunhuang

• Day 2: Explore Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves and Crescent Moon Spring

• Day 3: Travel to Jiayuguan for the Overhanging Great Wall and Jiayuguan Pass

• Day 4: Visit Zhangye Danxia Geopark and Dafo Temple

• Day 5: Travel to Lanzhou, visit major city landmarks

• Day 6: Travel to Xiahe and explore Labrang Monastery

• Day 7: Visit Thangka Sunning Terrace in Xiahe

• Day 8: Return to Lanzhou and depart

Gansu Weather: When Is the Best Time to Visit Gansu?

• May–June (Spring): Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. Ideal for visiting:
  • Zhangye Danxia Landform (张掖丹霞地貌): Vibrant colors start to emerge.
  • Jiayuguan (嘉峪关): Explore the historical sites without crowds.
• July–August (Summer): Peak tourist season with lush greenery and vibrant scenery. Perfect for:
  • Qilian Grassland (祁连大草原): Enjoy the expansive grasslands and snow-capped mountains.
  • Chaka Salt Lake (茶卡盐湖): The “Mirror of the Sky” effect is stunning after rain.
• September–October (Autumn): Cool weather and autumn colors, ideal for photography. Don’t miss:
  • Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes (敦煌莫高窟): Explore the ancient Buddhist art.
  • Lockyang City Ruins (锁阳城遗址): Experience the historical Silk Road ruins.

Climate in Key Cities:

• Dunhuang: Arid, with windy springs, hot summers, and cold winters

• Jiayuguan: Dry, with minimal rain and hot summers

• Zhangye: Arid, warm in spring and summer, with cold winters

• Lanzhou: Mild, with warm summers and cold winters

Gansu Transportation: How to Get to Gansu?

By Airplane

• Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (兰州中川国际机场): Serves as the main gateway to Gansu. Flights connect Lanzhou to major domestic cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
• Dunhuang Airport (敦煌机场): Offers flights to and from Xi’an and Lanzhou, convenient for travelers heading to or from Dunhuang.
• When to Use: Ideal for long-distance travel within China to reach Gansu quickly.

By Train

• High-Speed Rail: Gansu is well-connected by high-speed rail. The Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway links Lanzhou to cities like Xi’an, Chengdu, and Urumqi.
• Key Stations:
  • Lanzhou Railway Station (兰州火车站): Hub for trains to major cities.
  • Dunhuang Railway Station (敦煌火车站): Connects to Jiayuguan and Liu Garden.
• Tips: Book tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. Trains are comfortable and offer scenic views.

By Bus

• Long-Distance Buses: Buses connect major cities like Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang. Major stations include:
  • Lanzhou Coach Stations: Eastern, Southern, and Western stations.
  • Zhangye Coach Stations: North and South stations.
• Local Buses: Useful for shorter trips within cities. Affordable and frequent.

By Car

• Renting a Car: Offers flexibility to explore remote areas like Zhangye Danxia and Qilian Grassland. Major car rental companies are available in Lanzhou and Dunhuang.
• Private Driver: Hiring a driver is convenient and stress-free, especially for group travel. Drivers can also provide local insights.
• Self-Driving: Suitable for experienced drivers. Ensure you have a valid international driving permit and familiarize yourself with local traffic rules.

Internal Flights

• Short-Haul Flights: Connect major cities like Lanzhou, Dunhuang, and Jiayuguan. Useful for saving time on long journeys.
• Airlines: Air China, China Eastern, and Hainan Airlines operate these routes.

Tourist Shuttles

• Dedicated Tourist Buses: Available at major attractions like Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes and Zhangye Danxia Landform. Convenient and cost-effective.
• Group Tours: Joining a guided tour ensures transportation is organized, allowing you to focus on enjoying the scenery.

Practical Tips

• Transport Apps: Use apps like Didi (Chinese Uber) for taxis and ride-hailing services.
• Timetables: Check schedules in advance, especially for buses and trains.
• Comfort: Bring essentials like water, snacks, and entertainment for long journeys.

What is the weather like in Gansu?

• Summer (June–August): Warm to hot, ideal for outdoor activities.
• Autumn (September–November): Cool and dry, perfect for photography.
• Winter (December–February): Cold and dry, with snow in mountainous areas.
• Spring (March–May): Mild but windy, with occasional sandstorms.

What is the local cuisine like in Gansu?

Lanzhou Beef Noodles (兰州牛肉面)

• Description: A iconic dish of Gansu, featuring hand-pulled noodles in a clear, spicy beef broth, topped with coriander and chili oil.
• Flavor: Savory, spicy, and aromatic.
• Where to Try: Local restaurants and street stalls in Lanzhou.

Niangpi (酿皮)

• Description: A cold dish made from wheat or rice flour, served with a spicy chili sauce, vinegar, and sesame paste.
• Flavor: Tangy, spicy, and slightly chewy.
• Where to Try: Night markets and street food stalls across Gansu.

Hand-Pulled Noodles (手抓面)

• Description: Wide, flat noodles made by hand, often served with mutton or beef in a rich sauce.
• Flavor: Rich and hearty.
• Where to Try: Local restaurants, especially in Dunhuang and Zhangye.

Roasted Lamb (烤羊肉)

• Description: Succulent lamb roasted over an open flame, seasoned with cumin and chili.
• Flavor: Juicy, smoky, and aromatic.
• Where to Try: Night markets in Dunhuang and Jiayuguan.

Lamb Hotpot (羊肉火锅)

• Description: A communal dish where lamb slices are cooked in a simmering broth with vegetables and noodles.
• Flavor: Rich and warming.
• Where to Try: Local restaurants, especially in colder months.

Yogurt and Milk Products

• Description: Influenced by nomadic traditions, Gansu offers creamy yogurt, milk tea, and cheese.
• Flavor: Tangy and slightly sweet.
• Where to Try: Tibetan areas like Gannan.

Liangfen (凉粉)

• Description: A cold jelly made from mung bean or potato starch, served with chili oil and vinegar.
• Flavor: Refreshing and spicy.
• Where to Try: Street food stalls and local restaurants.

Mutton Soup (羊肉汤)

• Description: A hearty soup made with lamb bones, herbs, and sometimes rice noodles.
• Flavor: Rich and savory.
• Where to Try: Local eateries, especially in the morning as breakfast.

Liángbèi (凉拌莜面)

• Description: Buckwheat noodles mixed with vegetables and a spicy dressing.
• Flavor: Light and refreshing.
• Where to Try: Northern Gansu regions.

Dunhuang Night Market Specialties

• Description: A variety of grilled meats, skewers, and local snacks.
• Flavor: Spicy and aromatic.
• Where to Try: Dunhuang Night Market.

Tibetan Butter Tea (酥油茶)

• Description: A traditional Tibetan beverage made with butter, salt, and tea.
• Flavor: Salty and rich.
• Where to Try: Gannan and other Tibetan-influenced areas.

Dining Tips

• • Street Food: Don’t miss the vibrant night markets in Dunhuang and Lanzhou for authentic local flavors.
  • Halal Options: Due to the Hui Muslim influence, many restaurants offer halal options.
  • Local Restaurants: Opt for small, family-run eateries for the most authentic experience.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the best attractions and travel information to help you plan your trip to Gansu.