7 Days Silk Road Adventure with Desert Feast and Historical Sites, Lanzhou

About this activity

Discover the Hexi Corridor like never before on our exclusive private tour. From the awe-inspiring Mogao Caves and hands-on mural copying experience to the vibrant Dunhuang Night Market and our stylish desert camp dinner with camel rides, ATVs, bonfires, and fireworks, this tour combines culture, adventure, and relaxation. Travel comfortably with private vehicles tailored to your group size, enjoy authentic local cuisine, and experience the rich history of Gansu in a way only insiders can. Perfect for travelers seeking a unique, immersive, and unforgettable journey along the Silk Road.

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At a glance

Duration: 7 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Tangola Travels

Ages: Infants (1–3 years) · Children (4–9 years) · Youth (10–17 years) · Adults (18–80 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Includes travel agency liability and accidental insurance coverage
Included: Admission fees: All attraction entrance fees listed in the itinerary
Included: Lunch
Included: Dinner
Included: Breakfast
Included: Stay 6 nights in local 4-star hotels
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Private tour vehicle will be arranged according to group size: 2 guests – 5-seat SUV; 3–5 guests – 7-seat minivan; 6–7 guests – 9-seat van; 8 or more guests – 15-seat minivan or tourist coach.
Included: An English-speaking tour guide

Not included

Not included: Meals: Breakfast and lunch are not included on arrival day in Lanzhou. On the final day of the tour, lunch and dinner are not included.
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Other personal expenses, e.g., drinks, hotel laundry, and optional services.

Itinerary

Day 1 · Lanzhou Arrival Day with Pick-up Service and Leisure City Walk

Iron Bridge of Yellow River

one hour

In the evening, you can enjoy the Yellow River night view at Zhongshan Bridge, order a cup of Sanpao Tai tea, feel the breeze from the river, and leisurely savor the night.

Enjoy a warm welcome dinner on your arrival day, with a feast of authentic Lanzhou specialties to kick off your journey.

Overnight stay in Lanzhou at a 4-star hotel

Day 2 · Lanzhou – Gansu Provincial Museum – Tianti Grottoes – Wuwei

Gansu Provincial Museum

3 hours

The Gansu Provincial Museum in Lanzhou is the largest museum in the province, showcasing over 350,000 cultural relics. Its highlights include Silk Road artifacts, Buddhist statues, ancient fossils, and exquisite painted pottery, offering a vivid journey through Gansu’s history and culture.
Tianti Grottoes

2 hours Admission included

The Tiantishan Grottoes near Wuwei are among China’s earliest Buddhist cave temples, dating back to the late 4th century. Known as the “origin of Buddhist art in Gansu,” the site preserves ancient sculptures and murals that reflect the early spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road.

Complimentary breakfast at the hotel · Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route, sampling authentic regional dishes. · Enjoy an evening dinner at a local restaurant, tasting the best of regional cuisine.

Overnight stay in Wuwei at a 4-star hotel

Day 3 · Wuwei Confucian Temple - Mati Temple - Zhangye

Wuwei Confucian Temple

2 hours Admission included

Step into the Wuwei Confucian Temple, one of Gansu’s best-preserved temples. Wander through its traditional architecture, admire ancient stone inscriptions, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Confucian China.
Stop 2

3 hours Admission included

Explore the Mati Temple Grottoes, perched along dramatic cliffs near Wuwei. Wander among ancient Buddhist caves adorned with intricate statues and murals, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Silk Road in a truly breathtaking setting.

Complimentary breakfast at the hotel · Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route, sampling authentic regional dishes. · Enjoy an evening dinner at a local restaurant, tasting the best of regional cuisine.

Day 4 · Dafo Temple of Zhangye - Zhangye National Geological Park - Jiayuguan

Dafo Temple of Zhangye

2 hours Admission included

Visit the Dafo Temple in Zhangye, home to the magnificent 35-meter-long reclining Buddha. Stroll through the temple complex to admire ancient murals, intricate sculptures, and traditional architecture, and immerse yourself in the rich Buddhist heritage of the region.
Stop 2

3 hours Admission included

Marvel at the Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains (a.k.a. National Geological Park), where layers of red, orange, yellow, and green rocks stretch across the horizon. Formed over millions of years, this breathtaking landscape is a natural masterpiece and a must-see highlight of your Gansu journey.

Complimentary breakfast at the hotel · Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route, sampling authentic regional dishes. · Enjoy an evening dinner at a local restaurant, tasting the best of regional cuisine.

Overnight stay in Jiayuguan at a 4-star hotel

Day 5 · Jiayuguan Fortress - Hanging Great Wall - Dunhuang Night Market

Jiayuguan Fortress

2 hours Admission included

Discover Jiayuguan, the iconic ‘First Pass Under Heaven’ at the western end of the Great Wall. Walk along its massive walls, explore ancient watchtowers, and feel the history of this key Silk Road fortress firsthand.
Stop 2

one hour Admission included

Explore the Hanging Great Wall near Jiayuguan, a breathtaking section built along steep cliffs. Walk along this ancient marvel and enjoy dramatic views of the mountains and desert, experiencing the ingenuity and spirit of China’s Great Wall firsthand.
Stop 3

2 hours

Experience the vibrant Dunhuang Night Market, where colorful stalls line the streets offering local snacks, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Wander through the lively atmosphere, taste authentic street food, and soak up the charm of this bustling cultural hub under the evening lights.

Complimentary breakfast at the hotel · Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route, sampling authentic regional dishes. · Enjoy an evening dinner at a local restaurant, tasting the best of regional cuisine.

Overnight stay in Dunhuang at a 4-star hotel

Day 6 · Mogao Caves - Mural Copying Experience - Private Desert Camp Adventure

Mogao Caves

4 hours Admission included

Step into the Mogao Caves near Dunhuang, a treasure trove of over a thousand years of Silk Road history. Wander among magnificent Buddhist murals and sculptures carved into the cliffs, and immerse yourself in the art, culture, and spirituality of ancient China.

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Please note: During peak season (July–August), tickets to the Mogao Caves are very limited. There are two types: A tickets give access to 8 real caves plus 2 digital cinema shows, while B tickets cover 4 real caves. Our tour price includes A tickets. We recommend booking at least 30 days in advance based on your Mogao Caves visit date. If A tickets are sold out on the booking day, B tickets will be used instead, and the difference will be refunded: ¥138 per adult and ¥93 per child.
Dunhuang

1 h 30 min

Join a hands-on Dunhuang Mural Copying Experience, where you can step into the world of ancient Buddhist art. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, learn traditional techniques to reproduce the intricate patterns and colors of the Mogao Caves murals. This unique workshop offers a deep cultural immersion, letting you appreciate the skill and devotion of the artists who created these masterpieces along the Silk Road.

Complimentary breakfast at the hotel · Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route, sampling authentic regional dishes. · Private Desert Camp: BBQ & local dishes, camel rides, ATVs, seasonal fruits & drinks.

Overnight stay in Duhuang at a 4-star hotel

Day 7 · End of Tour in Dunhuang – Departure

Stop 1

30 min

Transfer to the airport based on your flight schedule.

Complimentary breakfast at the hotel

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Lanzhou Airport

We provide pick-up and drop-off services at Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport, Lanzhou Railway Station, Dunhuang Airport, or Dunhuang Railway Station. Our guide and driver will arrive in advance and hold a sign with “Tangola Travels” and the guest’s name for easy recognition.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.