Top Places to Visit in Gansu | Must-visit spots in Gansu

1️⃣ Mogao Caves - A Buddhist Art Sanctuary 🔸Located in - Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City The fame of the Mogao Caves needs no introduction, as many have heard of it. Construction began during the Former Qin period and continued until the Yuan dynasty, spanning over a dozen dynasties. It is the largest and richest Buddhist art sanctuary in the world. 2️⃣ Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring - One of the Eight Scenic Spots of Dunhuang 🔸Located in - Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring is a national 5A tourist attraction, named for its crescent-like shape. Along with the unique desert landscape around, it has been considered one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Dunhuang since ancient times. 3️⃣ Jiayuguan Pass - The First and Greatest Pass under Heaven 🔸Located in - Jiayuguan City Jiayuguan Pass covers an area of 33,500 square meters and is known as the 'First and Greatest Pass under Heaven,' a national 5A tourist attraction. It was also a strategic pass on the ancient Silk Road, with significant defensive importance. The Great Wall walls connecting north and south form a strict defense system. 4️⃣ Maijishan - Known as the 'Jiangnan of the Northwest' 🔸Located in - Tianshui City Maijishan consists of grottoes, Xianren Cliff, Shimen, and Jieting Hot Springs, making up a national 5A tourist area of 215 square kilometers. Located at the watershed of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, it has a suitable climate, not too hot in summer nor too cold in winter, and is also known as the 'Jiangnan of the Northwest.' 5️⃣ Kongtong Mountain - The Premier Mountain of Taoism in China 🔸Located in - Pingliang City Kongtong Mountain covers an area of 83.6 square kilometers and was a fortress on the Silk Road west of Guanzhong. Emperors like Qin Shi Huang, Emperor Wu of Han, and Emperor Xuanyuan, as well as many famous scholars and poets, have visited and left behind numerous historical works. The martial arts school born here became one of the five major martial arts schools in China. 6️⃣ Zhangye Danxia - A Danxia Landform with Strong Visual Appeal 🔸Located in - Zhangye City The Zhangye Danxia scenic area covers an area of 50 square kilometers, comprising the Rainbow Mountains, Wuhu Gorge, and Rainbow Clouds Platform, among others. It is not only of aesthetic value but also of scientific research importance. 7️⃣ Labrang Monastery - One of the Six Great Monasteries of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism 🔸Located in - Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Labrang Monastery was built in 1709 and is designated as a national 4A scenic area. Here, one can experience the rich Tibetan culture and the complete Tibetan Buddhist teaching system. Its murals are acclaimed as a 'World Tibetan Academy,' and it has also been listed in the 'Magical Northwest Top 100 Scenery' list. 8️⃣ Yardang National Geopark - A Desert Landscape with Diverse Forms 🔸Located in - Dunhuang City This is a geological park known for its yardang landform, covering an area of 346.34 square kilometers. Due to its unique wind-erosion landforms and diverse desert landscapes, it has become a national 4A tourist attraction. Many films and commercials have been shot here, such as the well-known 'Hero' and 'Legend of the Heavenly Pulse,' among others.