5-Day Tour of Lanzhou, Zhangye, and Jiayuguan: A Detailed Guide

A five-day tour of Lanzhou, Zhangye, and Jiayuguan is a must for anyone who wants to experience the magnificent scenery and rich culture of Northwest China! -- 🚩Itinerary: D1: Arrive in Lanzhou—Airport Transfer—Check in to Hotel After checking in, enjoy a full day of free time. We recommend visiting the city's attractions and sampling the local cuisine! D2: Depart from Lanzhou—Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park Today, we travel to Zhangye to explore the magical beauty of the colorful Danxia landforms and marvel at the wonders of nature. D3: Zhangye—Binggou Danxia Scenic Area—Jiayuguan Fort We continue our Danxia adventure with a visit to Binggou Danxia Scenic Area. In the afternoon, we head to Jiayuguan to admire the magnificent Jiayuguan Fort. D4: Jiayuguan—Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring Departing from Jiayuguan, we explore the artistic treasures of the Mogao Caves. Afterward, we travel to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring to experience the magical blend of desert and oasis. D5: End of Tour in Lanzhou Your pleasant journey concludes. Please book flights or train tickets departing after 13:00 for a relaxed return trip. -- Must-See Attractions: 🌟 Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring 🌟🌟 Address: Mingshan Road, Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City Opening hours: 07:30–18:00, November 10, 2024–March 9, 2025 Suggested visit duration: 3–5 hrs An oasis in the desert, Crescent Moon Spring is serene and beautiful, while Mingsha Mountain offers a thrilling sand-sliding experience. 🌈 Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park 🌟🌟 Address: Nantai Village, Nizhenying Town, Linze County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province Opening hours: 07:30–17:00, March 1–20 Suggested visit duration: 3–5 hrs The colorful Danxia landforms are like nature's palette, especially stunning at sunset. It's a paradise for photographers. 🏯 Mogao Caves 🌟🌟 Address: 25 km southeast of Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City Opening hours: 09:00–17:30, December 1, 2024–March 31, 2025 Suggested visit duration: 3–4 hrs A treasure trove of Buddhist art spanning a millennium, each mural and statue tells a story of history. 🏰 Jiayuguan Fort 🌟🌟 Address: Guancheng South Road, Yuquan Town, Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province Suggested visit duration: 2–4 hrs Standing on the Jiayuguan Fort, you can feel the weight of history and the majesty of the border fortress. 🌄 Binggou Danxia Scenic Area 🌟🌟 Address: S213, Kangle Township, Sunan Yugur Autonomous County Opening hours: 09:00–17:00 Suggested visit duration: 3–4 hrs The crimson colors and unique shapes of Binggou Danxia make it a great place for photography and exploration. -- What to Bring: 👕 **Clothing**: Bring a sun-protective jacket, long pants, a coat, and flat shoes suitable for long walks. 🎒 **Personal Items**: Don't forget sunglasses, which are both stylish and sun-protective. A charging cable and power bank are also essential for staying connected. 🎫 **Documents**: Be sure to bring your ID card. If you have a student ID, please bring it with you as many attractions offer discounts. 💊 **Medical Supplies**: Prepare some motion sickness medication and digestive medicine in case of discomfort. Also bring a mask to protect your health. 💰 **Cash and Payment**: Although electronic payment is common, it is still recommended to bring a small amount of cash for emergencies. These are the essential items for your trip to Lanzhou, Zhangye, and Jiayuguan. Prepare them well, and your journey will be smoother and more enjoyable! -- Lanzhou, Zhangye, and Jiayuguan: A journey through Northwest China, where you can experience the grandeur of the desert, the long river, and the setting sun, and create unforgettable memories! 🌄