Hexi Corridor Travel Route Map

5-Day In-Depth Hexi Corridor Itinerary The Hexi Corridor is a golden route combining history, culture, and natural landscapes. Below is a classic 5-day itinerary that balances cultural depth and breathtaking scenery, suitable for self-driving or private car tours (self-driving recommended for greater flexibility). Day 1: Lanzhou/Xining → Wuwei (270km, ~3 hours) Theme: Han-Tang Military Hub & Hometown of the Flying Horse of Gansu • Morning: Depart from Lanzhou/Xining to Wuwei via Lianhuo Expressway. • Afternoon: • Leitai Han Tomb (excavation site of China's tourism emblem "Flying Horse of Gansu", featuring Han Dynasty burial chambers and bronze chariot formations). • Wuwei Confucian Temple (largest Confucian temple in Northwest China, showcasing Ming Dynasty plaques and the Zhuangyuan Bridge). • Accommodation: Wuwei downtown (recommended: Tianma Hotel, near night market). • Food: "Three-Carriage Meal" (Liangzhou cold noodles + braised meat + jujube tea), fried dough twists in rice soup. Day 2: Wuwei → Zhangye (240km, ~3 hours) Theme: Rainbow Mountains & Silk Road Buddhism • Morning: Head to Zhangye, optional stop at Shandan Horse Ranch (world's largest military horse ranch, lush grass in summer). • Afternoon: • Zhangye Danxia Landform (enter 3 hours before sunset, focus on No.4 viewing platform "Mountain of Knives and Sea of Fire"). • Giant Buddha Temple (largest indoor reclining Buddha in Northwest China, housing rare Ming Dynasty Buddhist manuscripts). • Accommodation: Homestays near Danxia (convenient for sunrise photography). • Food: Rolled chicken, fish-shaped noodles, apricot peel water. Day 3: Zhangye → Jiayuguan (230km, ~2.5 hours) Theme: First Pass Under Heaven & Great Wall Culture • Morning: Travel to Jiayuguan, optional detour to Hanging Great Wall (earthen wall on Heishan Mountain, great for hiking). • Afternoon: • Jiayuguan Fort (climb the tower to see the legendary "City-Fixing Brick" with views of Qilian Mountains and Gobi). • First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall (Ming Dynasty watchtower by Taolai River Canyon, evoking frontier solitude). • Accommodation: Jiayuguan downtown (recommended: Plaza Holiday Hotel near night market). • Food: Jiayuguan barbecue (lamb + baked buns), "Huguo" stew. Day 4: Jiayuguan → Dunhuang (380km, ~4.5 hours) Theme: Desert Art Treasury & Silk Road Pearl • Morning: Drive to Dunhuang via Lianhuo Expressway, optional stop at Guazhou Suoyang City (Tang Dynasty ruins + T'er Temple). • Afternoon: • Mogao Caves (book Class A tickets 30 days in advance, highlight caves: No.96 Giant Buddha & No.17 Library Cave). • Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Lake (evening camel ride + sandboarding, sunset by the lake). • Accommodation: Dunhuang downtown or homestays near the dunes (recommended: Dunhuang Resort for stargazing). • Food: Donkey meat with yellow noodles, apricot peel water, Poplar-braised pancakes. Day 5: Dunhuang In-Depth Tour Theme: Yangguan-Jade Gate Pass & Desert Stars • Morning: • Yangguan Pass ("No friends west of Yangguan" site, see beacon towers + museum). • Yumenguan Pass ("Spring breeze never reaches Jade Gate" site, Han Dynasty Great Wall and Fangpan City). • Afternoon: Return to Dunhuang, optional visit to Dunhuang Museum (replica caves & Silk Road artifacts). • Evening: Desert Star Camp (bonfire party + Milky Way viewing, recommended near Yadan Ghost City). Transport Tips: • Self-drive: Rent SUVs (pick up in Lanzhou/Xining, return in Dunhuang) for Gobi terrain. • Private car: Local drivers know routes well (ideal for families/small groups). • Train: Bullet trains available between cities (~3 hours/segment), but taxis needed for attractions. Important Notes: 1. Ticket reservations: Mogao Caves require 30-day advance booking (Class A: 8 caves + digital film). Danxia depth tour recommended (¥368/person, includes private car + 6 viewing platforms). 2. Best season: May-October (strong UV protection in summer, some sites close in winter). 3. Gear: Prepare sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, sand masks, and hiking shoes for Gobi/Great Wall walks. 4. Cultural respect: No photography in Mogao Caves, no climbing on Yangguan/Yumenguan ruins. This route blends history (Han-Tang fortresses, cave art) and nature (Danxia, desert, snow mountains) with daily driving under 4 hours, perfect for slow travel. With extra time, consider adding: Jinta Poplar Forest (October foliage) or Guazhou "Desert Baby" giant sculpture.