5-Day, 4-Night Gansu Practical Guide | Traversing the Hexi Corridor, A Complete Guide

Unlock Gansu's Gobi Danxia and rich cultural heritage. This experience guide will help you plan your itinerary and efficiently visit all the core attractions~ I. Key Highlights: Why is it worth visiting? Gansu connects the essence of the Hexi Corridor, where nature and culture intertwine: The layered colors of Zhangye Danxia are like an artist's palette on the earth, Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring holds the wonder of sand and water coexisting, and the thousand-year-old murals of the Mogao Grottoes tell stories of the Silk Road. From the Gobi Desert to ancient oasis cities, every step reveals the unique vastness and profoundness of the Northwest, perfect for travelers who prefer in-depth experiences 📜 II. Recommended Activities: A Relaxed Itinerary Without Rushing 1. Classic 5-Day Itinerary • Day 1: Arrive in Lanzhou → Book a hotel on Trip.com and check in → Stroll along Zhongshan Bridge in the evening and try Lanzhou Beef Noodles • Day 2: Lanzhou → Zhangye (Book high-speed rail tickets on Trip.com, approx. 2 hours) → Visit Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park in the afternoon → Stay near the Danxia scenic area • Day 3: Zhangye → Jiayuguan (Book bus tickets on Trip.com, approx. 3 hours) → Visit Jiayuguan Fort → Stroll around Xiongguan Square in the evening • Day 4: Jiayuguan → Dunhuang (Book high-speed rail tickets on Trip.com, approx. 2 hours) → Ride camels at Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring in the afternoon → Watch the desert stars at night • Day 5: Mogao Grottoes (Book in advance) → Shop for local specialties in Dunhuang city → Return journey 2. Must-Experience Scenarios • Take photos at Zhangye Danxia at sunset; the colors are more vibrant under the sunlight. • Ride a camel through the dunes of Mingsha Mountain and experience a unique desert stroll. • Follow a guide at Mogao Grottoes to hear the historical stories behind the murals and immerse yourself in Silk Road culture. III. Transportation Guide: Flexible Options 1. External Transportation • Flights: Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport and Dunhuang Mogao International Airport are the main hubs. When booking flights on Trip.com, you can also select airport transfer services directly to your city hotel. • High-speed Rail: Lanzhou is a transportation hub in the Northwest. High-speed rail is available to Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang. You can check real-time schedules and book on Trip.com, saving time and increasing efficiency. • Self-driving: Suitable for group travel. Trip.com Maps can navigate the "Hexi Corridor Classic Route," avoiding construction sections, and parking is convenient at attractions along the way. 2. Internal Transportation • Scenic Area Transportation: Zhangye Danxia scenic area shuttle bus is 20 RMB/person, Mogao Grottoes round-trip shuttle bus is 10 RMB/person. You can select these when booking scenic area tickets on Trip.com, avoiding on-site queues. IV. Cost Reference: Transparent Budget, No Pitfalls • Tickets: Zhangye Danxia 74 RMB/person, Jiayuguan Fort 110 RMB/person, Mogao Grottoes 238 RMB/person (includes guide). Trip.com often offers package discounts for advance bookings. • Accommodation: Mid-range hotels in Lanzhou/Dunhuang city are 200-400 RMB/night, guesthouses near Zhangye Danxia are 150-300 RMB/night. Filter for "free cancellation" on Trip.com for more flexibility. • Dining: Average 40-70 RMB/meal. Lanzhou Beef Noodles, Zhangye Chaopao, Dunhuang Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles, and other local specialties are worth trying. • Transportation: Inter-provincial high-speed rail averages 300-500 RMB/person, scenic area transportation and city taxis average 100-200 RMB/person. The total average cost for the entire trip is approximately 1500-2500 RMB (flexible depending on spending). V. Practical Tips: Avoid Pitfalls and Enjoy Your Trip 1. Best Travel Time: May-June, September-October, when the climate is comfortable with less rainfall. Check real-time tourist traffic on the Trip.com homepage for off-peak travel for a better experience. 2. Outfit Suggestions: The temperature difference between day and night in the Northwest is significant, so bring a light jacket + sun protection clothing. In desert areas, wear a hat, sunglasses, and non-slip hiking shoes. 3. Sun Protection and Hydration: UV rays are strong, so be sure to apply sunscreen, and carry moisturizing skincare products and drinking water with you. 4. Ticket Booking Tips: Mogao Grottoes tickets need to be booked 7 days in advance on Trip.com. Slots for popular times are limited, so booking early is more secure. 5. Cultural Respect: Do not touch murals or take photos when visiting Mogao Grottoes. Please abide by scenic area regulations to protect cultural heritage. The beauty of Gansu lies in its Gobi Danxia and Silk Road stories. Follow this guide, use Trip.com to handle tickets, accommodation, transportation, and other details, and focus on experiencing the vastness and profoundness of the Northwest~ Take this guide with you, and wish you a pleasant journey! ✨