8 Days West China Tour: Xining, Zhangye and Dunhuang

Today your flight will touch down in Xining, the capital city of Qinghai. When you arrive at Xining you can meet your driver at the Airport, and then your driver will take you to the hotel to relax. Finally, I would like to wish you have a pleasant journey and Bon voyage.

Embark on a captivating morning journey to explore Chaka Salt Lake, the largest saline lake in Qinghai Province. This lake, whose name translates to "the sea of salt" in Mongolian, lies at the heart of the Qaidam Basin, a region voted by the national tourist geography magazine as one of the must-visit destinations.

After marveling at the lake's serene beauty and its unique saline ecosystem, we will embark on a scenic drive to Guide County, where we will spend the night.

Continuing our Qinghai adventure, your dedicated tour guide will greet you in the hotel lobby and lead you on a trek through the breathtaking Kanbula National Park. This park is renowned for its awe-inspiring Danxia landforms, boasting magnificent peaks, precipitous hills, caves, cliffs, and a myriad of rock peaks, stone columns, and stone walls. It's not just a showcase of natural wonders; it's also a world of vibrant plants and a haven for wildlife.

In the afternoon, we'll return to Xining and make our way to the train station to board an express train bound for Zhangye. As we bid farewell to Qinghai, we look forward to the new adventures that await us in Zhangye.

As we embark on a new morning, we will visit the storied Mati Temple, also known as the Horseshoe Temple. Named "Puguang Temple" by the royal court in the 14th year of the Yongle period during the Ming Dynasty, this temple houses a saddle and a dragon gown, both precious gifts from an emperor of the Qing Dynasty. Stepping inside, you'll be transported to a world of historical grandeur and imperial splendor.

After a satisfying lunch, we'll embark on a three-hour drive to the breathtaking Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. Nestled in the northern foothills of the Qilian Mountains, just 40 kilometers from the eastern outskirts of Zhangye city, this natural masterpiece awaits your discovery. 

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, our skilled tour guide will escort you to the Grand Buddha Temple, a cherished destination along the Silk Road. Here, you'll encounter the largest indoor clay statue of Buddha in China, along with exquisite mural sculptures and ancient buildings that whisper tales of bygone eras.

From the temple, we'll embark on a journey to Jiayuguan, where we'll visit the majestic Jiayuguan Fortress. Standing sentinel amidst vast deserts and surrounded by rolling mountains, it resembles a dignified general, ever vigilant in guarding the vast land. As we approach, you'll be struck by its imposing presence and the sense of history that emanates from every stone.

Our final stop in Jiayuguan will be the Great Wall on the Cliff. This unique section of the Great Wall was built on a ridge with a gradient of 45 degrees, soaring high in the air as if it had fallen from the top of the hill. This astonishing feat of engineering has earned it the nickname "Suspended Wall," and as you gaze upon its majestic form, you'll be left in awe of the ingenuity and perseverance of the ancient builders.

Continuing our sightseeing adventure, we'll head to the renowned underground gallery of the Weijin Tombs. Here, we'll be treated to a visual feast of lifelike and succinct wall paintings that encompass a vast array of subjects from politics, economies, culture, military affairs, folk customs, to science and technology during the Wei and Jin periods (4th century AD). Each stroke and brushwork is a window to the past, allowing us to glimpse into the vibrant world of ancient China.

After a satisfying lunch, we'll embark on a four-hour drive to Dunhuang, where we'll visit the Echoing Sand Mountain. As the sun begins to set, you'll have the unique opportunity to ride a camel for 40 minutes, experiencing the serenity and beauty of the desert scenery in the golden hour. The dunes will echo with the sound of your camel's bells, creating a magical and unforgettable moment.

After an extraordinary day of exploration, refresh and rejuvenate with a delicious dinner. Then, we'll continue our evening's adventures at the bustling Shazhou Night Market. This vibrant market is dotted with stalls selling unique commodities and souvenirs, making it the perfect place to pick up a keepsake of your trip to remember your time in Dunhuang.

Today we will appreciate the Holy Center of Buddhism Culture and Art-UNESCO of Mogao Grottoes. First, you will watch two movies to get a rough idea of the history of the Silk Road and the Mogao Grottoes. Then take the sightseeing bus to the original cave area, where a professional expositor will lead you to visit seven caves.

Today you will end your enjoyable Gansu tour, we will book the train tickets from Dunhuang to Lanzhou for you. the driver will transfer you to catch the express train. Wish you have a pleasant journey home.