Take My Advice: Don't Visit Gansu During the Off-season (April-June) Because...

It's Too Beautiful!!! 5-Day 4-Night High-Value Slow Travel Guide to Gansu - Encounter a Thousand Years of Silk Road Splendor Gansu, a magical land carrying the legacy of Silk Road civilization, boasts both the vast magnificence of desert solitude and the gentle charm of the Yellow River flowing through its cities. Want to deeply experience its allure in 5 days? Save this money-saving and leisurely guide! Day 1: Lanzhou - Life Along the Yellow River Start your journey with an authentic bowl of Lanzhou beef noodles upon arrival. Unlike noodles elsewhere, the noodles here come in over ten thickness varieties, from hair-thin to broad leaf-like. Try them at a time-honored noodle shop near Lanzhou Station, where crisp radish slices and rich beef broth create a soul-satisfying combination! Before lunch, explore the local Longyan flavors around Zhongshan Bridge. Savor the soft and sweet hui dou zi (mung bean jelly), the tangy and chewy niang pi (cold rice noodles), and the fragrant sweet fermented rice wine - each bite authentic Lanzhou flavor. Take an evening stroll across Zhongshan Bridge, a century-old iron bridge spanning the Yellow River. At sunset, it creates picture-perfect scenes with White Pagoda Mountain. For dinner, try hand-pulled lamb with salt and pepper, paired with Three-Gun Tea to cut through the richness, experiencing northwestern hospitality. Day 2: Dunhuang - A Journey Through Time on the Silk Road Dunhuang's main attractions are along the western route. Hiring a car is recommended (400-500 yuan per day) for flexibility and enjoying the Gobi landscape. Western Thousand Buddha Caves: Less crowded than Mogao Caves, with well-preserved vibrant murals offering an intimate look at ancient art. Yangguan Ruins: Though only ruins remain of this "Western pass where old friends part," you can still sense its former glory as a Silk Road hub. The on-site Yangguan Museum is worth visiting to learn about Silk Road history through artifacts and sand tables. Yumen Pass Ruins: Well-preserved Han Great Wall and granary ruins. From the viewing platform, take in panoramic views of the vast Gobi Desert and distant snow-capped mountains. Yadan National Geological Park: Known as the "Devil City," these landforms are nature's masterpiece. Tour by sightseeing bus while guides explain formations like "Standing Peacock" and "Western Sea Fleet." Arrive at the final viewpoint at sunset to see the orange twilight paint the unique Yadan formations - it's more spectacular than you can imagine. Day 3: Dunhuang - Where Desert Meets Art Morning - Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring: Enter before sunrise when there are fewer visitors and cooler sand. Choose between a camel ride (100 yuan per person) with tinkling bells or challenge yourself to hike up for a bird's-eye view of Crescent Spring. The scenic area also offers sand sliding and desert motorcycling. Afternoon - Mogao Caves: Book tickets one month ahead through the official WeChat account (238 yuan per person, includes Digital Exhibition Center and cave visits). Start at the Digital Center watching two themed films about the caves' history and artistic value, then tour 8-10 open caves with a guide. The exquisite murals and painted sculptures spanning millennia tell the story of Buddhism's eastward spread - truly awe-inspiring. Evening - Shazhou Night Market: Recharge here with local specialties like donkey meat yellow noodles, braised lamb flatbread, and apricot drink. Shop for souvenirs like luminous cups and camel wool products. Day 4: Lanzhou - Savoring Yellow River Scenery Sleep in and enjoy a relaxed day in Lanzhou. Choose between riding a traditional sheepskin raft down the Yellow River (80-100 yuan per person) or cycling along the Yellow River Scenic Line, passing the Waterwheel Garden and Yellow River Mother Statue. In the evening, find a teahouse by the Yellow River, order Three-Gun Tea, and watch the sunset reflect on the water, experiencing the city's tranquility and beauty. For dinner, try Lanzhou preserved pork - the perfectly fatty pork belly pairs wonderfully with lotus leaf pancakes. Day 5: Exploring Gansu's History Gansu Museum offers free admission (reservation required) and is perfect for understanding local history and culture. The museum's treasure, the "Flying Horse of Gansu," though small, shows extraordinary artistic merit. The Silk Road exhibition hall vividly recreates Gansu's important role through rich artifacts and scene reconstructions. After your visit, enjoy a bowl of hui dou zi on Zhengning Road Food Street nearby, perfectly concluding your Gansu journey. Practical Tips 1. Transportation: Take overnight train from Lanzhou to Dunhuang (hard sleeper around 200 yuan); in Dunhuang, use ride-hailing apps or shared bikes as taxis are expensive. 2. Accommodation: In Lanzhou, stay near Xiguan Cross for convenience; in Dunhuang, choose guesthouses near Mingsha Mountain for sunrise and sunset views. 3. Sun Protection and Moisturizing: Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for strong UV rays; pack face masks and lip balm for the dry climate. 4. Food Recommendations: Besides mentioned dishes, try Lanzhou sweet rice wine milk tea, Dunhuang lamb noodle soup, and Zhangye beef rice. Follow this guide, take it slow, and experience both the grandeur and gentleness of Gansu - you'll surely fall in love with this land!