Gansu Wuwei Family Travel Guide｜Unlocking the Northwest Ancient Capital with a 4-Year-Old

Wuwei, once the capital of Northwest China and the head of the Hexi Four Commanderies, was bestowed the name "Wuwei" by Emperor Wu of Han, reflecting the military might of the Han Dynasty. Before you go, it’s recommended to watch the documentary "Hexi Corridor" to better appreciate the city’s rich history and enhance your travel experience! Our family of three (with a 4-and-a-half-year-old) had a relaxed yet fulfilling 5-day itinerary, with a super detailed plan attached~ Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Wuwei, settle in and rest 1. Transportation: Fly from Nanjing to Lanzhou (3h), then transfer by high-speed train from Zhongchuan Airport East to Wuwei East (1.5h). The high-speed train station is inside the airport; after collecting luggage, it takes only 20 minutes to reach the station. It’s recommended to buy high-speed train tickets in advance based on your flight arrival time (we took the last train at 20:30). 2. Accommodation: Recommended is the Langham Culture Hotel in the city center, close to Jiumoluoshi Temple. The rooms are spacious, breakfast is abundant, and it’s very comfortable for staying with kids. Day 2: Binggou River + Desert Double Experience 1. Morning: Binggou River Scenic Area (ticket 120 RMB) - Book a private car driver in advance, about 1 hour drive. Upon entering the scenic area, buy round-trip shuttle bus tickets. Suggested route: ① Take the shuttle to the terminal station (Chai’er Longhai, altitude 2988 meters), do a short tour and return; ② Transfer to Malanhua Grassland, walk 300 meters inside to check in at the landmark (the scenery ahead is similar, to avoid exhausting the child); ③ Return to Rainbow Bridge, enter the forest sea and cross to the Starry Sky Camp. You can take the shuttle back to the exit or walk out through the forest. 2. Evening: Wuwei Desert (45 minutes by car) - Depart at 5 PM to enjoy go-karting, camel riding, and sand sliding. Our 4-year-old had a blast, and the desert sunset was very photogenic. Day 3: City Cultural Tour, Second Desert Visit 1. Morning: Sleep in and then stroll around the city - Route: Jiumoluoshi Temple → Haizang Temple (can be replaced by the Confucian Temple) → Wuwei City Museum to feel the historical depth of Wuwei. The museum has many cultural relics, suitable for light educational fun with kids. 2. Evening: Second visit to Wuwei Desert by the child’s request - The child wasn’t ready to leave the desert activities, so we went again for more parent-child time. Day 4: Natural Scenery + Grotto Exploration 1. Morning: Wushaoling (about 1 hour by car) - Depart at 9 AM! Wushaoling is the starting point of the Hexi Corridor and the junction of three plateaus. It’s high altitude with variable weather, so going early helps avoid rain. Walk along the plank road upwards to see the continuous Qilian Mountains, and on clear days, you can even see the Mayashan Snow Mountain. 2. Noon: Zhua Xixiulong Grassland (20 minutes by car) - The driver will take you deep into the grassland where there is a creek flowing from the snow mountains. We had bad weather and took quick photos before leaving, but on sunny days, the scenery here is stunning (refer to others’ check-in photos). 3. Afternoon: Tiantishan Grottoes (1.5 hours by car) - One of the earliest ancient Chinese grottoes. Although most grottoes have been relocated to the Wuwei Museum, the preserved 28-meter tall Buddha statue is still impressive. 4. Evening: Ming and Qing Night Market + City Tower - Stroll the night market for snacks, enjoy the city tower night view, and experience the lively atmosphere of Wuwei at night. Day 5: Return to Nanjing Food Recommendations (Tested by locals from Jiangsu, no misses) - Lanzhou yogurt, milk egg rice wine, Fangha milk tea, Sanpaotai (must-try drinks) - Beef noodles, barbecue, vegetable hotpot, Dianjuanzi (no risk of missing out on staple foods) - Youjuan cake (for sweet lovers to try)