Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring8.8
Best Things to Do
Mingsha mountain and crescent spring is located south of Dunhuang city, where sand dunes and springs coexist…
6 km south of Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City
From € 15
Gansu Travel Guide 2026: Top Cities, Places to Visit & Itineraries | Trip.com
Gansu
Trending in Gansu
Sun and moon year-round at Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring@Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring
Breathtaking golden dunes of Dunhuang@Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring
Dunhuang desert in fall, romantic Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring@Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring
Discover Gansu Through "Planet Earth"@Jiayuguan Guancheng
Lanzhou New Students Get Free Admission: Shuimo Danxia and More@Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park
About Gansu
Recommended length of visit
5-10 days
Local currency
CNY
Popular destinations
Dunhuang
Lanzhou
Zhangye
Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot, Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple
Tianshui
Maijishan Scenic Area, Maijishan Cave-Temple Complex, Fuxi Temple
Jiayuguan
Gannan
Zha Ga Na, Ganga Secret Scenic Spot, Ganjia Grassland
Wuwei
Qilian Mountains Binggou River Scenic Area, Tiantishan Grottoes, Wuwei Confucius Temple
Longnan
Guan'E Gou Scenic Area, Wenxian Tianchi National Forest Park, Wanxiang Cave Scenic Area
Must-visit attractions in Gansu
Looking for things to do in Gansu? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.
Best Things to Do
Family-friendly
Fall Viewing
Activities
Skiing
Must-try food in Gansu
Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Gansu dishes and foodie spots.
Quick bites
Hotpot
Barbecue
Gansu itinerary ideas
Traveler photos and experiences
Discover Labrang Monastery and experience a thousand-year-old tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, home to the world's longest collection of prayer wheels amidst the Chinese mountains.
Labrang Monastery (拉卜楞寺), one of the six great Gelug monasteries in Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, China, boasts a breathtaking landscape and enchanting architecture. Its perfectly preserved traditional Tibetan style blends red brick walls with gleaming golden roofs. A haven of pilgrimage and sacred rituals, it celebrates the flourishing of ancient Tibetan Buddhism and the timeless beauty of the mountain landscape. The sight of lamas in their deep red robes and intricately carved prayer wheels is truly captivating. The surrounding atmosphere is incredibly serene and uplifting. Lush green hillsides and natural stone pathways create a harmonious setting, offering a relaxing and invigorating experience for the eyes and soul. A true masterpiece! The highlight of this trip, popular for its pilgrimage routes and opportunities to immerse oneself in Tibetan tranquility, is the "map of the leisurely walking route along the prayer wheel corridors, ancient stone-walled alleys, and natural stone block walkways curving around the mountains and featuring the following important landmarks:" · The World's Longest Carved Wooden Prayer Wheel Corridor (Mani Wheels Corridor): A magnificent view of a traditional Tibetan-style corrugated iron-roofed wooden walkway stretching over 3.5 kilometers, encircling the monastery's inscription. It is distinguished by the arrangement of vermilion prayer wheels interspersed with brightly colored pastel Buddha images, surrounding a body of water, allowing pilgrims to spin the wheels and accumulate merit while enjoying the pure breeze. · The Grand Assembly Hall & Golden Roofs: A masterpiece of architecture against the sky, the large stone temple is clad in white earthen walls contrasting with burgundy red. The roof is adorned with gold plates carved with serpent motifs and auspicious umbrellas. • Challenging the eye, it stands majestically in a solemn shadow, beautifully contrasting with the lush green pine forest behind it. · Monastery Alleys & Monks: Narrow stone pathways, escaped the hustle and bustle, lead visitors along thick, brick-orange and pale yellow earthen walls. The classic atmosphere is captivating as groups of Tibetan lamas in their dark red robes and yellow tufted hats converse through arched doorways, like something out of an ancient painting. · Getting There Conveniently accessible by local bus, or choose to rent a car and take a road trip from Lanzhou, heading south through the natural valleys of Gannan Province. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours, allowing for easy and independent access to these areas and their vicinity. (The best time to visit, with the clearest and coolest weather, is from June to August. You can sample "traditional Tibetan yak butter tea" and "local-flavored boiled yak meat" at traditional restaurants around the monastery grounds for an authentic culinary experience throughout the year.) · Opening Hours and Admission Fees The walking paths around the monastery and the outer prayer wheel corridors are free to explore and take photos 24 hours a day (except for tickets to enter the main hall, the yak butter sculpture exhibition room, and the Buddhist school inside, which are open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM with a maintenance fee of approximately 40 yuan). · Dress Code It is recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, as the monastery grounds are large and consist of natural stone and earthen paths. As this is a sacred religious site, modest attire is required. Short pants or skirts are not allowed. Clean, minimalist clothing in colors such as cream, white, or light jeans is recommended to help you stand out in photos against the red brick walls and golden roofs. #labrangmonastery #gannan #gansu #chinatravel #tibetanculture #tibetanmonastery #prayerwheels #fairytalevillage #beautifulplace #amazingphotospot #chinatravelreview #travelchinaindependently #natureview
Must-visit night exhibitions in Guangzhou
🔥 For those in Guangzhou looking for high-quality spots for family outings or dates during the holidays, grab these special night exhibition deals! ✅ Two exhibitions with top-tier quality 🏜 A Thought of Dunhuang Stunning, high-precision restored caves. Includes the 10-year restoration results of Cave 172 and an immersive mural experience. Experience the aesthetics of Dunhuang up close right here in Guangzhou—no need to travel to the Northwest. 🤍 Qingzhou Smile A total of 62 precious exhibits, including 22 national first-class cultural relics! The gentle smiles and delicate textures of these thousand-year-old Buddha statues create an amazing atmosphere. 💫 Rich, exclusive night session activities Enjoy free photo ops with pop-up NPCs from both exhibitions. Full of surprises, including the Dunhuang Virudhaka and a mysterious Qingzhou Easter egg NPC. Get an exclusive commemorative certificate after the exhibition 🎁 Post on social media to get a stamp and claim your certificate as a souvenir!
Where to stay in Da Qaidam for National Day? Read this
"For a National Day road trip, Da Qaidam is an unavoidable stopover. Accommodation is a top priority this time of year; pick the wrong hotel, and between altitude sickness and poor sleep, the rest of your trip is ruined. I checked out a place this time, so let's talk about whether it's actually reliable for high-altitude stays. Licheng Cuixing Hotel, Da Qaidam The room is spacious, and you can see the outline of the Qilian Mountains when you open the window. In late September, the Haixi area is dry and clear, and the distant mountain lines are as sharp as if cut by a knife. At night, there are few lights in the town, and you can see a blanket of stars when you look up. After a long day of driving, you can relax just by sitting by the window without even leaving the room. 🚗 It's located in the town area, but it's not noisy. It's only 650 meters to Emerald Pedestrian Street and just over 1 kilometer to Da Qaidam Light and Shadow City. Heading west to Mangya Emerald Lake or south to Water Yadan is well within driving range. Parking around the hotel is convenient, and you can walk to get food—He Zhanggui Shuanrou, Kelimu Kanguo, and Yagubai Shengkaoyangrou are all within 400 meters. Fengrui Shopping Center is 430 meters away, making it convenient to stock up on snacks and water. ✅ Here is the key point. The room is equipped with an oxygen concentrator and a humidifier, which are necessities at an altitude of over 3,000 meters. The air on the plateau is dry, which can make your nose and throat uncomfortable, but running the humidifier all night makes waking up the next day much more pleasant. Using the oxygen concentrator for half an hour before sleep helps reduce the likelihood of headaches. The bedding feels soft, and the room is spacious enough not to feel cramped. 🥣 Breakfast includes highland barley pastries and yak yogurt, offering a taste of the local area. If you are in a rush, you can get it to go, so you don't have to worry about timing. Overall, this is a worry-free choice for staying in Da Qaidam. Its high-altitude amenities are what set it apart from ordinary hotels. If you are traveling the Qinghai-Gansu loop for National Day, you might want to add this to your list for comparison. "
Liujiaxia, Gansu | Where the Yellow River is half clear and half yellow, a hidden reservoir paradise in the Northwest
📍Location: Liujiaxia, Linxia, Gansu Who would have thought that deep in the Loess Plateau of the Northwest, such a breathtaking water wonderland is hidden! Layers of reddish-brown Danxia landforms embrace a pool of emerald-green lake water. The rolling mountains crisscross, and the river winds and turns, looking from afar like carefully outlined patterns on the earth. The most amazing part is the spectacle where the yellow and blue waters meet! The clear water from the upper reaches of the Yellow River meets the silt-laden yellow water here. They are distinct, embracing but not mixing—a true masterpiece of nature. The Liujiaxia Bridge stands quietly across the lake. With its white towers and red domes, the suspension bridge spans the emerald water. Standing on the viewing platform and looking down, the bridge, Danxia landforms, and the lake are all in one frame—every shot is wallpaper-worthy. Walking slowly along the sightseeing boardwalk, you are surrounded by the unique grandeur of the Northwest. The crimson cliffs, layer upon layer, are traces left by millions of years of geological weathering. Beneath your feet is the deep, emerald-green lake, and in the distance, rolling mountains with clouds drifting between them. You can take a boat deep into the reservoir area to experience the charm of the canyon and lake up close; or you can drive along the lakeside road, stopping as you go—every turn offers a different view. 📝Travel tips ✔️Best time to visit: June–October, when the lake color is most beautiful and sunny days guarantee great photos ✔️Outfit: Light-colored clothing creates a strong contrast with the emerald lake and red Danxia landforms, making for great photos; the UV rays in the Northwest are strong, so a sun hat and sunglasses are essential ✔️Self-driving is recommended; the viewing platform is free to visit and offers excellent views ✔️The temperature difference is significant, so bring a light jacket even in summer
Chase the most vibrant autumn in the Northwest
See the intense autumn in Northwest China🍂 If autumn had a color, it would surely be hidden in the Northwest. Unlike the gentle and delicate autumn of Jiangnan, autumn in the Northwest is vibrant, magnificent, healing, and lonely✨ From September–October, the Northwest features snow-capped mountains, salt lakes, the Gobi Desert, and thousands of acres of golden Populus euphratica all at once. It is the peak season of the year, and one that is truly worth the journey. 🏜️ Gobi Desert | The romance of the desolate wilderness 📍 Gansu/Inner Mongolia Alxa Gobi Desert As the summer heat fades, the autumn breeze in the Gobi is gentle. Endless yellow sand stretches to the horizon, with a view that knows no bounds. Without high-rise buildings to block the view or crowds to create noise, the vastness of heaven and earth can contain all your worries. The moment the wind blows across the wilderness, you instantly understand the meaning of freedom. 🌲 Populus euphratica | A 3,000-year-old autumn fairy tale 📍 Ejina Banner, Inner Mongolia; Jinta Populus euphratica forest, Gansu The soul of autumn in the Northwest must be the Populus euphratica! The entire forest is dyed a translucent, gilded yellow by the autumn breeze, brilliant to the point of dazzling. The Ruoshui River winds through the forest, and the golden branches and leaves are reflected on the lake surface🌊 The water, tree shadows, and blue sky merge into one; every frame feels like an oil painting. Dead trees stand tall in the Gobi, while the vibrant forest stretches out by the water. One side is desolate and tragic, the other is gentle and passionate—this is the unique autumn character of the Populus euphratica. 💙 Salt Lake | A pure autumn secret realm 📍 Qarhan Salt Lake, Qinghai; Chaka Salt Lake The salt lakes in autumn are cleaner and more translucent than in spring and summer. The clear blue lake water paired with pure white salt flats is so clean it doesn't have a speck of dust. The autumn breeze gently brushes the lake surface, and the ripples sway softly. The sky, clouds, and salt bridges are all reflected in the water. Walking through it feels like breaking into a mirror of the sky—so healing. 🏔️ Snow-capped mountains | The cool backdrop of autumn 📍 Qilian Mountains In early autumn, the mountain peaks are covered with a thin layer of snow, cold and holy. Below the mountain are golden grasslands and colorful forests, while the peaks are white snow—the contrast between cold and warm colors is extremely sophisticated. Looking up, you see continuous snow-capped mountains; looking down, you see endless autumn fields. The sense of depth is fully maximized. 💡 Tips for traveling in the Northwest in autumn ▪️ September–October is the best window! Fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, lower flight and accommodation prices, and you avoid the summer rush. ▪️ The temperature difference between day and night in the Northwest is significant. Wear long dresses for photos during the day, but be sure to bring a thick jacket for the evening. ▪️ The UV rays at the salt lakes are extremely strong; sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential. ▪️ For photos in the Populus euphratica forest, light-colored and solid-colored outfits are the most photogenic, creating a perfect atmosphere. Autumn in the Northwest never disappoints. It is desolate, brilliant, vast, and healing❤️ You must head to the Northwest in autumn to experience the magnificent landscapes.
On a whim, I drove over 1,100 km from Chongqing, taking 13 hours to head straight to Gansu
🚗 Oct 4: Left Jiangbeizui, Chongqing at 6:45 AM. The road was clear the whole way—just driving and stopping for breaks at service areas! Got stuck in traffic for half an hour near Lanzhou, but finally arrived at a hand-grabbed lamb restaurant in Tianzhu County at 8:45 PM. Of the two days I've spent in Gansu, the meat in Tianzhu was the best! 🐑 The meat was so tender—one bite and it was legendary! 🍁 Oct 5: Originally planned to visit Tanyao Valley, Wushaoling, Qianjin, and Tiantishan Grottoes, but there was so much beautiful scenery along the way that it was already 7:00 PM by the time I reached the Tiantishan Grottoes! Where did the time go? It was stolen by the scenery~ ✨ 🐱 P1-3: Taken at Haxi Qianjin! The snow-capped mountains, streams, and golden poplar forests under the sun were breathtaking! Every shot is wallpaper-worthy 📸 🐰 P4-14: Tanyao Valley! Arrived at 8:00 AM with the first group of tourists and was left speechless by the stunning scenery! The Mayashan Snow Mountain was in full view 🏔️ I was so lucky—it snowed the day before, and today it cleared up! Rode a horse up the mountain. The horse handler was super fun and helped me take photos along the way; it was such a joy to stop and explore. I even ran into some bouncing prairie chickens 😂 It was also super fun to pay CNY 10 to hold a lamb for photos. The lamb was clean, soft, and smelled great—my heart just melted holding it 🥹 I played in Tanyao Valley from 8:00 AM until 11:00 AM before reluctantly leaving. 🐻 P15: Wushaoling! Continued riding horses up the mountain, though here it was purely for transportation. Reaching the summit, I could see the entire snow-capped mountain range. My phone couldn't capture how breathtaking it was—you just have to experience it for yourself! After heading down, I found a hand-grabbed lamb restaurant to refuel, continued on to Qianjin, and finally rested at a hotel near the Tiantishan Grottoes~ Tomorrow, I'll continue my autumn-seeking trip in Wuwei! Looking forward to more surprises ✨
Waterfall and Lake Photo Spots
📷 [Waterfall Long Exposure] The waterfalls at Guan'egou are perfect for long exposure shots, where the water turns into silky threads while the rock textures remain sharp. If your phone doesn't have a professional mode, just try to keep it steady or lean it against a rock for a great effect. The boardwalk in front of the waterfall is the best spot; stand to the side with the waterfall in the background for perfect proportions. 🪞 [Reflections on the Heavenly Lake] Guan'e Heavenly Lake is located at a higher elevation. When the water is calm, the mountains and trees are perfectly reflected in it. To capture the reflection, try to get there before 10:00 AM when the wind is light; after noon, the water surface gets choppy. There is a boardwalk along the lake; find an angle where you can capture both the water surface and the colorful forest on the hillside. 🍂 [Paths Through the Colorful Forest] The boardwalk in the canyon winds through the colorful forest. When taking portraits, let the forest fill the background, have the person stand on the boardwalk, and use a shallow depth of field to blur the foreground and background for a great shot. Fallen leaves on the boardwalk also make for beautiful close-ups. 🏘️ [Details of the Village] The villages in the valley are worth capturing for their details: drying medicinal herbs, wooden window frames, and the prayer wheels in the hands of the elderly are all unique scenes here. Mixing culture with scenery gives your photos a memorable touch. ⚠️ [Important Notes] The boardwalk can be slippery, and there is a lot of mist near the waterfall, so keep your lens clean. Do not climb over railings or enter restricted areas. As you walk back from the waterfall, take one last look back; the light will have changed, and the color of the water will have shifted too. Please refer to the scenic area's daily announcements for specific opening and management information.
Don't just focus on the plank roads when visiting Maijishan; the clay sculptures are the real stars.
When people think of Maijishan, most first recall the plank roads hanging on the cliff face. It's only when you actually go up that you realize the real highlights are the clay sculptures inside the grottoes. This place is different from many other grottoes; the statues are primarily made of clay, which is why it's known as the "Oriental Sculpture Gallery." Here is a breakdown of how to handle attraction tickets, shuttle buses, guided tours, sightseeing, dining, and accommodation. Maijishan is located in the Maiji District of Tianshui, over 40 km from the city center—about an hour's drive, or accessible by direct bus. The grottoes were excavated early on, with foundations laid during the Later Qin dynasty of the Sixteen Kingdoms period. Over the next thousand-plus years, various dynasties added to them. There are currently over 190 existing grottoes, with Buddhist niches embedded layer upon layer into the mountainside. In 2014, it was listed as a World Heritage site as part of the "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor." Tianshui gets cold once winter sets in, and it's even colder on the mountain. "Maiji Misty Rain" is a classic Tianshui scene; after the rain, clouds and mist wrap around the mountain, making the scenery particularly stunning. You reach the grotto clusters via the plank roads on the cliff face, which are divided into several levels and numbered as you ascend. The plank roads are narrow and steep with dense steps. You also have to climb a section of stone stairs from the entrance gate to the grottoes, which takes about 20 minutes of walking and stopping. If you have bad knees, hold onto the railings and move slowly. The statues to look for are the clay sculptures: from the slender figures of the Northern Wei to the rounded ones of the Sui and Tang dynasties, you can see how the faces and clothing folds changed across dynasties. Grotto 133, commonly known as the Ten Thousand Buddha Cave, is packed with tiny Buddha statues. The Upper Seven Buddha Pavilion, also called Sanhua Pavilion, is massive; standing before it, you'll feel so awestruck you won't dare speak loudly. The clay sculptures at Maijishan are different from those elsewhere. The mountain is made of conglomerate rock, which is relatively soft and not suitable for direct carving on the cliff face. Instead, artisans used wooden frames for support, shaped them with clay, and then painted them, building them up layer by layer. That's why most of the surviving works are clay sculptures, with very three-dimensional faces and clothing folds. If you look closely at the numbered signs, you can distinguish the styles of different dynasties—the earlier ones tend to be slender, while the later ones are fuller. They share the same lineage as those in Dunhuang and Yungang. Tianshui's snacks are affordable, so save some room for them. "Guagua" is made from buckwheat, topped with chili oil, and has a chewy texture. "Ranran" and "Laolao" are other ways to eat buckwheat noodles. Malatang is a local specialty here, fragrant with red chili oil. Jiangshui noodles are refreshing, and a hot bowl is comforting in cold weather. For a full meal, there are many restaurants around the Fuxi Temple in the city center. Don't just grab a quick bite at the scenic area entrance; it's pricey and the portions are small. It's more cost-effective to head back to the city center. Staying in the city center is more convenient, with plenty of hotels and dining options. If you want to be closer and catch the morning mist, there are also guesthouses and hot spring hotels at the foot of Maijishan and in the Jiezi Hot Spring area—soaking in a hot spring in winter is a great way to relieve fatigue. It gets crowded on weekends, so enter the scenic area early to avoid lines. There's a short walk from the foot of the mountain to the entrance, so staying nearby means you won't have to rush in the morning. If you have extra time, you can check out the surrounding areas. The Fuxi Temple in Tianshui city is a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level. Yuquan Temple and Nanguo Temple are also in the city, perfect for a half-day trip. To the south is Xianren Cliff, where the mountain scenery shares the same lineage as Maijishan. All in all, the attraction tickets and shuttle bus fees aren't expensive. Staying in the city is more cost-effective than staying near the scenic area, and dining is also more affordable in the city. A few reminders: The plank roads have weight and capacity limits, and some individual grottoes may be closed in rotation for protection. Whether you can enter depends on the situation that day. Plank road access and ticket prices may change throughout the year, so follow the instructions on the on-site notices when you arrive. In winter, the mountain roads may have thin ice, so wear non-slip shoes and bring gloves and a hat. The murals and clay sculptures in the grottoes are fragile and sensitive to moisture, so don't touch them. Occasionally, people at the entrance may try to sell low-priced chartered cars or offer to buy tickets for you; clarify whether these include attraction tickets and shuttle bus fees to avoid being scammed for the sake of convenience. Taking a guided tour is much more informative than wandering around on your own. Guided tours are scheduled by session, and times vary by season; check the daily schedule at the service desk for details. One last thing before you leave: You use the same plank road to go up and down. When it's crowded, stay to one side and don't push. Don't stop in the middle of the path to take photos, as others need to pass. The clay sculptures cannot withstand camera lights, so turn off your flash when taking photos. If you want a quieter experience, visit on a weekday.
Gannan Lianbaoyeze | A complete guide to routes, parking, and accommodation
You only truly understand Gannan after visiting. Lianbaoyeze is unlike many commercialized scenic spots. With its primitive, rugged stone mountains and lakes, it's known as the "Eastern Magic Realm," and seeing it in person is a truly breathtaking experience. However, hiking here is physically demanding, so be sure to do your research before you go. 🚗 Route planning Self-driving is the most convenient option, typically via the Gannan-Sichuan West loop. From Aba County, it takes about 40 minutes to drive to the Lianbaoyeze scenic area gate. The road conditions are generally good, though there are many winding mountain roads, so drive slowly and cautiously. Once inside the scenic area, you'll need to drive another 10+ km along winding roads to reach the core area at Zhagaer Cuo Lake. Public transportation is not recommended; there are no direct shuttle buses, and it's time-consuming and inconvenient. We recommend spending half a day here. Try to enter the mountains during the day and avoid driving at night. 🅿️ Parking There is a large paid parking lot at the scenic area entrance with plenty of spaces. Private cars can drive into the scenic area all the way to the final parking lot at Zhagaer Cuo, which is the starting point for hiking. Do not park randomly on the side of the mountain roads; visibility on curves is poor, and it is very dangerous. 🏨 Accommodation 1. Aba County is the top choice: There are many hotels and restaurants, a wide selection of rooms with oxygen supply, and plenty of dining and supply options. It is a 40-minute drive from the scenic area, and most tourists stay here for a better night's sleep. 2. There are no hotels inside the scenic area, and almost no accommodation options, so you cannot stay overnight in the scenic area. ⚠️ Do not plan on staying with local herdsmen near the scenic area. The conditions are basic, the altitude is high, and there is a high risk of altitude sickness. It is better to return to Aba County to rest. 💡 On-site tips The core attraction is Zhagaer Cuo. After reaching the parking lot, you will need to hike a short distance. There is some elevation gain, so take it slow. The altitude is very high, so be mindful to move slowly to prevent altitude sickness. The weather in the mountains changes rapidly; strong winds and sudden rain showers are common, so be sure to bring a thick jacket and a raincoat. The scenery is beautiful in July–August, but it is also the rainy season, so keep an eye on the weather. Please respect local customs and do not litter.
20°C Zoigê: The ultimate family getaway! Stay in the grassland to see marmots and go horseback riding
When traveling with kids in summer, you always want to find a cool and fun place. The Zoigê Grassland in Aba, Sichuan—a treasure of a wetland recognized by National Geographic—has an average summer temperature of around 20°C. A gentle breeze blows away all the summer heat, and everywhere you look, there are endless green meadows and herds of cattle and sheep. The air is filled with the fresh scent of grass and damp earth. The best part is that there is a homestay called Panyu hidden deep in the grassland. Open the door, and you are right on the vast pasture. As soon as the kids put down their luggage, they start chasing marmots, and adults can finally slow down their pace between the grassland and the blue sky. 📍 [2-day, 1-night relaxed grassland tour] Day 1: Arrive at Chengdu East Railway Station by high-speed train, then rent a car and head directly to the Zoigê Panyu Homestay (about a 6-hour drive). In the afternoon, chase marmots and feed lambs on the grassland right outside the homestay. In the evening, take a walk along the meadow and watch the sunset paint the sky a warm orange. At night, enjoy an authentic yak meat hot pot in the courtyard while feeling the grassland breeze. The kids will be so tired from playing that they will fall asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow. Day 2: In the morning, head to the First Bend of the Yellow River to see the magnificent river winding through the grassland with your kids. In the afternoon, visit the Flower Lake scenic area to see the wetlands and black-necked cranes, or return to the grassland outside the homestay for horseback riding and kite flying. After you have had your fill of fun, head back at a leisurely pace. 🏨 [Zoigê Grassland Panyu Homestay] The homestay we stayed at this time is located in the heart of the Zoigê Grassland. You step right out into the vast grassland, and the view is incredible. The best part is that the homestay offers a horseback riding experience; kids can ride gentle ponies slowly across the pasture, and there are lambs you can pet up close. The rooms are equipped with viewing windows and electric blankets. Pull back the curtains, and you are greeted by endless grassland and blue skies with white clouds. The owner is very genuine, giving free building blocks to the kids and enthusiastically helping with luggage. Sitting on a chair at the entrance, sipping local butter tea while watching the kids chase marmots and feed lambs on the grassland—this kind of relaxation is so much better than just sitting in air conditioning. 🎯 [Three highlights tested with kids] 🐿️ Joyful times chasing marmots on the grassland: The grassland is right outside the homestay, and there are marmot and pika burrows everywhere. The kids hold little cookies, squatting by the holes, holding their breath as they wait for a marmot to poke its head out. Every time one runs by, they jump up with excitement. This joy of playing hide-and-seek with wild animals on the grassland is more captivating for kids than any playground. 🐴 First horseback riding experience on the grassland: The homestay offers horseback riding. The herdsmen bring over gentle ponies, and the kids step into the stirrups and sit on them. The herdsmen hold the reins the whole time, walking slowly across the flat meadow. Sitting on the horse, the kids reach out to touch the wildflowers by the roadside, laughing uncontrollably as the wind blows. This experience of getting up close to grassland animals is more vivid than any picture book. 🌅 The magnificent sunset at the First Bend of the Yellow River: In the evening, the First Bend of the Yellow River is dyed gold by the setting sun, and the winding river channel draws soft, beautiful curves across the grassland. Standing on the viewing platform, the kids watch the Yellow River water flow slowly, curiously asking why the Yellow River is so curvy here. This real-life nature classroom is more impactful than any textbook. 💡 [A few practical tips] The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is significant, so be sure to pack thin jackets and long pants; you will still need a blanket when sleeping at night. The UV rays on the plateau are strong, so bring plenty of sunscreen and sun hats. Bring enough mosquito repellent, as there are quite a few bugs on the grassland. If you are driving, it is recommended to fill up your gas tank whenever you see a gas station, as they are far apart on the grassland roads. If your child has a slight headache upon arrival, they can drink a vial of glucose oral solution. The homestay has limited availability, so remember to book in advance during peak season. After this two-day, one-night trip, the whole family was immersed in the greenery of the grassland and the fresh air. The kids played until they were completely drained, and the adults were able to fully recharge. It is truly rare to have such a comfortable and relaxing family time during summer vacation.
What people are saying about Gansu
Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring
Remember to wear sand-proof shoe covers! You can buy them at the scenic area; they're usually cheaper than online. There are four trails to the top of the mountain. The sunset view is beautiful, and the panoramic view of Crescent Lake from Crescent Pavilion is also great! 👍 I recommend entering the scenic area after 4 PM. There's also camel riding available. It's not too crowded during the off-season. The only downside is that only the lights are on at 7 PM; there's no drone show. The ticket price is a bit expensive. Overall, I'm satisfied.
梦梦Mogao Grottoes
Tempatnya luas banget, jadi kalau beli tiket dari trip dot com harus ke hall 2 dulu utk tuker tiket fisiknya. Nukernya cukup kasih paspor, langsung kluar datanya di sistem mereka. Habis dapat tiket fisik lalu ke hall 1, nanti antri masuk utk nonton pemutaran 2 film. Film pertama tentang sejarah awa mula grotto nya, film ke 2 tentang isi mogao grotto dan dalam bentuk 360 jadi seru kayak lagi ada di dalam gua nya. Utk yg pilih bahasa english, akan dikasih audio oleh petugas saat antri mau masuk tempat pemutaran film. Selesai nonton film, kluar utk antri naik shuttle bus yg akan mengantar kita ke mogaocave. Nanti sampai di mogao cave setelah masuk kawasan langsung join antrian utk ke cave nya, nanti masuknya akan dibagi per group & dipimpin 1 tour guide. Utk turis internasional yg sudah pilih bahasa inggris saat beli tiket, ada antrian sendiri. Untuk tour guide nya ramah & penjelasannya cukup jelas.
LysyaLanzhou Danxia Geological Park
Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park is fabulous. One of the top three things I have done on this tour. I used Trip.com to get out to the park and that was very easy. Shuttle buses are necessary to get between the various vantage points. I would come for longer next time and do the zip line. I got an 8am bus from Xiaoxihu Subway Station and it leaves the Park at 12pm to return back to the city.
Patrick Woodbourne ClarkeGansu Provincial Museum
Lina, the lecturer at the Gambo Museum, is exceptionally skilled. During the two-hour learning experience, she demonstrated a thorough understanding of the chronological order and comparative analysis of the artifacts, meticulously integrating historical evolution with everyday life. I look forward to the completion of the new Gambo Museum and visiting it again next time.
M14***99Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot
The terrain is very distinctive. The planned route was: North Gate → No. 2 Fairy Terrace (close-up view of the textures, portrait photography) → No. 1 Sea of Clouds Terrace (highest point, panoramic S-curve photography) → No. 5 Brocade Terrace (view the classic "streaky pork" colors) → No. 4 Rainbow Terrace (sunset hotspot, the grand finale). I focused on experiencing No. 1 and No. 4; the scenery was indeed beautiful.
M24***62Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon
My absolute favorite part of the Qinghai-Gansu loop was Ping Shan Lake Grand Canyon – the experience was fantastic! The staff were also incredibly helpful, providing directions throughout the journey. We opted for a reverse-direction in-depth tour, which wasn't too physically demanding, the scenery was beautiful, and we avoided the crowds, allowing us to take photos freely. Thumbs up!
Anonymous userMaijishan Scenic Area
The environment is clean and elegant, the hot spring water is clear and comfortable, the temperature is just right, and you can relax and de-stress after soaking. The service is warm and thoughtful, the price is very reasonable, and the experience is superb.
M40***13Maijishan Cave-Temple Complex
Maijishan was even better than I expected, with exquisite murals and beautiful sculptures. However, many of the caves are special grottoes that require separate reservations (there is a daily limit on the number of visitors), and the fees are not cheap.
M27***62Jiayuguan Guancheng
Jiayuguan, as the starting point of the Great Wall, is a must-see destination in Gansu. The scenic area is divided into three parts: the fortress, the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall, and the Overhanging Great Wall. Shuttle buses connect the various attractions, making it quite convenient. A pleasant trip!
苏考凯撒The Overhanging Great Wall Scenic Spot
The Overhanging Great Wall was too crowded; parking was free but difficult, and it seemed like it would easily cause a traffic jam. The First Beacon Tower was actually quite nice, with a good feel to it, being completely natural.
M41***81