How to Plan a Gansu Tour？

How to Plan a Gansu Tour？

Gansu Province, located in northwestern China, is a stunning travel destination combining breathtaking landscapes and a rich Silk Road heritage. From desert landscapes to majestic mountains, Gansu offers unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in China.

Covering over 454,000 square kilometers, Gansu is home to natural wonders such as Dunhuang’s Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake, the Zhangye Danxia Landform (Zhangye Danxia Geological Park, 张掖丹霞地质公园), Badain Jaran Desert, and cultural treasures like the Dunhuang Mogao Caves (敦煌莫高窟), Jiayuguan Pass (嘉峪关关城), and the western end of the Great Wall of China.

This Gansu travel planning guide will help you explore the must-see sights, travel itineraries, and insider tips, including the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and what to eat.

Visa-free Travel to China

Starting in December 2024, travelers from 54 countries can stay in China for up to 10 days without a visa. Visitors from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and several Asian countries can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay through 2025. US, UK, and Canadian passport holders can visit for 6 days visa-free.

Learn more details about how to visit China without a visa in 2025.

Facts About Gansu

Chinese Name: 甘肃 (Gān sù)
Named for: A combination of two ancient prefectures, 甘州 (Ganzhou, now Zhangye) and 肃州 (Suzhou, now Jiuquan)
Area: About 454,000 square kilometers
Population: Around 25 million
Location: Northwest China, forming a key section of the ancient Silk Road
Average Elevation: 1,500 to 3,000 meters
Climate: Semi-arid to arid with cold winters and hot, dry summers
Religion: Buddhism, Islam, Taoism, and traditional Chinese folk religions
Language: Predominantly Mandarin, with local dialects and minority languages such as Tibetan and Mongolian

Gansu Map with Key Attractions

Gansu features a diverse range of attractions, both natural and cultural. Here’s a look at some of its must-see sites:

Top Gansu Attractions: What to See in Gansu?

1. Dunhuang Mogao Caves (敦煌莫高窟)

The Dunhuang Mogao Caves, also known as the “Thousand Buddha Caves,” are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves house exquisite Buddhist art, including murals and sculptures, dating back over a thousand years.

2. Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring (鸣沙山和月牙泉)

Famous for its singing sands, Mingsha Mountain surrounds the Crescent Moon Spring, a natural oasis in the Gobi Desert. This unique sight is perfect for camel rides and watching the sunset.

3. Jiayuguan Pass and Overhanging Great Wall (嘉峪关关城和悬臂长城)

The Jiayuguan Pass marks the western end of the Great Wall. The Overhanging Great Wall, built into steep cliffs, is a unique historic fortress that once guarded the Silk Road.

4. Zhangye National Geopark (张掖丹霞地质公园)

Known for its vibrant, multi-colored rock formations, Zhangye Danxia Geopark is a natural wonder that attracts photographers and nature lovers from around the world.

5. Liujiaxia Reservoir (刘家峡水库)

Located along the Yellow River, Liujiaxia Reservoir offers scenic speedboat rides and serves as the gateway to the Bingling Temple Grottoes (炳灵寺石窟).

Suggested Travel Length for Each Gansu City

Dunhuang (敦煌): 2-3 Days
Jiayuguan (嘉峪关): 1 Day
Zhangye (张掖): 1 Day
Lanzhou (兰州): 1-2 Days

Dunhuang (敦煌) – 2-3 Days

Dunhuang, located at the western end of the Hexi Corridor (河西走廊), is a significant site on the ancient Silk Road. Spend 2-3 days exploring attractions like the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves, Singing Sand Dunes, Crescent Moon Spring, and Shazhou Night Market.

Jiayuguan (嘉峪关) – 1 Day

Jiayuguan is home to the Jiayuguan Pass, which marks the western end of the Great Wall. Explore the Overhanging Great Wall and the Jiayuguan Fort during a 1-day visit.

Zhangye (张掖) – 1 Day

Discover the surreal landscapes of Zhangye Danxia Geological Park and visit the Dafo Temple (Big Buddha Temple), which houses a massive reclining Buddha.

Lanzhou (兰州) – 1-2 Days

Lanzhou is known for its iconic Zhongshan Bridge, White Pagoda Park, and the Yellow River Mother Statue. You can also visit the Liujiaxia Reservoir and take a speedboat to the Bingling Temple Grottoes.

How to Plan Your Gansu Travel Itinerary

3-Day Classic Gansu Tour

If you’re short on time, a 3-day itinerary focused on Dunhuang is ideal. Explore the famous Mogao Caves, Crescent Moon Spring, and the Singing Sand Dunes.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Dunhuang and explore the city
Day 2: Visit Yumen Pass, Yardang Geopark, and Mingsha Mountain
Day 3: Visit the Mogao Caves before departing

6-7 Day Gansu Tour

For a more comprehensive tour, a 6-7 day itinerary will take you through major sites like Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, and Lanzhou.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Dunhuang
Day 2: Explore Dunhuang attractions like Mogao Caves, Crescent Moon Spring
Day 3: Travel to Jiayuguan for the Overhanging Great Wall and Jiayuguan Pass
Day 4: Visit Zhangye’s Danxia Geopark and Dafo Temple
Day 5: Travel to Lanzhou by high-speed train and visit landmarks
Day 6: Take a speedboat ride at Liujiaxia Reservoir and visit the Bingling Temple Grottoes

8-10 Day Gansu Tour

For an extended tour, you can explore hidden gems such as Xiahe and the Labrang Monastery.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Dunhuang
Day 2: Explore Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves and Crescent Moon Spring
Day 3: Travel to Jiayuguan for the Overhanging Great Wall and Jiayuguan Pass
Day 4: Visit Zhangye Danxia Geopark and Dafo Temple
Day 5: Travel to Lanzhou, visit major city landmarks
Day 6: Travel to Xiahe and explore Labrang Monastery
Day 7: Visit Thangka Sunning Terrace in Xiahe
Day 8: Return to Lanzhou and depart

Gansu Weather: When Is the Best Time to Visit Gansu?

Gansu experiences a dry, temperate continental climate with distinct seasonal variations. The best time to visit is from May to October, when temperatures are mild, and outdoor activities are most enjoyable.

Climate in Key Cities:

Dunhuang: Arid, with windy springs, hot summers, and cold winters
Jiayuguan: Dry, with minimal rain and hot summers
Zhangye: Arid, warm in spring and summer, with cold winters
Lanzhou: Mild, with warm summers and cold winters

Gansu Transportation: How to Get to Gansu?

By Air

Gansu has two international airports: Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport and Dunhuang Mogao International Airport. Both airports serve domestic and international flights.