Overview

Book this Silk Road adventure tour to set foot again on this ancient political, economic, cultural exchange route, and discover many great Buddhist Grottoes all along. Enjoy the finest examples of ancient Buddhist art in China, with the Buddha statues, ancient murals, Buddhist grottoes, caves and architectures.

Duration: 10 days & 9 nights

Destinations: Tianshui - Langzhou - Xiahe - Lanzhou - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang

Starting Point: Tianshui

Ending Point: Dunhuang

Customize Your Tour:
☑  Travel Dates  ☑ Your Interests  ☑ Your Travel Style

Day

Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer to the hotel for check in. Drive to visit Fuxi Temple. Named after Chinese nation’s earliest ancestor Fuxi, it is one of top ancient architectural complexes in Northwest China.

Meal: D

Drive to visit Maijishan Grottoes. It is one of China’s top four famous Buddhist grottoes, and famed as an "Oriental Statues Museum", being the finest example of China's sculpture.

Meal: B, L

Maijishan Grottoes

After Breakfast, drive 25km/16mi for Shuiliandong Caves, divided into four parts: Shuiliandong Cave, Lashao Si, Thousand Buddha Cave and Xiansheng Pond. Transfer to Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province.

Meal: B, L

Drive about 5 hours from Lanzhou to Xiahe. Visit Binglingsi Temple Caves en route. Built in 420AD of Western Qin Dynasty, it is rare treasure house of Buddhist art along Ancient Silk Road. Overnight in Xiahe.

Meal: B, L

Binglingsi Temple Caves

Xiahe is a tiny but important Tibetan town in Gansu. Drive to visit Labrang Monastery. Built in 1709, the monastery is the activity center of the town and one of the six most important monasteries of the Gelupka sect of Tibetan Buddhist. Drive back to Lanzhou.

Meal: B, L

Transfer to the train station, and take train to Zhangye. Visit Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park. Marvel at its majestic table mountain terrain, odd-shaped Danxia cliffs, and dynamic, dramatic colors. Get ready for taking some breathtaking photos.

Meal: B, L

Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park

After breakfast, visit Dafo Temple (Giant Buddha Temple). This 900-year-old temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China. Then head for Jiayuguan. After arrival, visit Jiayuguan fortress in the afternoon. The fortress is the west end of the Great Wall built in Ming Dynasty, and a magnificent, well-preserved ancient military fort.

Meal: B, L

Transfer to Dunhuang in the morning, and visit Yulin Grottoes in Anxi. Yulin Grottoes is the sister grottoes of Mogao grottoes in Dunhuang. You can see stunning flying Apsaras on the wall painting. It has 42 caves, mostly of Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) style.

Meal: B, L

Yulin Grottoes

After breakfast, drive to visit Mingsha Sand Dunes. Enjoy the soft sands and the lovely oasis in Gobi desert, optional camel riding available. After lunch, visit Mogao Grottoes, which is known as the Gallery of Perfectly Beautiful Murals, and another splendid treasure of Buddhist art.

Meal: B, L

Transfer to the airport or train station to head for your next destination.

Meal: B

End of service

What's included

  • 1-on-1 Travel Consultant

    Your China based expert listens to your wishes carefully, provides professional advice, ensures unlimited itinerary revisions before done and 24/7 helpline service while traveling.

  • Private Local Guide and Driver

    Your guides are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, and your drivers are professional, polite and patient. They are very flexible to accommodate your personal needs and happy to show you the local attractions, history, culture, foods and real life. 
    Private transfers from hotel to attractions, airport or train station are also included.

  • Accommodation to Suit Your Preference

    In each place, we hand pick hotels ranging from luxury 5 star, superior 4 star to comfortable 3 star. Luxury or cozy boutique hotels and budget guesthouses are also among your choices. You could decide where to stay to meet your taste and budget.

  • Gourmet Meals

    Most of the hotels we select offer both Western and Chinese buffet breakfast. Lunch and dinner included are arranged in selected restaurants to taste authentic Chinese cuisine and local specialties. Thus you may also have a unique food tour.
    Meals specified in itinerary as B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner.

  • Attractions and Activities Listed on the Itinerary

    Our China tour packages have included the (first/main) entry to all attractions and the expenses of activities on the itinerary (except the optional activities).

  • Internal Transportation

    Based on your needs, we could make bookings of internal transportation, including domestic flights, inter-city trains, long-distance bus, etc.

Quick Question