Price
$154.85
$163.00
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Overview
Experience an 8-day adventure through Qinghai Lake and the Hexi Corridor in Gansu, where stunning natural beauty meets rich history. Explore the breathtaking Qinghai Lake, then delve into the cultural treasures of the Mogao Caves, showcasing exquisite Buddhist art. Visit the Jiayuguan Pass, a critical point on the ancient Silk Road, and marvel at the vibrant landscapes of Zhangye Danxia Geopark. Conclude your journey at the Giant Buddha Temple, home to a magnificent statue that embodies the region's spiritual heritage. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history.
Highlights
- The tour showcases the rich tapestry of cultures in the region, including Tibetan, Hui, and Han influences, offering travelers a deep understanding of local traditions and lifestyles.
- From the colorful rock formations of Zhangye Danxia to the serene expanse of Qinghai Lake, the diverse landscapes provide stunning photo opportunities and memorable experiences.
- Engaging in a Dunhuang mural copying experience provides a hands-on opportunity to connect with the region's artistic heritage, making it not just a visit but an immersive learning experience.
- The tour includes meals featuring local dishes, allowing travelers to savor authentic flavors and culinary traditions unique to each area.
- Staying in high-quality accommodations ensures a comfortable and relaxing experience after a day of exploration.
- The itinerary is designed to balance sightseeing with relaxation, catering to the needs of travelers seeking both adventure and comfort.
Included & Excluded
- Specialized bilingual guide
- Private Transport
- Entrance fees (Cable and car and Moon Valley)
- Box lunch water, banana apple and chocolate
- Departure Taxes
- Entry Fees
- 5 Star Accommodation
- Airport Transfers
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Xining, city exploration, Welcome dinner
- Your professional tour guide will meet you at the port (airport or tratin station) of Xining, then transfer to the hotel. We will explore the city after a short relax in the hotel. A welcome dinner will be served at local restaurant.
Day 2: Riyue Mountain and Qinghai Lake
- 08:00-09:00: Breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:00: Depart for Riyue Mountain.
- 10:30-11:30: Visit Riyue Mountain, a prominent landmark known for its stunning natural beauty and cultural significance. Enjoy breathtaking views of lush valleys and expansive grasslands.
- 12:00-13:00: Lunch at a local restaurant.
- 13:00: Depart for Qinghai Lake.
- 15:30-17:30: Visit Qinghai Lake, located at an altitude of about 3,200 meters. Experience panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and vibrant wildflowers in the surrounding grasslands.
- 18:00-20:30: Return to Xining.
- 20:30-21:30: Dinner at a local restaurant.
- 22:00: Return to the hotel.
Day 3: Mati Temple and Grottoes & Zhangye Danxia Geopark
- 07:00-08:00: Breakfast at the hotel.
- 08:00: Depart for Mati Temple and Grottoes.
- 12:00-13:00: Lunch at a local restaurant.
- 13:30-15:30: Visit Mati Temple and Grottoes, a remarkable site combining stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Explore the temple complex set amidst dramatic cliffs and the ancient grottoes carved into the rock.
- 16:00: Depart for Zhangye Danxia Geopark.
- 17:30-19:30: Visit Zhangye Danxia Geopark at sunset. Explore various viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas of the colorful ridges and valleys, especially striking as the colors become more vivid during sunset.
- 20:00-21:00: Dinner at a local restaurant.
- 21:30: Return to the hotel.
Day 4: Giant Buddha Temple & Pingshanhu Grand Canyon
- 07:00-08:00: Breakfast at the hotel.
- 08:00-10:30: Visit Giant Buddha Temple, home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the world, measuring about 34.5 meters long. Explore the stunning architecture and intricate murals that reflect the region's rich Buddhist heritage.
- 10:30: Depart for Pingshanhu Grand Canyon.
- 12:00-13:00: Lunch at a local restaurant.
- 13:00-16:00: Visit Pingshanhu Grand Canyon, renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant rock formations. Discover stunning cliffs, colorful layers of sediment, and unique geological structures, perfect for photography and hiking.
- 16:30: Depart for Jiayuguan City.
- 20:00-21:00: Dinner at a local restaurant.
- 21:30: Return to the hotel.
Day 5: Jiayuguan Pass, Yulin Caves & Gobi Statues
- 07:00-08:00: Breakfast at the hotel.
- 08:00-10:30: Visit Jiayuguan Pass, one of the most important historical sites in China. Explore this military outpost, which served as a crucial gateway between the western and eastern regions during the Ming dynasty, and admire its impressive high walls and watchtowers.
- 10:30: Depart for Yulin Caves.
- 12:00-13:00: Lunch at a local restaurant.
- 14:30-16:30: Visit Yulin Caves, often seen as a complement to the more famous Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. Discover over 40 caves adorned with stunning murals and sculptures that highlight the rich history of Buddhist art and culture.
- 16:30-17:00: Visit the Gobi Statues, including the "Son of the Earth," which showcase unique cultural expressions in the region.
- 17:00-19:00: Depart for Dunhuang.
- 19:00-20:00: Dinner at a local restaurant.
- 20:30: Return to the hotel.
Day 6: Dunhuang Highlights
- 07:00 - 08:00: Breakfast at the hotel.
- 08:30 - 11:30: Visit the Mogao Caves, Explore the renowned Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features an extensive complex of 492 caves, celebrated for its stunning Buddhist art, including murals, sculptures, and intricate carvings that span over a thousand years of history, from the 4th to the 14th century.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch at a local restaurant.
- 14:00 - 15:30: Dunhuang Mural Copying Experience, Engage in a unique artistic experience where you can learn the techniques of mural copying, inspired by the exquisite works found in the Mogao Caves.
- 16:30 - 20:00: Visit the Singing Sand Dunes, Discover the enchanting singing sand dunes, a captivating natural phenomenon. As the wind sweeps across the dunes, it creates a melodic humming sound. This occurs due to the unique shape and size of the sand grains, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
- 20:00 - 21:00: Dinner at a local restaurant.
- 21:30: Return to the hotel.
Day 7: Yang Pass, Yumen Pass, Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark
- 07:00: Breakfast at the hotel
- 08:00: Depart for the Yang Pass (60 km / 1 hour)
- 09:00: Visit the Yang Pass, one of the two significant western passes (the other being Yumen Pass) of the Great Wall during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC–24 AD). It was established and used as China's western frontier defense outpost by Emperor Han Wudi (156 BC–87 BC).
- 11:00: Depart for the Yumen Pass (53 km / 1 hour)
- 12:00: Lunch
- 13:00: Visit the Yumen Pass. During the Han Dynasty (202 BC – AD 220), this pass was a critical point along the Silk Road, serving as the main route connecting Central Asia with East Asia (China), specifically the Western Regions.
- 15:00: Depart for the Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark (76 km / 1 hour)
- 16:00: Visit Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark. Many explorers visit the geopark to experience its unique desert landscape, ancient legends, and bizarre rock formations.
- 18:00: Return to Dunhuang
- 20:30: Dinner
- 21:30: Return to the hotel
Day 8: Departure from Dunhuang
- 08:00-09:00: Breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:00: Check out from the hotel. Your guide and driver will assist you to the port (airport or train station) for your departure.
- Farewell: We wish you safe travels to your next destination and hope our paths cross again in the future!
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1 Comment
5
This tour exceeded my expectations! The cultural immersion was incredible, particularly during the mural copying experience in Dunhuang. The itinerary was well-paced, allowing us to truly appreciate each site without feeling rushed. The 5-star hotels added a touch of luxury to our adventure. The guides were friendly and informative, and the small group size allowed for personal interactions. Each day brought new adventures, and I came away with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for this part of China.