9-Day CHINA'S WILD WEST: HEXI CORRIDOR DISCOVERY TOUR
Trip Introduction
Follow the ancient footprints of camel caravans across China’s legendary Hexi Corridor—a vital artery of the Silk Road for over two millennia. Stretching more than 1,000 kilometers from the Wushaoling hills near Lanzhou to the remote Jade Gate in Gansu, this route once connected China with the distant empires of Rome and Byzantium.Along the way, explore grand Buddhist grottoes, ancient fortresses, crumbling watchtowers, and striking desert landscapes shaped by wind and time. This journey offers a deep encounter with history, faith, and the wild beauty of China’s western frontier.
Trip code: CBT250901
Itinerary
🥢 Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
To ensure the best possible experience, all itinerary details will be finalized and communicated closer to the departure date.
Day 1: Lanzhou arrival (d)
Arrive in Lanzhou, the gateway city to the ancient Hexi Corridor.Transfer to your hotel and check in. Visit the Gansu Provincial Museum, home to the iconic Bronze Galloping Horse and excellent Silk Road exhibits.If time permits, enjoy a gentle walk along the Yellow River, passing landmarks such as the Zhongshan Bridge and Waterwheel Park.Welcome dinner near the site.Overnight in Lanzhou.
Day 2: Bingling Si Grottoes → Wuwei (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out.
Depart Lanzhou after breakfast and drive to Liujiaxia Reservoir (approx. 1.5 hrs). Board a speedboat for a scenic cruise through dramatic canyon landscapes to reach the remote Bingling Si Grottoes, a Buddhist cave complex dating back to the Western Qin Dynasty.Highlights include:The towering 27 meter Maitreya Buddha carved into the cliff.Over 180 caves containing murals, sculptures, and inscriptions.Peaceful riverside scenery is accessible only by boat.After the visit, continue driving across the Hexi Corridor to Wuwei (approx. 3.5 hrs). Check in and rest.Overnight in Wuwei.
Day 3: Wuwei Cultural Heritage (B)
Hotel breakfast.
Begin the day at the Leitai Han Tombs, where the famous Bronze Galloping Horse was unearthed. Explore the underground chambers and learn about Han era burial customs.Continue to the Tiantaishan Grottoes, a serene Buddhist site carved into a cliffside overlooking a river valley. Admire:Early Buddhist statues and muralsPeaceful mountain surroundingsA less visited grotto complex offering an intimate experienceReturn to Wuwei for free time in the old town or to sample local Hui cuisine.Overnight in Wuwei.
Day 4: Wuwei → Shandan Horse Farm → Xiakou Great Wall → Zhangye (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out.Drive west toward Zhangye. En route, stop at the historic Shandan Army Horse Farm, one of the world’s oldest horse breeding centers, dating back to the Han Dynasty.
Learn about: Ancient cavalry traditions, Modern horse breeding practices, and the strategic importance of horses on the Silk RoadContinue to the Xiakou Great Wall, a rugged and photogenic section of the Ming era frontier defenses. Walk along the earthen ramparts and enjoy panoramic desert views.Arrive in Zhangye, check in, and relax.Overnight in Zhangye.
Day 5: zhangye (B)
Hotel breakfast.Spend the full day exploring the spectacular Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, known for its rainbow colored sandstone formations.Your visit includes:Multiple viewing platforms offering different angles of the striped mountainsShort walks along boardwalks for photographyOptional sunset viewing for the most vivid colorsIf time allows, visit the Giant Buddha Temple, home to China’s largest reclining Buddha from the Western Xia period.Overnight in Zhangye.
Day 6: Zhangye → Jiuquan → Jiayuguan (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out.Depart Zhangye and drive through the heart of the Hexi Corridor. Stop briefly in Jiuquan, historically known for its wine springs and military garrisons.Continue to Jiayuguan, the westernmost stronghold of the Great Wall. Check in and enjoy a relaxed evening.Overnight in Jiayuguan
Day 7: Jiayuguan Fortress → Gobi Desert Sculpture → Dunhuang (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out.
In the morning, visit the imposing Jiayuguan Pass, known as the “First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven.”
Explore: The fortress complex, the Great Wall Museum, the Overhanging Great Wall, and climbing up the ridge for sweeping desert views.After lunch, drive across the Gobi Desert toward Dunhuang (approx. 4 hrs). En route, stop at the striking land art installation “Children of the Earth”, a modern sculpture symbolizing humanity’s connection to the desert.Arrive in Dunhuang, the oasis city of the Silk Road. In the evening, visit the lively Shazhou Night Market for local snacks, handicrafts, and cultural atmosphere.Overnight in Dunhuang
Day 8: Dunhuang (B)
Hotel breakfast.Morning visit to the world renowned Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guided tour includes:A documentary introduction to the history of the cavesVisits to several carefully selected grottoesExplanations of Buddhist art, Silk Road culture, and ancient preservation techniquesIn the afternoon, head to the Mingsha (Echoing) Sand Dunes and the Oasis Crescent Moon Lake. Enjoy: Optional camel rides, Sand dune hiking, Sunset photography over the golden desertReturn to your hotel for the night.Overnight in Dunhuang.
Day 9: Dunhuang Departure (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Trip ends.
Tour details
tour duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
size of group
Daily departure, min. 2 (guaranteed)
accommodation
- 8 nights with breakfast
- Choose your preferred class: Comfort, Deluxe
Meals
- 8 breakfasts, 1 dinner, and daily hydration.
- Lunches and dinners are not included to allow for flexibility; your guides will recommend local options en route.
- Happy to arrange more culinary experiences upon request.
Internal Transport
- Transfers: All airport to hotel round-trip transfers by private vehicle.
sightseeings
- All mentioned tours and excursions
- Includes: All first-entry admission tickets to sights.
- Guide Service: Professional local English-speaking guide service in each city.
- Spanish, Italian, and German-speaking guides available upon request (may require an additional fee).
TRAVEL MOMENTS
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