Gansu Travel Itineraries

Gansu, located in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, borders Shaanxi to the east, connects southward to Sichuan and Qinghai, leans against Xinjiang to the west, and adjoins Inner Mongolia and Ningxia to the north. It has long been regarded as the key gateway and golden corridor of the ancient Silk Road.

Like a magnificent piece of jade, Gansu is set among the Loess Plateau, the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, and the Inner Mongolian Plateau in central China. The ancient Silk Road runs across the entire province, leaving behind countless historical sites and cultural treasures. The remarkable attractions along the route resemble a string of glittering pearls, dazzling the eyes. Here, you will find snow-capped peaks soaring into the clouds, vast boundless grasslands, sweeping Gobi deserts, lush secondary forests, and enchanting emerald lakes and springs.

White Pagoda

While all itineraries are flexible, we've provided a recommended itinerary to help you. If you need a customized Gansu itinerary, please contact us.

Four Major Regions of Gansu Itinerary

Mogao Caves

In southeastern Gansu, the city of Tianshui and the Longnan region are known for their long history, picturesque landscapes, and distinctive folk customs. Blessed with fertile land and natural beauty, the area is often referred to as Little Jiangnan.

In southern Gansu, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture are home to diverse ethnic communities, featuring unique traditions and customs, as well as the secluded and enchanting Tibetan landscapes of northwestern China.

In eastern Gansu, the Qingyang and Pingliang regions are not only old revolutionary base areas with a proud modern history, but also culturally significant places associated with the legendary ancestors of the Chinese nation, such as Fuxi, Nuwa, and Yellow Emperor.

To the northwest lies the Hexi Corridor, once an ancient battlefield of clashing armies and a vital passage of the Silk Road. Here, the world-renowned Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the vast and desolate Gobi deserts, and the majestic remnants of frontier passes all shine with enduring splendor.

3-day Gansu Itinerary

Mingsha Mountain

Gansu is vast and long in shape. If your time is limited, it is generally recommended to focus on either Dunhuang or Lanzhou.

Dunhuang, a shining pearl on the ancient Silk Road, is one of the must-visit destinations in Gansu. Lanzhou, the provincial capital, is the only city through which the Yellow River flows directly across the urban center, offering impressive cityscapes.

As secondary recommendations, consider Zhangye and Xiahe—the former is famous for its Rainbow Danxia landforms, while the latter is often referred to as the Second Tibet.

• More about 3 Days Gansu Itinerary »

4-day or 5-day Gansu Itinerary

Labrang Monastery

Four to five days are generally enough for a themed trip—such as a Silk Road journey along the Hexi Corridor or a Colorful Gannan cultural tour. However, the schedule will be relatively tight, and due to geographical distances, long hours of travel are often required, making the experience more of a whirlwind sightseeing tour.

If you prefer to savor the charm of Gansu at a leisurely pace, it is wiser to focus on just one or two cities for a more relaxed and in-depth experience.

• More about 4 Days Gansu Itinerary »
• More about 5 Days Gansu Itinerary »

7-day Gansu Itinerary

Colorful Danxia

A week is ideal for the themed itineraries mentioned above, or you can use the time to explore other regions of Gansu. For example, in eastern and southern Gansu, you can visit the Taoist sacred mountain Kongtong Mountain, the "Mountain of Emperors" Liupan Mountain, the cliffside Buddhist sanctuary Maijishan Grottoes, and Guan'e Valley, often called the "Little Jiuzhaigou".

Since Lanzhou, located in central Gansu, is quite far from many other cities, it is advisable to plan your route carefully and avoid unnecessary backtracking.

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10-day or 14-day Gansu Itinerary

Chaka Salt Lake

If you have ample time, you can experience one of Northwest China's classic routes—the Qinghai–Gansu Grand Loop. This circular road trip connects the provinces of Gansu and Qinghai, stretching approximately 4,000 kilometers. It links together the region's spectacular natural scenery and Silk Road cultural heritage, covering highlights such as Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Chaka Salt Lake, and Qinghai Lake.

• More about 10 Days Gansu Itinerary »
• More about 14 Days Gansu Itinerary »

Birding Itineraries

Langmu Temple

It is worth noting that Gansu is a vast province and these itineraries are just a starting point, you could explore more places and customize your trip, also depending on your travel style, budget and time. It is always recommended to check with local travel agency and have a detailed plan before you start your journey.

Travel itineraries for birding in Gansu »

Photography Itineraries

Jiayu Pass

Gansu province is home to a variety of stunning photography destinations including the breathtaking multicolored Danxia Landform of Zhangye, the mystical Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring oasis in Dunhuang, the ancient and atmospheric Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, and the awe-inspiring Jiayu Pass, the western end of the Ming Great Wall.

Travel itineraries for photography »

Customize Your Unique Gansu Silk Road Trip

If you are interested in one of the Gansu itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Gansu Tour, please visit our Gansu Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Gansu Trip

the Silk Road

• Travel Guide: attractions, weather, hotels, food, etc.
• Top destinations: best places to visit in Gansu
• Travel itineraries: itineraries for your reference
• Local culture: brief history, folk culture, festivals, etc.
• Weather: the best time and seasons to visit Gansu
• Top attractions: sightseeings to watch in Gansu
• Cultural immersions: activities to spotlight your trip
• Unique perspective: best interesting things to do
• Local food: what to eat while traveling in Gansu
• Luxury hotels: best accommodation to stay in Gansu
• Dunhuang Tours: customized Gansu tours for your reference