Qinghai-Gansu Cultural Tour

• Arrive in Qinghai
  

• 4+stars Hotel

• None

  
  

Welcome to Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. At an altitude of 2,261 meters above sea level, this city is located in the vast, sprawling northwest of China and is known for its long history and magnificent natural beauty.

Your exclusive guide will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel to check in and organize the rest of your tour. After a short rest, you will have free time to acclimatize to the altitude of this highland city. Whether you are savoring Xining's culinary delights or enjoying the magnificent natural scenery, you are sure to have a fulfilling and enjoyable afternoon.

Recommended Night Program:

In Xining, don't miss Puning Pearl Tower, which is not only a 188-meter-high TV and sightseeing tower, but also an excellent place to savor the food and enjoy the night view. As night falls, climb up the Puning Pearl Tower and you will enjoy a mouth-watering dinner while taking in the glittering night view of Xining, as if you were on top of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai, experiencing the charm and vitality of the city.

• Qinghai Lake - Xining
  

• 4+stars Hotel

• Breakfast
  

  
  

After breakfast, we will drive to Qinghai Lake, which is 150 kilometers away from Xining, and this journey takes about 2.5 hours. Along the way, you will be mesmerized by the picturesque natural scenery of Riyue Mountain. The green grassland, blue sky, white clouds and countless fascinating scenes will unfold in front of your eyes like a flowing scroll.

Qinghai Lake, which is 3200 meters high, is not only the largest inland lake in China, but also the largest saltwater lake. Its vast waters cover an area of more than 4,500 square kilometers, 105 kilometers long and 63 kilometers wide.

In Erlangjian Scenic Area, we will enjoy the beauty of Qinghai Lake. Walking on the trestle, you will be able to have a panoramic view of the far-reaching Qinghai Lake. The lake's water, with its different salt content, shows different colors under the sunlight, which is magnificent and charming. In addition, Qinghai Lake is also a holy place of Tibetan Buddhism, where many devotees come to worship every year.

If you want to enjoy the beauty of Qinghai Lake from a different angle, you may choose to take a cruise. In Erlangjian Scenic Area, you can choose either a high-speed cruise ship or a catamaran for your tour.

After enjoying the beautiful view of Qinghai Lake, we will drive about 150 kilometers (about 3 hours) to Chaka town (3100 meters above sea level) to check in.

Tips:
1, The best time to visit: the beauty of Qinghai Lake can be enjoyed in all seasons, but especially recommend that you come between May and October, when the weather is pleasant and most suitable for outdoor activities. Especially in July and August, rapeseed flowers bloom, forming a golden sea, is even more beautiful.
2, Sunscreen preparation: Qinghai Lake's sunshine is strong, especially in summer. Be sure to bring sunscreen products such as hats, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.
3, Plateau reaction prevention: Although the Qinghai Lake plateau reaction is not common, but if it is your first time to set foot on the plateau, you should still be vigilant. Avoid strenuous exercise and maintain adequate water intake are effective measures to prevent plateau reaction.

• Xining - Tongren - Longwu Monastery - Wutunxia Monastery - Xiahe
  

• 4+stars Hotel

• Breakfast
  

  
  

Today, you will embark on a journey to Tongren County in Qinghai, home to the famous "Regong Art". On the way, you will visit Longwu Monastery, the third largest Tibetan monastery in Northwest China, after Labrang Monastery and Kumbum Monastery, and now an important monastery of the Gelugpa School. Longwu Monastery has played a pivotal role in the history of Tibetan Buddhism in Northwest China, where many Buddhist masters and scholars have practiced and spread the Dharma.

Deep in the heart of the Tibetan village, you will visit the Wutunxia Monastery, a sacred place that is not only the cradle of the art of Regong, but also a witness to its blossoming. Over the centuries, Wutunxia Monastery has not only guarded this precious artistic heritage, but also spared no effort in teaching it to the local villagers, so that the Tongren region has gradually risen to become a bright pearl of Buddhist art in Tibet.

Talking about Regong art, it is a collection of visual feasts, emphasizing the spirit of originality, every color comes from the gifts of nature - the essence of minerals and plants, through the hands of artisans to refine and integrate, blooming with unique luster. The masterpieces in the Wutunxia Monasterry, the guardian of the art of Regong, are a testament to the depth and excellence of this ancient art.

Afterwards, you will enter the local Regong painting school to witness the fusion of heritage and innovation. Here, teachers and students work side-by-side to craft each work of art with endless passion and skill, keeping the flame of Regong art alive.

After this enlightening art journey, we will drive on a new journey of about 110 kilometers (about 2.5 hours' drive) to Xiahe, where we have arranged a comfortable accommodation for you to relax.

• Labrang Monastery - Sangke Grassland

• 4+stars Hotel

• Breakfast

  
  

After breakfast, you will embark on a journey to Labrang Monastery. Labrang Monastery, as one of the six major monasteries of the Gelugpa School of Tibetan Buddhism, not only has a deep historical heritage, but is also an important religious center of Tibetan Buddhism outside the Tibet Autonomous Region. Here, you will have the opportunity to witness the monks studying and debating the Buddhist classics, and feel the deep religious atmosphere.

Labrang Monastery is also famous for its world's longest Bible-Turning Path, which is about 3.2 kilometers long. Winding around in a clockwise direction, you will feel the strong religious atmosphere and devotion of the believers at every step. 

In the afternoon, you will set foot on the Sangke Grassland, a natural pasture where Tibetan nomads thrive. Under the summer sun, the grassland is as green as a blanket, and under the blue sky and white clouds, the cows and sheep leisurely flock together, constituting a moving idyllic picture scroll. It is worth mentioning that every year on the thirteenth day of the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar, the seven tribes of the Sanko region will gather in this grassland, and jointly organize a grand horse racing festival, which is a passionate collision of power and beauty, and a cultural heritage and show.

After enjoying the magnificence of the Sanko grassland, you will arrive at Ningxia, the capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, after driving for about 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, you can check into a carefully selected hotel and take a short rest. Afterwards, you will have plenty of time to explore this beautiful city full of Muslim cultural characteristics and feel its unique charm.

•  Ningxia - Liujiaxia Dam - Bingling Temple Grottoes - Lanzhou
  

• 4+stars Hotel

• None

  
  

Today, you will travel to Lanzhou, a journey that will take approximately 3 hours. On the way, you can visit the Bingling Temple Grottoes, a treasure trove of Buddhist art hidden in the dust of history.

First, you will arrive at the Liujiaxia Dam, the jewel of the upper reaches of the Yellow River, which is not only the site of a large national hydroelectric power plant, but also an excellent location for viewing the magnificent scenery of the Yellow River. Afterwards, depart from the pier next to the dam and take a speedboat to enjoy a water journey of about 40 to 50 minutes. Along the way, the Yellow River and the Danxia landforms along the shoreline, with exposed red rocks and no vegetation, form a breathtaking natural picture.

After docking, you can step into the mysterious world of Bingling Temple. This is not a temple in the traditional sense, but a 1600-year-old Buddhist grotto complex, built on the banks of the Yellow River and along the mountains, blending ancient Buddhist culture with natural wonders. Inside the Bingling Temple, dotted with some 183 caves, there is a collection of 694 stone statues, 82 clay sculptures and more than 900 square meters of exquisite murals, each piece of which is a crystallization of the wisdom and artistry of ancient craftsmen.

Particularly noteworthy is the lower temple area, where a 27-meter-high giant seated Buddha stands in awe. In addition, there are many colorful statues of Bodhisattvas in different postures and murals spanning the Wei, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, which have survived the vicissitudes of life, and some of them have been damaged by earthquakes and wind and rain erosion, but still can not hide their extraordinary artistic charms, which vividly demonstrate the prosperity of the ancient Buddhist culture in China and the exquisite architectural carving skills.

After the visit to Bingling Temple, we will drive back to Lanzhou and arrange for you to stay in a comfortable hotel. As night falls, you will have plenty of time to stroll around the city where the Yellow River passes through, and experience its unique cultural flavor mixed with the vitality of the modern city. Whether it is tasting the authentic Lanzhou beef noodles or strolling along the Yellow River Scenic Line, it will add unforgettable memories to your Lanzhou trip.

Tips:

1、Bingling Temple is located in a remote mountainous area, and its unique geographical location makes it accessible only by water way through the Liu Jia Gorge Dam in summer and fall.
2、There are some special caves in the Bingling Temple Grottoes, due to their uniqueness and preciousness, you need to pay an extra fee when visiting.
3、When visiting Bingling Temple, you will be walking along a winding boardwalk trail on the cliffs. For your safety, please be sure to walk carefully, watch your step and follow the safety tips and guidelines in the scenic area.

• Lanzhou - Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park
  

• 4+stars Hotel

• Breakfast
  

  
  

Todayt, you will go to the breathtaking Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, where nature has painted a magnificent petrographic picture of red sandstone and conglomerate. Originating in the remote pre-Jurassic period, this spectacle features thousands of peaks and ridges that stretch out like a brilliant palette of colors in the setting sun, draping the barren mountains in a gorgeous red dress.

What is even more amazing is that the surface of these mountains is not only limited to a single red, but also dotted with white and yellow colors, which are interwoven into an irregular but harmonious pattern, like a masterpiece of abstract art, attracting infinite reverie. Every step is a feast for the eyes.

In order to capture this stunning beauty in all aspects, there are several viewing platforms in the park for you to stop and watch, and to freeze every wonderful moment. When the sun sets, the Rainbow Terrace is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Danxia landscape. It is recommended that you arrive early to grab an excellent viewing position, so as not to miss the magnificent view of the setting sun coloring the sky and Danxia together.

As night falls, after the end of this visual and spiritual baptism, you can drive back to the center of Zhangye City, choose a cozy accommodation, let this shock and beauty from nature, continue to continue in the dream.

Tips:
1, Sunscreen well-prepared: when you go to visit, please be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, lightweight sunscreen protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats, in order to fully resist the strong direct sunlight in summer, to protect your skin from ultraviolet damage.
2, The best time to take pictures: If you want to capture the most fascinating moments of Danxia landscape, sunset is undoubtedly the best choice. In summer, it is recommended to look for the best shooting position between 19:00 and 20:00; while in winter, it needs to be advanced to about 18:00 to 19:00.

• Great Buddha Temple - Jiayuguan

• 4+stars Hotel

• Breakfast

After breakfast, you will proceed to the Great Buddha Temple, famous for housing the largest indoor sleeping Buddha in Asia. This magnificent temple complex, built during the Western Xia Dynasty (1098 AD), is not only admired for its opulent decorations, but also for its well-preserved Buddhist scriptures and exquisite murals, which are treasures of history and art. At the heart of the complex, a 34.5-meter-long giant Sleeping Buddha lies in the center, showing the solemn scene of Buddha's nirvana with exquisite wood carving, and its auricle is wide enough for four adults to sit side by side, demonstrating extraordinary artistic attainments and religious significance.

Afterwards, you will drive through about 220 kilometers of scenery and after about 2.5 hours of driving, you will arrive at Jiayuguan, where you will stay and rest. After a short rest, your exploratory tour will start with the Great Wall Museum, which gathers a wealth of historical materials, precious old photos and physical exhibits, allowing you to have a comprehensive and deep understanding of Jiayuguan Fortress and the glorious history of the Great Wall before stepping into the pass. Then, after passing through the solemn gate, you will be in the Jiayuguan Fortress, which covers an area of more than 25,000 square meters and is a magnificent complex of towers, walls and various military facilities.

If time is on your side and you are interested, you can visit the Xuanbi Wall, about 18 kilometers away from Jiayuguan, a marvelous section of the Great Wall built on a sheer cliff, with its steep gradient and unique cantilevered design that is breathtaking.

• Jiayuguan - Yulin Grottoes - Dunhuang

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

After breakfast, you will depart from Jiayuguan and embark on a journey to Dunhuang. Along the way, an unexpected cultural encounter awaits you - the Yulin Grottoes, a temple of Buddhist art known as the "sister" of the Mogao Caves. Quietly located about 160 kilometers east of the oasis city of Dunhuang and the world-famous Mogao Grottoes, they are not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also a bright pearl on the Silk Road, connecting the civilizations and dreams of the East and the West.

The Yulin Grottoes contain 43 caves, each of which seems to be a window through time and space, offering a glimpse into the wisdom and devotion of ancient craftsmen. The murals cover a staggering 5,200 square meters of colorful, flowing lines, and there are more than 259 beautifully colored sculptures, which together form a vivid tapestry of Buddhist storytelling.

What's even more special is that the Yulin Grottoes also contain three treasures known as "special caves" (Grottoes 2, 3, and 25), which require you to pay an extra fee to visit because of their outstanding artistic value and unique historical significance. The murals and sculptures in these caves are all treasures of art history, waiting to be discovered and savored.

After visiting the Yulin Grottoes, we will continue our journey to Dunhuang. Upon arrival in Dunhuang, you will check into our carefully selected hotel for a comfortable stay. Here, you are free to organize activities according to your interests and preferences.

Recommended Optional Activities

At nightfall, stroll through the Shazhou Night Market and immerse yourself in the unique hustle. Try a variety of authentic Dunhuang cuisine and let your taste buds do a happy dance on your tongue; then move to a cozy bar and enjoy a relaxing time with soft music; and, of course, don't forget to browse the night market's handicraft stalls and pick up a few small, unique items as a wonderful memento of your trip or a special gift for your family and friends.

• Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain - Lunar Spring

• 4+stars Hotel

• Breakfast

After breakfast, we will depart Dunhuang and drive across a stretch of about 10 kilometers to an up-and-coming cultural landmark, the Mogao Grottoes Digital Convention and Exhibition Center. Here, a perfect example of the fusion of technology and art, is dedicated to exploring the deep heritage of the Mogao Grottoes. Here you will have the opportunity to view two carefully curated educational documentaries. The short films provide a comprehensive and in-depth look at the history of the Mogao Grottoes, the art, and the lesser-known anecdotes that will form the cornerstone of your field trip.

Then, you will proceed to the sacred cultural site of Mogao Grottoes. Known as the "Louvre of the East", the Mogao Caves are famous for their exquisite murals and statues. There are now 492 grottoes with about 45,000 square meters of frescoes and 2,100 colorful painted statues, tracing the development of Chinese art over 1,600 years. About 40 common grottoes are open to the public. In the tour area, you will be divided into groups by different guides who will accompany you to visit the grottoes (usually 7 to 8 grottoes during April to November and 12 grottoes during December to March) and give you a detailed introduction. After that, you are free to choose or follow another guide if you want to visit more other caves. There are also 10 special grottoes (extra charge) for you to visit extensively.

Mingsha Mountain (also known as the Echoing Sand Mountain) and the Crescent Lake together form a unique scenic spot. Even if there is no wind, on a sunny day the sand hill echoes sounds like orchestra music. . You can clearly hear the echoes as you slide down the sand hill. There are many exciting activities for you to try (at your own expense) such as sandboarding, viewing by glider or helicopter, and motorcycle riding. Camel riding across the desert is a very popular activity. Surrounded by echoing sand hills, Crescent Lake is a beautiful oasis with some beautifully decorated traditional Chinese buildings, trees and flowers, and a lake that never dries up and is shaped like a crescent moon. After sightseeing, you will return to Dunhuang City.

• Dunhuang Departure
  

• None
  

• Breakfast

  
  

Our journey ends here, we will according to your arrangement, send you to the airport or station, we hope that this trip can leave you with good memories, look forward to meeting you again!