Gansu Province offers travelers a remarkable journey through China's history
and landscapes. Following the historic Silk Road from Lanzhou to Dunhuang
reveals stunning desert vistas, ancient Buddhist art, and fascinating cultural
sites that have survived for centuries.
Why Visit Gansu?
While becoming more accessible, Gansu remains off the radar for many international travelers. The Hexi Corridor - a narrow passage between the Qilian Mountains and Gobi Desert - served as a crucial Silk Road artery where traders, pilgrims, and armies once traveled. Today, visitors can explore this route while enjoying relatively uncrowded sites compared to other Chinese destinations.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal seasons are spring (April-June) and autumn (September-early October). Summers bring extreme heat, while winters can be bitterly cold. Avoid Chinese national holidays, particularly Golden Week in early October.
Recommended Route
The journey can be taken eastbound (Lanzhou to Dunhuang) or westbound. For those continuing to Xi'an or Beijing, the Dunhuang-to-Lanzhou direction works best. Key transportation options include:
High-speed trains between major cities
Private drivers for remote areas like desert sites
Dunhuang's airport for convenient access
Top Destinations
DunhuangThis ancient Silk Road crossroads features:
Crescent Lake and Mingsha Dunes: A picturesque oasis surrounded by singing sand dunes
Dunhuang Night Market: Perfect for sampling local cuisine
White Horse Pagoda: A historic Buddhist site
Mogao CavesThis UNESCO World Heritage Site contains nearly 500 caves with exquisite Buddhist art spanning 1,000 years. Visits require guided tours to protect the fragile artworks.
Yumen Pass and Yadan GeoparkThe historic Jade Gate frontier post and nearby wind-sculpted rock formations offer spectacular desert scenery, best reached by private vehicle.
Jiayuguan FortMarking the western end of the Great Wall, this Ming Dynasty fortress has been extensively restored but offers impressive desert views.
Zhangye DanxiaThe rainbow-colored mountains of this national park create one of China's most striking landscapes, though they can be crowded.
LanzhouGansu's capital serves as a transportation hub and offers excellent beef noodles and the impressive Gansu Provincial Museum.
