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Lanzhou, China
Start your Gansu journey in the provincial capital, famously known for its hand-pulled beef noodles (lanzhou la mian). Visit the Yellow River waterwheel park and White Pagoda Mountain for great river views. The city is a great transport hub for heading west along the Silk Road.
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Xiahe, China
Home to the magnificent Labrang Monastery, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet. Walk the 3km kora (pilgrimage circuit) around the monastery alongside monks and pilgrims. The surrounding grasslands and Tibetan culture make this a deeply atmospheric stop.
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Zhangye, China
Zhangye is the gateway to the stunning Zhangye Danxia Landform, a UNESCO-listed rainbow mountain landscape of vivid red, orange and purple rock. Don't miss the Giant Buddha Temple, which houses China's largest indoor reclining Buddha. Spend a full day at the Danxia geopark for the best light at sunset.
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Jiayuguan, China
Jiayuguan is home to the western terminus of the Great Wall, marked by the imposing Jiayuguan Fort — historically known as the 'First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven.' The site dramatically marks where the ancient Silk Road passed beyond the Chinese empire. The surrounding Gobi Desert scenery is stark and unforgettable.
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Dunhuang, China
Dunhuang is the crown jewel of Gansu, home to the world-famous Mogao Caves — a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 700 Buddhist grottoes filled with ancient murals and sculptures. Climb the towering Mingsha Sand Dunes at sunset and visit the picturesque Crescent Moon Spring nestled among the dunes. Allow at least two days for the caves and one for the desert landscapes.