Gansu – Origins of the Silk Road in Northwest China!

 

The province of Gansu is synonymous with the Silk Road, the gap through which goods and ideas once streamed between China and Central Asia. Visit Gansu, and you will discover a totally different China!

 

Lanzhou – Food Paradise

Lanzhou is the capital of Gansu Province, a key regional transportation hub, that connects areas further west by rail to the eastern half of the country. You can find the most famous dish – Lanzhou beef noodles and several excellent night markets in this city, an excellent place to sample the delights of Chinese Silk Road fare.

 

White Pagoda Mountain

The White Pagoda Mountain is famous for its mesmerizing White Pagoda Temple. There are interesting things to see along the way and great views of the famous bridge and the Yellow River during your hike.

 

 

Waterwheel Park

Waterwheel Park is one of the highlights of this city. Serving as the oldest irrigation tool in Lanzhou, it is a great place for history buffs.

 

 

Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves

Bingling Grottoes is one of China’s biggest ancient Buddhist temple complexes, and the statues were carved in natural caves in a canyon along the Yellow River. In order to get there it will take you around 2 hours’ ride from Lanzhou city and a boat ride about 20-40 minutes.

 

 

Gansu Provincial Museum

Gansu Provincial Museum has an intriguing collection of Silk Road artifacts with English descriptions. Discover the antique collections and learn more about China’s history.

 

 

Zhengning Road Night Market

If you like trying new things, especially local cuisine then Zhengning Road is the place you should visit! This street is packed at night with vendors selling local specialties including mutton sandwiches, muesli hot drinks, local spices, and much more!

 

 

Zhangye – The oasis of sweet waters

Zhangye is an ever-shining jewel in Gansu province and also an important port of the famous Silk Road. Here you can find many national treasures such as Geo parks, Buddha temples, Grand canyons, and Horse farms and many other ancient buildings and natural reservoirs.

 

Zhangye Danxia Geopark

The danxia landforms are a masterpiece of nature. The colorful mountain ridges are just like an overturned palette from heaven, especially in the evening and morning!

 

 

Giant Buddha Temple

Giant Buddha Temple houses China’s largest indoor reclining Buddha, which is 35 meters long with many precious Buddhist scriptures. It is like an oasis of calm. Pretty gardens, not too crowded and great historic buildings are waiting for you to visit them.

 

 

Mati Temple Grottoes

Mati Temple Grottoes includes Thousand Buddha Cave, Northern and Southern Mati Temple, Avalokitesvara caves, and Golden Pagoda Temple, a total of 7 cave groups and, more than 70 caves that await your exploration!

 

 

Jiayuguan – Legendary acient pass

Jiayuguan is a fitting setting, as it marks the symbolic end of the Great Wall, the western gateway of China proper. Famous for the Jiayuguan Pass which is dubbed as the world’s first grand pass.

 

Overhanging Great Wall

The Overhanging Great Wall was built on a steep valley. Overlook the wall looks like a magnificent painting hanging over the cliff, which is why it has been called this way.

 

 

Jiayuguan Pass

Jiayuguan Pass used to be the starting point of the ancient Great Wall built during Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644).

 

 

Dunhuang – A cradle of Silk Road trader

The fertile Dunhuang oasis has for millennia been a rest place for weary Silk Road travelers. This city includes many highlight attractions on your Silk Road trip which makes Dunhuang a magnificent place to visit.

 

Mogao Caves

It is man-made wonder in the desert, the brightest star and treasure of Buddhist arts. You can’t help being marveled by the fabulous artifacts, murals and sculptures.

 

 

Crescent Moon Pool

Crescent Moon Pool owns several old temples with hundred of painted sculptures and frescoes. The pool is surrounded by dunes, where you can enjoy sandboarding, sit on a camel, or even just look around the area and wait for the sunset.

 

 

Yadan National Geological Park

Yadan National Geological Park, also called the Ghost City. As a rare natural sculpture museum of Yadan landform with hard and pale-red soil, it features the unique and wonderful landscapes of desert.

 

 

Q & A

 

Q1. When is the best time to visit Gansu?
A1. The rainy season comes from June to September, making the spring months from April to June the best time to visit.

 

Q2. What is the local food in Gansu?
A2. You can find delicacies such as Carved Melons, Camel Hoof, La Main (Pulled Wheat Noodles), Niang Pi Zi (Flour Paste Strips), etc.

 

Q3. What is the most popular souvenir?
A3. Handcrafts of carpet, painted sculpture, craftworks of camels, luminous cup, paintings, and Dunhuang wax printing, etc are the most famous. Luminous Cup, known as Yangguan Jade Cup, is a rare drinking vessel that glows in the dark, hence the name.

 

Q4. Best place to buy cheap souvenirs?
A4. Shazhou Market, located on the East Yangguan Road, is a recommended place to buy local products.

 

Expats Holidays believes once you start this journey, you will be amazed to see these wonderful places in China. Contact our travel consultants right ahead!