Live Your Best Lives
Symphonic Silk Road, Wishful Gansu
Gansu, a traditional homeland and birthplace of the Han ethnic group, once belonged to the Yongzhou region. It was a key region and a prime section of the Silk Road, bordering Mongolia. Like a magnificent gem, it lies embedded in the Loess Plateau, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the Inner Mongolia Plateau in central China. Rich in history, vast territory, and breathtaking scenery, Gansu boasts a rich history. During the Cultural Revolution, the Provincial People's Committee was renamed the Gansu Provincial Revolutionary Committee, and in 1979, it was re-named the Gansu Provincial People's Government. Gansu is a land where aridity and humidity coexist, Gobi deserts and plateaus, and deserts and snow-capped mountains. Countless legends await your discovery.
Gansu is a province in central China with a rich cultural and historical heritage. It was a crucial part of the ancient Silk Road, serving as a hub for trade and cultural exchange between China and the West. The region is known for its diverse ethnic groups, including Tibetan, Hui, and Han, which have shaped its unique culture. Gansu is home to several important historical sites, including the Mogao Caves, which house invaluable Buddhist art and manuscripts, and the Labrang Monastery, an important center of Tibetan Buddhism.
Gansu is located in the northwestern part of China, bordered by Qinghai, Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Ningxia. The provincial capital, Lanzhou, is the main transportation hub. You can reach Gansu by flying into Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport or by taking a high-speed train to Lanzhou Railway Station. Local transport options include buses, taxis, and long-distance trains to key attractions. For more remote areas, such as the Mogao Caves, a private car or bus is recommended.
Most attractions in Gansu, including the Mogao Caves, Labrang Monastery, and Zhangye Danxia Landform, are open year-round. However, the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months (April to October), when the weather is mild. Summer can be hot, especially in desert areas, while winter can be cold, particularly in the mountainous regions. It’s best to avoid visiting during Chinese New Year (January/February) due to increased tourism.
Entrance fees vary depending on the attraction. For example, the Mogao Caves typically charge around 120 RMB for entry, while the Zhangye Danxia Landform charges about 60 RMB. Tickets for the Labrang Monastery are usually free or very low-cost. You can buy tickets online through official sites or platforms like Ctrip, or purchase them on-site at most attractions. It’s recommended to book tickets for popular sites like the Mogao Caves in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
For popular attractions such as the Mogao Caves, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during the high season (April to October). It is advisable to book at least 1-2 weeks in advance. For other attractions, such as the Zhangye Danxia Landform and Labrang Monastery, you can generally buy tickets on-site.
To fully explore the main attractions of Gansu, such as the Mogao Caves, Labrang Monastery, and Zhangye Danxia Landform, you’ll need at least 3-4 days. A day is typically enough for each major attraction, but you may want to allocate extra time for hiking or exploring the surrounding areas.
Guided tours are available for major attractions such as the Mogao Caves and Labrang Monastery, often in Mandarin and sometimes in English. Audio guides are also available at popular sites like the Mogao Caves and can be rented on-site. It's a good idea to book guided tours in advance if you need an English-speaking guide.
Start with the Mogao Caves to explore its ancient Buddhist art, then visit the Dunhuang Crescent Lake for a desert experience. Afterward, head to the Zhangye Danxia Landform for a hike or scenic drive through the colorful mountains. Finally, end your trip with a visit to the Labrang Monastery and explore its rich Tibetan culture and architecture.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available for most attractions in Gansu. However, during certain festivals, there may be special ceremonies or cultural performances in places like Labrang Monastery. It’s best to check specific sites for seasonal events or night-time activities.
Gansu can get crowded during the peak tourist season (April to October) and national holidays like Chinese New Year. The least crowded times to visit are during the winter months (November to February) and early spring (March-April), though the weather may be less favorable.
Most major attractions in Gansu have basic facilities, including toilets, food stalls, and water available for purchase. Larger sites like the Mogao Caves and Zhangye Danxia Landform have rest areas and small shops selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. However, more remote locations may have fewer amenities, so it's best to bring your own water and snacks when exploring.
Gansu’s attractions, particularly the Mogao Caves and Labrang Monastery, are accessible for elderly visitors, though some areas may involve stairs or uneven terrain. The Zhangye Danxia Landform has some hiking trails that might be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors, but there are viewing platforms that offer easy access to the best views. It’s best to check specific accessibility options at each site in advance.
Cash is widely accepted in Gansu, but mobile payments through platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used in cities and popular tourist sites. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, but it’s advisable to carry cash for smaller shops and rural areas.
There are local Tibetan and Hui restaurants near major attractions such as Dunhuang and Zhangye, serving dishes like lamb, noodles, and dumplings. Larger cities like Lanzhou offer more variety, including Chinese, Tibetan, and Muslim Hui cuisine. Vegetarian and halal options are also available in many restaurants.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan food options are available, especially in larger cities and near Tibetan monasteries. Halal food is readily available in cities like Lanzhou, where many Hui Muslim restaurants serve traditional halal dishes.
There are a range of accommodations near major attractions, including budget hotels, guesthouses, and mid-range hotels. For instance, in Dunhuang, you’ll find hotels like Dunhuang International Hotel or Dunhuang Yijia Hotel. In Lanzhou, there are international hotel chains and boutique options like the Gansu Hotel.
Souvenir shops are available at most major attractions. Typical souvenirs include Tibetan handicrafts, silk scarves, pottery, and religious items like prayer wheels and beads. You can also find local specialties such as dried fruit and herbal products.
After visiting Gansu, you can continue your trip by train or bus to nearby destinations such as Lanzhou, Zhangye, or Xi’an. Flights from Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport connect to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. It’s also easy to book trains or buses to the adjacent provinces of Qinghai and Shaanxi.
