Hexi Corridor Travel Route Map

5-Day In-Depth Hexi Corridor Itinerary

The Hexi Corridor is a golden route combining history, culture, and natural landscapes. Below is a classic 5-day itinerary that balances cultural depth and breathtaking scenery, suitable for self-driving or private car tours (self-driving recommended for greater flexibility).

Day 1: Lanzhou/Xining → Wuwei (270km, ~3 hours)

Theme: Han-Tang Military Hub & Hometown of the Flying Horse of Gansu

• Morning: Depart from Lanzhou/Xining to Wuwei via Lianhuo Expressway.

• Afternoon:
• Leitai Han Tomb (excavation site of China's tourism emblem "Flying Horse of Gansu", featuring Han Dynasty burial chambers and bronze chariot formations).
• Wuwei Confucian Temple (largest Confucian temple in Northwest China, showcasing Ming Dynasty plaques and the Zhuangyuan Bridge).

• Accommodation: Wuwei downtown (recommended: Tianma Hotel, near night market).
• Food: "Three-Carriage Meal" (Liangzhou cold noodles + braised meat + jujube tea), fried dough twists in rice soup.

Day 2: Wuwei → Zhangye (240km, ~3 hours)

Theme: Rainbow Mountains & Silk Road Buddhism

• Morning: Head to Zhangye, optional stop at Shandan Horse Ranch (world's largest military horse ranch, lush grass in summer).
• Afternoon:
• Zhangye Danxia Landform (enter 3 hours before sunset, focus on No.4 viewing platform "Mountain of Knives and Sea of Fire").
• Giant Buddha Temple (largest indoor reclining Buddha in Northwest China, housing rare Ming Dynasty Buddhist manuscripts).

• Accommodation: Homestays near Danxia (convenient for sunrise photography).
• Food: Rolled chicken, fish-shaped noodles, apricot peel water.

Day 3: Zhangye → Jiayuguan (230km, ~2.5 hours)

Theme: First Pass Under Heaven & Great Wall Culture

• Morning: Travel to Jiayuguan, optional detour to Hanging Great Wall (earthen wall on Heishan Mountain, great for hiking).
• Afternoon:
• Jiayuguan Fort (climb the tower to see the legendary "City-Fixing Brick" with views of Qilian Mountains and Gobi).
• First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall (Ming Dynasty watchtower by Taolai River Canyon, evoking frontier solitude).

• Accommodation: Jiayuguan downtown (recommended: Plaza Holiday Hotel near night market).
• Food: Jiayuguan barbecue (lamb + baked buns), "Huguo" stew.

Day 4: Jiayuguan → Dunhuang (380km, ~4.5 hours)

Theme: Desert Art Treasury & Silk Road Pearl

• Morning: Drive to Dunhuang via Lianhuo Expressway, optional stop at Guazhou Suoyang City (Tang Dynasty ruins + T'er Temple).
• Afternoon:
• Mogao Caves (book Class A tickets 30 days in advance, highlight caves: No.96 Giant Buddha & No.17 Library Cave).
• Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Lake (evening camel ride + sandboarding, sunset by the lake).

• Accommodation: Dunhuang downtown or homestays near the dunes (recommended: Dunhuang Resort for stargazing).
• Food: Donkey meat with yellow noodles, apricot peel water, Poplar-braised pancakes.

Day 5: Dunhuang In-Depth Tour

Theme: Yangguan-Jade Gate Pass & Desert Stars

• Morning:
• Yangguan Pass ("No friends west of Yangguan" site, see beacon towers + museum).
• Yumenguan Pass ("Spring breeze never reaches Jade Gate" site, Han Dynasty Great Wall and Fangpan City).

• Afternoon: Return to Dunhuang, optional visit to Dunhuang Museum (replica caves & Silk Road artifacts).
• Evening: Desert Star Camp (bonfire party + Milky Way viewing, recommended near Yadan Ghost City).

Transport Tips:

• Self-drive: Rent SUVs (pick up in Lanzhou/Xining, return in Dunhuang) for Gobi terrain.
• Private car: Local drivers know routes well (ideal for families/small groups).
• Train: Bullet trains available between cities (~3 hours/segment), but taxis needed for attractions.

Important Notes:

1. Ticket reservations: Mogao Caves require 30-day advance booking (Class A: 8 caves + digital film). Danxia depth tour recommended (¥368/person, includes private car + 6 viewing platforms).

2. Best season: May-October (strong UV protection in summer, some sites close in winter).

3. Gear: Prepare sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, sand masks, and hiking shoes for Gobi/Great Wall walks.

4. Cultural respect: No photography in Mogao Caves, no climbing on Yangguan/Yumenguan ruins.

This route blends history (Han-Tang fortresses, cave art) and nature (Danxia, desert, snow mountains) with daily driving under 4 hours, perfect for slow travel. With extra time, consider adding: Jinta Poplar Forest (October foliage) or Guazhou "Desert Baby" giant sculpture.