4 Days 3 Nights Exploring Jiuquan｜Secret Silk Road Stunning Travel Guide

Day 1: First Exploration of Jiuquan

🚀 Morning: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center
Address: Nanjiao, Suzhou District, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province
The cradle of China’s space industry! Be sure to book in advance to experience the power of a great nation’s key equipment～It’s recommended to charter a car for round trips for convenience! 🎫 Opening hours: 9:00-17:00

🍢 Noon: Jiuquan City Food Street
Address: Intersection of South Street and North Street, Suzhou District
Enjoy Northwest cuisine to your heart’s content! Hand-grabbed lamb is tender and juicy💦, and the sour and spicy niangpi is appetizing～A must-visit for foodies! Business hours: 11:00-22:00

🌳 Afternoon: Jiuquan Park
Address: No. 2 Gongyuan Road, Suzhou District
A great Han and Tang style park to stroll around⛩️! Ancient trees tower overhead, perfect for photos~ It’s recommended to wear Hanfu for check-in! Open all day

🏨 Recommended Hotels for the Night:
• Jiuquan Century Hotel (4-star)
• Jiuquan Jiayuguan Hotel

🎨 Day 2: Danxia Wonders

🌈 Morning: Zhangye Danxia Geological Park
Address: Nantai Village, Nijiaying Township, Linze County, Zhangye City
God’s palette! It’s recommended to go at 6 AM to watch the sunrise🌅, the colorful Danxia under the sunlight is breathtaking! Opening hours: 6:00-20:00

🐔 Lunch: Danxia Farmhouse Restaurant
Secret recipe big plate chicken yyds! Paired with a pot of bayberry wine is amazing🍶, wild vegetables are freshly picked and stir-fried~ Business hours: 11:00-15:00

❄️ Afternoon: Binggou Danxia
Address: Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye City
A less crowded and beautiful hidden gem🏔️! The unique stone pillars are spectacular~ Opening hours: 8:00-18:00

🌌 Evening: Night Market Food Tour
Recommended Night Market: Jiuquan Cultural Tourism Carnival Night Market
Grilled lamb chops and sweet fermented milk tea are must-tries!

🕌 Day 3: Cultural Journey

Morning: Mogao Caves (advance booking required!)
Address: Provincial Road 314, Dunhuang City
Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
An artistic miracle from a thousand years ago! 🎨 Remember to buy Class A tickets to see 8 caves, the guided tour is very detailed~

🐫 Afternoon: Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring
Address: 5 km south of Dunhuang City
Recommended to visit after 5 PM! Ride a camel to watch the sunset🌅, remember to bargain down to 80 RMB/person~ Opening hours: 6:00-20:00

🏮 Day 4: Farewell to Jiuquan

🏛 Morning: Dunhuang Ancient City
Address: East Yangguan Road, Dunhuang City
Travel back to the Tang Dynasty in a second🎎, many film and TV shooting locations! Renting ancient costumes for photos is awesome~ Opening hours: 8:00-18:00

🥢 Must-eat Lunch:
• Daji Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles (West Bridge, Dunhuang City)
• Xia’s Mixed Soup (super fresh lamb soup!)

📌 Practical Tips:
1️⃣ October is the best travel season! But bring a jacket🧥 as there is a big temperature difference between morning and night
2️⃣ Book Mogao Caves 30 days in advance!
3️⃣ Sunscreen is a must! SPF50+ and reapply anytime
4️⃣ Carry some cash, some attractions only accept cash

Save this guide and you’re all set! If you need a detailed itinerary, feel free to DM me～💕