2025 Gansu Three-Day Two-Night Travel Guide for Dragon Boat Festival

🎉 The Dragon Boat Festival is approaching! Looking for a short trip that combines culture and nature? Gansu, a land of breathtaking natural scenery and rich history, is the perfect destination for your holiday getaway! This three-day, two-night itinerary will let you experience the beauty of the Yellow River, the vibrant Danxia landforms, and the charm of ancient Silk Road cities, all while enjoying traditional Dragon Boat Festival celebrations. Save this detailed guide now!

🌞 Day 1: Lanzhou Cultural Exploration + Dragon Boat Festival Activities
Morning: Upon arrival in Lanzhou, head to the Gansu Provincial Museum as your first stop. The museum boasts a rich collection of artifacts, ranging from ancient relics to Silk Road treasures, offering insights into Gansu's historical significance as a key hub on the Silk Road. During the Dragon Boat Festival, the museum will host special exhibitions and traditional cultural lectures—don’t miss out!

Noon: Enjoy Lanzhou’s classic cuisine near the museum, such as beef noodles and hand-pulled lamb, to fuel up for the journey ahead.

Afternoon: Visit the Yellow River Scenic Area, where you can stroll along the riverbank and admire the grandeur of China’s Mother River. On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, the area will feature dragon boat cultural displays and traditional folk performances, immersing you in the festive atmosphere.

Evening: Dine at a restaurant near the Yellow River Scenic Area, savoring grilled lamb skewers and Yellow River carp paired with local specialty drinks. Experience Lanzhou’s vibrant nightlife and the festive spirit.

🌄 Day 2: Zhangye’s Rainbow Danxia and Buddhist Culture
Morning: Drive to the Zhangye Rainbow Danxia Scenic Area, where the colorful Danxia landforms resemble a natural painted canvas. The soft morning light during the Dragon Boat Festival season is perfect for capturing stunning photos.

Noon: Enjoy Zhangye’s local specialties, such as fried pao and rolled chicken, to taste the unique flavors of Gansu’s northwest region.

Afternoon: Visit the Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple to experience the tranquility and solemnity of Buddhist culture. The temple features intricate carvings, and during the Dragon Boat Festival, there will be special blessing ceremonies to bring peace to your soul.

Evening: Return to Zhangye city and try authentic local dishes like sao noodles and gray beans for dinner, replenishing your energy after a full day of exploration.

🌵 Day 3: Dunhuang Silk Road Dragon Boat Cultural Experience
Morning: Arrive in Dunhuang and start your day at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mogao Caves. Be sure to book a Class A ticket in advance and follow a professional guide to delve into the stories behind the thousand-year-old murals. During the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mogao Caves will offer special cultural tours combining ancient legends with mural appreciation.

Noon: Savor local delicacies like Dunhuang barbecue and Dunhuang liangpi (cold noodles) at a restaurant near the scenic area, enjoying the festive flavors of the northwest.

Afternoon: Head to Crescent Lake, a desert oasis that looks even more precious in the summer heat. During the Dragon Boat Festival, the area will feature traditional dragon boat model displays and DIY grass sachet-making activities, which are both fun and festive.

Evening: Dine at a restaurant near Crescent Lake, enjoying dishes like Dunhuang grilled fish and stir-fried noodles. After dinner, visit a tea house or bar in the alleys of Dunhuang Ancient City to experience the serene and cozy Silk Road nightlife.

This three-day, two-night Gansu trip combines stunning natural landscapes with profound cultural heritage, enhanced by the unique festive activities of the Dragon Boat Festival. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s a true immersion into the spirit and charm of this Silk Road hub. For the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival, come to Gansu and let history and tradition come alive under your feet!