Gansu's Most Popular Attractions Six Days Five Nights Itinerary 5000

Gansu Province's Most Popular Attractions Six Days Five Nights In-Depth Travel Guide (Budget 5000 RMB)
Trip Highlights:

Check in at Gansu's most popular attractions: Zhangye Danxia Landform, Jiayuguan Fortress, Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, Mogao Caves, Maijishan Grottoes
Experience diverse cultures: Silk Road culture, Great Wall culture, Buddhist culture, ethnic minority culture
Taste authentic local food: Lanzhou beef noodles, hand-pulled lamb, niangpi (cold skin noodles), gray beans

Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Lanzhou, feel the charm of the Golden City

Morning: Arrive at Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport, take the airport shuttle bus or taxi to the city center.
Afternoon: Visit the Yellow River Scenic Area, admire the Mother River sculpture, and optionally experience the sheepskin raft drifting.
Evening: Taste authentic Lanzhou beef noodles, recommended "Ma Zi Lu Beef Noodles" or "An Bo Er Beef Noodles."
Accommodation: Hotel in Lanzhou city center, recommended Crowne Plaza Lanzhou or Hyatt Lanzhou.

Day 2: Zhangye Danxia Landform, nature’s palette

Morning: Take the high-speed train to Zhangye (about 3 hours), then head to the Danxia Landform Scenic Area.
Afternoon: Explore the colorful Danxia landform, enjoy the vibrant geological formations, and take stunning photos.
Evening: Return to Zhangye city center, try local specialties, recommended "Sun Ji Fried Paos" or "Yuan Ji Sao Mian."
Accommodation: Hotel in Zhangye city center, recommended Zhangye Huachen International Hotel or Zhangye Hotel.

Day 3: Jiayuguan Fortress, the First and Greatest Pass under Heaven

Morning: Take the high-speed train to Jiayuguan (about 1.5 hours), then visit Jiayuguan Fortress.
Afternoon: Tour Jiayuguan Fortress, experience the grandeur of ancient military defense engineering.
Evening: Return to Jiayuguan city center, enjoy local specialties, recommended "Jiayuguan Barbecue" or "Apricot Peel Water."
Accommodation: Hotel in Jiayuguan city center, recommended Jiayuguan International Hotel or Jiayuguan Hotel.

Day 4: Dunhuang Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, desert wonders

Morning: Take the high-speed train to Dunhuang (about 4 hours), then visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake.
Afternoon: Explore Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, enjoy desert activities like sand sliding and camel riding.
Evening: Watch the "See Dunhuang Again" performance (optional), experience the charm of Dunhuang culture.
Accommodation: Hotel in Dunhuang city center, recommended Dunhuang Sunshine Shazhou Hotel or Dunhuang International Hotel.

Day 5: Mogao Caves, a world treasure of art

Morning: Visit the Mogao Caves, admire exquisite murals and sculptures (advance reservation required).
Afternoon: Visit the Dunhuang Museum to learn more about Dunhuang’s history and culture.
Evening: Taste Dunhuang specialties, recommended "Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles" or "Jiangshui Noodles."
Accommodation: Hotel in Dunhuang city center.

Day 6: Maijishan Grottoes, the Eastern Sculpture Gallery

Morning: Take the high-speed train to Tianshui (about 5 hours), then visit Maijishan Grottoes.
Afternoon: Explore Maijishan Grottoes, appreciate exquisite clay sculptures.
Evening: Return to Lanzhou, conclude a pleasant journey.

Budget:

Transportation: about 1500 RMB (high-speed train tickets, taxis, etc.)
Accommodation: about 1500 RMB (five nights in hotels)
Tickets: about 800 RMB (attraction tickets, show tickets, etc.)
Meals: about 800 RMB (local cuisine)
Others: about 400 RMB (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)

Total: about 5000 RMB
Travel Tips:

Gansu has a dry climate and strong UV rays; be sure to protect your skin and stay hydrated.
Northwest region has large temperature differences between day and night; prepare warm clothing.
Respect local ethnic minority customs and habits.
Book Mogao Caves tickets and "See Dunhuang Again" show tickets in advance.

Wish you a pleasant trip!

Post by Harper*Foster90 | Sep 30, 2025

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