Generated with sparks and insights from 15 sources

Summary

This 10-day tour of Qinghai and Gansu highlights the unique landscapes, Tibetan culture, and historical sites of northwestern China. From the picturesque Qinghai Lake to the ancient Buddhist grottoes and the colorful Zhangye Danxia Landform, this itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Day 1: Arrival in Xining

Arrive in Xining, acclimate to the elevation, and explore the historical city.

Xining

The capital city of Qinghai Province, known for its rich history and cultural significance.

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Tips

Explore the city and enjoy a great dinner with a stunning night view from Pearl of Puning.

Day 2: Qinghai Lake Exploration

Drive to Qinghai Lake and enjoy the picturesque scenery and Tibetan Buddhist sites.

Qinghai Lake

Qinghai Lake, the largest inland and saltwater lake in China, is known for its stunning natural beauty. The lake presents different colors in the refraction of sunlight due to the different salt content of its various parts. The surrounding endless grassland, rapeseed flower lands, and flocks of grazing animals add to the enchanting experience. On a clear day, the snow-capped mountains in the distance and the huge sand dunes of Sand Island on the far shore create a mesmerizing vista.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Qinghai Lake: Exploring China\u2019s Largest Salt Lake in the winter", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLZB7H7EcOk", "channel": { "name": "Ben Cubbage"}, "published_date": "Dec 17, 2020", "length": "1:39" }</div>

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Tips

Best visited from May to October for the most comfortable weather and to savor the sea of rape flowers. Visitors should bring sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially in summer. Additionally, it's important to be cautious of high altitude sickness, especially for first-time visitors to the high plateau. Avoiding strenuous exercise and staying hydrated can help prevent altitude sickness.

🌄 Day 3: Travel to Tongren

🕌 Longwu Monastery

Longwu Monastery is one of the three most influential Tibetan monasteries in the Amdo region, boasting a rich history spanning over 700 years. The monastery offers a serene and peaceful environment, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture.

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Tips

Enjoy a tranquil and spiritually uplifting experience as you explore the resplendent Buddhist palaces, temples, halls, academies, stupa, and beautiful Thangka paintings, all of which serve as a source of inspiration and reflection.

🏯 Wutong Monastery

Wutong Monastery, nestled in a Tibetan village, holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Regong Art. Renowned for its exquisite Thangka paintings and a myriad of other local art forms, the monastery stands as a testament to the artistic heritage of the region. The vibrant Regong Art, encompassing Thangka, Duixiu, sculpture, architectural paintings, and butter flowers, is a collective art form that reflects the creativity and originality of the local artists.

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Tips

Visit a local Regong Painting School to witness firsthand the delicate and intricate process of creating Regong Art, offering a unique opportunity to gain insight into the traditional artistic practices that have flourished in this cultural hub for centuries.

🏞️ Day 4: Labrang Monastery and Sangke Grassland

  • Visit Labrang Monastery and take an excursion to Sangke Grassland, then travel to Linxia.

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🕌 Labrang Monastery

Labrang Monastery, located in Xiahe, is one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It is renowned for its large scale, magnificent architecture, and the most complete Tibetan Buddhism teaching system in China. The monastery enshrines numerous huge Buddha statues, exquisite sculptures, murals, and magical instruments, offering a glimpse into the rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage.

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Tips

Explore the intricate architecture, sculptures, and murals within the monastery, and don't miss the opportunity to walk along the pilgrimage corridor adorned with over 2000 prayer wheels, the longest of its kind in the world.

Travel Information
📍   Address: 5GV4+8HM, Ren Min Dong Jie, Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu, China, 747100

🏞️ Sangke Grassland

Situated in Xiahe, Sangke Grassland is a picturesque natural pasture of Tibetan nomads, characterized by lush greenery and pastoral scenery. The grassland comes alive in summer, with cattle and sheep herding under the expansive blue sky and white clouds, creating a serene and idyllic setting. Notably, the grassland hosts the annual horse racing festival on July 13th of the lunar calendar, a vibrant celebration that showcases the vibrant traditions of the Tibetan nomadic culture.

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Tips

When visiting Sangke Grassland, immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the natural landscape and, if possible, plan your trip to coincide with the lively horse racing festival to experience the vibrant traditions of the Tibetan nomads.

Travel Information
📍   Address: 4CJ6+7P6, Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu, China, 747100

Day 5: Bingling Temple Grottoes

Drive to Lanzhou with a side trip to Bingling Temple Grottoes, known for its ancient Buddhist frescoes and sculptures.

Bingling Temple Grottoes

A site of Buddhist grottoes filled with ancient frescoes and sculptures.

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Tips

Accessible by waterway in summer and autumn. Be careful on the serpentine plank trail.

Travel Information
📍   Address: Qinzhou District, Tianshui, 316 National Highway, Qinzhou Qu, Tianshui Shi, Gansu, China, 741000

Day 6: Zhangye Danxia Landform

Take a high-speed train to Zhangye and visit the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geographical Park.

Zhangye Danxia Landform Geographical Park

A spectacular petrographic geomorphology landscape formed from red-colored sandstones and conglomerates.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "How Nature created a Zhangye Danxia", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWmB40XxNYo", "channel": { "name": "FactSpark"}, "published_date": "Sep 3, 2023", "length": "4:12" }</div>

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Tips

Best time for photos is during sunset. Bring sun protection.

🌄 Day 7: Jiayuguan Pass

  • Visit the Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye and then travel to Jiayuguan to explore Jiayuguan Pass.

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🕌 Giant Buddha Temple

The Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye is not only famous for having the largest indoor sleeping Buddha in Asia but also for its regal arrangements and precious Buddhist scriptures.

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Tips

While exploring the temple, don't miss the opportunity to admire the intricate details of the regal arrangements and take the time to appreciate the precious Buddhist scriptures that are housed within the temple's complex.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +86 936 821 2049
📍   Address: China, Gansu, Zhangye, Ganzhou District, Dafosi Ln, 大佛寺巷 邮政编码 - 734099

🏯 Jiayuguan Pass

Jiayuguan Pass, the westernmost starting point of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty, is a historical marvel that offers a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Chinese architecture and military strategy.

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Tips

Make sure to visit the Great Wall Museum to delve into the intriguing history of the Jiayuguan Fort and the Great Wall. The museum provides a fascinating insight into the historical significance and architectural prowess of these iconic landmarks.

🌄 Day 8: Travel to Dunhuang

Today's journey takes you to Dunhuang with a visit to the awe-inspiring Yulin Grottoes, renowned for its magnificent mural paintings.

🏞️ Yulin Grottoes

The Yulin Grottoes, a Buddhist cave temple site, boast 43 existing caves adorned with breathtaking mural paintings, encompassing over 5,200 square meters. These murals, along with more than 259 colored sculptures, offer a captivating glimpse into ancient Buddhist artistry.

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Tips

When exploring the Yulin Grottoes, make sure to visit up to 6 caves to fully appreciate the splendor of the mural paintings. Additionally, consider exploring the "special caves" (No. 2, No. 3, and No. 25) which hold exceptional art value, albeit with extra charges.

Day 9: Mogao Grottoes and Mingshashan

Explore Mogao Grottoes, Mingshashan, and Crescent Lake.

Mogao Grottoes

Known as the 'Louvre of the East' for its exquisite mural paintings and statues.

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Tips

Make a reservation in advance for at least 7 days during peak season. Photography is not allowed inside the grottoes.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +86 937 886 9060
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: 2RR5+HMR, Dunhuang, Jiu Quan Shi, Gansu, China, 736206

Mingshashan

The Echoing Sand Mountains, known for its unique echoing sound.

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Tips

Best visited in the late evening to enjoy the cool time and beautiful sky of stars.

Crescent Lake

A beautiful oasis surrounded by the Echoing Sand Mountains.

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Tips

Enjoy the well-decorated traditional Chinese architecture and the lake that has never dried up.

Day 10: Departure from Dunhuang

  • Free time until departure from Dunhuang.

Dunhuang

Dunhuang, a city known for its historical significance and cultural heritage, is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, including the renowned Mogao Grottoes and the mesmerizing Echoing Sand Mountains.

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Tips

As you bid farewell to Dunhuang, ensure to pack all your belongings carefully and check out of your hotel before 12:00 to avoid incurring any extra costs.