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Gansu Travel Guide

Latest & Ultimate Gansu Travel Guide with Gansu Travel Itinerary

Gansu's got it all when it comes to fulfilling your travel dreams. Nestled in Northwestern China, this region was a pivotal part of the ancient Silk Road and is packed with history and natural marvels, making it a must-visit for those keen on exploring unique landscapes and cultural heritage.

Wondering why it should be on your travel radar? Imagine the art wonders in Dunhuang Mogao Caves, marveling at Zhangye's Rainbow Mountains, or stepping back in time at the ancient fort of Jiayuguan. Each site offers a unique experience that captures the essence of the Silk Road's legendary history and the breathtaking beauty of China's natural landscapes.

Suggested Gansu Travel Length & Itinerary: About a week is perfect to comfortably check out the hotspots and highlights like Dunhuang, Zhangye, and Jiayuguan. If you've got 8-10 days, why not also swing by Lanzhou, Xiahe, and the Badain Jaran Desert among other popular spots?

Best Time to Visit Gansu: The best time to visit Gansu is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is most pleasant and the scenery is utterly spectacular.

Need more Gansu travel Guide? Let Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) be your go-to guide. With our local expertise and meticulously planned itineraries, we'll make sure you see the best of Gansu, from famed sights to hidden gems. Get ready to fall in love with this enchanting region!

Gansu Travel Essentials - Travel to Gansu Before You Go

Planning your trip to Gansu? Make sure to dive into some Gansu travel guides that focus on the key aspects of enjoying your Gansu journey. Look into the top attractions, grab maps, check out transportation options, and follow Gansu planning tips. A bit of planning now will set you up for endless fun amidst Gansu's stunning landscapes and rich culture later on!

Ride a Camel at Mingsha Mountain
Top 13 Gansu Attractions | Best Gansu Destinations
Gansu is situated at the crossroads of three major plateaus: the Loess Plateau, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the Inner Mongolia Plateau, in Northwest China. The province boasts dramatic elevation changes and diverse landscapes, including deserts, gobi plains, danxia landforms, ...
Dunhuang Mogao Caves
How to Plan a Gansu Trip: 9 Easy Steps (2025)
Gansu Province, in northwestern China, blends stunning landscapes with a rich Silk Road heritage, making it an extraordinary travel destination. Covering over 454,000 square kilometers, Gansu boasts an array of natural wonders such as Dunhuang’s Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent L...
Gansu Map: Tourist Map of Gansu China (Updated 2025)
Welcome to Gansu, a captivating province nestled in the northwestern part of China. This Map of Gansu offers all you need to know about Gansu Province. Start from the Gansu location map, where you can know its geographical position. The Gansu Province Map with Cities showcases th...
Majestic Jiayuguan Fort
How to Visit Hexi Corridor on the Silk Road in Gansu: 10 Easy Steps
Ever dreamt of walking in the footsteps of the legendary Monkey King, Sun Wukong? Well, the Hexi Corridor, or Gansu Corridor, stretching about 1200 kilometers from Lanzhou to Dunhuang, is your chance to live out a real-life Journey to the West. This ancient strip was once a vital...
Cave 57, Mogao Grottoes
Dunhuang Mogao Caves: Facts, Location, Map, Tickets of Mogao Grottoes
The Mogao Caves, often called the Thousand Buddha Caves, are a world-class treasure trove of human art and are considered one of the most valuable cultural discoveries of the 20th century. Just take a moment to appreciate these amazing stats: there are 492 caves, over 45,000 squa...
Yangguan Pass
Things to Do in Dunhuang: Top 8 Dunhuang Attractions
Ever dreamed of wandering through ancient Silk Road cities? Dunhuang is your perfect choice! The Mogao Caves alone are irresistible, not to mention the singing sand dunes, oases, stunning Yadan landforms, and ancient Silk Road passes. For centuries, this remote city in the Gobi D...
The Crescent Spring at the foot of the Mingsha Mountain
Best Time to Visit Dunhuang & Mogao Caves | Dunhuang Weather
Dunhuang, with its ancient Buddhist art at the Mogao Caves, towering sand dunes, and stunning landscapes, is a place you can visit any time of year. However, for most travelers, the best time to explore Dunhuang and the Mogao Caves is from May to October. During this period, the ...
Lanzhou Attractions Map
Lanzhou Map: Map of Lanzhou City with Attractions (Updated 2025)
Welcome to Lanzhou, a vibrant city situated in the northwest part of Gansu Province, China. This Map of Lanzhou provides all the essential information you need to explore this dynamic urban center. Commence your journey with the Lanzhou location map, offering insights into the ci...
Dunhuang Map: Dunhuang City Map & Dunhuang Attractions Map (Updated 2025)
Welcome to Dunhuang, a captivating oasis nestled in the northwestern part of Gansu Province, China. This Map of Dunhuang offers all you need to know about Dunhuang City. Start from the Dunhuang location map, where you can know its geographical position. The Dunhuang City Map show...
Landmark of Mogao Caves
How to Get to Dunhuang & Mogao Caves: By Air, Train & Road (2025 Guide)
How to Get to Dunhuang and See the Mogao Caves? Dunhuang, one of the most famous cities along the Silk Road, is renowned for its stunning Mogao Caves. Getting to this amazing UNESCO World Heritage site is easier than you might think! Dunhuang is well-connected, so whether you're ...

Explore Top Gansu Attractions on Map

Dive into the beauty of Gansu with our interactive map, highlighting all the top spots you can't miss. From the majestic Jiayuguan Fort to the stunning Rainbow Mountains at Zhangye Danxia, plan your route and customize your trip to fit your own vibe. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Gansu, tailored just for you!

Best Things to Do in Gansu

Gansu's a treasure trove of history and scenery, from ancient Silk Road towns to dramatic desert landscapes. Walk through the Mogao Caves, marvel at Zhangye's rainbow mountains, and explore Jiayuguan's Great Wall fortress. Adventure, culture, and unforgettable views await!
Painting inside Mogao Grottoes
Explore the Ancient Buddhist Art of Mogao Caves

Explore Dunhuang's famous cliffside grottoes, home to magnificent Buddhist frescoes and statues over centuries.
Witness vibrant mesas at Zhangye's Danxia National Park
Marvel at Zhangye's Natural Wonders

Discover Zhangye's vibrant landscapes and cultural sites, including the unique rainbow-colored Danxia mountains.
Overhanging Great Wall
Uncover the Ancient Fortress of Jiayuguan

Stand at the western end of the Great Wall, an ancient fortress with breathtaking views.
The Crescent Spring at the foot of the Mingsha Mountain
Experience Dunhuang's Oasis and Silk Road Legacy

Experience Dunhuang's Silk Road heritage, beautiful sand dunes, and iconic Crescent Spring oasis.
Statues of Huo Qubing in Lanzhou
Explore Lanzhou's Silk Road Wonders

Exploring Lanzhou's Cultural Tapestry Along the Silk Road
The Statue of Zhang Qian at Yangguan
Journey through the Hexi Corridor

Travel the historic trade route, exploring ancient sites and scenic landscapes along the Silk Road
Beautiful Lake at Badain Jaran Desert
Extend Your Trip to Badain Jaran Desert

Witness massive dunes and hidden desert lakes, a surreal and serene adventure in the Gobi Desert.
Kashgar Old City
Take a Silk Road Tour in China

Follow the legendary Silk Road, uncovering cultural gems and historical treasures along the ancient route.

Gansu Transportation - How to Travel to & Around Gansu

Getting to Gansu is a breeze with flights, trains, and buses connecting major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. High-speed trains and flights link up cities like Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang for quick, easy travel. For sightseeing, hop on buses or grab a taxi to visit top spots like the Mogao Caves and Jiayuguan Fortress. Enjoy Gansu's diverse landscapes, hassle-free!
Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall
Beijing to Dunhuang
Zhongshan Bridge & White Pagoda Park
Lanzhou to Dunhuang
Zhangye National Geopark: A photographer’s multicolored paradise
Zhangye to Dunhuang
Xian Terracotta Warriors
Xi'an to Dunhuang
Beijing Jingshan Park
Beijing to Lanzhou
Xian Ancient City Wall
Xi'an to Lanzhou
The fifth largest Buddha Statue in China
Lanzhou to Xiahe
Flying Horse of Gansu, a symbol of Chinese Tourism
Lanzhou to Jiayuguan
The Yangguan Pass Ruins
Dunhuang to Jaiyuguan
Jiayuguan Pass, Gansu
Zhangye to Jaiyuguan
Jiayuguan Pass, Gansu
Xining to Zhangye
Mati Temple Grottoes
Lanzhou to Zhangye

Useful Travel Articles for Each Destination in Gansu

Dive into Gansu with our handy guides covering must-see spots like Lanzhou, Zhangye, and Dunhuang. Each article highlights unique attractions, cultural insights and transportation, making it easy to plan your adventure and discover the best of Gansu!

Lanzhou Tours
Dunhuang Tours
01 How to Get to Dunhuang & Mogao Caves: By Air, Train & Road (2025 Guide)
02 Xi'an to Dunhuang: 2 Ways from Xian to Dunhuang (Flight & Train)
03 Dunhuang Map: Dunhuang City Map & Mogao Caves Map (Updated 2025)
04 Best Time to Visit Dunhuang & Mogao Caves | Dunhuang Weather
05 Things to Do in Dunhuang: Top 8 Dunhuang Attractions
06 Dunhuang Mogao Caves: Facts, Location, Map, Tickets of Mogao Grottoes
Lanzhou Tours
Zhangye Tours
01 How to Get from Xining to Zhangye & Zhangye Danxia Geopark
02 Lanzhou to Zhangye & Zhangye Danxia Geopark (Train, Flight or Bus)
03 How to Visit Hexi Corridor on the Silk Road in Gansu: 10 Easy Steps
04 Badain Jaran Desert | How to Visit Badain Jaran Desert, China (2025)
05 Zhangye to Dunhuang Train: Schedule, Tickets & Travel Tips
06 Dunhuang to Jiayuguan: 3 Ways from Dunhuang to Jiayuguan (Car, Train & Bus)
Lanzhou Tours
Lanzhou Tours
01 Lanzhou Map: Map of Lanzhou City with Attractions (Updated 2025)
02 Beijing to Lanzhou: 2 Ways from Beijing to Lanzhou (Flight & Train)
03 Xining to Qinghai Lake: 3 Ways to Travel by Car, Bus & Train
04 Xi'an to Lanzhou: 3 Ways from Xian to Lanzhou (Train, Flight & Bus)
05 Lanzhou to Jiayuguan: Train, Flight or Car from Lanzhou to Zhangye
06 Zhangye to Jiayuguan: 3 Ways to Travel from Zhangye to Jiayuguan (Car, Train & Bus)

Gansu Travel Itineraries 2024/2025

Ready to discover Gansu? Check out our fun travel itineraries for 2024/2025! Explore highlights like Dunhuang, Lanzhou, Jiayuguan, and Zhangye. Join our Silk Road tours for a deeper dive into history and culture. Whether solo or in a group, unforgettable adventures await you in Gansu!

Lanzhou
Best Seller
6 Days Gansu Silk Road Tour: Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan & Dunhuang
Lanzhou - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang
Best Trip
Days
6 Days
Places
4 Places
Why Gansu Silk Road Tour? Gansu Province is a hidden gem along the ancient Silk Road. Take our 6 Days Gansu Silk Road Tour from Lanzhou to Jiayuguan & Dunhuang, you will travel through the Hexi Corrid...
View Details
Dunhuang
6 Days Classic Gansu Tour: Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye & Lanzhou
Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye - Lanzhou
Classic Trip
Days
6 Days
Places
4 Places
Why Gansu Tour? Gansu plays a pivotal role in the ancient Silk Road and the Hexi Corridor (Gansu Corridor). Take our 6 Days Classic Gansu Tour from Dunhuang to Jiayuguan & Lanzhou to uncover the Best ...
View Details
Badain Jaran Desert
Best Seller
7 Days Gansu Highlights Tour with Badain Jaran Desert Adventure
Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye - Badain Jaran Desert
Best Trip
Days
7 Days
Places
4 Places
Why Gansu Highlights Tour? Gansu, a key player in the ancient Silk Road, offers all kinds of landscapes (Mountains, Plains, Plateaus, Canyons, Deserts, Rivers, Lakes, Glaciers, Forests, Grasslands) ex...
View Details
Mogao Caves
3 Days Classic Dunhuang Tour: From Yumen Pass (Great Wall) to Mogao Caves
Dunhuang
Culture
Days
3 Days
Places
1 Place
Have you heard of the novel Journey to the West based on Tang Monk? Highly recommend our 3 Days Classic Dunhuang Tour which journeys from Yumen Pass to Mogao Caves. This is the best Dunhuang Silk Road...
View Details
JIayuguan
Best Seller
6 Days Best Gansu Tour from Dunhuang to Jiayuguan & Zhangye
Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye
Classic Trip
Days
6 Days
Places
3 Places
Why choose a Gansu Tour? Gansu, known as the Gansu Corridor (Hexi Corridor), , lies along the crucial path of the Silk Road leading to the Western Regions. Take our 6 Days Best Gansu Tour from Dunhuan...
View Details
Zhangye
5 Days Colorful Gansu Tour from Zhangye to Jiayuguan & Dunhuang
Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang
Best Trip
Days
6 Days
Places
3 Places
Why Colorful Gansu Tour? Take our 5 Days Colorful Gansu Tour from Zhangye to Jiayuguan & Dunhuang, you will marvel at the red Danxia landform, the Great Wall along the yellow desert, and the colorful ...
View Details
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gansu Travel

  • 1. What is the best time to visit Gansu?+

    The best time to visit Gansu is in spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November). These seasons offer pleasant weather, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds.
     

  • 2. How long should I stay in Gansu?+

    A typical Gansu tour lasts between 3 to 10 days. However, if you want to explore the region more thoroughly, you can extend your trip to 12-14 days.
     

  • 3. What are the must-see attractions in Gansu?+

    The must-see attractions in Gansu include:
    Dunhuang Mogao Caves
    Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring
    Jiayuguan Fortress/Pass
    Zhangye Danxia Landform
    Dafo Temple (Big Buddha Temple)
     

  • 4. What is the best way to get around Gansu?+

    The best way to get around Gansu is by taking a guided tour. This will ensure that you see all the major attractions and have a knowledgeable guide to explain the history and culture of the region.
     

  • 5. What is the local cuisine like in Gansu?+

    Gansu cuisine is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, often featuring lamb, beef, noodles, and spices. Some popular local delicacies include Lanzhou beef noodles, pulled noodles, and mutton skewers.
     

  • 6. What is the weather like in Gansu?+

    The weather in Gansu varies depending on the season and location. In general, the summers are hot and dry, while the winters are cold and snowy. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons to visit.
     

  • 7. What is the altitude of Gansu?+

    Gansu Province in China has a relatively high altitude, especially in the western regions. The elevation can vary significantly depending on the specific location, but it generally ranges from around 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) in the eastern parts to over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) in the western mountains.
    This high altitude can affect some travelers, especially those who are not accustomed to it. It's important to acclimatize slowly and drink plenty of fluids to avoid altitude sickness.
     

  • 8. What is the best way to pack for a Gansu tour?+

    When packing for a Gansu tour, it's important to bring comfortable clothing that is suitable for both warm and cold weather. You should also pack sturdy shoes for hiking and exploring. Don't forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
     

See More Gansu Travel Tips

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