Lanzhou to Xiahe: 2 Ways from Lanzhou to Xiahe (Bus & Car)

Lanzhou to Xiahe Distance: About 235 Kilometers

Lanzhou, located along the Yellow River in central Gansu, is about 235 kilometers away from Xiahe, situated in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘南藏族自治州), southwest of Lanzhou.

Key Sights on the Way from Lanzhou to Xiahe

Liujiaxia Reservoir (刘家峡水库): A large highland lake formed by the Liujiaxia Hydropower Station. From the heights, you can see where the clear waters of the Yellow River (黄河) meet the silt-laden Tao River (洮河), creating a stunning natural contrast.

Bingling Temple Grottoes (炳灵寺石窟): Carved into cliffs along the Yellow River, these ancient Buddhist grottoes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 184 caves and over 900 square meters of murals. It's one of China's five major grotto complexes.

Ganjia Secret Land (甘加秘境): Located in Xiahe, Gansu, at an elevation of 3,000-3,800 meters, this area features ancient sites such as Bajiao Ancient City (八角古城) and Baishiya Temple (白石崖寺), alongside stunning natural landscapes like grasslands and canyons.

Sangke Grassland (桑科草原): A vast pastureland with an average elevation over 3,000 meters. During summer, it blooms with vibrant flowers, offering idyllic views of herds grazing under blue skies.

1. Get from Lanzhou to Xiahe by Private Car: 3-3.5 Hours (Fastest Way)

• Time Required: About 3-3.5 hours
• Price: Included in the tour fee

Traveling from Lanzhou to Xiahe by private car covers a distance of about 235 kilometers and takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The journey offers stunning views of the diverse landscapes in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘南藏族自治州), including the scenic Liujiaxia Reservoir (刘家峡水库) and the impressive Bingling Temple Grottoes (炳灵寺石窟), both of which are perfect for short stops along the way.

By choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your private car transfer, you gain the flexibility to travel at your own pace, with convenient stops at key sites and photo spots. AOT ensures a smooth and comfortable journey with experienced drivers and personalized service, so you can fully enjoy the scenic route without worrying about logistics.

2. Lanzhou to Xiahe Bus: 4 Hours (Irregular Bus Schedules)

• Time Required: About 4 hours
• Price: ¥65+ per adult (one-way ticket)
• Departure: Lanzhou Passenger Transport Center or Lanzhou South Bus Station (兰州客运中心站/兰州汽车南站)
• Arrival: Wanggeertang in Xiahe (夏河王格尔塘镇)

The bus from Lanzhou to Xiahe takes about 4 hours, with departures from Lanzhou's Passenger Transport Center or South Bus Station. There is typically only 1 shuttle per day, though on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, there can be up to 4 buses. Departure times range from 07:40 to 13:15.

Return buses from Xiahe to Lanzhou leave from Wanggetang Police Station and stop at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (兰州中川机场), with a fare of ¥110 per person. There are 2 return buses from Xiahe to Lanzhou daily, departing at 07:00 and 10:00.

Insider Tips for Traveling from Lanzhou to Xiahe

1. High Altitude: Consider taking anti-altitude sickness medicine, like Rhodiola, before the trip, avoid strenuous activity, and drink plenty of water.
2. Temperature Variation: Bring a jacket or long-sleeved clothing as temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.
3. Long Travel Time: Be prepared for long hours on the road. Bring water, snacks, and plastic bags for convenience.
4. Best Seats for Views: If taking the bus, sit on the right-hand side by the window for the best views of mountains, reservoirs, rivers, and meadows.
5. Prepare Cash: Some areas along the route may not have mobile signal for online payments, so carrying a small amount of cash is advised.

How to Plan a Tour from Lanzhou to Xiahe

Lanzhou (1-2 Days)

Begin your Gansu tour with a day in Lanzhou, exploring iconic sites such as Zhongshan Bridge, White Pagoda Park, the Yellow River Mother Statue, and Waterwheel Park.

For a second day, head to Liujiaxia Reservoir (刘家峡水库), where you can enjoy a speedboat ride to the Bingling Temple Grottoes (炳灵寺石窟), a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient Buddhist art set against stunning cliffs.

Xiahe (1 Day)

Spend a full day in Xiahe, discovering Labrang Monastery (拉卜楞寺), one of the most important Tibetan monasteries outside Tibet, and visit the Thangka Sunning Terrace, where elaborate Buddhist art is displayed in a scenic, cultural setting.

Extend Your Gansu Tour with Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, and Zhangye

Dunhuang (2-3 Days):

Plan 2-3 days to experience Dunhuang’s unique mix of historical and natural wonders. Key attractions include the UNESCO-listed Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes (莫高窟), the stunning Singing Sand Dunes (鸣沙山), Crescent Moon Spring (月牙泉), and the remarkable Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark.

Jiayuguan (1 Day):

As a major Silk Road hub, Jiayuguan offers a blend of history and scenery that can be covered in one day. Tour the UNESCO-recognized Jiayuguan Pass (嘉峪关关城) marking the Great Wall's western end, and explore the dramatic Overhanging Great Wall (悬臂长城) for sweeping views.

Zhangye (1-2 Days):

Spend a day in Zhangye visiting Dafo Temple (大佛寺) to see the impressive reclining Buddha statue and the vibrant Danxia landforms of Zhangye National Geopark. An extra day gives you time to explore Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon for even more awe-inspiring landscapes.

Suggested Itinerary for a Gansu Tour from Dunhuang to Xiahe

Day 1: Arrival in Dunhuang

Arrive at Dunhuang, where you'll be picked up from the airport. Check into your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the area.

Day 2: Dunhuang Tour

Visit the World Heritage Site - Mogao Caves (莫高窟) and explore the Singing Sand Dunes (鸣沙山) and Crescent Spring (月牙泉).

Day 3: Lanzhou to Zhangye

Travel to Jiayuguan from Dunhuang. Upon arrival, visit the Overhanging Great Wall and another World Heritage Site - Jiayuguan Pass (嘉峪关关城). After that, you have an optional visit to the Great Wall Museum.

Day 4: Jiayuguan to Zhangye

Head to Zhangye. Here you can explore the Dafo Temple (大佛寺), also called the Big Buddha Temple. Then, visit Zhangye National Geopark (张掖国家地质公园), also known as Zhangye Danxia Geological Park.

Day 5: Zhangye to Lanzhou by High-Speed Train

First, travel to Lanzhou via high-speed train. You can have a free time Lanzhou explore, such as Zhongshan Bridge (中山桥), White Pagoda Park (白塔山公园), Yellow River Mother Statue (黄河母亲雕像), and Waterwheel Park (水车公园).

Day 6: Lanzhou to Xiahe

Today, first travel to Xiahe. On the way, enjoy a speedboat ride on Liujiaxia Reservoir (刘家峡水库) and visit Bingling Temple Grottoes (炳灵寺石窟), which is another UNESCO world heritage site in Gansu.

Day 7: Xiahe Tour and Back to Lanzhou

Today, unlock Labrang Monastery (拉卜楞寺) and Thangka Sunning Terrace, also called Thangka Display Terrace in Xiahe. After that, return to Lanzhou for overnight

Day 8: Departure from Lanzhou

Travel from Lanzhou to Xiahe with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)

Traveling from Lanzhou to Xiahe offers a captivating journey through Gansu's diverse landscapes and rich Tibetan culture. While there are both driving and bus options, we highly recommend opting for a car.

Driving provides greater flexibility, allowing you to stop at scenic spots like the Liujiaxia Reservoir and Bingling Temple Grottoes along the way, making the most of your trip. With the freedom to explore at your own pace and a shorter travel time compared to the bus, a car is the ideal choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and enriching experience with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)!