Gansu Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Gansu Tours & Trips

• What are the must-see highlights along the Gansu Country Region route?

  The Gansu Country Region offers several key destinations that define the area's cultural and natural landscape. The Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains showcase distinct bands of colored rock formations while the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang house an impressive collection of Buddhist art spanning 1500 years. The Jiayuguan Fort stands as a testament to the Great Wall's western terminus. In Dunhuang the Crescent Moon Spring sits amid towering sand dunes known as Mingsha Shan where visitors often hear the unique sound of "singing" sand. The Labrang Monastery in Xiahe represents one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist institutions outside Tibet. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The Rainbow Mountains were absolutely breathtaking at sunset and the Mogao Caves contained some of the most incredible Buddhist art I've ever seen."

• When is the best time to visit Gansu Country Region on a general tour?

  June through September marks the main travel season in Gansu Country Region with clear weather ideal for exploring outdoor sites like the Rainbow Mountains and Mogao Caves. Spring and fall (April-May and September-October) bring mild temperatures and smaller crowds at popular attractions such as Jiayuguan Fort. The 3-star Ruida Boutique Business Hotel in Lanzhou city center provides convenient lodging during these seasons. Winter visits from November to March see fewer tourists though cold temperatures can limit access to some outdoor sites especially in higher elevations like the Qilian Mountains.

• How long should I plan to spend exploring Gansu Country Region?

  A good Gansu Country Region tour typically takes between 5 and 10 days. The popular 7-day Budget Tour from Lanzhou covers major destinations with two days in Zhangye one day at Jiayuguan and two to three days in Dunhuang. Travelers seeking a deeper experience should consider 10-12 day itineraries that include stops at Xiahe's Labrang Monastery and Turpan's historical sites. The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel serves as an excellent base for Dunhuang explorations. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "Seven days was perfect to see the main highlights without exhausting ourselves."

• What type of accommodation can I expect on Gansu Country Region tours?

  Accommodation in Gansu Country Region ranges from comfortable 3-4 star hotels in city centers to unique local experiences. Standard options include the Ruida Boutique Business Hotel in Lanzhou and the Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel near the Sand Dunes offering western amenities and breakfast. For a different experience try the Kaoshan Tent near the Rainbow Mountains though it offers more basic facilities with shared bathrooms. Luxury tours feature 5-star properties in major cities. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The hotels were clean and comfortable particularly the Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel with its amazing views of the sand dunes."

• What's the best way to travel between destinations in Gansu Country Region?

  Transportation in Gansu Country Region combines high-speed rail and private vehicles. Bullet trains connect major cities with routes like Lanzhou to Zhangye taking 3 hours and Dunhuang to Turpan lasting 3.5 hours. Private air-conditioned vehicles handle shorter distances and remote attractions such as the 3-hour drive from Zhangye to Jiayuguan or the 5-hour desert journey from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The combination of comfortable trains and private cars made the long distances manageable while offering great views of the changing landscape."

• What type of food can I expect to find in Gansu Country Region?

  The food scene in Gansu Country Region ranges from famous Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles to local night market specialties in Dunhuang. Tour packages typically include hotel breakfasts with free time to explore regional cuisine. Local highlights include Lanzhou's signature beef noodle soup and the diverse food stalls at Dunhuang's Shazhou Night Market. Restaurants near major hotels like the Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel serve both regional and international dishes. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The food variety was excellent especially the hand-pulled noodles in Lanzhou and the night market treats in Dunhuang."