12-Day Gannan & Silk Road Tour

Themes China Silk Road Tours

Home China Tours

Duration 12 Days

Route Lanzhou – Xiahe – Zhangye – Jiayuguan – Dunhuang – Turpan – Urumqi

Entry City Lanzhou

Exit City Urumqi

Overview

Connect the grasslands of Gannan with the classic Hexi Corridor and Xinjiang on one private Northwest China journey. Travel from Lanzhou to Xiahe, Rainbow Mountains, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan and Urumqi, combining plateau nature, Silk Road heritage, desert landscapes and modern high-speed rail.

Daily Itinerary

Lanzhou skyline and landscaped Yellow River waterfront at sunset.

Arrive in Lanzhou and meet your private driver. Transfer to the hotel and, if time allows, enjoy a first walk beside the Yellow River and Zhongshan Bridge.

Traditional secular heritage lane in Linxia near the open Sangke Grassland.

Travel through Linxia and stroll the preserved courtyards and craft lanes of Bafang Thirteen Alleys. Continue into Gannan for Sangke Wetland and the open landscapes of Sangke Grassland near Xiahe.

Traditional Xiahe artisan lane and grassland hills on the road back to Lanzhou.

Explore the historic cultural quarter around Labrang before returning to Lanzhou. Walk along the Yellow River waterfront, cross Zhongshan Bridge and enjoy the city's evening market atmosphere.

High-speed train crossing the Hexi Corridor toward Zhangye Rainbow Mountains.

Take the high-speed train west to Zhangye and explore the layered colors of Zhangye Danxia National Geopark in the afternoon. Finish with a relaxed evening in Zhangye.

Jiayuguan pass city and desert walls in golden autumn light.

Travel along the Hexi Corridor to Jiayuguan and walk the historic pass city and desert walls. During the autumn season, a visit to Jinta's golden poplar forest may be arranged according to local conditions.

Guazhou Earth sculpture across the Gobi leading toward Dunhuang's Mingsha dunes.

Drive toward Dunhuang with a stop at Guazhou's large-scale desert art installations. Continue to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake for sunset over the dunes, followed by Shazhou Night Market.

High-speed train crossing the Gobi from Liuyuan toward Turpan at sunset.

Visit the Mogao Grottoes with the scheduled digital presentation and cave allocation. Transfer to Liuyuan for the high-speed train across the Gobi to Turpan.

Earthen streets of Jiaohe Ancient City above the green Turpan oasis.

Explore Turpan's oasis landscapes at Grape Valley, see the red cliffs of the Flaming Mountains and walk the earthen ruins of Jiaohe Ancient City.

Turquoise Tianchi Lake and snow-capped Tianshan peaks from an elevated viewpoint.

Leave the basin and travel toward the Tianshan Mountains. Walk beside the blue alpine water of Tianchi Lake before continuing to Urumqi.

Colorful fruit, nuts and produce stalls along a leafy secular market street in Urumqi.

Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum for an accessible introduction to Silk Road history and archaeology. Later, explore Urumqi's lively market district and regional food scene.

Urumqi city park, landscaped lake and skyline beneath the Tianshan Mountains.

Enjoy a flexible day in Urumqi with options for parks, contemporary city viewpoints, local neighborhoods or additional museum time. Your guide can tailor the pace to your interests.

Modern Urumqi airport terminal at sunrise with an aircraft in the distance.

Transfer to Urumqi airport or railway station according to your schedule. The 12-day Gannan, Hexi Corridor and Xinjiang journey concludes after drop-off.

What's Included & Excluded

What is included in this tour

Private or group transport

Air-conditioned vehicle and transfers listed in the confirmed itinerary.

English-speaking service

Professional English-speaking guide service as specified in the quotation.

Accommodation

Selected hotels with breakfast when included in the confirmed proposal.

Sightseeing

Entrance tickets and activities specifically marked as included.

What is Not Included in this tour

International transport

International flights and transport to the tour starting point unless stated otherwise.

Personal expenses

Laundry, minibar, optional activities and other personal purchases.

Insurance and visas

Travel insurance, China visa fees and permit costs unless explicitly included.

Unlisted meals

Meals, drinks and gratuities not shown in the confirmed inclusion list.

Frequently Asked Questions

The format shown in the tour title applies. Private departures can be adjusted, while small-group departures follow the confirmed group schedule.

Private tours can usually be adjusted for pace, hotel level and special interests. Transport and attraction availability are reconfirmed before booking.

Bring a valid passport, comfortable walking shoes and season-appropriate clothing. We will advise on any permits or weather-specific equipment.

Final hotel and meal inclusions depend on the confirmed quotation. Your written proposal will list every included service before payment.

Expect a mix of walking, steps and vehicle access at the places included in this route. The exact level depends on the day-by-day sequence, so share any concerns about mobility, children, older travellers or rest breaks before the itinerary is confirmed.

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12-Day Gannan and Silk Road Tour to Xinjiang

Overview

Daily Itinerary