9-Day Qinghai Lake, Zhangye and Dunhuang Silk Road Tour

Themes China Silk Road Tours
Home / China Tours / 9-Day Qinghai Lake, Zhangye and Dunhuang Silk Road Tour
Duration 9 Days
Route Lanzhou – Xining – Qinghai Lake – Chaka – Zhangye – Jiayuguan – Dunhuang
Entry City Lanzhou
Exit City Dunhuang

Overview

Combine Qinghai’s high-altitude lakes with the classic Gansu Silk Road on a private 9-day journey. Travel from Lanzhou to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake, then continue by high-speed train to Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang’s desert and grotto heritage.

Daily Itinerary

Lanzhou skyline, iron bridge and Yellow River promenade at golden hour
Lanzhou skyline, iron bridge and Yellow River promenade at golden hour.

Arrive in Lanzhou and meet your private driver. If time allows, walk along the Yellow River waterfront, see Zhongshan Bridge and enjoy a bowl of local hand-pulled noodles.

Scenic plateau road with the first view of Qinghai Lake and distant snow mountains
Scenic plateau road with the first view of Qinghai Lake and distant snow mountains.

Begin beside Lanzhou's Yellow River before driving toward Xining and the Qinghai plateau. Visit the cultural heritage around Kumbum on the way, then continue to the Qinghai Lake area.

Deep blue Qinghai Lake and a wooden lakeside path beneath distant mountains
Deep blue Qinghai Lake and a wooden lakeside path beneath distant mountains.

Explore the blue water and broad shoreline of Qinghai Lake at Erlangjian. Enjoy a relaxed lakeside cultural experience, then continue across the plateau to Chaka town.

Small scenic train crossing reflective Chaka Salt Lake beneath a mirror sky
Small scenic train crossing reflective Chaka Salt Lake beneath a mirror sky.

Ride into Chaka Salt Lake and photograph its mirror-like reflections when conditions are suitable. Return to Xining and spend the evening exploring local food around Mojia Street.

High-speed train travelling toward Zhangye with Danxia foothills in the distance
High-speed train travelling toward Zhangye with Danxia foothills in the distance.

Take the high-speed train from Xining to Zhangye. In the afternoon, explore the striped and layered colors of Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, followed by a stroll through Ganzhou Night Market.

Jiayuguan pass city and Overhanging Great Wall across the Hexi Corridor
Jiayuguan pass city and Overhanging Great Wall across the Hexi Corridor.

Travel to Jiayuguan and walk the historic pass city, its desert ramparts and museum. Continue to the Overhanging Great Wall for broad views over the Hexi Corridor.

Guazhou Earth sculpture across the Gobi leading toward Mingsha dunes
Guazhou Earth sculpture across the Gobi leading toward Mingsha dunes.

Drive west through the Gobi with a stop at Guazhou's large-scale desert art installations. Arrive in Dunhuang for Mingsha Mountain and sunset beside Crescent Lake.

Weathered desert cliffs and a lively secular market street at the edge of Dunhuang
Weathered desert cliffs and a lively secular market street at the edge of Dunhuang.

Visit the Mogao Grottoes with the scheduled digital presentation and cave allocation. Later, explore Dunhuang at your own pace and browse the evening stalls of Shazhou Night Market.

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

Transfer to Dunhuang airport or railway station according to your onward schedule. The Qinghai Lake and Silk Road 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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