Explore the Majestic Hexi Corridor: A 5-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey in Western China

Day 1: Zhangye City Exploration

Zhangye, China on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Zhangye Local Breakfast Street

Enjoy authentic local flavors with dishes like steamed buns and hand-pulled noodles to fuel your day.
CNY30, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park

Discover vibrant, multicolored sandstone formations famously known as the Rainbow Mountains, a stunning natural wonder.
CNY65, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Jinsha Jiuban Restaurant

Savor traditional Gansu cuisine, including hand-pulled noodles and roasted lamb dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
CNY80, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Mati Temple Grottoes

Visit ancient Buddhist cave temples with exquisite carvings and frescoes dating back to the Northern Liang Dynasty.
CNY50, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Zhangye Starry Night Restaurant

Enjoy a fusion of Chinese and Western dishes with local specialties to close your day in Zhangye.
CNY100, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historical Jiayuguan

Jiayuguan, China on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Jiayuguan Morning Market

Sample local breakfast treats such as steamed buns and mung bean noodles, a hearty start to the day.
CNY25, 1h0m

9:00am

Tour Jiayuguan Fortress

Explore the fascinating first pass of the Great Wall in the west, a mighty fortress with rich military history.
CNY75, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Old Town Jiayuguan Restaurant

Enjoy authentic western Chinese dishes including lamb kebabs and hand-pulled noodles in a traditional setting.
CNY90, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Great Wall Museum

Learn about the fascinating history and construction of the Great Wall with extensive exhibits and models.
CNY30, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Jiayuguan Riverside Restaurant

Dine on fresh river fish dishes and regional specialties while enjoying scenic views by the riverbank.
CNY110, 1h30m
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Day 3: Dunhuang Cultural Highlights

Dunhuang, China on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dunhuang City Market

Try local sweet fried pancakes and steamed buns to start your cultural adventure.
CNY30, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Mogao Caves

Visit the stunning Buddhist cave art galleries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of years of history.
CNY120, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Dunhuang Old Town Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Silk Road dishes with fragrant spices and hand-pulled noodles.
CNY85, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Dunhuang Museum

Discover artifacts related to the Silk Road and local history, a perfect cultural complement to the caves.
CNY40, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Shazhou Night Market

Taste local street food favorites under the lively night market atmosphere.
CNY50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Sand Dunes & Oasis

Dunhuang, China on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Crescent Lake Café

Enjoy a scenic breakfast with fresh pastries and tea by the oasis.
CNY40, 1h0m

8:30am

Hike and Camel Ride at Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake

Explore the striking sand dunes and enjoy a camel ride to experience the desert landscape uniquely.
CNY150, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Desert Breeze Restaurant

Savor local dishes with hearty lamb stews and fresh vegetables after your desert adventure.
CNY90, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Crescent Lake Scenic Area

Enjoy a peaceful walk around the oasis and take photos of the lush lake contrasting with the dunes.
CNY45, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Dunhuang Night Market

Try a variety of local street food and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at night.
CNY55, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return and Reflect

Zhangye, China on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Zhangye Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely hotel breakfast before departure, with a mix of Western and Chinese options.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel from Dunhuang to Zhangye

Drive or take a train back to Zhangye city, reflecting on your journey along the Hexi Corridor.
CNY200, 5h0m

3:00pm

Visit Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple

See one of the largest indoor reclining Buddha statues in China and enjoy peaceful temple grounds.
CNY40, 2h0m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Zhangye Central Restaurant

Celebrate the end of your adventure with a feast of regional specialties including noodles and lamb dishes.
CNY110, 1h30m
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