Details
Arrival in Lanzhou — First Impression of the Yellow River
Attractions: Free time; recommended visit to the Yellow River Scenic Line
Duration: Flexible depending on arrival time (recommended 2–3 hours)
Overview:
Lanzhou is the only provincial capital in China through which the Yellow River flows. In the evening, take a stroll along the riverbank, visit the Yellow River Mother Sculpture, and enjoy a distant view of White Pagoda Mountain Park. Don’t miss Zhongshan Bridge, known as “The No.1 Bridge over the Yellow River.”
At night, explore local food streets such as Zhengning Road Night Market or Dazhong Alley, where you can taste authentic Lanzhou beef noodles and milk-egg fermented rice dessert.
Meals: Not Included
Accommodation: Huayu Hotel (4-star) or similar
Lanzhou – Labrang Monastery – Xiahe (Entering Tibetan Area)
Attraction: Labrang Monastery
Duration: Afternoon visit, approx. 3–4 hours
Overview:
Labrang Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It features the world’s longest prayer wheel corridor (about 3.5 km). More than a monastery, it is also a renowned Buddhist academy.
Follow a guide to explore the six main assembly halls and climb Gongtang Pagoda for a panoramic view. Experience the solemn and peaceful atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism. Overnight in Xiahe to acclimatize to the altitude.
Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Jiusheng International Hotel or similar
Labrang Monastery
Labrang Monastery
Xiahe – Langmusi (The “Little Switzerland of the East”)
Attractions: Langmusi Town, Gerdi Monastery (Sichuan side)
Duration: Approx. 3 hours after arrival
Overview:
Langmusi is not a single monastery but a charming town often called the “Little Switzerland of the East.” The Bailong River runs through the town, dividing Gansu and Sichuan.
Visit the Gansu side monastery for panoramic views of red cliffs and the town. On the Sichuan side, explore Gerdi Monastery and hike into Namo Gorge toward the source of the Bailong River. In the evening, relax at a café and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Langmusi International Hotel or similar
Langmusi
Langmusi
Langmusi – Zhagana (The “Garden of Eden” in Joseph Rock’s Writings)
Attraction: Zhagana Scenic Area
Duration: Afternoon + next morning (recommended 4+ hours)
Overview:
Zhagana means “stone box” in Tibetan, resembling a natural stone fortress. American explorer Joseph Rock called it the “birthplace of Adam and Eve.”
Visit Yeri Village and Dari Village viewpoints for sweeping views. If physically fit, hike to Yixiantian (Sky Gap) or Fairy Beach, a perfect spot for sunrise and sunset. Stay inside the scenic area for a peaceful, secluded experience.
Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Zhagana Intercontinental Hotel or similar
Zhagana
Zhagana
Zhagana – Ruoergai / Tangke (Grassland Wetlands & Yellow River Sunset)
Attractions: Ruoergai Grassland, First Bend of the Yellow River
Duration: 2–3 hours at the Yellow River First Bend
Overview:
Ruoergai is one of China’s three largest wetlands, with vast grasslands and grazing livestock.
In Tangke, visit the First Bend of the Yellow River, where the river meanders gracefully across the plains. Take the escalator to the viewing platform and witness a spectacular sunset over the river.
Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Tangke Yellow River Resort or similar
Ruoergai
Ruoergai
Tangke – Xining (Rest & Adjustment)
Overview:
Full-day drive, enjoying the transition from grasslands to agricultural landscapes. After arrival in Xining, enjoy free time.
Visit Xinqian Night Market or Mojia Street for local specialties like Qinghai hotpot, hand-grab lamb, and yogurt. Prepare supplies for high-altitude travel.
Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Xining Yicai Qinghang Hotel or similar
Xinqian Night Market
Xinqian Night Market
Xining – Qinghai Lake – Chaka Salt Lake
Attractions: Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake
Duration: 2–3 hours each
Overview:
Qinghai Lake is China’s largest inland saltwater lake, known as the “Blue Sea.” In summer, rapeseed flowers bloom along its shores.
Chaka Salt Lake, known as the “Mirror of the Sky,” reflects the mountains and sky like a giant mirror. Walk barefoot into the lake for stunning reflections.
Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Chaka Town Hotel
Chaka Salt Lake
Qinghai Lake
Chaka – Qaidam Basin – Qarhan Salt Lake – Water Yadan
Attractions: Qarhan Salt Lake, U-shaped Road (drive-by), Water Yadan
Duration: 2 hours each
Overview:
Qarhan Salt Lake is the largest salt lake in China, famous for its emerald waters and “Salt Bridge.”
Water Yadan is the only Yadan landform in water, resembling fleets sailing across a blue lake. Enjoy sunset and stay in a remote luxury desert hotel.
Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Water Yadan Desert Hotel
Qarhan Salt Lake
Water Yadan
Water Yadan – Black Mountain – Oil Town – Dunhuang
Attractions: Black Mountain, Oil Town
Overview:
Black Mountain resembles a lunar landscape covered in black stones.
Oil Town is an abandoned settlement, now a filming location for movies like Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe, offering a unique post-apocalyptic aesthetic.
Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Dunhuang Shangyu Yijing/same level
Oil Town
Black Mountain
Dunhuang – Mogao Caves – Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring
Duration: 3–4 hours each
Overview:
Mogao Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient Buddhist art.
Mingsha Mountain offers camel rides, sand sliding, and sunset views over Crescent Spring. Stargazing is possible at night.
Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Dunhuang Shangyu Yijing/same level
Mingsha Mountain & Crescent
Mogao Caves
Dunhuang – Jiayuguan – Hanging Great Wall
Overview:
Visit the Son of the Earth sculpture, Jiayuguan Pass (western end of the Great Wall), and the Hanging Great Wall built along a steep ridge.
Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Jiayuguan Chenfeng Hotel/same level
Son of the Earth
Jiayuguan
Jiayuguan – Zhangye Danxia
Overview:
Visit the Giant Buddha Temple and the colorful Danxia landforms, best viewed at sunset when colors are most vivid.
Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: Zhangye Xinshengyue Hotel/same level
Zhangye Danxia
Giant Buddha Temple
Zhangye – Qilian Grassland – Menyuan – Lanzhou
Overview:
Enjoy scenic views of Qilian Grassland and (in July) vast rapeseed flower fields in Menyuan. Return to Lanzhou, ending the 13-day journey.
Meals: Breakfast included; lunch & dinner on your own
Accommodation: home
Qilian Grassland
Menyuan
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 2026-04 | $ 1080 | Book now |
| May | 2026-05 | $ 1180 | Book now |
| Jun | 2026-06 | $ 1280 | Book now |
| Sep | 2026-09 | $ 1380 | Book now |
| Oct | 2026-10 | $ 1380 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 13-day, 12-night in-depth tour of Lanzhou, Gansu, and Qinghai
Fee Description
Included
- Private 9-seat vehicle (max 6 guests)
- Professional driver-guide (tips included)
- 4-star hotels with breakfast
- All entrance tickets + shuttle buses
- Insurance
- Extras: Qinghai hotpot meal, travel photography, drone shots
Not Included
- Flights / train tickets
- Lunch & dinner
- Optional activities
