China’s Western Wonders

Go West! Wanting a taste of the Silk Road? Then you can sample some of China’s most incredible historical sites and natural wonders in Gansu province. The meeting place of cultures and scenery you’ll find nowhere else. Here are some of our team's favorite spots and tips for making the best of your time in this western wonderland.

Rainbow Mountains, Zhangye

Zhangye in far west Gansu province is your gateway to Danxia Geological Park, home to the world famous Rainbow mountains. Rising several hundred meters out of the desert plain these multi-colored cliffs are truly one the great natural wonders of the world.

There are four viewing platforms spread over 8 kilometers, the highlights being number 3 which gives you a view of the famed “seven color fan” and number 4 for a panorama of the whole park.

Tips

• Make sure you are there for sunrise or sunset to get the best view.
• June to September is the best time to go but the intrepid traveler should brave the winter cold to beat the crowds.
• Sightseeing cars take about 2 hours to finish the whole trip but it is best to allocate at least a full day.

Getting There

• Direct flight from Shanghai (3 &1/2 hrs) in July and August.
• Fly to Lanzhou (3 hrs 15 mins), train to Zhangye (3 -5 hrs depending on train service).

Dunhuang

Your Silk Road adventure starts here in Dunhuang. Sitting on the edge of the Gobi desert, this oasis sits on the border of Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang and can be reached by a fascinating 12 hour train ride from Lanzhou.

Mogao Caves

One of the great Buddhist treasures of China, this complex of 492 grottoes adorned with statues and frescoes are carved into the cliffs above the Dachuan River and date back to the 4th century. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located 25 km southeast of Dunhuang and can be reached by bus or taxi from the city center. The total number of visitors is limited to 6,000 per day, so it best to book a ticket in advance, especially during the peak season (May 1 to October 31). Entrance costs CNY 220.

Tips

• Security is tight at the Mogao Caves, and photography of any kind is forbidden inside.
• The entrance to each cave is blocked by a locked door, which may only be unlocked by expert guides.

Crescent Lake Oasis

This crescent-shaped lake is a popular tourist destination and is only six kilometers from downtown Dunhuang. The best time to head there is to catch a glimpse of a desert sunset; a giant red orb that bathes the sand dunes in an incredible light.

Tips

• Avoid the midday heat, don’t forget your sunscreen and be careful of sand getting into your camera lens！

Echoing Sand Mountain

If you go to Crescent Lake then a visit to Echoing Sand Mountain and a camel ride through the sand dunes is a must. The place gets its name from the fact that a light breeze through the sand dunes creates a soft humming sound as the shifting sand reveals its many colors; red, green, black and yellow.

Tips

• Best viewed at sunrise but to make that happen you’ll need to set out around 4:30am. The desert mornings can be cold at any time of the year so dress appropriately for the 20 min camel ride.