Arrival in Dunhuang

Dunhuang - Welcome to Dunhuang, one of the renowned ancient cities along the Silk Road. Upon your arrival at Dunhuang Airport, our tour guide will greet you and accompany you to your hotel. Enjoy a restful night to prepare for the adventures awaiting you the next day.

Buddhist Art at Mogao Grottoes & Dunhuang Museum

Mogao Caves - Our expert tour guide will meet you in your hotel lobby, and your private day tour to the Mogao Grottoes will commence with a 20-minute drive to the entrance. Here, you can marvel at the stunning grottoes and mural art, and learn about the history of Buddhism in Dunhuang through informative explanations and film displays, making it an ideal choice for visitors to Dunhuang.

Dunhuang Museum - After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, the tour will continue to the Dunhuang Museum. The museum offers an impressive exhibition of Silk Road culture, featuring replica caves with intricate murals and statues perfect for photography.

Shazhou Night Market - In the evening, explore the fascinating Shazhou Night Market, filled with a variety of sights and foods. It’s easy to lose track of time while wandering the market, enjoying leisure time, and sampling local cuisine.

Echoing Sand Mountain & Mogao Mural Painting Experience

Mingsha Shan - Echoing-Sand Mountain - Continue your Dunhuang journey with a visit to Echoing Sand Mountain & Crescent Lake. When the wind is strong, the sands are lifted, creating a loud sound reminiscent of ancient musical instruments when blown by a gentle breeze. The Crescent Lake, which has existed for centuries without being buried by sand, is also a highlight. A camel ride (approximately 40 minutes) through the vast desert, reminiscent of the Silk Road Caravan, is highly recommended. Experience the sensation of the camel caravan marching through the desert, with the sound of camel bells being a must-experience for every tourist.

Dunhuang - In the afternoon, head to the Dunhuang Painting and Calligraphy Institute to visit the Carpet display, Painting and Calligraphy exhibition, and the Murals of the Mogao Grottoes. You can also try your hand at replicating the Mogao Grottoes murals.

Train to Zhangye, Enjoy the Sunset at Rainbow Mountain

Zhangye Danxia Geopark - Start your day with a delightful breakfast. Then, bid farewell to Dunhuang and board an express train to Zhangye. Visit the magnificent Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, located in northwest China’s Gansu Province. This spectacular multicolored landscape covers a vast area of cliffs, resembling a masterpiece oil painting against the backdrop of the surrounding grey plain. The landform is the result of red sandstone erosion, combined with its geological structure and long-term desert conditions, wind, and water erosion. Nature’s great force has created a remarkable artwork.

Mati Temple & Giant Buddha Temple Exploration

Mati Temple Scenic Resort - The first destination today is Mati Temple (Horseshoe Temple), situated at the foothills of Qilian Mountain in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County. The site features numerous grotto Buddha statues carved into the walls from the Beiliang period to the present, along with impressive high-rise grotto temple buildings that are both attractive and splendid.

Dafo Temple of Zhangye - Next, visit the Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple, located in the southwest corner of Zhangye. This well-known place of Buddha worship was founded in the 1st year of Yongan during Emperor Chongzong’s reign in the Xixia Dynasty and has undergone several restorations. Here, you can see the largest indoor clay statue of Buddha in China, admire the simple yet exquisite mural sculptures and ancient buildings, and experience ancient religious art.

Zhangye - As this memorable Silk Road Holiday concludes, we will escort you to Zhangye Ganzhou Airport and look forward to welcoming you again in the future.

• Entrance fee included as per itinerary
• 2nd class train ticket from Dunhuang to Zhangye
• Daily breakfast
• 4-night hotel stay with breakfast (double occupancy)
• Private vehicle and professional English-speaking guide

• Personal expenses, Tips for the guide and driver
• Lunch and dinner throughout the itinerary
• Some activities not listed in the itinerary, such as boating, camel riding

Take a bullet train from Dunhuang to Zhangye, Discover the three impressive Buddhist temples along the Hexi Corridor, Amazed by the fantastic landscape of Danxia Landform and Yadan Ghost City. You will be immersed in the wonders of history, culture, and nature with your private guide.

• Private transportation with good AC
• Professional and Friendly English Speaking Guide
• Bottled water and paper napkins
• 7/24 English Service online

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.