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8-Day Qinghai Lake, Zhangye, and Dunhuang Tour

Miraculous Qinghai and Legendary Silk Road Tour

This itinerary includes Qinghai and Gansu, which were two very important regions during the history of the ancient Silk Road. Qinghai is famous for high plateau lakes and grasslands as well as exotic ethnic culture, while Gansu features the Gobi Desert landscapes, Danxia landforms, Buddhist grottoes, and Great Wall culture.

Travel from Xining to dreamlike Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake, and then go to Zhangye with its unique Danxia — red sandstone landforms. End the trip at the mysterious city of Dunhuang, where you will enjoy the spectacular desert landscapes and experience unique ancient Silk Road culture.

Tour 'Wow' Points

Feast Your Eyes on the Spectacular Landscapes of Two High Plateau Lakes.

Visit picturesque Qinghai Lake, which was selected as "the Most Beautiful Lake in China" by China's National Geographic, and be amazed by the stunning landscape around it. Also, take a train ride through "the sky mirror" — Chaka Salt Lake.

Miraculous Qinghai Lake
Beautiful Chaka Lake

Trace the Roots of China's Brilliant Buddhist Culture on the Ancient Silk Road.

Admire exquisite architecture in celebrated Ta'er Monastery in Xining and Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye. Appreciate amazing murals, sculptures, and grottoes in the mysterious Mogao Caves.

Qinghai Ta'er Monastery
Dunhuang Mogao Caves

Enjoy the Stunning Views of Wild China

Explore the famous Zhangye Danxia Geopark and take great photos of the Rainbow Mountains. Capture spectacular desert views of Echoing-Sand Mountain, Crescent Moon Spring, and Devil City — Yadan National Geological Park.

Crescent Moon Spring
Zhangye Danxia Geopark

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Tour Map

Miraculous Qinghai and Legendary Silk Road Tour map

Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

DAY 1 Xining Arrival

Airport or railway station pick-up

DAY 2 Xining to Qinghai Lake

Ta'er Monastery, Erlangjian Scenic Area, and Qinghai Lake boat ride

DAY 3 Qinghai Lake to Chaka, Return to Xining

Qinghai Lake sunrise, Chaka Salt Lake

DAY 4 Xining to Zhangye

Zhangye Danxia Geological Park

DAY 5 Zhangye to Dunhuang

Giant Buddha Temple, Wooden Tower

DAY 6 Dunhuang

The Mogao Caves, the Singing Sand Mountains and Crescent Moon Spring, Camel Riding

DAY 7 Dunhuang

Dunhuang Museum, Yadan National Geological Park, Yumen Pass, the Great Wall of the Han Dynasty

DAY 8 Dunhuang Departure

Airport or railway station drop-off

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.

Xining Hilton Hotel
Zhangye Jinyang Hotel
FromUSD 2279p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

  • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
  • English speaking local guide
  • Activities and hotels listed in the itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Tour code: gq-1

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