Gansu, a hidden gem in Northwest China, is renowned not only for its ancient cultural heritage sites like Mati Temple and the magnificent beauty of Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, but also as an ideal destination for those yearning to experience camel riding in the vast Gobi Desert. Join us as we explore this fascinating journey, where you can immerse yourself in the majestic nature and feel the intersection of culture and history.
To fully conquer the beauty of Gansu, a 10-day journey will take you to must-visit destinations, where every step is a new discovery.
Mati Temple: A Tibetan Buddhist Art Masterpiece
Mati Temple, also known as the Horse Hoof Temple, is one of the most important Buddhist cave complexes in China. This place is not only a unique architectural work but also an artistic masterpiece imbued with Tibetan influence.
Entrance to Mati Temple, the starting point for exploring unique Buddhist culture.
If you are an avid explorer, don’t miss the opportunity to weave through the mountainside to admire the Buddha statues intricately carved on the red clay background. This experience will bring you unforgettable emotions and a deeper understanding of Buddhist culture.
Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park: Rainbow Colors on Mountains
Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, located in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, is a true natural wonder. Here, you will witness the vibrant colors of the mountains, resembling a rainbow stretching across the sky.
These colors are formed from layers of red sandstone and sediment compressed together over 24 million years. The unique combination of geology and time has created a breathtaking landscape, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Discovering the majestic beauty of Danxia Rainbow Mountains, a masterpiece of nature.
To explore the Rainbow Mountains, you can take the park management’s bus through 4 locations. Take your time to visit the last viewpoint around 1-2 PM when the sunlight shines, highlighting the vibrant beauty of the mountain ranges.
Jiayu Pass: The Westernmost Fortress of the Great Wall
Jiayu Pass is the westernmost pass of the Great Wall, built on the border adjacent to the Gobi Desert. This pass is not only a historical architectural work but also an important stop on the Silk Road, connecting China with Western countries.
Stepping onto Jiayu Pass, feeling the grandeur of the Great Wall amidst the vast desert.
Standing on top of Jiayu Pass, you can cast your eyes far away, admiring the pristine beauty of the Gobi Desert and feeling the greatness of Chinese history.
Dunhuang: A Beautiful Oasis in the Desert
Dunhuang is a city located in the desert, yet it offers visitors a sense of comfort and peace. It is famous for Crescent Lake, a beautiful oasis likened to a jewel in the desert.
Crescent Lake, a lush oasis in the heart of the Dunhuang desert.
When you come to Dunhuang, you cannot miss the experience of riding a camel in the desert. For about 100 yuan (about 320,000 VND), you will transform into merchants on the Silk Road, exploring the mysterious beauty of the Gobi Desert.
Experiencing a camel ride, immersing yourself in the vastness of the Gobi Desert.
In addition, you can try riding a motorbike on sand dunes (for about 120 yuan) to experience thrills and admire the panoramic desert view from above.
Especially for photography enthusiasts, the sparkling reed field is a must-visit destination. You can spend the whole day taking stunning photos, capturing memorable moments in Dunhuang.
Sparkling reed fields, an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts.
Xinjiang: Land of Mysteries
Xinjiang, a mysterious and captivating autonomous region, is the final destination in the Gansu exploration journey. It is famous for the Emin Minaret Islamic tower, Flaming Mountains, and Heavenly Lake.
Heavenly Lake, with its beauty likened to “a fairyland,” is an unmissable destination. This stunning lake is located right in the capital Urumqi, surrounded by pine forests, cypress, meadows, and snow-capped mountains.
Heavenly Lake, a paradise-like beauty in the Xinjiang region.
Wandering on the wooden paths on the mountainside, you will admire the majestic beauty of snow-capped mountains reflected on the blue lake surface. Even if you are not a professional photographer, you can easily capture beautiful moments here.
Important Notes For Your Trip
To have a complete and memorable trip in Gansu, you should note some issues below:
- Visa: Applying for a Chinese visa requires full preparation of documents and arriving early to queue.
- Transportation: It is recommended to travel by plane and high-speed train to save time.
- Hotels: Hotel prices in Gansu are quite cheap; you can choose a hotel that suits your budget.
- Food: Chinese food is often oily and spicy; you should prepare some dry food or learn a few Chinese phrases to instruct the restaurant.
- Other preparations: You should bring warm clothes, medicine, moisturizer, and exchange enough cash.
Sample Itinerary for 10 Days 9 Nights
To help you easily plan your trip, here is a sample itinerary:
- Day 1: Hanoi – Guangzhou (afternoon flight, overnight in Guangzhou)
- Day 2: Fly Guangzhou – Lanzhou, take high-speed train Lanzhou – Zhangye. Overnight in Zhangye
- Day 3: Visit Mati Temple – Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park
- Day 4: Conquer Jiayu Pass. Travel by car to Dunhuang
- Day 5: Crescent Lake – Mingsha Desert
- Day 6: Visit Mogao Caves & take high-speed train to Turpan
- Day 7: Visit Emin Minaret Mosque – Jiaohe Ancient City – Flaming Mountains
- Day 8: Visit Xinjiang Nationalities Museum – Persian Bazaar
- Day 9: Visit Heavenly Lake – Xinjiang Night Market
- Day 10: Fly Xinjiang – Guangzhou – Hanoi. End of journey.
Conclusion
Gansu is a great destination for those who want to explore the majestic natural beauty and experience the unique culture of China. With the information and experiences shared in this article, hopefully, you will have a truly memorable and meaningful trip. Are you ready to ride a camel and explore the mysterious Gobi Desert? Plan today and start your exciting journey to discover Gansu!