The desert sunset and the Great Wall ruins hide stories of a thousand years～

One corridor, half the history of the Chinese Silk Road The Hexi Corridor is the Silk Road throat opened by Zhang Qian under Emperor Wu of Han’s mission to "pierce the Western Regions." One end connects to Chang’an in the Central Plains, the other links to the Western Regions. Since ancient times, it has been "a battlefield of clashing armies and a bustling thoroughfare for merchants"✨. During the Western Han, Huo Qubing led cavalry to sweep the Xiongnu, establishing the "Four Commanderies of Hexi" — Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiuquan, and Dunhuang. The ambition to "extend the Zhang state’s arm to connect the Western Regions" still resonates today. In the flourishing Tang Dynasty, camel bells rang here, Xuanzang journeyed west to fetch scriptures, Wang Wei wrote "The desert’s lone smoke rises straight," and the murals in the Mogao Caves preserve the prosperity of that era. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Great Wall beacon towers guarded the trade routes, and Crescent Lake, embraced by sand dunes, became the last comfort for Silk Road travelers. Today, the corridor’s red cliffs, snow-capped mountains, oases, and deserts still tell the millennium-old tales of "Han style, Tang charm, and Silk Road legends." 🌟 Travel Guide: Explore the Essence of Hexi Corridor in 5 Days 🏞️ Must-Visit Itinerary (5 days 4 nights) 1. Day 1: Lanzhou → Wuwei Visit the Leita Tai Han Tomb, the site where the "Flying Horse of Gansu" was found (ticket 45 RMB), and see the Han Dynasty bronze chariot and horse procession; in the evening, visit the ancient Jiumoluoshi Temple to feel the tranquility of this thousand-year-old temple. Stay in downtown Wuwei and try Santaoche (braised meat + hand-pulled noodles + Fu tea, about 25 RMB per person). 2. Day 2: Wuwei → Zhangye Head straight to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park in the morning (ticket + shuttle 74 RMB). The best light is from 3 to 5 pm to see the Danxia Mountains dyed in red, orange, yellow, and green by the sunset. Check in at "Colorful Rainbow Terrace" and "Crouching Tiger Gorge." Stay near the Danxia scenic area and experience a desert starry sky guesthouse. 3. Day 3: Zhangye → Jiuquan → Jiayuguan In the morning, visit the Western Han relics in Jiuquan (ticket 25 RMB) and see the site of Huo Qubing’s "pouring wine into the spring" legend; in the afternoon, climb Jiayuguan Fortress (ticket 110 RMB), touch the western starting point of the Ming Great Wall, photograph the sunset at the "First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven," stay in Jiayuguan city, and enjoy grilled skewers with apricot peel tea. 4. Day 4: Jiayuguan → Dunhuang In the morning, visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake (ticket 110 RMB, valid for 3 days), ride a camel (100 RMB/person) up the sand dunes, and see the spectacular reflection of Crescent Lake in the dunes. In the evening, try sand sliding (30 RMB per ride); visit Shazhou Night Market to eat donkey meat yellow noodles (about 30 RMB per person) and buy Dunhuang cultural souvenirs. 5. Day 5: Dunhuang → Return In the morning, tour the Mogao Caves (ticket 238 RMB, book 7 days in advance), see the giant Buddha in Cave 96 and the Nine-Colored Deer mural in Cave 257, and listen to the guide tell the stories behind the millennium-old murals; in the afternoon, visit the Dunhuang Museum (free, reservation required) to learn about Silk Road culture. Before leaving, bring home a pack of Li Guang apricot dried fruit as a souvenir. 🚗 Transportation and Tips - Transportation: Self-driving (car rental about 200 RMB/day) or join local small groups is recommended. The Hexi Corridor attractions are scattered, so driving offers more flexibility. High-speed trains reach Zhangye and Dunhuang, but taxis are needed between scenic spots. - Clothing: Large temperature differences between day and night, bring a windbreaker and a light sweater; wear light-colored clothes for better photos of Danxia and desert scenes; bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (UV rays are very strong). - Avoid pitfalls: Don’t buy "emergency tickets" for Mogao Caves (you won’t see the core caves); avoid climbing Mingsha Mountain at noon to prevent sunburn; don’t buy specialty products randomly inside scenic areas—city supermarkets offer better value. The wind of the Hexi Corridor still blows gently after a thousand years. This guide helps you unlock all the romance of the Silk Road～