Things to do in Gansu

For a first-time visit to a desert and a scenic spot so close to the city, the transportation was convenient and the scenery was beautiful. However, there were so many people climbing the sand dunes that we went in early June during the off-season. The sand dunes were quite large, and we enjoyed slowly climbing and appreciating the crescent-shaped spring. There are many deserts, but a crescent-shaped spring that coexists with the desert is unique. The Singing Sand Dunes at sunset were beautiful. The scenic area was well-managed; despite the crowds, it was orderly, and there were free shuttle buses back to the city. Taxis were also readily available, though a bit chaotic at times, but there were always people maintaining order.

I highly recommend it! If you're going to see the sunrise, be sure to enter from the West Gate; if you're going to see the sunset, enter from the North Gate. The landscape is truly amazing and there's a lot to explore. I didn't have enough time this time, so I only had a brief look around. If you want to take pictures of textbook covers, you have to do it at sunset; if you go in the morning, the glare will greatly reduce the quality.

It quite nice to travel around Shuimodanxia, however, the downside is if you want to save time and save energy you must buy in-dept travelling because I spent almost 2 hours walk across the mountain and there are stairs and stairs. With that said It was worth for visiting when you stay in Lanzhou.

Jiayuguan Fortress is definitely worth a visit. As the "First Fortress Under Heaven," it exudes grandeur and a strong historical atmosphere. The fortress wall ruins are well-preserved, making for excellent photo opportunities. The shuttle bus service within the scenic area is well-organized, providing convenient transportation and saving you a lot of walking effort, with a smooth route. Standing atop the fortress and gazing at the vast Gobi Desert, the sense of immensity is overwhelming. It's a must-see spot when visiting the Hexi Corridor.

We were absolutely delighted with our visit to the Mogao Caves. The staff had thoughtfully prepared an audio guide in French for us in advance, and we were also provided with a dedicated English-speaking guide at the caves themselves. Everything was very well organised, and the whole experience exceeded our expectations. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit!

If you have the time and resources, I highly recommend the in-depth tour! Walking through the canyon is a completely different experience! Overall Itinerary: After the park shuttle bus arrives at the end, explore the three viewing platforms on your own. Return to the starting point for the in-depth tour. Take an off-road truck, then transfer to a minibus, ride a camel, then a camel-drawn cart, hike through the canyon, and finally (either the "One Line Sky" or "Lingzhi Valley") to the summit. After reaching the summit, take the park shuttle bus back to the main entrance to exit the park. Riding camels is fun and doesn't smell bad, with a gentle swaying motion. The camel carts clang and rattle, creating a unique atmosphere in the canyon. I even recorded an audio clip of the camel bells. I chose the Lingzhi Valley route, which was beautiful all the way. The final long staircase didn't seem difficult at all 🤔, but it might be tiring for older people, children, or those who aren't used to exercise. I heard you can do both routes, but I was carrying valuables, so I didn't climb the "One Line Sky" – I didn't want to risk damaging them 🫨 By the way, I went during the off-season, and I was the only one on the in-depth tour. The staff in the canyon were very friendly and greeted me politely as I passed by.

Zhagana is unbelievably beautiful! Surrounded by rocky mountains, the Tibetan village is shrouded in mist in the mornings, like a thin veil draped over it. Standing on the viewing platform, you can see terraced fields stretching out, with yellow rapeseed flowers and green barley, set against the backdrop of shimmering snow-capped peaks in the distance—every snapshot is wallpaper-worthy. The air is filled with the scent of grass and cooking smoke, and yaks graze leisurely. It's so relaxing, you won't want to leave!

The Gansu Provincial Museum is an absolute must-see during your trip to Lanzhou! The museum's collection is breathtakingly rich, especially the painted pottery exhibition hall. The patterns from thousands of years ago still possess a remarkable beauty, a testament to the wisdom of the ancients. Of course, the most unmissable exhibit is the museum's crown jewel, the "Flying Horse of Gansu" (bronze galloping horse). Seeing it in person is a truly awe-inspiring experience that pictures can't capture. The row of adorable terracotta figurines is also incredibly photogenic. The entire visit is both educational and entertaining, and with free reservations, it's excellent value. I highly recommend setting aside half a day for a leisurely exploration, and definitely hire a guide or rent an audio guide – it will elevate your experience significantly!

The Western Xia Royal Temple is located right in the city center, making it very convenient to visit. It contains a wealth of treasures, including a large reclining Buddha, murals depicting Journey to the West, and many original Buddhist scriptures. There's also a replica of the Jinta Temple Grottoes (which, when combined with the museum, includes both the east and west grottoes). It's truly magnificent. The couplet in Western Xia script inside the temple is so well-recognized from afar, but completely illegible up close! 🤣

We visited in autumn, and the autumn colors of the Qilian Mountains, set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, added a wonderful touch to the scenic area. We felt we had found the best season to visit. The most breathtaking part of the scenic area is the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes. Reaching the seventh level requires continuous climbing using both hands and feet; the scale and exquisite craftsmanship of these grottoes carved into the mountainside are truly awe-inspiring. The remains of a celestial horse in the Horseshoe Hall add a mythological element to the area. The scenic area is divided into the North Temple Grottoes, the Gesar King Hall, and the Thousand Buddha Hall, each with its own ticket. The Thousand Buddha Hall is near the main entrance, so you don't need to take the shuttle bus. Some paths in the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes are dark, so bring your own lighting equipment.