This 6-day expedition through Gansu province combines surreal landscapes, Silk Road heritage, and Buddhist art into one unforgettable journey. From the vibrant, layered slopes of the Rainbow Mountains to the haunting silence of Dunhuang’s desert, this tour offers a rare blend of color and culture. Perfect for photographers, adventurers, and art enthusiasts alike, you’ll explore sacred caves, ancient oases, and alien-like geological formations — all supported by expert guides and tailored comfort. Discover China’s wild west in the most immersive way.
Arrive in Zhangye by train or flight, where your private guide and driver await. Transfer comfortably to your hotel and prepare for the next day’s landscape adventure. Hotel Options: Tianyu International Hotel (4-star) Zhangye Hotel (5-star)
Arrive in Zhangye by train or flight
Meet your private guide and driver
Transfer to hotel for rest and prep
Spend the full day exploring the Rainbow Mountains, known for their vibrant, multicolored stripes. Capture different lighting and angles throughout the day — soft blue tones in the morning, rich reds by afternoon. Tailor-Made Tip: Want more time to shoot? The park is open from 7am–6pm in summer. Add a second day if desired!
Explore the Rainbow Mountains' vibrant multicolored landscapes
Capture different angles from morning blues to afternoon reds
Tailor-made tip: Stay from 7am–6pm or add a second day for more photos
Explore Binggou Danxia, where gravity-defying rock towers and fortress-like formations await. Unlike the Rainbow Mountains, this region’s appeal lies in shape over color. After a local dinner, board the evening train to Dunhuang. Upon arrival, meet your new guide and check in. Optional Evening Idea: Stroll Ganzhou Market for BBQ, noodles, and sweet treats. Hotel Options: Dunhuang Hotel (4-star) The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel (5-star)
Explore Binggou Danxia’s unique rock formations
Enjoy a local dinner in Zhangye
Take an evening train to Dunhuang
Optional: Stroll Ganzhou Market for BBQ and sweet treats
Begin with a guided visit to the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO site with thousands of murals and statues preserved across 1,000 years. In the afternoon, explore Singing Sand Dunes and the Crescent Moon Spring. Ride a camel and photograph a spectacular desert sunset. Tailor-Made Tip: Your ticket allows second entry — return the next day for different lighting!
Visit Mogao Caves and explore ancient murals and statues
Ride a camel at Singing Sand Dunes
See Crescent Moon Spring and photograph a desert sunset
Optional: Return next day with same ticket for more photos
View high-quality mural replicas at the Dunhuang Museum in the morning. Then head deep into the Gobi Desert to Yadan (“Devil City”) Geological Park, famous for bizarre wind-carved rock shapes and echoing desert winds. Tailor-Made Tip: Stay until sunset or rent a private jeep for full exploration flexibility.
View mural replicas at Dunhuang Museum
Explore Yadan (“Devil City”) Geological Park
Optional: Stay for sunset or rent a private jeep for deeper exploration
Your guide and driver will take you to the airport and assist with check-in for your onward journey.
Airport drop-off
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