Gansu is synonymous with the Silk Road. The province, located in north western China, was once the vital artery linking East to West. Surrounded by mountains, Gansu is generally highly elevated and home to vast swathes of grasslands, desolate deserts, lush forests and unspoiled lakes. The cultural diversity is just as impressive as it’s geographical diversity: history buffs will be kept busy exploring Buddhist paintings and sculptures, Tibetan relics, and Hui Muslim tradition.
Lanzhou
Lanzhou is the capital city of Gansu province. Located along the banks of the Yellow River, the city offers a great glimpse into the life of China’s great northwest.
Dunhuang
One of the most important and strategic cities of the Silk Road, Dunhuang is steeped in over 2000 years of history. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Mogao Grottoes and be mystified by the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake (this is a crescent-shaped lake in a desert oasis!).
Zhangye
Zhangye is located in the north western part of Gansu province. The must-see-to-be-believed draw card of the area is the Zhangye Danxia landform.
Jiayuguan
This is where the Great Wall of China ends. The magnificent fortress is a great representation of just how formidable the Great Wall really was (and still is).
