What to Do in Gansu: 15 Unforgettable Experiences

Visit the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, home to 45,000 square meters of murals spanning 1,000 years of Buddhist art. These caves represent one of the world's greatest artistic treasures.

Discover the Maijishan Grottoes, where thousands of Buddha statues are carved into a cliff face surrounded by lush forests.

Experience the spiritual atmosphere at Labrang Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Witness the Zhangye Rainbow Mountains, where mineral deposits have created striped patterns in red, orange, yellow, and green over 24 million years.

Stand atop Jiayuguan Pass, the western end of the Great Wall, and imagine the ancient traders who passed through this fortress.

Explore the dramatic landscapes of the Hexi Corridor, where desert meets mountains in a breathtaking display of natural beauty.

Walk through the bustling night markets of Lanzhou and sample authentic local street food.

Visit traditional Tibetan villages in Xiahe and learn about nomadic herding traditions.

Explore the ancient city of Dunhuang, once a major stop on the Silk Road connecting East and West.

Attend a traditional Tibetan Buddhist ceremony and witness ancient rituals still practiced today.

Trek through the Qilian Mountains and discover alpine meadows, glaciers, and rare wildlife.

Ride a camel across the singing sand dunes near Dunhuang at sunset.

Cycle along sections of the ancient Silk Road and experience the journey as traders did centuries ago.

Hike through Zhangye Danxia Geopark and get up close to the rainbow-colored rock formations.