Destinations: Tianshui + Lanzhou + Zhangye
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Gansu's cultural gems with PandaStudyTour's 4-day classic private tour, spanning Tianshui, Lanzhou and Zhangye. This carefully curated itinerary takes you from the ancient grotto art of Maijishan to the majestic Yellow River scenery of Lanzhou, and finally to the breathtaking colorful Danxia landforms of Zhangye. Designed for international travelers, small private groups and culture enthusiasts, this tour combines comfortable high-speed rail transfers, professional English-speaking guides, and 4-star accommodation, allowing you to explore China's northwest culture at a relaxed pace. Escape the crowds, immerse yourself in thousand-year-old history, and witness the unique blend of natural beauty and human civilization that defines this remarkable region.
Tour Highlights
Why Choose This Tour with PandaStudyTour?
At PandaStudyTour, we prioritize your comfort and experience, eliminating the hassle of self-arrangement. Our certified English-speaking guides are well-versed in the history and culture of each destination, providing in-depth explanations to help you truly understand the stories behind each scenic spot. We handle all details, including ticket reservations, transportation arrangements, and hotel check-in, so you can focus on enjoying the beauty and culture of Tianshui, Lanzhou and Zhangye without any worries. With a reasonable itinerary design, we avoid rushed schedules and ensure you have ample time to savor each moment.
Day 1: Arrival in Tianshui → Maijishan Grottoes → Fuxi Temple
Upon your arrival at Tianshui Airport or Tianshui High-Speed Railway Station, your dedicated guide and driver from PandaStudyTour will greet you warmly and escort you to your 4-star hotel to store your luggage and settle in. In the afternoon, set out to explore Maijishan Grottoes, one of China's Four Great Grottoes and hailed as the "Eastern Sculpture Gallery". Perched on a cliffside, the grottoes feature exquisite cliff caves, clay Buddha statues, and well-preserved murals; your guide will lead you to focus on the grand East Cliff Buddha in Cave 13, a masterpiece of ancient Chinese sculpture. Later, visit Fuxi Temple, a well-preserved Ming Dynasty architectural complex dedicated to Fuxi, the ancestor of Chinese civilization and the birthplace of Bagua culture.
Day 2: Tianshui → Lanzhou → Lanzhou Urban Tour
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Your guide will send you to Tianshui South Railway Station, where you will take a high-speed rail to Lanzhou West Railway Station. Upon arrival in Lanzhou, our team will pick you up at the station, escort you to your 4-star hotel to check in, and then take you to enjoy a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a tour of Lanzhou's Yellow River Scenic Belt: visit the Statue of Mother Yellow River, a symbol of the Yellow River as the cradle of Chinese civilization; stroll across Zhongshan Bridge, known as the "First Bridge over the Yellow River"; and wander through Waterwheel Garden to admire the ancient water conservancy facilities that once lined the Yellow River banks. Spend the night in Lanzhou. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Day 3: Lanzhou → Zhangye → Zhangye Colorful Danxia Sunset
After breakfast at the hotel, take an early-morning high-speed rail from Lanzhou to Zhangye. Our driver will pick you up at Zhangye West Railway Station, and you will have a short rest to refresh yourself. In the afternoon, take a 1-hour private car ride to Zhangye Colorful Danxia Geopark, a world-famous scenic spot renowned for its stunning colorful rock formations. Take the scenic area shuttle bus to visit multiple viewing platforms in turn, and end your visit at Viewpoint 4 to witness the magical sunset, where the Danxia landforms glow with brilliant hues under the setting sun. After the sunset, return to Zhangye urban area and spend the night.
Day 4: Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple → Departure
Start your final day with breakfast at the hotel, then head to Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple (Zhangye Dafo Temple), a famous Buddhist temple with a history of over 900 years since the Western Xia Dynasty. Explore the temple to see the largest indoor reclining Buddha in Asia—a magnificent clay sculpture measuring 34.5 meters long—as well as ancient Western Xia architecture and precious Buddhist scriptures and murals. After the tour, our driver will send you to Zhangye Airport or High-Speed Railway Station on time, assisting with your luggage and ensuring a smooth departure. Your wonderful 4-day journey comes to an end here, and you can proceed to your next destination.
Important Notes
Let PandaStudyTour be your guide to explore the cultural treasures and natural wonders of Tianshui, Lanzhou and Zhangye—book this 4-day classic tour now and create unforgettable memories of China’s northwest.
