Destinations: Lanzhou, Linxia (Liujiaxia), Zhongwei (Shapotou), Tianshui, Xi’an
Entry City: Lanzhou
Exit City: Xi'an
This in-depth 10-day study tour covers the most primitive and clear upper reaches of the Yellow River across Lanzhou and Ningxia. Different from the turbid downstream scenery, the upper Yellow River presents pure river views, desert-river integration landscapes and profound Hehuang civilization. Travelers will visit the iconic Yellow River Mother Statue, Majiayao prehistoric pottery ruins and Liujiaxia Reservoir, experiencing the integration of Han, Hui and Tibetan cultures. This route offers a rare perspective to understand the diverse and inclusive origin of Yellow River civilization.
Day 1: Arrival in Lanzhou | Upper Yellow River Starting Point Check-in
Arrive at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport, transfer to hotel check-in. City orientation tour of Lanzhou, the only provincial capital city crossed by the Yellow River. Opening briefing focusing on upper Yellow River geography and Hehuang civilization characteristics. Overnight in Lanzhou.
Day 2: Lanzhou Yellow River Core Scenic Study
Visit the iconic Yellow River Mother Statue, the symbol of upper Yellow River culture. Walk along the Yellow River waterfront promenade, observe the clear upper river water and compare with downstream turbid water features. Visit Lanzhou Museum to learn local river basin development history. Overnight in Lanzhou.
Day 3: Lanzhou to Liujiaxia | Water Conservancy & Ethnic Culture Study
Drive to Liujiaxia Reservoir, one of the key water control projects on the upper Yellow River. Study reservoir water regulation, hydropower utilization and river ecological protection. Visit nearby Tibetan-inhabited areas to experience ethnic integration culture. Overnight in Liujiaxia.
Day 4: Majiayao Prehistoric Civilization Exploration Visit Majiayao Cultural Relics Site and Museum, explore the prehistoric pottery civilization bred by the upper Yellow River. Learn about ancient human production, life and aesthetic culture in the Neolithic period. Hands-on pottery making experience for students. Overnight in local town.
Day 5: Lanzhou to Ningxia | Desert & River Interlaced Landscape
Travel to Ningxia Shapotou Scenic Area. Observe the unique landscape of Yellow River passing through desert, study desertification control and river ecological protection technologies. Experience the harmonious coexistence of desert and water. Overnight in Shapotou scenic area.
Day 6: Ningxia Ethnic Folk Custom Immersion
Visit Hui ethnic characteristic villages, experience traditional Hui handicrafts, dietary culture and folk customs. Learn how multi-ethnic groups live and multiply along the upper Yellow River, forming inclusive Hehuang civilization. Group cultural exchange activities. Overnight in Ningxia.
Day 7: Ningxia Ancient Water Conservancy Study
Visit ancient Yellow River irrigation projects in Ningxia, learn the wisdom of ancient people in utilizing upper Yellow River water resources for farmland irrigation. Understand the foundation of agricultural civilization in the northwest river basin. Overnight in Ningxia.
Day 8: Ningxia to Tianshui | Ancient Cultural Relics Tour
Drive to Tianshui, explore ancient grottoes and cultural relics along the upper Yellow River. Study the spread and development of ancient culture in the northwest river basin. Overnight in Tianshui.
Day 9: Tianshui to Xi'an | Cultural Transition Tour
Travel back to Xi’an, sort out the cultural evolution context from upper Yellow River Hehuang civilization to middle reaches Central Plains civilization. Conduct in-depth group study discussion. Overnight in Xi'an.
Day 10: Xi'an Summary & Departure
Complete overall study summary of upper Yellow River multi-ethnic civilization. Free time for casual sightseeing. Transfer to Xi'an Airport for departure.
