"Gansu and Qinghai Loop: A Journey Through Time"

Gansu Travel Guide (Concise Edition) I. Must-See Attractions 1. Dunhuang - Mogao Grottoes: A World Heritage Site and treasure trove of murals and grotto art (reservations required). - Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake: A desert spectacle where you can ride camels and watch the sunset. - Dunhuang Ancient City: A film and television base where you can experience the customs of the Western Regions. 2. Zhangye - Danxia Landform Geological Park: The colorful Danxia, most vibrant at sunset. - Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon: Hike through the canyon and marvel at the stunning landforms. 3. Jiayuguan - Jiayuguan Great Wall: The first strategic pass under heaven and the end point of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. 4. Lanzhou - Yellow River Scenic Line: Zhongshan Bridge, White Pagoda Mountain, and a ride on a sheepskin raft. - Gansu Provincial Museum: See the "Galloping Horse Treading on a Swallow" bronze statue (free). 5. Gannan (Suitable for Summer) - Labrang Monastery: A sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism where you can pray by turning the prayer wheels. - Zhagana: A secluded village with picturesque snow-capped mountains and grasslands. II. Featured Cuisine - Lanzhou Beef Noodles (Recommended: "Ma Zi Lu" and "Mogouyan"). - Dunhuang Donkey Meat Noodles and Apricot Peel Water. - Zhangye Fish Noodles and Fried Noodles. - Gannan Tibetan Food: Tsampa and Yak Meat. III. Transportation Recommendations - Major Transportation: Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport/Dunhuang Airport, with high-speed rail connecting major cities. - Within the Province: Attractions are scattered, so it is recommended to charter a car or share a ride (such as the Dunhuang West Line and Gannan Loop). IV. Precautions 1. The climate is dry, so sun protection and hydration are essential. 2. There is a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a jacket (especially in the desert and Gannan). 3. Respect the customs of ethnic minorities (such as not taking photos in temples and not stepping on thresholds). V. Recommended Routes - Short Route (5 days): Lanzhou → Dunhuang (Mogao Grottoes + Mingsha Mountain) → Zhangye (Danxia) → Jiayuguan → Return. - Long Route (7 days+) Gannan: Lanzhou → Gannan (Labrang Monastery + Zhagana) → Dunhuang → Zhangye → Return. Gansu combines grottoes, deserts, snow-capped mountains, and grasslands, making it suitable for travelers who love history and natural scenery!