Practical Travel Notes: 9-Day Independent Tour of Lanzhou, Tianshui, Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, and Zhangye in Gansu

Day 1: 08-11 Shanghai → Lanzhou, Zhongshan Bridge, Baita Mountain Park, Yellow River Mother Sculpture, Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street, Lanzhou Lianlü Hotel

Day 2: 08-12 Lanzhou → Tianshui, Fuxi Temple, Hu's Ancient Residential Houses, Tianshui Station, Tianshui Dong'an Hotel

Day 3: 08-13 Tianshui → Lanzhou, Maiji Mountain, Maiji Mountain Grottoes, Lanzhou Station Square, Lanzhou Lianlü Hotel

Day 4: 08-14 Lanzhou → Dunhuang, Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring, Dunhuang Night Market, Rebound Pipa Statue, Dunhuang Airport, Dunhuang Liyuan Business Hotel

Day 5: 08-15 Dunhuang Museum, Yueya Spring Town, Dunhuang Town, Danghe River Scenic Water Conservancy Area, Dunhuang Liyuan Business Hotel

Day 6: 08-16 Dunhuang → Jiayuguan, Mogao Caves, Dunhuang Railway Station, Jiayuguan Station, Jiayuguan Jinyu Business Hotel

Day 7: 08-17 Jiayuguan → Zhangye, World's Majestic Pass Stele, Jiayuguan Pass, Xiongguan Square, Datang Food Street, Zhangye Hongli Hotel

Day 8: 08-18 Zhangye, Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, Khalkha Town, Zhangye Hongli Hotel

Day 9: 08-19 Zhangye, Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple, Zhangye Ganzhou Airport → Return to Shanghai

The Silk Road holds a significant place in the hearts of many Chinese. The long-cherished wish to travel along the ancient Silk Road in Northwest China finally came true. From August 11 to 19, 2020, I embarked on a solo journey through Gansu, visiting Lanzhou, Tianshui in Longnan, the Silk Road hub Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, and Zhangye.

This travelogue is written in a factual style, primarily providing local transportation information for independent travelers, hoping to make your self-guided trips easier.

Have you noticed that when searching online for transportation to tourist cities, the first result is often a WeChat contact claiming to solve all travel worries with unbeatable offers? Yet, finding actual local transport to scenic spots remains a challenge. Therefore, I insist on presenting travel notes that focus on local transportation, hoping they will be helpful for your journey.

We are still in the pandemic period, so please adhere to local prevention measures and take proper precautions.

Friendly reminder: In Northwest China, it gets very cold when it rains—not just cool but genuinely cold. Bring a jacket and warm clothing. I experienced such cold weather and had to buy clothes on the spot.

Day 1: August 11, I took Spring Airlines flight 9C6137 (Shanghai → Lanzhou), departing at 10:15 and landing at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport at 13:00.

Upon arrival at Zhongchuan Airport, I generated the Gansu health code, which allows travel within Gansu. I saved a screenshot for later use.

Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport shuttle buses go to the train station (30 yuan, about one hour), but the intercity train is more convenient. The train from the airport to Lanzhou Station takes about 45 minutes (20 yuan). Tickets can be purchased on 12306. Train C8518 departs at 14:27 and arrives at Lanzhou Station at 15:15.

I chose the Lianlü Hotel near Lanzhou Station (85 yuan per night, booked on Ctrip, a double bed room). You could also stay near Zhongshan Bridge or Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street, but since I was heading to Tianshui the next day, I stayed near the train station. The hotel is a five-minute walk from Lanzhou Station, very convenient. The facilities are a bit old but clean and tidy—a good choice for a transit stay. After checking in, I set out towards the Yellow River, China's largest river.

From the train station, take bus No. 6 or No. 137 (1 yuan) to Zhongshan Bridge stop, which is right at the bridge.

A river, a bridge, a bowl of noodles, a sculpture—this is a city that leaves you with endless memories—Lanzhou.

Lanzhou is the only provincial capital city through which the Yellow River flows. The Yellow River runs 152 kilometers through Lanzhou, and Zhongshan Bridge is known as the First Bridge over the Yellow River.

You can walk across the Yellow River via Zhongshan Bridge, and on the other side is Baita Mountain Park.

After visiting Baita Mountain Park, cross back to the other side and walk right for about 10 minutes to reach the Yellow River Mother Sculpture, another landmark of Lanzhou.

On the way to the sculpture, you pass by the Waterwheel Garden. Unfortunately, due to rising Yellow River water levels, the garden was closed. It closed on August 9, and when I arrived on the 11th and later on the 13th, it was still closed.

In Northwest China, the days are long. It starts getting dark around 8:30 PM, and the riverside of the Yellow River, especially Zhongshan Bridge, looks charming with lights.

After enjoying the night view of the Yellow River, you can go to Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street. Take bus No. 9 or No. 4 (1 yuan): get on at Zhongshan Bridge stop and get off at Tongwei Road stop after two stops. I chose to walk: head south on Zhongshan Road, turn left into Muta Lane (a food street), walk to the end of Muta Lane, turn right, and you'll reach Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street.

In ancient times, Lanzhou was called Jincheng. Old streets reflect a city's history, and Tongwei Road is one of the most culturally rich old streets in Lanzhou, adjacent to today's Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street.

Tip: If you stay near the train station, the last bus for No. 137 is at 22:30 (this is why I suggested staying near Zhongshan Bridge or Pedestrian Street). Take No. 137 back to the hotel.

Day 2: August 12, moderate rain, 16–20°C. Lanzhou → Tianshui.

In the morning, I took train K420 to Tianshui. It departed from Lanzhou Station at 8:45 and arrived at Tianshui Station at 13:14 (51.5 yuan).

In Tianshui, I booked the Dong'an Hotel near the train station. The hotel was nice, but my special offer double bed room was next to the elevator, which wasn't mentioned in the booking info. Be aware of this when booking. I paid 97 yuan per night on Qunar, good value for money. Below is a photo of Dong'an Hotel.

I arranged a stop in Tianshui because I heard a song called "Ask Jun Longnan" about Longnan and Tianshui. Of course, many people are more familiar with Tianshui's Maiji Mountain Grottoes.

Tianshui is the birthplace of the Fuxi culture. My plan was to first visit Fuxi Temple, then Hu's Ancient Residential Houses, and the next morning visit Maiji Mountain before returning to Lanzhou, as I had booked a flight from Lanzhou to Dunhuang.

Tianshui Station is quite far from the city center; locals call it Beidao. From the station, take bus No. 17 (2 yuan) to Fuxi Temple. The bus stop is at the end of Bu Bei Road directly opposite Tianshui Station, then turn right (at Beidao Pedestrian Bridge North Station stop). Get off at Huafu Hotel stop (about one hour), and you'll arrive at Fuxi Temple Scenic Area (ticket 20 yuan).

On the way to Fuxi Temple, I passed by this restaurant.

It's a halal restaurant with delicious food. If you're not careful, you might miss it.

After visiting Fuxi Temple, there is a worthwhile place to see—Hu's Ancient Residential Houses.

The Hu family was one of the influential families in Tianshui during the Ming and Qing dynasties, producing talents in politics, economy, military, and culture. Their lineage traces back to Emperor Shun and developed through the Tang and Song dynasties.

The Hu's Ancient Residential Houses we visit are well-preserved buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, consisting of the South House and the North House, separated by a road.

Hu's Ancient Residential Houses stop issuing tickets at 17:00, so plan your time. Tickets are free with your ID card.

Hu's Ancient Residential Houses are near Longcheng Square in the center of Tianshui. After visiting Fuxi Temple, take bus No. 84 or No. 88 (2 yuan) from Fuxi Temple stop, get off at Longcheng Square after two stops, and walk three minutes to No. 117 Minzhu West Road. Alternatively, from the train station, take bus No. 6 (3 yuan) to Longcheng Square.

I'm not sure why few people visit Hu's Ancient Residential Houses in Tianshui. Perhaps it's not well advertised, or most just come for Maiji Mountain Grottoes. In my opinion, Hu's Ancient Residential Houses are worth a visit. The South House features the ancient cityscape of Tianshui and the historical changes of Qinzhou (Tianshui's ancient name).

Near Longcheng Square, there is a small pedestrian street.

After sightseeing, I went to the pedestrian street. It was very cold, so I spent 100 yuan on a jacket and had dinner. Then I took bus No. 6 (3 yuan) back to Dong'an Hotel near the train station.

Day 3: August 13, visited Maiji Mountain Grottoes in the morning, returned to Lanzhou by train in the afternoon.

Take bus No. 34 (starting from the train station to the end stop at Maiji Mountain Scenic Area), fare 5 yuan, about one hour.

I boarded No. 34 at 7 AM and arrived at Maiji Mountain at 8 AM. The scenic area opens at 8:30. After getting my ticket, I took the sightseeing bus directly to the grottoes. Arriving early allowed me to take photos easily and be the first to enter the grottoes.

Maiji Mountain Scenic Area hours: 8:30–17:00 (ticket sales stop at 17:00). Ticket price: 90 yuan, sightseeing bus round trip 15 yuan (recommended, as it's a long walk from the entrance to the grottoes).

Maiji Mountain Grottoes are one of the four major grottoes in China, founded in 348 AD (the Sixteen Kingdoms period, Later Qin). Known as the "Oriental Sculpture Exhibition Hall," they house over 7,000 clay sculptures and stone carvings, though many have weathered.

The mountain is named Maiji (meaning "stacked wheat") because its shape resembles a farmer's pile of wheat.

It took me one hour to tour the grottoes. If you are a researcher or enthusiast of grotto art, you'll need more time. For a layman like me, one hour was enough.

After the tour, I took bus No. 34 back to Tianshui Railway Station. I had some time, so I visited the "Fuxi Cultural Tourism Area," located at the end of Bu Bei Road directly opposite the station.

This is the "Fuxi Cultural Tourism Area" developed by Tianshui. Notice in the picture: on one side is the surging Wei River, and on the other is a calm river separated by a barrier. Can you guess what the calm river is? The entire area is developed along the Wei River, covering a large area with a magnificent scale—a great place for leisure.

The calm river is an artificial canal dug alongside the Wei River, running parallel to it, very impressive.

In the afternoon, I took train Z217 back to Lanzhou (13:17–17:27, 4 hours 10 minutes, 51.5 yuan).

Tonight, I stayed again at the Lianlü Hotel in Lanzhou (85 yuan for a standard twin room, booked on Ctrip).

Longing for the Yellow River scenery and hoping to see if the Waterwheel Garden had reopened, I took bus No. 6 (1 yuan) to Zhongshan Bridge. Unfortunately, the garden was still closed due to sustained high water levels.

So I chose to sit quietly by the Yellow River, watching the mighty flow of China's largest river.

This tea house called "Sanpaotai" is right by the Yellow River, open from 9 AM to midnight, serving tea, beer, etc. I ordered a cup of Longnan Longjing tea (35 yuan) with no time limit. I sat there for one hour and 45 minutes, watching the rushing water. The turbulent flow reminded me of the Hukou Waterfall I had visited earlier. The Yellow River here is no less fierce than Hukou. Hukou's wide riverbed creates a flooding effect, but it lacks the drop of a true waterfall (just my personal feeling).

Tomorrow morning I leave Lanzhou, so a bowl of beef noodles is a must. I went to an old noodle shop on Zhongshan Road (Lao Ma Jia Noodle Shop). Their signature beef noodles cost 20 yuan per bowl. They were good, but I suggest you don't have to order the signature; it's just a regular bowl with an extra dish of meat and pickles. A regular bowl of beef noodles at 9 yuan already lets you taste the old brand's flavor.

Day 4: August 14, Lanzhou → Dunhuang.

After getting up, I again took the intercity train to Zhongchuan Airport, train C8513 (20 yuan), departing Lanzhou at 8:13 and arriving at the airport before 9 AM.

Spring Airlines flight 9C8847 took off at 11:10 and landed at Dunhuang Airport at 13:00.

After landing, I was checked for the health code (just showed the screenshot of the Gansu health code).

Stepping out of the airport, I didn't have much feeling about Dunhuang at first, but...

At the exit, there was an airport shuttle bus to downtown Dunhuang (10 yuan). Since it was still early and I planned to visit Mingsha Mountain in the evening, I didn't take the bus. Instead, I walked out to find bus No. 12, which connects the airport, railway station, Mogao Caves Digital Center, and downtown. This way, I can help you easily find this bus.

Leaving the terminal, I walked to a main road (Yangguan Avenue), turned left, and immediately saw a green minibus parked on the opposite side of the road.

Bus No. 12 looks like this. Although it doesn't have a "12" sign on the body, rest assured, it connects the airport, railway station, and downtown. It takes about 20 minutes to reach Sanwei Road (Silu Yiqing Hotel) in downtown. The fare is 3 yuan.

Downtown Dunhuang is not big. I had booked the Liyuan Business Hotel on Wenchang North Road. It was less than a 10-minute walk from the bus stop. During this walk, I gained a new appreciation for this small city with a population of just over 200,000. Clean streets and a strong Dunhuang tourism culture were everywhere. I immediately fell in love with Dunhuang, this important Silk Road town.

Liyuan Business Hotel is run by a young couple in their 30s. The hotel is clean and tidy, practically spotless in the rooms. Considering Dunhuang is in Northwest China with frequent sandstorms, having no dust in the rooms shows the operators' great care. The hotel offers excellent value for money, leading among similar hotels in Dunhuang. I booked a standard room on Qunar for 81 yuan per night (the actual price should be 120 yuan, still great value). I got it cheap because of a website error.

This is the room's balcony, convenient for drying laundry.

The hotel provides laundry service for 5 yuan per load.

Although the hotel has no elevator (only two floors, so no trouble carrying luggage), the owner enthusiastically helps carry bags upstairs (I declined and carried mine myself). If you have any questions about Dunhuang tourism, the couple will gladly answer them. Staying at Liyuan Hotel will be my first choice for future visits to Dunhuang.

Around 3 PM, a strong wind suddenly blew through Dunhuang. The kind landlady advised me not to go to Mingsha Mountain that day, saying I might be disappointed. Strong winds make the area unpleasant. If I skipped it, my itinerary would be incomplete. I listened but didn't follow. At 4:30 PM, I left the hotel to start my Dunhuang tour.

First, I walked to the Dunhuang Night Market for a quick look. During the day, it looks like this.

Walk west along Yangguan Middle Road for less than five minutes to see the famous Rebound Pipa Statue.

Here are shots of the statue by day and night.

At 5 PM, the sun in the northwest still felt scorching. It was time to head to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring. Take city bus No. 3 (2 yuan) to the end stop, which is the scenic area.

The best time to visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring is at sunrise or sunset. Locals kindly suggest going after 6 PM to avoid being sunburned. Personally, I think arriving at 5 PM is fine. After buying the ticket and entering around 5:30, it won't feel too hot. Many netizens recommend buying shoe covers, but I found it unnecessary. You can easily walk on the sand without them, but sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential. When I entered, the strong wind had stopped, and it wasn't too hot. So I began a four-hour exploration.

Ticket for Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring: 110 yuan. There is a sightseeing bus from the entrance to Crescent Spring (10 yuan), optional. Walking on the sand is more fun. Camel riding is also available (100 yuan per person). I neither took the bus nor rode a camel; I deeply experienced the joy of hiking up the sand dunes. For descending, I chose to slide down on my own (the scenic area also offers sand sliding at an unknown cost—sorry).

Climbing up the wooden steps on the sand dunes saves energy but reduces fun. I climbed along the sand, which was tiring but endlessly enjoyable.

I had been to the Sahara Desert in Egypt, but Mingsha Mountain truly amazed me. In the Sahara, you ride off-road vehicles for sand dune bashing, but the excitement of sliding down Mingsha Mountain was far more thrilling. Here are photos of the Sahara.

Sunset view at Mingsha Mountain.

Unfortunately, the starry sky didn't appear that night. Even by 10 PM, there were no stars. A perfect trip to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring would require a starry sky, but no regret—I'll go again next year.

I reluctantly left Mingsha Mountain at 10 PM. The last bus No. 3 runs at 8:30 PM, so I took a taxi to the night market (11 yuan). The night market was incredibly lively, bustling with crowds.

The green onion beef pie stall had a long queue. Each pie costs 10 yuan, and you might wait an hour to taste one. I went near midnight and still waited nearly half an hour. I'm not a foodie, so I found the taste average. This super popular internet-famous shop attracts huge crowds.

After spending four hours at Mingsha Mountain and then eating at the night market, I returned to Liyuan Hotel after midnight. I felt unwell from the cool wind at Mingsha Mountain and needed rest. In beautiful Dunhuang, I fell asleep with a slightly tired body.

Day 5: August 15, Dunhuang Museum, Yueya Spring Town, Dunhuang Town, Danghe River Scenic Area.

Originally, I planned to join a one-day west line tour, but I felt unwell and gave up. Instead, I explored Dunhuang despite my discomfort.

Dunhuang Museum: Take bus No. 3 (2 yuan) to Museum stop. Admission is free with your ID card, closed on Mondays.

After visiting the museum, you'll understand better why Dunhuang was such an important Silk Road city.

Emperor Wu of Han sent Zhang Qian as an envoy to the Western Regions. The envoys faced not only attacks from various Xiongnu tribes but also harsh natural conditions in the northwest. Thus, "Dunhuang" entered the historical stage. Local people spontaneously carved grottoes to bless the envoys' safety, invoking the protection of Buddhist culture. These grottoes were all excavated by the people. Dunhuang became a brilliant star on the Silk Road, shining for over a thousand years.

Yueya Spring Town and Dunhuang Town are both along the route of bus No. 3. Take No. 3 to Leiyin Temple (one stop before Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring) to reach Yueya Spring Town.

Dunhuang Town: Continue on bus No. 3 to Jinye Hotel stop, then walk west along Xiangyun Road about 400 meters to reach Dunhuang Town.

Yueya Spring Town and Dunhuang Town are essentially food-centric areas, better visited at night. Skipping them is no big loss.

Continue west along Xiangyun Road for less than 10 minutes to reach the large water conservancy scenic area—Danghe River Scenic Area.

This is a leisure area for tourists and locals, with some bars on both sides of the Danghe River.

A day of exploring Dunhuang city made me feel its charm. Walking along the streets, the tourism culture is very rich. Everywhere you go, you feel immersed. Even the sidewalks have illustrated descriptions of Dunhuang's history. Honestly, I've been to many places, but such an emphasis on local culture is rare in China. This small city reminded me of Chiang Mai, the rose of northern Thailand in the land of smiles. Both are small towns. Chiang Mai became famous worldwide thanks to Teresa Teng's song "Small Town Story." Why can't our many artists create a work to celebrate this Silk Road town? (Although there are songs about Dunhuang, I feel they lack something.)

Tonight, I stayed again at Liyuan Business Hotel in Dunhuang.

Day 6: August 16, Mogao Caves → Depart to Jiayuguan.

Around 9 AM, I went to the No. 12 bus stop on Sanwei Road to go to the Mogao Caves Digital Center. The bus takes about 15 minutes (3 yuan) from downtown to the digital center. You must exchange your online ticket at the ticket office (arrive at least half an hour early). The Mogao Caves Visitor Center offers free luggage storage.

Tickets for Mogao Caves are divided into Type A (238 yuan), Type B (100 yuan), and Type C (rarely bought).

Type A: Watch two films (about 40 minutes), then take the scenic area bus (included in the ticket) to the caves. Type A allows visits to 8 more caves than Type B. Personally, Type B is sufficient. I bought Type A, but unless you are a professional or a cave enthusiast, Type B will also inspire awe for Dunhuang Mogao Caves. Type B starts from the largest Buddha statue.

Tip: You must book tickets about 10 days in advance on the official Mogao Caves website, or you might find no tickets available on site.

Note: Photography is strictly prohibited within the cave area.

After visiting the Mogao Caves, wait at the same stop for the green minibus No. 12 to Dunhuang Railway Station (10 minutes).

Below: Dunhuang Railway Station (the only train station in Dunhuang).

For the journey from Dunhuang to Jiayuguan, I deliberately chose a slow train to enjoy the northwest landscape along the way.

Train 7537 departs Dunhuang at 15:20 and arrives at Jiayuguan Station at 21:35 (6+ hours, 22.5 yuan). Unfortunately, my discomfort peaked during this ride, so I could only lie down and rest. The train had four cars without air conditioning, windows closed to keep out sand and wind, but it wasn't hot. The car was clean with few passengers.

In Jiayuguan, I booked the Jinyu Business Hotel near the station (a double bed room for 79 yuan per night on Qunar).

After getting off the train, I went straight to the hotel, feeling too unwell to go anywhere. I washed up and went to bed.

Day 7: August 17, Jiayuguan Pass, train to Zhangye.

In the morning, I left my luggage at the hotel. From the train station, take bus No. 4 to "World's Majestic Pass—Jiayuguan" (about one hour, 1 yuan).

Ticket for Jiayuguan Pass: 110 yuan (combined ticket with the First Pier and Hanging Great Wall; no single ticket available. I admire Gansu's marketing strategy—you have to buy them together. I wonder if the slow economic development in Gansu is related to such rigid local government methods? The other two sites are over 10 km away with no bus service; you must charter a car. Most tourists give up. I have no words for this combined ticket system.

After visiting Jiayuguan Pass, take bus No. 4 to Square South stop and visit Xiongguan Square in the city center.

Then, from Xiongguan Square stop, take bus No. 5 to Datang Food Street. Food lovers will enjoy it. Despite my discomfort, I found a nice congee (porridge) stall there.

This vegetarian congee was exactly what I needed. I ordered a second bowl without hesitation. After two bowls, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated. I took bus No. 12 or 13 (1 yuan) to Jiayuguan Station, heading to the last stop of this trip—Golden Zhangye.

Train Z6206 departed Jiayuguan Station at 15:55 and arrived at Zhangye Station in two hours (37.5 yuan). During the trip, I met a father and son who work away from home. They were transferring through Lanzhou to work in Tibet. Despite life's hardships, they showed no sign of difficulty. I truly admire their optimistic attitude. Chatting with them seemed to fully restore my health. In my excitement, I forgot my beloved tennis Masters hat on the train. This kind friend promised to keep it for me. Sincere thanks to this brother I met only once.

From Zhangye Station, take bus No. 1 to the city center. The center is around the Giant Buddha Temple Square, with East Street, South Street, West Street, and Minzhu West Road as the core.

I booked the Hongli Hotel on South Street (a 500-meter walk from the Giant Buddha Temple). The hotel is on the second floor with no elevator, but it has complete facilities and is very clean. The double bed room cost 73 yuan per night, excellent value.

The hotel provides a small bottle of mineral water.

After checking in, I strolled through Zhangye city in the evening. At the end of County Government Street, there is an "Ancient Ming and Qing Street," mainly a food street. I had dinner there, then walked to the Giant Buddha Temple Square, where locals were singing and dancing, very lively.

Day 8: August 18, visited Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon (buses from Zhangye West Bus Station available).

Left the hotel at 8 AM. Take bus No. 4 or No. 11 (1 yuan) to Zhangye West Bus Station.

This is Zhangye West Bus Station on West Ring Road. Don't be confused by the name "Zhangye Bus Station"; this is the west station. Take the bus to Alxa Right Banner and get off at Pingshan Lake for the canyon. The west station has two daily buses to Alxa Right Banner: at 9:45 AM and 3:30 PM. Since it's a 21-seat bus, buy your ticket early. I arrived at 8:30 and got seat No. 20—almost missed the morning bus. If you plan to take the bus, buy tickets in advance. The station sells next-day tickets. You need your ID card to buy. Round trip fare is 32 yuan; the conductor usually sells round trip, but one-way is 16 yuan.

The 9:45 bus departs; the return bus is at 16:45 at the same drop-off point. This gives you plenty of time to explore the canyon.

Zhangye city also has direct tourist shuttles to Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon and Zhangye Danxia Geological Park for 78 yuan round trip, with time limits. I learned this from a young female teacher from Guizhou on the return bus. You can choose between the regular bus or the shuttle based on your schedule.

Canyon ticket: 100 yuan, sightseeing bus: 30 yuan. Enter the scenic area, take the sightseeing bus to No. 1 viewing platform, explore on foot, including crossing the canyon, and finally take the bus from No. 4 platform back to the exit.

There is a nearly vertical ladder (60 meters) in two sections. Decide whether to climb based on your physical condition. Those afraid of heights or overweight should avoid it. Some parts of the crossing are very narrow.

While climbing the ladder, I met a mother with her two children (around 10 years old) bravely climbing. I admired them. She asked me to take a photo of this brave moment and send it to her via WeChat. I sincerely wish them a pleasant trip!

This photo I find very lifelike: the Qilian Snow Leopard.

This is near the No. 4 viewing platform. Many people missed it because they were tired and saw the returning sightseeing bus. A young man from Shenzhen traveling solo was among them. I later sent him the photo via WeChat.

I spent four hours at Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon and left the scenic area at 2 PM.

Take the sightseeing bus from No. 4 platform back to the exit. The Khalkha Town awaits you there.

This town with rich ethnic flavor offers various activities.

I chose horse riding and camel riding, 20 yuan per lap.

At 4:30 PM, I took the bus back to Zhangye city.

In the evening, I wandered around the city center.

Day 9: August 19, Zhangye Danxia Geological Park, fly back to Shanghai.

At 8 AM, take bus No. 4 (1 yuan) to Zhangye West Bus Station. Buses to Danxia Park start at 7:45 AM and end at 6 PM. The return bus from Danxia to Zhangye also ends at 6 PM.

I bought a ticket for the 9:20 bus (round trip 30 yuan). With a round trip ticket, you can board the return bus at the same drop-off point.

Ticket for Zhangye Danxia Geological Park: 54 yuan, sightseeing bus: 20 yuan, total 74 yuan.

The park has three gates: East, West, and North. Enter and exit through the same gate.

Entering through the North Gate, take the sightseeing bus to Xianyuan Platform, then to Yunhai Platform, then to Jinxiu Platform, and finally to Hongxia Platform. The bus operates in a single loop. No matter which gate you enter, the last stop is Hongxia Platform, the transfer station to the gates.

I have to exclaim: Nature is the true painter.

I spent three and a half hours in the park and left at 2 PM.

At 2:30 PM, I took the bus back to Zhangye city. With remaining time, I visited the Giant Buddha Temple (ticket 40 yuan).

After the visit, I picked up my luggage from the hotel and took the airport shuttle to Zhangye Airport.

This is the schedule for the airport shuttle from Zhangye city to Ganzhou Airport.

Special note: The schedule does not guarantee the bus will run. Call the number above to confirm. I experienced this issue myself. My flight was at 20:40, and I planned to take the 19:00 shuttle. I called before 6 PM to ask about the travel time. Told it was only half an hour, I said the 19:00 bus would be fine. Unexpectedly, the person exclaimed that the 19:00 bus had been canceled that day. I had to rush to the airport bus stop and catch the 18:00 bus.

The pick-up point for the shuttle from Zhangye to Ganzhou Airport is at Zhangye Power Building. Take bus No. 4, 11, or New 1 to Xiguan Panxuan Road stop (1 yuan).

Spring Airlines flight 9C8698 took off at 20:40 and landed at Pudong International Airport Terminal 2 at 23:50, concluding my northwest trip.

Hotels: 654 yuan (pre-booking gives discounts)

Lanzhou: Lianlü Hotel: double bed room and standard room for one night each, 85 yuan/night * 2 nights

Tianshui: Dong'an Hotel: special offer double bed room 97 yuan/night

Dunhuang: Liyuan Business Hotel: standard twin room 81 yuan/night * 2 nights

Jiayuguan: Jinyu Business Hotel: double bed room 79 yuan/night

Zhangye: Hongli Hotel: double bed room 73 yuan/night * 2 nights

Trains: 203 yuan (book about 3 days in advance to guarantee a seat; intercity trains from Zhongchuan Airport to Lanzhou Station can be booked the same day)

Zhongchuan Airport → Lanzhou Station C8518: 20 yuan

Lanzhou → Tianshui K420: 51.5 yuan

Tianshui → Lanzhou Z217: 51.5 yuan

Lanzhou Station → Zhongchuan Airport C8513: 20 yuan

Dunhuang → Jiayuguan 7537: 22.5 yuan

Jiayuguan → Zhangye Z6206: 37.5 yuan

Tickets: 572 yuan (Note: I have a tour guide certificate, so some attractions waived entry fees)

Fuxi Temple: 20 yuan

Mogao Caves: Type A ticket 238 yuan

Jiayuguan Pass combined ticket: 110 yuan

Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon: 130 yuan (including sightseeing bus)

Zhangye Danxia Geological Park: 74 yuan (including 20 yuan sightseeing bus)

Major transportation: Flights: 150 yuan (fuel surcharge and airport tax for three segments)

I purchased Spring Airlines' "Fly When You Want" package; I only paid fuel surcharge and tax for tickets (the package cost 3499 yuan already paid, not included here, valid until end of year).

City buses: 106 yuan

Taxis: 82 yuan

Total: 1685 yuan

Note: Total does not include meals and shopping; individual eating habits vary, so not included in costs.