Province
Gansu Province
Desert Romance and Silk Road Legacy
Silk Road heritageDesert landscapesBuddhist cavesRainbow mountainsHistoric forts
Best Time to Visit:May-June and September-October for moderate temperatures and clear skies.
Asia/Shanghai
CNY
Mandarin, Tibetan, Mongolian
About Gansu Province
Gansu is a province of contrasts, featuring dramatic desert scenery, towering mountains, and significant cultural heritage sites. The province is home to Dunhuang and its famous Mogao Caves with ancient Buddhist art, Zhangye Danxia with its rainbow-colored mountains, and Jiayuguan Fort marking the historic boundary of the Great Wall. The landscape transitions from green eastern regions to expansive Gobi deserts in the west, creating unique photo opportunities and geological wonders.
Places in Gansu Province
Bingling Temple Grottoes
Oasis Buddhism Heritage
Dunhuang
Oasis of Buddhist art and sand dunes on the ancient Silk Road
Jiayuguan
The last fortress at the western end of the Great Wall
Jiuquan
Silk Road Oasis and Gateway to China's Space Program
Langmusi
Langmusi Riverside
Tianshui
Silk Road Crossroads and Home of China's Greatest Buddhist Grottoes
Xiahe County
Buddhist Monastery Heritage
Zhangye
Rainbow Mountains and the Oasis of Marco Polo
Highlights
1
Mogao Caves in Dunhuang
2
Zhangye Danxia colorful mountains
3
Jiayuguan Great Wall Fort
4
Crescent Lake
5
Yuminfu Mountains
Climate & Best Time to Visit
Arid continental climate with extreme temperature variations. Winters very cold (-15 to -5°C), summers hot (20-35°C). Very low rainfall.
Getting There
Lanzhou is the main hub with connections to Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an via high-speed rail and flights. Regional airports in Dunhuang and Zhangye. Local buses and cars for scenic areas.
Practical Tips
Sunscreen and lip balm essential for intense UV exposure
Bring warm clothes for cold desert nights
Book accommodations and activities in advance during peak season
Respect local customs at Buddhist sites
Acclimatize to altitude in some areas
Quick Facts
Best Time to Visit
May-June and September-October for moderate temperatures and clear skies.
Timezone
Asia/Shanghai
Currency
CNY
Language
Mandarin, Tibetan, Mongolian