Gansu - Lanzhou Hiking Tours

05: Lanzhou - Labrang Monastery - Langmusi - Maqu Grassland - Aba Grassland - Jiuzhai Valley

At present, the road to Jiuzhai Valley via Linxia and Gannan is quite smooth. By automobile, the whole trip takes about eight hours. On the way to Linxia, you can see the Daxiahe River flowing parallel with the road. Upon arrival at Xiahe, the renowned Labrang Monastery and Sangke Prairie are worth taking in. After that, proceed to drive along the highway and you will reach Langmusi and Maqu Grassland. Continue trekking southwards to Sichuan Province, where you can see the Aba Grassland, and finally get to the scenic Jiuzhai Valley.

06: Lanzhou - Minhe - Ledu - Ping'an - Xining - Datong - Ebao - Mt. Qilian - Minle - Zhangye

This hiking route is another branch of the Silk Road. Upon arrival in Zhangye, walking along the Hexi Corridor and you will reach Xinjiang, the western frontier in old times.

Xining is 150 miles (240 kilometers) from Lanzhou. You can either take a train at Lanzhou Railway Station or West Railway Station, or take a coach at East Bus Station to start this hiking tour. Before leaving, you may want to pay a visit to the famous Five Springs Park and the Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves. Passing by Minhe County, Ledu County, and Ping'an County, you will finally arrive at Xining City, the capital of Qinghai Province.

After you finish your visit in Xining, you may take a coach at Xining Long-Distance Bus Station to Qilian County and then hire a cab to the foot of Qilian Mountain. In July, vast gold rape flower fields and rolling hills extend along the highway, making this five hours' ride not boring at all. After that, take a coach at Qilian Coach Station to Zhangye.

07: Lanzhou - Yongdeng - Tianzhu - Gulang - Wuwei - Tengger Desert

Take a bus at Lanzhou West Bus Station to Yongdeng, which is famous for various species of rose and is nicknamed as 'the hometown of rose'.

After a visit to Yongdeng, you can choose to take a bus or taxi to Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) away. During your staying there, it is suggested to hike through the Tianzhu Grand Valley and visit the Tibetan families.

Next stop is Gulang, which is about 55 miles (89 kilometers) from Tianzhu. You can either take a bus or a train to get there. Upon arrival at Gulang, you are recommended to visit Malutan, which lies on the southern edge of the Tengger Desert. Afterwards, you may head to the next station, Wuwei. Trains and buses are both available.

In Wuwei City, make sure to visit Leitai Han Tombs, Confucian Temple, Fuxi Temple, Haizang Temple, and Giant Buddha Temple. Taking an adventure in the Tengger Desert is also an exciting memory. There is no public transportation to the desert. You can consider renting a cab.

Hiking in Other Destinations of Gansu: Dunhuang Hiking Tour Routes