Gansu travel route guide (comprehensive guide to self-driving tours, hiking, photography, food, places of interest)

Gansu is an important tourist destination in northwest China, with rich natural landscapes, historical and cultural relics and gourmet specialties. Whether it is self-driving tours, hiking, photography or delicious food, Gansu can meet your needs. This article will provide you with a Gansu travel route guide to help you fully understand Gansu’s tourism resources and various activities.

1. Self-driving tour route guide

1. Gannan route: Gannan is located on the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, making it an excellent choice for self-driving tours. You can start from Lanzhou and drive along the scenic route of Gannan to enjoy the magnificent snow-capped mountains, grasslands and lakes. On the way, you can visit Gannan’s famous scenic spots such as Xiahe River and Labrang Monastery.

2. Dunhuang Route: Dunhuang is the starting point of the Silk Road and one of the most famous tourist cities in Gansu. You can start from Lanzhou or Xi'an and drive to Dunhuang. On the way, you can enjoy the desert scenery and the mural art of Mogao Grottoes. In Dunhuang, you can also taste local specialties such as camel paw and Dunhuang wine.

3. Zhangye route: Zhangye is famous for its Danxia landform and horseshoe-shaped landform, which is a paradise for photography lovers. You can start from Lanzhou or Xining and drive to Zhangye. In Zhangye, you can visit the Danxia Landform Scenic Area, Horseshoe Temple and Canyon Scenic Area to take photos of the magnificent natural scenery.

2. Hiking route guide

1. Hiking route at the source of the Yellow River: The source of the Yellow River is located in Qinghai Province and is the birthplace of the longest river in China. You can choose to start from Lanzhou or Xining and hike to the source of the Yellow River. You can enjoy the magnificent plateau scenery and pristine natural landscapes on the way.

2. Qinghai Lake Hiking Route: Qinghai Lake is the largest inland lake in China and one of the famous tourist attractions in Qinghai Province. You can choose to start from Lanzhou or Xining and hike around Qinghai Lake. On the way, you can enjoy the scenery of lakes, mountains and grasslands, and experience the pure natural environment.

3. Horseshoe Temple Hiking Route: Horseshoe Temple is located in Zhangye City, Gansu Province and is one of the famous Buddhist holy places in China. You can choose to start from Lanzhou or Zhangye and hike to Matisi Temple. On the way, you can enjoy the beautiful Danxia landforms and magnificent canyon scenery.

3. Photography Route Guide

1. Mogao Grottoes Photography Route: Mogao Grottoes is a world-famous treasure house of Buddhist art and a paradise for photography lovers. You can choose to start from Lanzhou or Dunhuang and go to Mogao Grottoes for photography. In the Mogao Grottoes, you can take pictures of exquisite murals and Buddha statues and feel the long history and culture.

2. Zhangye Danxia Photography Route: Zhangye’s Danxia landform is one of the popular shooting locations for photographers. You can choose to start from Lanzhou or Zhangye and go to Danxia Landform Scenic Area for photography. In the Danxia landform, you can take photos of the unique red peaks and magnificent canyons..

3. Qinghai Lake Photography Route: Qinghai Lake is a holy land for photography enthusiasts, with magnificent lakes and mountains and rich bird resources. You can choose to depart from Lanzhou or Xining and go to Qinghai Lake for photography. At Qinghai Lake, you can take photos of the lake’s reflections and stunning sunrises and sunsets.

4. Food Route Guide

1. Lanzhou Ramen Food Route: Lanzhou Ramen is one of the most famous delicacies in Gansu. You can taste authentic Lanzhou Ramen in various streets and alleys of Lanzhou. At the same time, you can also try local specialties such as mutton skewers and hand cakes.

2. Dunhuang Food Route: Dunhuang is another food capital of Gansu, with rich barbecue and stir-fry dishes. You can taste authentic Dunhuang dishes such as camel paw and Dunhuang wine in Dunhuang restaurants.

3. Zhangye food route: Zhangye is famous for its roasted whole lamb and horse meat hot pot, which is one of the representatives of Gansu cuisine. You can taste authentic Zhangye cuisine and experience the local flavor in Zhangye restaurants.

5. Route Guide to Scenic Spots and Historic Sites

1. Mogao Grottoes Scenic Spots Route: Mogao Grottoes is an important cultural heritage in China and one of the world heritage sites. You can visit the murals and Buddha statues in the Mogao Grottoes and learn about ancient Chinese art and culture.

2. Zhangye Danxia Scenic Spots Route: Zhangye’s Danxia landform is a natural wonder in China and a world geopark. You can visit the Danxia Landform Scenic Area and enjoy the magnificent red peaks and unique landforms.

3. Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes scenic spots route: Dunhuang not only has the famous Mogao Grottoes, but also many other scenic spots and historic sites such as Mingsha Mountain, Crescent Moon Spring, etc. You can visit these attractions and learn about the history and culture of Dunhuang.

Summary:

Gansu is a place with rich tourism resources. Whether you are traveling by car, hiking, photography or tasting delicious food, Gansu can meet your needs. I hope the Gansu travel route guide provided in this article can help you plan a perfect trip to Gansu. I wish you a pleasant journey!