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Drive approx. 630km (7 hours) from Xi’an to Lanzhou.
Attractions:
– Arrive in Lanzhou in the afternoon; briefly visit the Yellow River Bund to enjoy the river view.
– Evening stroll along the Yellow River style line to feel the city’s night charm.
Accommodation: Hotels in Xiguan Cross business district (e.g., Atour Hotel), with convenient transportation and proximity to attractions.
Dining:
– Lunch: Simple meal at a highway service area.
– Dinner: Try authentic Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles at Mazilu Noodle House.
City transportation within Lanzhou.
Attractions:
– Morning: Visit Gansu Provincial Museum (home to cultural relics like the “Flying Horse Treading on a Swallow”).
– Afternoon: Explore the Yellow River style line, including Zhongshan Bridge and Waterwheel Park.
– Evening: Experience Zhengning Road Night Market.
Accommodation: Same hotel in Xiguan Cross business district.
Dining:
– Breakfast: Local breakfast with Lanzhou noodles.
– Lunch: Hand-grasped mutton at a characteristic restaurant.
– Dinner: Taste milk and egg fermented glutinous rice wine and various snacks at Zhengning Road Night Market.
Climate Tip: Large temperature difference between day and night (5-25℃); bring a light coat.
Drive approx. 275km (3.5 hours) from Lanzhou to Wuwei.
Attractions:
– Visit Wuwei Confucian Temple (the largest Confucian temple in Gansu).
– Explore Leitai Han Tomb (where the “Flying Horse Treading on a Swallow” was unearthed).
– Tour Haicang Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple with a long history.
Accommodation: Hotels in Wuwei urban area (e.g., Vienna International Hotel), close to attractions.
Dining:
– Breakfast: Local snacks in Lanzhou.
– Lunch: Simple meal during the journey.
– Dinner: Try Qiu’s Xing Mian (a local noodle dish) and Qin’s mutton restaurant specialties.
Drive approx. 300km (4 hours) from Wuwei to Zhangye.
Attractions:
– Afternoon: Explore Zhangye Danxia Geopark (best viewed at sunset for colorful landforms).
– Visit Zhangye Grand Buddha Temple, home to a giant reclining Buddha statue.
Accommodation: Homestays near Danxia Scenic Area (e.g., Gonghanglv Danxia Pearl Hotel), convenient for the next day’s visit.
Dining:
– Breakfast: Local breakfast in Wuwei.
– Lunch: Simple meal en route.
– Dinner: Try Sun’s Stir-Fried Noodles and specialties at Ganzhou Characteristic Flavor Square.
Drive approx. 590km (6.5 hours) from Zhangye to Dunhuang.
Attractions:
– Afternoon: Visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring, experiencing the desert and spring coexistence.
– Evening: Prepare for Mogao Grottoes visit (booking required in advance).
Accommodation: Homestays in Yueyaquan Town, Dunhuang (to experience desert starry sky).
Dining:
– Breakfast: Local snacks in Zhangye.
– Lunch: Simple meal during the long drive.
– Dinner: Taste donkey meat with yellow noodles and apricot juice.
Drive approx. 410km (5 hours) from Dunhuang to Hami.
Attractions:
– Stop at Guazhou Suoyang City Ruins, an important ancient Silk Road site.
– Visit Hami King’s Tomb, showcasing Uyghur architectural style.
Accommodation: Hotels in Hami urban area (e.g., Hami Hotel) with complete facilities.
Dining:
– Breakfast: Local snacks in Dunhuang.
– Lunch: Simple meal en route.
– Dinner: Enjoy fresh Hami melon and mutton braised with pancakes.
Drive approx. 400km (4.5 hours) from Hami to Turpan.
Attractions:
– Visit Flaming Mountain, famous for its extreme heat and unique landforms.
– Explore Grape Valley, enjoying lush vineyards and sweet grapes.
– Tour Gaochang Ancient City, a world cultural heritage site with a long history.
Accommodation: Homestays near Turpan Grape Valley Scenic Area.
Dining:
– Breakfast: Local breakfast in Hami.
– Lunch: Simple meal during the journey.
– Dinner: Try raisin pilaf and roasted whole lamb.
Drive approx. 200km (3 hours) from Turpan to Urumqi.
Attractions:
– Visit International Grand Bazaar, experiencing Uyghur customs and handicrafts.
– Explore Xinjiang Museum, viewing cultural relics like the Loulan mummy.
Accommodation: Hotels near Grand Bazaar (e.g., Hilton Hotel), convenient for shopping.
Dining:
– Breakfast: Local snacks in Turpan.
– Lunch: Simple meal en route.
– Dinner: Savor Xinjiang big plate chicken, roasted buns, and yogurt rice dumplings.
Drive approx. 250km (3 hours) from Urumqi to Dushanzi.
Attractions:
– Visit the starting point monument of Duku Highway.
– Explore Anjihai Grand Canyon, known for its magnificent red soil landforms.
Accommodation: Hotels in Dushanzi District (e.g., Dushanzi Hotel), preparing for the next day’s Duku Highway trip.
Climate Tip: Low temperature in mountainous areas; bring a down jacket.
Drive approx. 220km (6 hours) from Dushanzi to Nalati via Duku Highway.
Attractions:
– Experience Duku Highway, known as the “road of four seasons” with diverse landscapes.
– Visit Qiaerma Martyrs’ Cemetery, remembering those who built the highway.
Accommodation: Nalati Shunfeng Yuetu Inn (cost-effective, close to the scenic area).
Dining:
– Breakfast: Local breakfast in Dushanzi.
– Lunch: Simple meal along Duku Highway.
– Dinner: Try Kazakh hand-grasped meat and horse sausage.
Local transportation in Nalati.
Attractions:
– Explore Nalati Grassland, enjoying the beautiful pastoral scenery of mountains and grasslands.
Accommodation: Same inn in Nalati.
Dining:
– Breakfast: Kazakh-style breakfast with milk tea and nang.
– Lunch: Grassland specialty dishes.
– Dinner: Continue to savor local Kazakh cuisine.
Drive approx. 270km (4.5 hours) from Nalati to Yining.
Attractions:
– Enjoy the scenery of Ili River Valley.
– Visit Kazanqi Folk Village, known for its colorful houses.
– Explore Liuxing Street, experiencing Russian customs.
Accommodation: Homestays near Liuxing Street (e.g., Fanjing Homestay), feeling the literary atmosphere.
Dining:
– Breakfast: Local breakfast in Nalati.
– Lunch: Simple meal en route.
– Dinner: Try Lanqiang Mianfeizi (a local cold dish), Gulandamu ice cream, and Erzi Wawa spicy chicken.
Drive approx. 150km (2.5 hours) from Yining to Sayram Lake.
Attractions:
– Drive around Sayram Lake, enjoying the clear lake and surrounding snow-capped mountains.
– Climb Songshutou to overlook the panoramic view of the lake.
Accommodation: Krug Luxury Camp by Sayram Lake (high-end experience) or return to Yining urban area.
Dining:
– Breakfast: Local breakfast in Yining.
– Lunch: Simple meal en route.
– Dinner: Fresh fish from Sayram Lake and local specialty dishes.
Drive approx. 100km (2 hours) from Yining to Tekes via Yizhao Highway.
Attractions:
– Experience Yizhao Highway (seasonally open from June to September), a landscape road comparable to Duku Highway.
– Visit Tekes Bagua City, overlooking the eight-trigram layout by drone.
Accommodation: Return to Yining urban area.
Dining:
– Breakfast: Local breakfast in Yining or Sayram Lake.
– Lunch: Simple meal along Yizhao Highway.
– Dinner: Characteristic dishes in Tekes or Yining.
Road Tip: Yizhao Highway is only open from June to September; subject to closure due to weather.
Original price was: $150.00.$125.00Current price is: $125.00.
Original price was: $150.00.$125.00Current price is: $125.00.
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