The Silk Road is one of China’s most important historical sites and there are many ways to travel this ancient route and still see something new every time. We feel that the best way to see the Silk Road is by hiking it. That way, you can experience every natural and man-made feature of this important trade route and create lasting memories of 1,000 year old trail. Slip on your hiking boots and grab your pack and let’s begin our journey.
DAY 1: BEIJING – JIAYUGUAN (by air then by train)
You will meet a local tour guide at the Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport and be transferred to Lanzhou railway station where you will sleep on the train to Jiayuguan.
DAY 2: JIAYUGUAN
Upon arrival in Jiayuguan, you will visit the Wei-Jin tombs and begin your journey on the Silk Road trade route. The hike begins at the No.1 Beacon Tower and visits Jiayuguan Pass, the Great Wall museum and the hanging Great Wall with a total hiking time of 4-5 hours.
DAY 3: JIAYUGUAN – DANXIA
Day 3’s hike begins along the along north part of the Danxia Landform which offers incredible views of Qilianshan and Danxia.Featuring colored sandstones and conglomerates dating to the Cretaceous age, Danxia offers some of the route’s most beautiful natural formations.Total hiking time of 4-5 hours.
DAY 4: DANXIA – ZHANGYE
Off to an early start and a full day of hiking and visiting some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes. Start hiking around Binggou Rock and it’s Mar’s-like red terrestrial rock landforms, then it’s off to Zhangye by car to visit the Giant Buddha Temple which is the largest architectural relic in the Gansu Province of the Western Xia.Total hiking time of 4-5 hours.
DAY 5: ZHANGYE/MATISI TEMPLE
On Day 5, we visit the south part of Matisi and hike along the scenic and historic, Thousand-Buddha caves. The afternoon includes a hike through the north part of Matisi, featuring the Sanshisantian Cave and the Songlin waterfalls. Immerse yourself in Yugu folklore and dine with the local while enjoying folk singing and dancing before an overnight stay in a Yugu tent.Total hiking time of 3-4 hours.
DAY 6: YUGU – ZHANGYE – XINING – BEIJING
The final day of our tour includes hiking on Gaoshancaodianzi, the south part of Qilian Mountain. Your guide will then drive you to Zhangye taking a historically beautiful route that offers a breathtaking view of the Qilian Mountains. Then it’s off to Xining where you will depart from the local airport to Beijing.