Gansu Province, abbreviated as Gan or Long, derives its name from the historical regions of Ganzhou (modern-day Zhangye) and Suzhou (now Jiuquan). This province is home to the Dunhuang Mogao Caves, which boast the largest and most diverse collection of cave art in existence, along with significant sites such as the Jiayuguan Pass of the Great Wall, and Labrang Monastery, one of the six major Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. These ancient sites and attractions make Gansu a place that captivates travelers.

Gansu’s history is deeply intertwined with the Silk Road, which has left behind a wealth of historical landmarks and a rich cultural heritage. In 202 BC, Zhang Qian opened a trade route that connected the East and West, facilitating the exchange of civilizations along this corridor. Gansu served as the western terminus for various sections of the Great Wall, including those from the Warring States period, the Qin Dynasty, the Han Dynasty, and the Ming Dynasty. The Great Wall’s protective role along the Silk Road is most prominently illustrated within Gansu, where sites like Jiayuguan and Yumenguan are now developed into popular tourist attractions. Visitors flock here to experience the vibrant culture of the Silk Road and the grandeur of the Great Wall.