Gansu Travel Guide

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.

Most Popular Gansu Attractions

Mogao Caves In Dunhuang
Mogao Caves, Dunhuang - A Repository of Ancient Chinese Civilization
Mogao Caves (莫高窟, Mogaoku), also known as the Mogao Grottoes, are located at the western end of the Hexi Corridor in Dunhuang, China. The construction...
Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring
Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring - The Most Spectacular Sight
Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring Scenic Area (鸣沙山月牙泉景区) is located in Dunhuang City, Gansu Province, covering an area of 76.82 square kilometers...
Gansu Provincial Museum
Gansu Museum - A Hub of Cultural Diversity
The Gansu Museum (甘肃博物院), covering a total area of 43,000 square meters, is architecturally designed in the shape of the Chinese character for “mountain”...
Labrang Temple Xiahe County
Labrang Monastery - Place of Auspiciousness and Happiness
Labrang Monastery (拉卜楞寺, Labrang Temple, Labuleng Monastery), located in Xiahe County, Gansu Province, China, was founded by the First Jamyang Zhepa, Ngawang...
Zhagana Tibetan Village
Zhagana Tibetan Village (The Stone Box), Gannan
Zhagana Tibetan Village (扎尕那), known in Tibetan as “Stone Box,” is nestled in a natural stone citadel that resembles both a grand palace and...
Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Zhangye Danxia Geopark - one of the World's Top Ten Geographical Wonders
Zhangye Danxia Geopark (张掖七彩丹霞), located in Gansu Province, China, is renowned for its stunning and colorful landforms. It is the only site in China where...
Mati Temple Zhangye
Mati Temple (Horseshoe Temple), Zhangye
Mati Temple (马蹄寺, Matisi Temple), located in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, China, is a renowned tourist destination blending cave art, the scenic beauty...
Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Scenic Spot
Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Scenic Spot
The Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Scenic Spot (嘉峪关文物景区) covers an area of 4,523.36 square meters. Its main feature, Jiayu Pass, built in the fifth year of...
Maijishan Grottoes In Tianshui
Maijishan Grottoes - one of China's four major grottoes
The Maijishan Grottoes (麦积山石窟, Maiji Mountain Grottoes) are located on the northern side of the western end of the Qinling Mountains. This solitary peak...

Tourist Attractions in Gansu Cities

Detailed Gansu Itineraries

Best Time to Visit Gansu

Spring (March to May): Spring in Gansu brings refreshing greenery, making it a beautiful time to explore the region. While places like Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, and Jiuquan can experience strong winds and sandstorms, other areas are popular tourist destinations during this season.

Summer (June to August): Gansu summers can be quite hot, especially in regions north of Lanzhou. This is an ideal time to visit Gannan, where the lush grasslands and rivers provide a cool escape from the heat.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn is pleasantly cool and comfortable across Gansu, with no significant attractions unsuitable for visiting. Enjoy the autumn foliage in Tulong Valley near Lanzhou, take a stroll on the sands of Mingsha Mountain in Jiuquan, or enjoy the stunning views from the city walls in Jiayuguan.

Winter (December to February): Winters in Gansu can be harsh and dry. However, the beautiful snow-covered scenery in Jiayuguan is captivating, and the New Year festival in Gannan attracts many backpackers seeking a unique experience.

Gansu Food

Dunhuang Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles
Dunhuang Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles
The origins of Dunhuang Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles (敦煌驴肉黄面) are somewhat unclear, yet their connection to the history and culture of Dunhuang is undeniable....
Hui Dou Zi A Unquie Dessert In Lanzhou
Hui Dou Zi: A Unquie Dessert in Lanzhou
Hui Dou Zi (灰豆子), a traditional sweet snack with a history of over 300 years, is a unique dessert that originates from the Lanzhou region of Gansu Province,...
Milk And Egg Lao Zao
Milk and Egg Lao Zao: A Cherished Dessert
Milk and Egg Lao Zao (牛奶鸡蛋醪糟) is a delightful dish that originated from the Linxia region in Gansu Province. It later made its way to Lanzhou, where it...
Yangyu Jiao Tuan
Yangyu Jiao Tuan: A Gansu Traditional Delight
Yangyu Jiao Tuan (洋芋搅团) is a traditional snack from Gansu, deeply rooted in the region’s history and agricultural practices. Its origins can be traced...
Cuo Yu Zi
Cuo Yu Zi: A Distinctive Noodle Dish in Zhangye
Cuo Yu Zi (搓鱼子) is a distinctive noodle dish originating from the Zhangye region of Gansu Province, renowned for its rich history and cultural significance....
Dunhuang Apricot Peel Water
Dunhuang Apricot Peel Water: A Traditional Refreshing Drink
According to the Dunhuang City Chronicle, the history of drinking Dunhuang Apricot Peel Water (敦煌杏皮水) dates back to the Tang and Song Dynasties, approximately...
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