8 Days Tour From Lanzhou to Jiuzhaigou

Lanzhou, a city steeped in historical and cultural richness, marks the beginning of our journey. At 9:15 in the morning, we will greet you at the hotel entrance to commence today's exploration. Our first destination is the renowned Ink Danxia Landform, celebrated for its unique natural landscapes. The Ink Danxia features picturesque mountain ranges and steep cliffs, creating a myriad of extraordinary scenery resembling nature's masterpiece. Here, you can stroll along winding and rugged paths, experiencing a spiritual baptism with every step.

 Next, we will drive to Hekou Ancient Town, a venerable town with a long history. Hekou is famous for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and elegant ancient streets, reminiscent of a tunnel through time. You can leisurely wander through the ancient streets, appreciating the deep-rooted cultural heritage, sampling local traditional snacks, witnessing the craftsmanship of handmade goods, and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of the town. The day concludes in Hekou Ancient Town, leaving us with profound impressions of Lanzhou's unique landscapes. We will return to the hotel, looking forward to tomorrow's continuation of exploring more of the city's charm and stories.

The journey on the second day takes us to Yongjing, exploring more of Lanzhou's natural and cultural landscapes. We set off early in the morning towards Liujiaxia Reservoir, nestled amidst picturesque canyons. The reservoir's winding waters reflect the surrounding mountains like a tranquil and majestic painting. Here, you can stroll along the reservoir's edge, experiencing the serenity and grandeur of nature.

Next, we board a speedboat to Bingling Temple Grottoes, an ancient complex renowned for its rich Buddhist art treasures. The grottoes house exquisite murals and solemn sculptures, echoing with history and the splendor of Buddhist culture. Afterward, we visit Liujia Dong Cave Temple, an ancient and mystical temple nestled against the mountains, exuding tranquility and elegance. Explore the temple's historical relics, immerse yourself in the power of faith, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. 

Lastly, we arrive at the Tulip Garden by the Yellow River, a sea of flowers where tulips bloom in vibrant colors, filling the air with their fragrance. Take a stroll through this floral paradise, admiring the beauty of the flowers and embracing the sights and scents of spring.

On the third day, we start our journey early in the morning by heading to the Yellow River’s Three Bays, where the river forms three natural bends in the Lanzhou section. The scenery here is captivating. From the Benxi Viewing Platform, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Yellow River’s majestic curves, experiencing the river's grandeur and beauty.

Next, we drive to Liujiaxia Bridge and the observation platform, one of the best spots to view the Yellow River Canyon. From the observation platform, the Yellow River flows through the canyon, with steep cliffs on both sides that are truly awe-inspiring. Here, you can capture the magnificent river landscape and experience the power and wonder of nature. Following this, we visit the Eight Alleys and Thirteen Lanes, a well-preserved historical and cultural district. Wandering through the narrow alleys, you'll see architectural styles from the Ming and Qing dynasties and immerse yourself in the ancient historical ambiance and cultural heritage.

Next, we explore the Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture Museum. This museum is a significant venue for showcasing Hui culture, history, and art, with diverse collections including traditional costumes, crafts, and historical documents. Here, you can gain a deeper understanding of Hui customs and spiritual culture. Finally, we arrive at Hongyuan, a typical Hui-style courtyard garden characterized by its classic and elegant design. In Hongyuan, you can appreciate the aesthetic of traditional garden design and experience the essence of Hui lifestyle and garden art.

Today, we depart early in the morning, starting with our first destination, Meiren Big Grassland, one of the vast plateau grasslands in Gannan Prefecture. Here, herds of cattle and sheep roam freely under a serene sky, framed by distant snow-capped mountains and grassy plains, creating a magnificent panorama. You can experience the purity and tranquility of the plateau and capture the beautiful natural scenery to your heart's content. Next, we visit the Prayer Flag Tunnel, currently known as the world's highest (3600 meters) and longest corridor of colorful prayer flags. Seen from afar, this corridor resembles a colorful dragon hidden within the vast expanse of the grasslands.

Following this, we arrive at Milariba Buddha Temple, an important Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Nestled against the mountains, the monastery features an elegant and solemn architectural style, adorned with exquisite murals and Buddha statues inside. Here, you can explore the monastery's interior, gaining insights into Tibetan Buddhist religious beliefs and cultural heritage. 

Lastly, we head to Gannan Museum, a significant venue showcasing the history, culture, and folk traditions of Gannan Prefecture. The museum houses a vast collection of precious artifacts and historical relics, including folk art, traditional costumes, and historical documents. You can delve deep into the diverse cultural background and rich historical legacy of Gannan here. The day concludes at Gannan Museum.

Today, we embark on an exploratory journey through Gannan, delving into a realm rich in religious faith and natural wonders. Our first stop is Labrang Monastery, nestled amidst rugged mountains. This Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary is renowned for its ancient and elegant architecture, steeped in a profound religious history. The monastery, bustling with devout worshippers, serves as a pivotal site for Buddhist rituals and meditation. Here, you can participate in the monastery's prayer wheel ceremony, experiencing inner tranquility and serenity fostered by religious devotion. 

Next, we reach Guomang Wetland, a vital representative of high-altitude wetland ecosystems. Known for its unique high-cold wetland vegetation and abundant birdlife, Guomang Wetland is a crucial habitat within the protected area's biodiversity. Explore the wetland's ecological environment and participate in educational efforts for conservation awareness. Alternatively, enjoy the distinctive landscapes of the wetland ecosystem.

Our day concludes at Guomang Wetland, leaving us with profound experiences of faith at Labrang Monastery, the natural beauty of Zhagana, and the ecological marvels of Guomang Wetland. As we reflect on this journey of discovery, we eagerly anticipate returning to this mysterious and beautiful land of Gannan, continuing to uncover more natural and cultural treasures.

In the morning, we embark on an exploration of the Danxia landforms in Zhagana, Gannan. We will first visit Tibetan villages in Zhagana, which preserve ancient traditions and cultural heritage. You can interact with local residents, learn about their way of life and cultural customs, and experience firsthand the unique charm of Tibetan folklore. After lunch, we may visit nearby attractions in Zhagana, such as viewpoints or local temples, to further appreciate the local customs and historical roots of the region. Our day in Zhagana concludes in the evening, filled with profound experiences of the majestic Danxia landscapes and Tibetan culture. This remarkable day trip will leave us with lasting memories.

Toda’s itinerary will take you to experience the natural beauty of the Ngoring Lake on the Norlha Plateau and the magnificent scenery of the Yellow River, immersing you in the fresh air of the plateau and breathtaking landscapes. In the morning, we will drive to Ngoring Flower Sea. Located in the Ngoring Grassland of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Ngoring Lake is a typical highland lake surrounded by mountains. The lake's crystal-clear blue waters are adorned with scattered flowers, resembling a natural painting. Strolling along the lake, you can admire the reflections of the mountains on the water's surface and feel the gentle breeze on your face.

Around noon, you can enjoy local highland cuisine at a simple lakeside restaurant or have a picnic. We recommend trying some Tibetan specialties such as barley bread, Tibetan pork, and butter tea to experience authentic highland flavors. After lunch, we will drive to the First Bend of the Yellow River in Ngoring. This natural bend of the Yellow River, known as the "Mother Bend of the Yellow River," is a spectacular sight on the Ngoring Grassland. The river winds gracefully across the vast grassland, creating a unique natural landscape. It's an excellent spot for capturing the spectacular views of the Yellow River's curves and the expansive grasslands around it. In the evening, we will conclude today's journey, returning to the hotel with profound memories of the natural beauty of Ngoring Lake and the magnificent landscapes of the First Bend of the Yellow River.

Today marks the final day of our eight-day journey, where we will visit Songpan Ancient Town, Mounigou Valley, and Chuanzhusi Town, bringing a perfect conclusion to this adventure. We start our day early by driving to Songpan Ancient Town. Situated in the Aba Tibetan-Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, this town boasts a rich history and well-preserved ancient architecture. Its unique Tibetan architectural style and profound cultural heritage attract numerous visitors. Here, you can stroll through ancient streets and alleys, experiencing the tranquility of time and delving into the deep cultural roots of the Tibetan people.

Around noon, we continue our journey to Mounigou Valley Scenic Area. Known as "Little Tibet," this area is a perfect blend of natural landscapes and cultural relics. The valley features clear blue waters, deep gorges, and lush mountain flowers, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike. In the afternoon, we will drive to Chuanzhusi Town. Nestled amidst high mountains and deep valleys, this town is renowned for its peaceful ambiance and rich Buddhist culture. Here, you can visit temples, experience the religious atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism, and witness the simple lives of local residents. We will conclude this remarkable journey by transferring you to the nearest airport. On the way back, reflecting on these eight days of travel, filled with memories and discoveries, we eagerly anticipate our next reunion and adventure together.