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    9 Days China Hexi Corridor Tour from Xian by High-speed Train

    9 days

    China’s Grottoes Corridor Tour: Maijishan to Mogao Grottoes

    Wondering about the Hexi Corridor? If you’re drawn to the Silk Road’s landscapes, Monk Xuanzang’s Journey to the West legacy, or China’s 8,000-year culture, our 9-Day Hexi Corridor Tour from Xi’an (by high-speed train) is perfect for you. This Grottoes Corridor journey—covering Maijishan to Mogao Grottoes—will amaze you with natural wonders and cultural relics across Xi’an, Tianshui, Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang.
    Also called the Gansu Corridor, the Hexi Corridor was a key Silk Road link between China, Central Asia, and Europe. Our tour starts in Xi’an (ancient Chang’an), the Silk Road’s eastern gateway and Xuanzang’s pilgrimage starting point (inspired by Journey to the West). Visit Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Silk Road World Heritage), where Xuanzang translated Buddhist scriptures after returning from India, and the 2,000-year-old Terracotta Army (World Heritage)—Qin Shi Huang’s “underground military museum.”
    Next, travel to Tianshui (Gansu), Qin Shi Huang’s ancestral hometown, to explore Maijishan Grottoes (Silk Road World Heritage). As the birthplace of Emperor Fuxi (founder of the Eight Trigrams), Tianshui offers deep insights into China’s ancient culture. Follow Xuanzang’s route to Dunhuang, visiting top grottoes: Maijishan, Bingling Temple (both Silk Road World Heritage), and Mogao Grottoes (World Cultural Heritage)—where Xuanzang also translated scriptures for years. Discover why the Hexi Corridor is known as “China’s Grottoes Corridor.”
    Our high-speed train tour also includes Silk Road natural highlights: Liujiaxia Gorge (Yellow River Three Gorges), the Yellow River (China’s “Mother River”), Zhangye Danxia Geopark, Qilian Mountains, and Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake. Join this 9-day Xi’an-started tour to marvel at time-honored landscapes and cultural gems, and soak up the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty.

    Itinerary Quick Look

    9-Day China Hexi Corridor Tour: Xi’an to Dunhuang (Simplified Version)

    Day 1: Xi’an Arrival | Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Great Mosque

    Welcome to Xi’an, China’s 13-dynasty capital! Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport/train station, then take you downtown to explore the Ancient City Wall—a well-preserved Ming-era structure (12m high, 14km perimeter). Walk leisurely to soak up history or opt for a bike ride (extra cost) for panoramic views of old and new Xi’an.
    Next, dive into local life at the Muslim Quarter, a food lover’s paradise with authentic snacks. Visit the Great Mosque, a stunning blend of Islamic and Chinese architecture. Afterward, check into a downtown hotel—spend the rest of the day resting or exploring freely.
    • Optional: Bike rental on the City Wall; Tang Palace Dance Show with/without Dumpling Banquet
    • Dining: None
    • Accommodation: Xi’an

    Day 2: Xi’an Highlights | Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Hanfu Experience

    After breakfast, travel 40km to the Terracotta Warriors Museum (UNESCO World Heritage). Marvel at the 2,000-year-old “underground army” of 8,000+ life-sized clay soldiers, each with unique features—discovered accidentally by a farmer in 1974. Try a DIY miniature Terracotta Warrior workshop (guided by local artisans) to learn ancient craftsmanship.
    In the afternoon, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Tang Dynasty landmark), built to house Buddhist scriptures brought back by Monk Xuanzang (inspiration for Journey to the West). Dress in traditional Hanfu for photos (optional) to immerse in local culture.
    As night falls, explore Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City—a vibrant area with light shows that transport you back to the Tang Dynasty’s glory.
    • Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
    • Accommodation: Xi’an

    Day 3: Xi’an → Tianshui (High-Speed Train) | Maijishan Grottoes

    Take the high-speed train to Tianshui (Gansu Province), a city with 8,000+ years of civilization (birthplace of Emperor Fuxi, creator of the Eight Trigrams).
    After lunch, visit Maijishan Grottoes (UNESCO Silk Road Heritage)—one of China’s “Four Great Grottoes,” carved into cliffs since the 4th century. Admire 10,632 Buddha statues (known for their gentle “Oriental smiles”) and 1,300㎡ of murals.
    • Optional: Fuxi Temple (self-pay, home to China’s oldest Fuxi statue)
    • Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
    • Accommodation: Tianshui

    Day 4: Tianshui → Lanzhou (High-Speed Train) | Free Exploration

    Travel by high-speed train to Lanzhou, Gansu’s capital and a key Silk Road node (known as “Golden City”). Your guide will transfer you to the hotel—explore freely for the rest of the day.
    Don’t miss Lanzhou’s icons: Zhongshan Bridge (100-year-old Yellow River iron bridge), Yellow River Mother Statue, Waterwheel Park, and White Pagoda Park (panoramic city views). Sample local snacks at Zhengning Road Night Market: Lanzhou Beef Noodles, pulled lamb, and Sanpaotai Tea.
    • Free Time Ideas: Half-day city tour; Museum tour (Gansu Provincial Museum, Dunhuang Art Gallery—closed Mondays)
    • Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
    • Accommodation: Lanzhou

    Day 5: Lanzhou → Zhangye (High-Speed Train) | Liujiaxia Reservoir, Bingling Temple Grottoes

    Morning: Drive 75km to Liujiaxia Reservoir, take a speedboat to Bingling Temple Grottoes (UNESCO Silk Road Heritage)—1,600-year-old stone carvings and murals, including a 27m Tang Dynasty Maitreya Buddha (China’s 5th largest). Enjoy the “Yellow-Tao River Convergence” (clear green Yellow River meets muddy Tao River) en route.
    Afternoon: Return to Lanzhou for your high-speed train to Zhangye. Known as “Golden Zhangye,” this oasis city is hailed as “Jiangnan of the Frontier” for its fertile lands and scenic beauty.
    • Notes: Dress warmly for the speedboat; limited dining at the scenic area—bring snacks
    • Optional: Yellow River Cultural Museum (self-pay)
    • Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
    • Accommodation: Zhangye

    Day 6: Zhangye → Jiayuguan | Dafo Temple, Zhangye Danxia Geopark

    Morning: Visit Dafo Temple (Western Xia Dynasty royal temple), home to Asia’s largest indoor reclining Buddha (34.5m) and ancient Journey to the West murals (predating the novel by 200 years).
    After lunch, explore Zhangye Danxia National Geopark—world-famous “Rainbow Mountains” formed over 65 million years. Admire vibrant layered rock formations from observation decks (No.1 for panoramas, No.4 for sunsets).
    Evening: Drive 260km to Jiayuguan—enjoy sunset views of the Great Wall (if time permits) and experience the poetic “desert smoke rises straight, river sun sinks round.”
    • Optional: Zhangye City Museum (closed Mondays)
    • Notes: Wear comfortable shoes; best visited at sunrise/sunset or after rain for vivid colors
    • Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
    • Accommodation: Jiayuguan

    Day 7: Jiayuguan → Dunhuang | Jiayuguan Pass, Overhanging Great Wall

    Morning: Explore Jiayuguan Pass (UNESCO Great Wall Heritage)—the westernmost pass of the Ming Great Wall, known as “Impregnable Pass Under Heaven.” Climb the Overhanging Great Wall (750m long, 45° steep sections) for desert and mountain views.
    Afternoon: Drive 400km to Dunhuang (formerly Suzhou, source of Gansu’s “Su” character).
    • Optional: Jiayuguan Great Wall Museum; Great Wall First Outpost (self-pay)
    • Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
    • Accommodation: Dunhuang

    Day 8: Dunhuang Highlights | Mogao Grottoes, Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake

    Morning: Visit Mogao Grottoes (UNESCO World Heritage)—“Treasure House of Eastern Art” with 735 caves, 45,000㎡ murals, and 2,415 sculptures (spanning 1,000 years). Start at the Digital Center (40-minute film) before touring 8 caves with a guide (no photography inside).
    Afternoon: Relax at Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake—a desert wonder where singing sand dunes surround a crescent-shaped spring. Try activities like camel riding, sand sliding, or paragliding (self-pay).
    Evening: Optional visit to Shazhou Night Market for local snacks (apricot skin water, donkey meat noodles).
    • Optional: Dunhuang Museum (closed Mondays); Evening shows (Ancient Sound of Dunhuang, Dunhuang Celebration)
    • Notes: Mogao Grottoes require real-name reservation; protect equipment from sand
    • Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
    • Accommodation: Dunhuang

    Day 9: Dunhuang Departure

    Enjoy free time in Dunhuang before your guide escorts you to the airport for your next destination.
    Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel! We hope to welcome you back for more Asian adventures. Safe travels!
    • Extension Ideas: Add 1-2 days in Dunhuang (Yulin Grottoes, Yangguan Pass); extend to Xining, Turpan, Lhasa, or other Chinese cities
    • Dining: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: None

    Simplification Notes

    1. Condensed Redundancy: Cut repetitive descriptions (e.g., shortened historical context for landmarks) while retaining core highlights (UNESCO status, key attractions, activities).
    2. Streamlined Structure: Used bullet points for options/notes, simplified complex sentences, and removed overly detailed cultural tangents (e.g., reduced Huo Qubing’s backstory in Lanzhou).
    3. Preserved Key Information: Retained critical travel details (transport, dining, accommodation, reservations, optional activities) essential for tourists.
    4. Consistent Terminology: Unified spellings (Xi’an, Mogao Grottoes) and abbreviated repeated phrases (e.g., “UNESCO World Heritage” → “UNESCO Heritage” after first mention).
    5. Readability: Shortened paragraphs, emphasized must-see attractions, and kept language direct—ideal for quick reference during travel.

     

    Discount available at low season, please send inquiries!

    • Included
      Guide Service: Professional English-speaking tour guide.
      Attraction Tickets: All entrance fees to the sites listed in the itinerary.
      Transportation: Airport transfers on arrival and departure. Private Vehicle for city sightseeing tours. Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets.
      Accommodation: Hotels are listed in the itinerary.
      Meals: Daily breakfast at the hotel.
      Service fee: planning, handling, operational and communication charges
    • Not Included
      Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not included.
      Visa Fees: Cost of tourist visa if required, depending on the traveler’s nationality.
      Optional Tours and Activities: The cost of all optional activities in the itinerary is not included.
      Single Supplement: Additional charge for travelers who wish to have a private room.
      Tips and Gratuities: Tips for tour guides and drivers, which are optional and at the traveler’s discretion.
      Overtime Service Fees：Additional charges may apply for services requested beyond the scheduled hours.
      Personal Expenses: Shopping, additional meals, snacks, and beverages outside of those specified in the itinerary.
      Tax: Japanese municipal lodging tax and onsen (hot spring) tax, as well as consumption tax on purchases. These taxes are typically not included in the tour package price and are payable on-site as required.


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    9 Days China Hexi Corridor Tour from Xian by High-speed Train

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