Private Tour: 5-Night Trip from Lanzhou to Labrang and Xining

Your guide greets you on arrival in Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province. Transfer to your downtown hotel for check-in and settle in.

If your afternoon arrival allows, stroll the scenic Yellow River waterfront. Stop at Shuiche Park for 30 minutes.

The park honors Lanzhou’s “Waterwheel Capital” heritage with ancient wooden waterwheels by the river. It’s a peaceful intro to the city’s natural and cultural charm.

Take a 2.5–3-hour private drive to Linxia. Stop en route at Bingling Temple Grottoes, a UNESCO Silk Road site with 1600 years of history.

It’s carved into Yellow River cliff faces, with 183 caves and 700+ sculptures. Don’t miss the 27-meter Tang Dynasty Maitreya Buddha and well-preserved murals.

Continue your private drive to Linxia after the grotto tour.

After breakfast, take a 2-hour private drive to Xiahe. Xiahe is home to the revered Labrang Monastery, founded in 1709 and one of six great Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet.

Hundreds of monks live and study here, preserving age-old teachings and rituals.

Wander the monastery’s expansive grounds with your local guide. Visit the grand Tsuglagkhang assembly hall with intricate murals and gilded statues.

Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of this living monastic community.

After breakfast, set off on a 6-hour private drive to Xining. Make a 1-hour stop at Longwu Monastery along the way.

The monastery has 700+ years of history, founded in 1301 during the Yuan Dynasty. It’s a key Gelugpa site famous for exquisite thangka painting.

It blends Tibetan and Han architecture, with an 11-meter gilded Tsongkhapa statue. Enjoy its peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere.

This stop offers a serene glimpse into Amdo Tibetan religious culture before continuing to Xining.

Transfer to Ta’er Monastery, just 25km from Xining city center. It’s the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelugpa sect, and one of Tibet Buddhism’s six great Gelugpa centers.

Spend 2 hours exploring the grand monastery complexes. Visit the iconic Golden Tile Hall with the sacred stupa of Tsongkhapa’s birthplace.

Marvel at its artistic treasures: exquisite Buddha statues, intricate yak butter sculptures and vibrant ancient murals.

After the tour, transfer to Xining Railway Station or Caojiabao International Airport for your departure.

Important Note: Book your departing flight no earlier than 3:00 pm to ensure ample travel and check-in time. For a seamless northwest China adventure, book our connecting Zhangye tour (code: 32685P86).