Gansu, situated between Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia, emerges as a world-renowned destination, surpassing Kamakura, Japan, and Indonesia’s Four Kings Islands to claim the top spot in Lonely Planet’s ranking of Asia’s best tourist destinations.
Nestled at the confluence of the Loess Plateau, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and Inner Mongolia Plateau, Gansu showcases a complex and diverse landscape. Its terrain is adorned with mountains, plateaus, plains, river valleys, deserts, and the Gobi, surrounded by rolling hills and majestic peaks.
Embark on a journey through Gansu’s awe-inspiring wonders:
- The Silk Road: Discover the longest road in China, stretching 7,000 kilometers. The Silk Road, much like the porcelain that originated from China, symbolizes a prosperous civilization that once thrived in East Asia.
- Mogao Grottoes: Unearth a Chinese art treasure within the Mogao Grottoes. These ancient caves have withstood the test of time, accumulating over a thousand years of history. The intricate murals within bear witness to the wisdom, greatness, and the rise and fall of dynasties.
- Shandan Military Horse Farm: Marvel at Asia’s largest military horse farm. Located in Gansu Province, the Shandan Military Horse Farm sprawls across the vast grasslands of the northern foot of Lenglong Ridge in the Qilian Mountains. Witness herds of horses galloping freely across the expansive prairies, their hooves stirring up dust, creating a magnificent spectacle.
- Zhangye Danxia Landform: Encounter the most vibrant mountains in China at the Zhangye Danxia Landform. Spanning a hundred square kilometers of mountainous terrain, this area boasts peculiar and colorful landforms, formed over millions of years from the Pre-Jurassic to the Tertiary period.
- Tengger Desert: Immerse yourself in the vastness of the Tengger Desert, one of China’s largest deserts. As the sun sets, the desert is bathed in golden hues, creating a breathtaking sight. Standing amidst the vast expanse, one can’t help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for nature’s grandeur.
- Heihe Wetland: Explore the hidden beauty of the Heihe Wetland, a slice of the south of the Yangtze River nestled within the Gobi. The Heihe River, the largest river in the Hexi Corridor, gives birth to a vast network of rivers, lakes, and swamps in Zhangye. This area teems with life, attracting a myriad of birds to its ribbon reed and red willow shrub wetlands.
- Jinchang Flower Sea: Delight in the floral wonderland of Jinchang, located at the same latitude as Provence, France. Lavender, verbena, sage, and other purple blossoms adorn the landscape, covering nearly 10,000 acres and infusing the air with a captivating fragrance.
In addition to its abundant natural landscapes, Gansu is renowned for its rich and historic cultural attractions. Sites such as the Maijishan Grottoes, Labrang Temple, and Jiayuguan fortifications exude an artistic ambiance, immersing visitors in a journey through time.
With its harmonious blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage, Gansu beckons you to embark on an unforgettable travel experience.