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Road trip · Lanzhou · Zhangye · Jiayuguan · Dunhuang

The Silk Road by Road

This is our kind of journey: the Silk Road’s great passage west, driven slowly with a road leader who knows every stop.

Destinations: The Silk Road (Gansu)

Duration: 9 days · 8 nights
Group: Max 8 · 4 per 4x4
Pace: Moderate, with long scenic drives
Starts / ends: Lanzhou / Dunhuang
Best season: May–Oct

The route

Lanzhou
Zhangye Danxia
Jiayuguan
Dunhuang
Mogao Caves
Mingsha dunes

Day by day

DAY 1Arrive in Lanzhou

Airport pickup, followed by the Yellow River at dusk and a bowl of Lanzhou beef noodles. Stay: Lanzhou · Meals: D

DAY 2West along the corridor

Drive into the Hexi Corridor, with stops along the old caravan route. Stay: Wuwei · Meals: B, L

DAY 3Zhangye Danxia

Walk the rainbow mountains at sunset. Stay: Zhangye · Meals: B, L

DAY 4Mati Temple & grasslands

Visit cliff temples and Tibetan grasslands under the Qilian Mountains. Stay: Zhangye · Meals: B, L

DAY 5Jiayuguan

The fort at the western end of the Ming Great Wall, and the overhanging wall. Stay: Jiayuguan · Meals: B, L

DAY 6To Dunhuang

A long desert drive into the oasis town. Stay: Dunhuang · Meals: B, D

DAY 7The Mogao Caves

A thousand years of Buddhist cave art. Daily tickets are limited, and we book yours when you reserve. Stay: Dunhuang · Meals: B, L

DAY 8Singing dunes

The Mingsha Shan dunes and Crescent Lake, with an optional camel ride at sunset. Stay: Dunhuang · Meals: B, D

DAY 9Departure

Transfer to Dunhuang airport. Meals: B

What’s included

4x4 vehicles and an English-speaking road leader
8 nights in the best available hotels that accept foreign passports
Mogao Caves and all site tickets
Meals as listed
Airport transfers, visa letter, eSIM and Alipay set-up help

Not included

Flights
Visa fees, if your passport needs one
Single room supplement (quoted on request)
International travel insurance

What we put in writing

Group size: Max 8 · 4 per 4x4
Vehicle: 4×4 SUVs · max 4 guests per vehicle, everyone gets a window
Shopping stops: None. If one happens, we refund that day
Tipping: No compulsory tips or kitty
Hotels: Each one checked for foreign passports
On the road: Planned toilet and rest stops on long drives

These are part of your booking contract. See our booking terms.

Is this journey right for me?

DrivingSome days have 4–5 hours on the road, with plenty of stops.

FitnessEasy walking. Dune climbs are optional.

Solo travelersWe arrange same-gender room sharing.

from $2,690 pp≈ $299 per day

Free cancellation for 48 hours
No shopping stops, no hidden fees
Visa letter & Alipay set-up included

Choose a departure

For departures after 31 December 2026: China hasn’t yet announced whether 30-day visa-free entry will be extended. We’ll confirm your entry route after booking, and send a visa letter if you need one. More

Travelers

2 × $2,690$5,380

Deposit to reserve$800

The balance is due 45 days before departure. Cancel for free within 48 hours of booking.

Secure payment link sent by email

Have a question first? Email us and a real person will reply in English.

Before you book

Do I need a visa for this trip?

Passports from 50 countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia and most of Europe, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days (currently until 31 December 2026). US citizens need a tourist visa, or must use 240-hour transit with an onward flight to a third country; for this road trip we recommend the visa. Check your passport; we send an invitation letter if you need one.

How do I get to the start of the trip?

This journey starts in Lanzhou / Dunhuang. Most international travelers fly in directly or connect through Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou. We suggest flights after you book and meet you at arrivals.

What happens if the trip doesn’t run?

If a departure doesn’t reach its minimum group size, we’ll tell you at least 21 days ahead and you can choose a full refund or a free change of date.

Can I extend the trip or add Beijing or Xi’an?

Yes. Tell us your plans in the booking notes or send us a message, and we’ll help you arrange the extra days.

Not ready to book?

Ask us about The Silk Road by Road

Different dates, a private version, travelling with kids or a parent who doesn’t walk far: tell us and a real person will reply within one working day, in English.