Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Amazing Landscapes
Destinations
China

A wonder that’s managed to stay well-hidden from the rest of the world, Zhangye Danxia is an incredible natural escape ideal for those looking for a unique adventure. Get to know the multi-colored cliffs, lush valleys and shallow little caves as you explore this remote area of Northwestern China. Once a stop on the Silk Road, the area has been around for an estimated 66 million years. See what this exotic space has to offer as you take off on our five-day Exploring China’s Wild Northwest Itinerary.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • The End of the Wall: Formerly known as the last bastion of Chinese civilization in the west, Jiayuguan Fortress stood as the first point of entry into Ming-era China. Visit the fortress from where you can spot the end of the Great Wall.
  • Colored Mountains: At Zhangye National Geopark, see the bizarre and brightly colored hills, a rare natural phenomenon that make the landforms appear painted.
  • Celestial Hoof-Prints: Horse Hoof Temple in Jiayuguan houses the hoof-prints of a celestial horse. Believe it or not, see and judge for yourself.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Jiayuguan

Your adventure begins in bustling Beijing as you catch a flight to Jiayuguan, a relatively small city in northwestern Gansu Province. Here, you will visit the incredible Jiayuguan Fortress. Built in the 1500’s at the height of the Ming Dynasty, the fortress has stood the test of time and much of the structure is in its original condition. Spend the evening relaxing at a hotel of your choice in Jiayuguan.

Hotel Options
About

This modern business hotel with its impressive marble lobby is a comfortable resting place between busy days of exploring. Spacious rooms, comfortable beds and modern amenities such as WiFi and AC make it the most contemporary accommodation in the region.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Zhangye Danxia

Begin the day by travelling by road for 3 hours to Zhangye Danxia and leap off the beaten path as opposed to stepping there. Check into your hotel and then spend the day hiking the picturesque, colorful mountains and cliffs at the Danxia landform. Continue exploring the area on foot, looking for the small, shallow caves hidden along the mountainside. Check out the Bingguo Rock area, a highly-unknown rare rock formation with the landform. Enjoy a stunning hike through the rolling hills and valleys in the region as you walk across the countryside. Retire to your hotel for the evening. 

Hotel Options
About

Enjoy this modern hotel and its pleasant, helpful staff at the heart of Zhangye, China. Hua Chen International Hotel is wonderfully-situated for exploring the cultural and geographic offerings of the surrounding area.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Zhangye Danxia
Zhangye Danxia

Day 3

Jiayuguan

See the temple containing China’s largest reclining Buddha when you visit the Giant Buddha Temple. Look at the only known relic revering a heavenly horse’s footprint inside the Horse Hoof Temple. Travel back to Jiayuguan and settle in for the evening.

Hotel Options
About

This modern business hotel with its impressive marble lobby is a comfortable resting place between busy days of exploring. Spacious rooms, comfortable beds and modern amenities such as WiFi and AC make it the most contemporary accommodation in the region.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Departure

See the First Beacon Tower of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall just a short drive from the fortress visited earlier in the trip. The fire tower shows the wear of the hundreds of years withstanding the elements of nature, but the original structure is still in decent shape. Here, you’ll view an incredible stretch of the Great Wall without all the crowds that typically line the fortress. Later that evening, fly into Beijing to begin your journey back home.

Suggested Hotel For Day 1

Holiday Plaza Hotel

Holiday Plaza Hotel


This modern business hotel with its impressive marble lobby is a comfortable resting place between busy days of exploring. Spacious rooms, comfortable beds and modern amenities such as WiFi and AC make it the most contemporary accommodation in the region. Part of the Holiday Inn chain, the hotel meets western standards of cleanliness, comfort and service. Hotel facilities include a conference hall, a business center, and meeting facilities, and guests may kick back at the lobby bar, or the on-site tea house. Those looking for some indoor entertainment may choose from billiards, chess or poker, all provided on the hotel grounds. Spacious rooms come equipped with air conditioning, writing desks, complimentary bathroom amenities, minibar, hair dryer, and more. Hungry guests can head to the hotel’s Chinese restaurant for some fresh, local fare. 


Suggested Hotel For Day 2

Hua Chen International Hotel

Hua Chen International Hotel


Enjoy this modern hotel and its pleasant, helpful staff at the heart of Zhangye, China. Hua Chen International Hotel is wonderfully-situated for exploring the cultural and geographic offerings of the surrounding area. The largest and most luxurious hotel in the area, guestrooms come equipped with writing desks, kettles, air conditioning, domestic and international direct dial phones, and more. Hotel facilities include internet access, a banquet hall, a business center, and restaurants serving up authentic Chinese cuisine from many different regions. Guests may also enjoy gift shops, beauty salons, spa services, an indoor swimming pool, a nightclub, karaoke, and much more. The hotel boasts, spacious, clean rooms with views of the snow-capped Qinghai mountain range.


Suggested Hotel For Day 3

Holiday Plaza Hotel

Holiday Plaza Hotel


This modern business hotel with its impressive marble lobby is a comfortable resting place between busy days of exploring. Spacious rooms, comfortable beds and modern amenities such as WiFi and AC make it the most contemporary accommodation in the region. Part of the Holiday Inn chain, the hotel meets western standards of cleanliness, comfort and service. Hotel facilities include a conference hall, a business center, and meeting facilities, and guests may kick back at the lobby bar, or the on-site tea house. Those looking for some indoor entertainment may choose from billiards, chess or poker, all provided on the hotel grounds. Spacious rooms come equipped with air conditioning, writing desks, complimentary bathroom amenities, minibar, hair dryer, and more. Hungry guests can head to the hotel’s Chinese restaurant for some fresh, local fare. 


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