4.5Mogao Caves(880 reviews) - Educational, cultural and a genuinely interesting place to visit! Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Caverns & Caves • Religious Sites
Located in the Gobi desert, the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas feature beautiful wall fresco paintings and more than 3,000 sculptures dating from the forth to the fourteenth century.See more..
4.0Great Wall at Jiayuguan Pass(194 reviews) - Most Western Side Great Wall Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
The strategic outpost at the western end of the Great Wall is the best-preserved pass.See more..
4.5Maiji Shan Caves(125 reviews) - Don't be old! Historic Sites • Caverns & Caves • Religious Sites
First time I went two years ago we were dropped off at the foot of the mountain. The climb killed me. This time we were independent. Despite taking the bus from the entrance we were still left with a mountain to climb before getting to the mountain! Fitness and health are all in this endeavour. Allow at least two hours from drop off at the entrance to getting back to your taxi or whatever.See more..
4.0Great Wall of Han Dynasty(98 reviews) - Go quick as it's disappearing Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
I've been here five times over the last 13 years and each time it's smaller and smaller than the previous visit. The most recent visit, there was a team of workers injecting some sort of 'secret' solution (they wouldn't tell me what it was) that they said was to help preserve the remaining layers of straw, reeds, pebbles and sand that the wall consists of. They've also roped off more areas to keep idiots from climbing on the crumbling walls to take selfies. It's so sad seeing the destruction that has happened to this amazing site. If you visit -- look only. Help preserve it. Don't discard bottles or anything in the vicinity.See more..
4.5Bingling Temple Grottoes(82 reviews) - A great adventure with stunning scenery! Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Religious Sites
A bit of an adventure trying to see these grottos but well worth it! The speed boat was a brilliant ride, seeing some stunning scenery along the way, and the wind blowing through your hair only added to the experience. Note - it is not a speedboat like on the films, instead a 9 seater enclosed mini boat which crashes against waves - but with the windows open you can you use your imagination and pretend! 40 minutes later we arrived and had a lovely walk around the grottos, saw the giant buddah and the amazing mountain scenery. Make sure you buy your ticket down where the boats arrive, you can't actually buy a ticket at the entrance. It is all outside, mini caves containing various religious statues. An interesting place to see off the beaten track - away from main tourist routes! A must see if you are in this area See more..
4.0Lanzhou Shuiche Park(75 reviews) - Historical Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
This park is really nice. Plenty of shade, places to eat and views of the river. You also get to witness how the water wheels irrigated the local area. On the day I visited, by continuing further down the river, there was some really interesting music being played by numerous bands. Well worth a walk.See more..
4.5West Wall(60 reviews) - Nice view in winter Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
What we enjoyed most is the view along the way up to the top tower. We went there in the late afternoon around 4:30 and stayed till 6:00. The sunlight ripened and gilded whatever were facing it. But the sky and snow-covered mountain range remained blue. We think it’s a wise choice to visit in winter cuz we owned the place by ourselves and took tons of pictures. The ways up and down are separate. But they lead to the same spot and you exit where you enter. See more..
3.5Duhuang Ancient City Ruins(57 reviews) - A pleasant hour ot two Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
I had not intended to visit but the 'old city'was in my free guide in the hotel so I thought I'd visit the old town. I pointed to the picture and the taxi took me right there....BUT it is not the 'old city' - it is a film set! The old houses are from five different regions in China and it is here that the 19th and 20th century soaps are filmed!! Once I got over my disappointment, it proved great fun..but not for too long.See more..
I’m giving this 5 stars for the amazing scenery! Before you get to the pass, you need to go through a museum area. You can see some ancient relics and find out more about the history of the area. I wasn’t particularly interested in this. After you leave the museum area, you take a short ride to the actual pass. There’s not too much of the pass left, but the views are incredible, made better by the blue sky! I definitely recommend visiting here if you’re in this area! See more..
4.0Xiqian Buddha Caves(47 reviews) - Impressive cave complex, more communal character than Mogao Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites
They might not be as well preserved as the Mogao Caves due to their geological conditions, but they are impressive and of more communal, lived in character. Unfortunately only one statue from the Northern Zhou period is left (which is very rare!), even if the caves were not discovered by Western collectors. When you visit, a local guide opens the caves for 3 people max. at the time and guides you, explaining intricate details that are unique to the caves (e.g. the Republican era face paintings, Tibetan and Uighur styles etc.). Not sure if they have English guides, however, but even if you don’t speak Chinese they’re still worth a visit for people interested in history.See more..
4.5Wei-Jin Tombs(39 reviews) - Spectacular, beautiful impressions from the Wei-Jin period Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Cemeteries • Religious Sites
Spectacular tomb ruins from the Wei-Jin period that somehow seem to get little attention. The little museum and preserved brick paintings are stunning. Tomb no. 6 (only one you can visit) show scenes from daily life of the couple in the middle chamber (women on the left, men on the right; in three stages youth - adult - old age). The local gatekeeper can explain many details and the shop outside has souvenirs from the 80s with historic value. See more..
4.5North Great Wall(36 reviews) - the most impressing view of the western great wall of china. Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
this is by far the most striking and impressing view of the western side of the great wall of chine here you can really view and appreciate this immense architectural project, wow !!! do not dare to miss See more..
Great serene views up to the top part, you will have a bird's eye-view of the endless desert. An evening walk was just nice as you strolling slowly enjoy the views without get sun burn.See more..
A nice stop , worth visiting grottoes without the massive crowds of Mogao- you will likely be alone. Not as comprehensive or as impressive as Mogao but still quite amazing. Most of the caves are redone by Ming dynasty but original sculpture bases from Tang and Song can be observed and the paintings are generally in good shape as well, with a fair number from the Western Xia period. Tour will cover about 6-7 caves and last about 1 hr. About a 2.5 hr drive from Dunhuang, so if you are on the way to or from the town it makes sense to visit but would not advise going if you are in Dunhuang already- the Mogao will be more than sufficient and you will likely feel the long drive was not worth it.See more..
4.0Fuxi Temple(19 reviews) - An interesting and informative visit! Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites
I am not a believer of Taoism but this temple was a highlight in my Silk Road trip! Our tour guide is a well-read girl and she explained the basic stuff about Yin and Yang. The signs of Bagua (八卦,Eight Diagrams) are actually good advice for our lives: Be patient in wait and be modest at success, and how people should respect nature and stuff. Really made me feel proud of being a Chinese! If you don't know anything about Yin and Yang, this is a good place to learn. If you are not interested in it at all, go outside to the vast public ground and watch how locals spend their afternoon. At the corner of the public ground there was an old men selling Guagua (呱呱, a noodle-like snack made of buckwheat). He was so nice and told me a lot of stories, including the legend of Guagua and making process.See more..
3.0Zhangye Zhenyuan Tower(9 reviews) - Round about view Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Nice looking fortress in the middle of the road. Didnt try to get inside. Wasnt planned as we were exploring the area when we saw it. Took a few picture and moved on See more..
4.0Shanxi Guild Hall(8 reviews) - Small but beautiful Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
It might because we visit in a rainy day, the whole complex looks so beautiful! Shanxi Guild Hall was technically not part of the original temple but has since been incorporated into the complex. The Shanxi Guild was founded in 1724 during the Qing Dynasty and still contains a well-preserved gate, theatre stage, audience tower, bell and drum tower, memorial archway, wing rooms, and hall. The guild was used by traveling merchants from Shanxi province to help them network with one another, as well as making them feel more at home in this far-flung city.See more..
3.5Wuwei Confucian Temple(8 reviews) - WELL PRESERVED LEARNING INSTITUTION Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
The temple has preserved a well defined structure of Confucian learning institutuion and has preserved many monuments of writings of different languages of the minorities in North West China. The courtyard between buildings plants many flowers and fruits trees. The roofing and ceiling reflect the fine achitecture of its time.See more..
4.0Guanghua Pavillion(8 reviews) - Beautiful yet very important Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Guanghua Pavillion is internal and important part of Jiayuguan fort. It s beautiful standing and pagoda style room gives great character.See more..
4.0Inner City Wall(7 reviews) - A TRUE THRILL Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
this part of the wall is a real jam, lively colorful, with parades of actors in ancient dressings, a lot of crowds , music and fun !See more..
Please be aware there are two large courtyards, the South Mansion and the North Mansion. Most of people only visit the South one, which is bigger with opera performance. But the north one is quiet and also beautiful! The architecture in Hu Mansion is quite unique because it mixed the traditional Han culture in the central mainland and local art in Northwestern China. I will not suggest to buy the guide service. The girl only spent less than 10 minutes and talked very quickly.See more..
4.0Tianshui Immortal Cliff(6 reviews) - A real hidden gem! Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites
We changed our plan to visit this place when the Maijishan Grottoes was closed because of the rain, and we found a real hidden gem. Or I have to say, so far it is a hidden beauty! It is on the construction, sooner or later it will become another tourist attraction. Now you can see the ancient temples, statues, caves in bad but real condition. I hope the construction will not affect too much about the original buildings, however, what I could see was the temples are becoming quite new. I will suggest to come as soon as possible to see this hidden gem!See more..
4.0Dawuwei Ancient City(5 reviews) - One of the things you should see Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
If in Wuwei you should take the path past the reconstructed city gate, either by day or by night, or why not both. At night, not sure if this is an everyday event, but I think so, there is a light and fountain show. They also play music in loudspeakers that at first might seem a little bit too much, but then actually is quite ok. Not many tourists come to these parts of China, but I think Chinese tourists come here, and the Chinese are often out and about at night so you won’t be alone, a daytime visit might suite you better if you’re not into crowds.See more..
This barracks/ fortress visit was great. Complimentary performance of dance warriors happened to be on the go in the courtyard. Start of the Sulk Road traders route. Steeped in history. There is also a comprehensive display of the great wall at various locations showing the before and after restorations.See more..
I visited Shuiliandong with Don't Complain Travel. We took a taxi for a day from Tianshui and drove all the way to the entrance. There you'll have a little bus that can you to the Buddha Carvings. I've never seen something like that. You can continue all the way up the the "Water Curtain Cave" in which you will find a little temple with several houses. There's an old monk living there and it's a very quiet and beautiful place. We were offered some water from the holy spring, on which the last house is built on (we were able to look behind the wooden door). Definitely the highlight of my trip with Don't Complain Travel in China. Highly recommended!See more..
4.5Rouyuan Tower(4 reviews) - Another important part of the fort Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Rouyuan tower is important place in the fort and have played vital roll in the history of Silk route. See more..
4.0Linxia Nanguan Mosque(3 reviews) - A chinese architectural mosque of great antiquity Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Linxia is also called little Mecca because of its high proportion of Muslims in the population and it has this very old mosque built in Chinese style - especially the entrance. We had to wait for Friday prayers to finish before we could enter and then we were allocated a young guide who was the current protector of the mausoleum relating to the mosque's founder who introduced Islam to this area 1500 years ago. Outside I noticed older women with pink fez on their heads and asked our guide what they signified. None of us had seen anything like it - he went and asked one of the mosque attendants and he said the pink fez can only be worn by women who are the head (read boss) of the family. All along the roads in and out of Linxia were mosques or prayer halls - all with brightly coloured domes and minarets - every few hundred metres. We could not find out why as this was the country - rural farmers.See more..
4.5Ganzhou Ancient Tower(3 reviews) - This is real China Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Observation Decks & Towers
We visited Ganzhou with my wife's Chinese family and i saw the real China. No shopping malls, no tourists form the west, just the real people.This is not a tourist destination for Westerners but it should be if you want to see the real China.See more..
3.5Zhangye Bell of Tang Dynasty(3 reviews) - Surprise! Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
As my second time in China I could go to different places this time, I realized that this Bell Tower is a symbol of power! It stands proud on the middle of the city. It is really beautiful. See more..
join this traditional theater show, and enjoy this fantastic unique drama, that you may not understand the words, but you will definitely will be able to grasp the meanings, and of course enjoy the music, don't missSee more..
4.0Baiyin Tower of Red Army's Realignment(2 reviews) - The joining of three Chinese Workers and Peasants Red Armies Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites
In October 1935, the First, Second, and Fourth Routes of the Chinese Workers and Peasants Red Army met at the site of the old Huining Army in Gansu Province. This revolution site is where the three armies joined forces and were realigned. The Joining Forces Building was constructed during the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644), To honour the place where the forces joined, on the 50th anniversary in 1986 the Monument of Joining Forces was erected. It is referred to as “The Memorial Tower of the Joining Forces of the First, Second and Fourth Routes of Chinese Red Army." The Revolutionarily Cultural Artifacts Exhibition Hall of “The Red Army’s Joining Forces" contains many historical artifacts. This site is rated as a Chinese national 4A tourist attraction and a protected national key cultural relic. It is also used as a patriotic education base.See more..
4.0Lazikou Forest Park(2 reviews) - 红色旅游基地 Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Parks • Forests
