Things to do & places to visit in Gansu, China

Gansu #25 destination in China 2023. The average rating score is 4.25 based on 5.988 traveler reviews, of 505 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Chongqing, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 18:59.

Gansu Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in April

63°F - 35°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Cold with a gentle breeze

Feels like

23%

Chance of rain

73.0 millimeters

Amount

11.5 mph

Wind speed

52%

Humidity

13.1

Daylight length

6:33 AM

Sunrise

7:36 PM

Sunset

52%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (29)

Top destinations in Gansu 69

See more 57 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 DunHuang Travel Guide (104 reviews)
- Excellent service
Historical & Heritage Tours • Eco Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours

Richard was recommended to us by a friend when we were days from the start of our Dunhuang - Xining Silk Road trip. We had originally planned to look after ourselves for the trip but after enquiring with Richard it became obvious that using his services was the smart option. He promptly replied with a proposed itinerary, as well as a quote for a car and driver at each of our destinations which was surprisingly reasonable. Throughout the trip Richard swiftly answered any questions we had on wechat and everything went extremely smoothly. He is extremely knowledgeable about the area and we felt safe under his guidance. Highly recommend. See more..
4.5 Mogao Caves (880 reviews)
- Educational, cultural and a genuinely interesting place to visit!
Monday: 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..
4.5 Mingsha Shan - Echoing-Sand Mountain (439 reviews)
- Tickets are good for three days
Monday: 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM Mountains

We really enjoyed the striking views of the sand dunes. The entrance fee is 100 RM, but the ticket is actually good for three days, so you can come back at sunset and sunrise if you want. Once you are inside, you have an option to take a bus to the base of a dune for a small fee, or to take a camel ride, or rent an ATV. We choose none of the above and simply walked. slightly off the main bath was a path thru some greenery which was much cooler. On the main dune they have set wires in the sand to give you a little traction going up. There are plenty of concessions within the park and you can wander about as much as you want. According to the signage their is no worries about erosion of the dune because so much sand gets blown up every day. See more..
4.5 Zhangye Danxia Geopark (301 reviews)
- Gorgeous spot to just sit and be!
Parks • Geologic Formations

I’ve been dreaming of coming to the Rainbow Mountains since I moved to China in 2012 and they did not disappoint. Some say 3 hours at the park is enough, but not for me! I love that they have hop on hop off buses so you can enjoy the spots at your own pace. At the first stop (if you come in from the West Gate…No. 2 is what some call it), there is a coffee shop up a ways with great coffee and some shady spots to enjoy the view. At every stop there are food, vending machines, and restrooms. When you buy a ticket, it is also good for the next day (but you’ll need to pay 20¥ for the bus fee on the second day at the ticket counter). You can go in at 5:30 and experience the morning sunlight on the mountains. So gorgeous and much quieter without all the hustle and bustle of the midday crowds. The no. 4 platform was by far my favorite stop on the bus route to just sit and be and enjoy. Definitely worth the trip! See more..
4.5 Labrang Monastery (Labuleng Si) (228 reviews)
- Serene
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites

Considered one of the six great monasteries of the Gelukpa (Yellow Hat) Sect, this complex contains more than 2,000 monks in residence plus eighteen halls, six institutes of learning, a golden stupa and nearly 60,000 sutras. See more..
4.5 Yadan National Geological Park (179 reviews)
- Remote, Scenic Sites in Dunhuang
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM National Parks • Parks • Geologic Formations

The Yadan (Dunhuang) Geological Park is a large, remote desert area that had been designated by UNESCO as both a World Cultural Heritage Site and a Global Geopark for its importance in the history (Silk Road) and a unique, natural scenic area. in the GeoPark, there is a modern visitor center with displays describing the area's history. Just outside the rear door of the visitor center, is the Small Fangpan Castle and is located in Yumen Pass. Also from the Visitor Center, there are shuttle buses that takes you to the ancient Han Dynasty Great Wall section. As can be seen in my photos of this section of the Great Wall, the design and construction is very much different than the sections of the Great Wall that is located in central and eastern China. So if you are interested in seeing ancient and historic sites of the Silk Road era like I am, then these attractions are for you. See more..
4.5 Gansu Provincial Museum (126 reviews)
- Fun for just under acouple of hours
Monday: History Museums

Great collection of fossils and some lovely bronze age horses! There is an entire room dedicated to just pottery from pre-bronze age which was a bit repetitive for me but to each their own! The fossil/dinosaur rooms were great with good mix of English signs. There are entire rooms made up to look like some of the great sights of the silk roads which was different! But fun. Entrance was tricky as the tickets are only available through their Chinese only app and they were quite rude about allowing me entrance dispute my various green codes and recent NAT negative result so be warned! See more..
4.5 Maiji 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..
4.5 Bingling 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..
4.5 West Wall (60 reviews)
- Nice view in winter
Monday: 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..
4.5 Dunhuang Grotto Art Protection,Examination and Exhibition Center (55 reviews)
- Tibetan statues in Dunhuang Exhibition Center
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Art Museums

Tibetan statues are the real masterpieces of art. Great and unexpected experience. The most striking fact is that statues are real. Rest of items and pictures in the Center are copies. See more..
4.5 Langmu Temple (50 reviews)
- There are two temples (gompas) in Langmusi
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites

It is unfortunate that TripAdvisor lists "Langmu Temple" as if there is only one temple in town, but there are actually two distinct, independent temples with very different architectural structure (not to mention separate entrance fees). Serti gompa: the shiny gold temples to the north. Kerti gompa: the wooden, seemingly run-down temples to the south. Kerti is the original temple of the town, but Serti was constructed with financial support from the Chinese government. Note that the entrance to Namo Gorge (which is unfortunately unlisted on TripAdvisor; it is quite beautiful) is behind Kerti Gompa. It is possible to go independently, but plan at least 4 hours to explore the gorge and come back. Make SURE that you come back before it starts to become dark, as the Tibetan nomads who live in tents in the gorge will unchain their dogs at night to protect the livestock. See more..
4.5 Mati Temple Scenic Resort (44 reviews)
- Beautiful Setting
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks • Forests

I visited here as part of a 32-day solo holiday with China Private Tours. The Mati Temple is a 90-minute or so scenic drive out of Zhangye. Tourists have been flocking to Zhangye with the growing popularity of the Danxia Rainbow Hills and I was able to see Mati in the morning and the hills in the afternoon quite comfortably. Mati Temple is set in the side of a sheer mountain rock wall, surrounded by snow-peaked mountains, which makes the scene quite beautiful. There is a bit of a walk involved from the village parking but nothing too strenuous. I was lucky to be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who was able to explain all the significance of the temple to the local Tibetan people. The intricately inked coloured flags are particularly fascinating. The gold Buddha inside a cave is an impressive sight. Mati Temple should absolutely be on your to-do list if in Zhangye. See more..
4.5 Wei-Jin Tombs (39 reviews)
- Spectacular, beautiful impressions from the Wei-Jin period
Monday: 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..
4.5 North Great Wall (36 reviews)
- the most impressing view of the western great wall of china.
Monday: 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..
4.5 Maiji Mountain (33 reviews)
- The mountain and its caves
Monday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mountains

The mountain is noted for its caves, Maiji Grottoes. One hour or so away from the city, we took a nap on the way for our later climb at the mountain. After entering the main entrance, we took a buggy car to the mountain feet and walked uphill. The mountain looks like a hay stack, or a bump on the plain vast land with dense trees. Yet the climb was a strenuous task coz it is very tiresomely steep, even worse when the sun comes out at noon. Once we were on the top, it was all worthy! We got to see some important caves and open our eyesight on the forest under our foot. It was like the stairway to heaven, ha. * The climb is not suitable for young kids and elders, or people with acrophobia. See more..
4.5 Pingshan Grand Canyon (26 reviews)
- Amazing View
Spent 2-3 hours Canyons

You can take a bus from the west bus station at 9:45 about CNY 15 but not positive and it will drop you at the park entrance. The return bus leaves between 16:00 and 16:30 but whatever time it is, you will have plenty of time in the park. We did the main bus/walking tour although they have a new part for over CNY 300 they tried to sell us. The food stalls near the park entrance were well priced and we had a nice lunch before entering. The park is amazing and I highly recommend! See more..
4.5 Dunhuang Theater (26 reviews)
- Unbelievably excellent
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

We were strongly recommended to attend this by our tour guide (who we rather unfairly suspected of getting a commission, but actually got us a large discount). It's easily the most spectacular show in the world. It's outdoors and can be quite chilly, but don't be deterred. There are four separate outdoor stages and the whole auditorium rotates to face each in turn - quite a surprise the first time it happens. It's a usual sort of star-crossed lovers but the spectacle makes the story not very necessary. DO NOT MISS THIS See more..
4.5 Kongtong Mountain (24 reviews)
- Kongtong Mountain -- Very Pretty
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Most Chinese-language reviewers adore this place and deservedly so. Though the original Daoist structures were almost certainly destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, unlike elsewhere in China -- notably Longhu Mountain in Jiangxi -- the replacement temples are at least likely similar to what was destroyed. The mountain is high and grand, especially the side with the Daoist (not the side with the Buddhist) temples. So a lot of steep climbing will be before you. But my wife and I found it very rewarding. Try to go during the week and not on holidays to avoid the crowds. Kongtong Mountain looks like one of these Chinese medieval landscape paintings. See more..
4.5 Yellow River Stone Forest of Jingtai (22 reviews)
- Breathtaking geological creation
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks • Geologic Formations

Spectacular, breathtaking scenery in all directions. The stone forest is massive and has an estimated creation date going back four billion years. See more..
4.5 Binggou Danxia Scenic Area (22 reviews)
- Number 1 choice over rainbow mountains!
Spent 1-2 hours Canyons

Arguably better than the rainbow mountains and much quieter! A great place to spend a few hours with incredible scenery! Great value for money, and worth paying extra for the buggy ride. The ticket included golf carts around the full park, a go on an army duck, camel ride (although I refuse to do this on principle) and walking scenic routes. Staff were all very jolly and helpful! Was lovely being somewhere so beautiful without many tourists! See more..
4.5 Yulin Grotto (21 reviews)
- Worthwhile stop
Monday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Caverns & Caves • Monuments & Statues

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..
4.0 Crescent Moon Pool (388 reviews)
- Nice views from the top of the sand dune
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Hot Springs & Geysers

We visited on Christmas Day, so the pool was frozen over. The views from the top of the sand dune were still incredible though, but we didn’t walk around the oasis. It probably looks much better during summer time. See more..
4.0 Great Wall at Jiayuguan Pass (194 reviews)
- Most Western Side Great Wall
Monday: 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..
4.0 Iron Bridge of Yellow River (193 reviews)
- Day & Night View
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bridges

We enjoyed the scenery at this First Bridge of Yellow River, from the crowd to the scenery along the river front. As advised by our hotel staff, we stayed back till the evening to see the night scene with all the lightings on the bridge as well as the buildings near the river bank. See more..
4.0 Jiayuguan Fortress (168 reviews)
- Beautiful Fortress at Jiayuguan Pass
Monday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM Ancient Ruins

This is a beautifully maintained fortress that is located at a strategic location - Jiayuguan Pass which is an important passage for the ancient Silk Road and it is also the location for the western end of the Great Wall.. This fortress is a very photogenic structure in this remote area of China - large and imposing. We walked around grounds of the fortress and on the fortress walls that overlook the Pass area. A must see place while in Jiayuguan because it served as an important location along the Silk Road. See more..
4.0 Dafo Temple of Zhangye (130 reviews)
- Marco Polo’s own review of this temple
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites

Here’s Marco Polo’s review of this very temple, from around 800 years ago: “The people are Idolaters, Saracens, and Christians, and the latter have three very fine churches in the city, whilst the Idolaters have many minsters and abbeys after their fashion. In these they have an enormous number of idols, both small and great, certain of the latter being a good ten paces in stature; some of them being of wood, others of clay, and others yet of stone. They are all highly polished, and then covered with gold. The great idols of which I speak lie at length. And round about them there are other figures of considerable size, as if adoring and paying homage before them.” See more..
4.0 Yumen Pass (115 reviews)
- Wonderful scenery
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Ancient Ruins

I really loved the scenery here! It takes around an hour to get here from Dunhuang. We did it as part of a tour. We also visited Yangguan Pass which is also very beautiful. I purchased the audio tour for ¥40 at the entrance. You can choose a number of languages, but I don’t suggest doing it as it’s not that informative. We got on a bus and we’re taken to 3 different sites and spent around half an hour at each place before getting back on the bus. It was a wonderful experience, made better by the clear skies and seeing the sunset! See more..
4.0 Great Wall of Han Dynasty (98 reviews)
- Go quick as it's disappearing
Monday: 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..
4.0 White Pagoda Mountain (Baita) (95 reviews)
- Closed temples nice views
Monday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mountains

The actual temples are closed and appear have been for some time. There is a lovely Poeny Pagoda with some nice views but the main temples and Stele park are all closed. There is a nice bar with a great view to relax at See more..