4 Star Places To Visit in Gansu, China (50)

1. 4.5 Mogao 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..
   
2. 4.5 Mingsha Shan - Echoing-Sand Mountain (439 reviews)
   - Tickets are good for three days
   Wednesday: 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..
   
3. 4.0 Crescent Moon Pool (388 reviews)
   - Nice views from the top of the sand dune
   Wednesday: 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. 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..
   
5. 4.5 Labrang Monastery (Labuleng Si) (228 reviews)
   - Serene
   Wednesday: 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..
   
6. 4.0 Great 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..
   
7. 4.0 Iron Bridge of Yellow River (193 reviews)
   - Day & Night View
   Wednesday: 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..
   
8. 4.5 Yadan National Geological Park (179 reviews)
   - Remote, Scenic Sites in Dunhuang
   Wednesday: 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..
   
9. 4.0 Jiayuguan Fortress (168 reviews)
   - Beautiful Fortress at Jiayuguan Pass
   Wednesday: 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..
   
10. 4.0 Dafo Temple of Zhangye (130 reviews)
    - Marco Polo’s own review of this temple
    Wednesday: 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..
    
11. 4.5 Gansu Provincial Museum (126 reviews)
    - Fun for just under acouple of hours
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 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..
    
12. 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..
    
13. 4.0 Yumen Pass (115 reviews)
    - Wonderful scenery
    Wednesday: 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..
    
14. 4.0 Great 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..
    
15. 4.0 White Pagoda Mountain (Baita) (95 reviews)
    - Closed temples nice views
    Wednesday: 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..
    
16. 4.0 Shazhou Nightly Market (94 reviews)
    - Great place for eating at the dining square
    Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    A cultural experience. Great for an enjoyable evening walk, dining on local foods, and many interesting locally made souvenirs. See more..
    
17. 4.0 Dunhuang Museum (85 reviews)
    - Good place to understand the history of Silk road
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM History Museums
    
    
    I don't know why there were not many visitors here, I found the place very informative, all visitors should come here to understand the history of Dunhuang before heading to the Mogao Caves. The best part is: there have the replica of the Mogao cave that allows you to take photo. See more..
    
18. 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..
    
19. 4.0 Lanzhou 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..
    
20. 4.5 West 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..
    
21. 4.0 Yangguan Historic Sites (56 reviews)
    - Wonderful scenery!
    Historic Sites
    
    
    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..
    
22. 4.5 Dunhuang Grotto Art Protection,Examination and Exhibition Center (55 reviews)
    - Tibetan statues in Dunhuang Exhibition Center
    Wednesday: 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..
    
23. 4.5 Langmu Temple (50 reviews)
    - There are two temples (gompas) in Langmusi
    Wednesday: 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..
    
24. 4.0 Wuquan Mountain Park (49 reviews)
    - BEAUTIFUL Park!
    Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Parks
    
    
    Going to this park was one of my favorite things we did while in China. When we drove up we could see 40-50 locals doing dance in a big courtyard. As we walked on, we saw older people playing hacky sack, badmitton, singing as a group and playing instruments. It was so nice to get to see so many local people. They were very interested in our daughter (we were 2 Americans-there adopting our daughter) but also very, very nice. The zoo in this park is pathetic though-totally not something you would ever see in the U.S.-concrete slabs with animals on them. There is also a monastary in the park which we enjoyed seeing as well. It is just a beautiful, picturesque area. We loved it! The bathroom facilities were one of the worst we saw in China....so definitely be prepared for that. Squatty potties do not put me off but, after taking one look at the bathroom here I decided I could hold it. :) See more..
    
25. 4.0 Xiqian 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..
    
26. 4.0 Great Wall Museum of Jiayuguan (46 reviews)
    - Interesting and well done
    Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM Speciality Museums
    
    
    This is now a part of the Jiayuguan pass area (not in the town where the map suggests.) When you buy a ticket for the fortress it gives you entry to the museum (as well as the West and East Great Wall areas.) The museum is a good introduction to the history of the wall from the construction to the military use. There is plenty of English to guide you through, although not for every single item displayed. See more..
    
27. 4.0 Sangke Grassland (45 reviews)
    - Take Nomad Travel's Day Trip to Sangke Grasslands
    Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    Nomad Travel's day trip to the Sangke Grasslands gives you an authentic experience of the area unlike any other available option. Wandhikhar grew up in a nomadic Tibetan family and his knowledge of the culture and lifestyle of the local people runs deep. He makes sure to take you way past all the touristy and kitschy Han-run establishments and go deep into the area to see a real, unspoiled view of the area. You'll be able to have a meal at a local dining establishment, hike some of the peaks and even stop into a Tibetan family's tent for tea and snacks. These families are not expecting visitors, and Wandhikhar does not contact them in advance, making it a genuine and unique experience you won't ever forget. I highly recommend contacting Nomad Travel (located inside the Nirvana Hotel in Xiahe)...this was an incredible experience that I will never forget! See more..
    
28. 4.5 Mati Temple Scenic Resort (44 reviews)
    - Beautiful Setting
    Wednesday: 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..
    
29. 4.5 Wei-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..
    
30. 4.0 The First Strategic Post (39 reviews)
    - Jiayuguan site we enjoyed the most
    Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings
    
    
    This is one of the sites offered on the Combined ticket for Jiayuguan. Senior discounted ticket RMB 55, with passport, 60+. Initially we didn't want to visit since it just looked like a "pile of rocks" left, bu we had still lot's of time "to kill" on that day. Are we glad we went it was definitely the highlight of our day. In the museum (which usually we ignore) they had this great photo exhibit of the great wall taken by the missionary Willian Edgar Geil in 1907/1908 and then in comparison by William Lindesay starting in 1987 at the same spots. Initially it's not visible but the the museum side is on top of a cliff with a beautiful colored river at the bottom. There is some kind of fort below with a hanging bridge to cross the river. You have a view across the steppe and see two mountain ranges, one capped with snow. It was quite enjoyable to hang out there. Since we travel between Mid Autumn Festival and National days is was very quiet there. See more..
    
31. 4.5 North 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..
    
32. 4.5 Maiji Mountain (33 reviews)
    - The mountain and its caves
    Wednesday: 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..
    
33. 4.0 East Great Wall (33 reviews)
    - Serene Desert Views
    Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
    
    
    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..
    
34. 4.0 Zhengning Road Night Market (32 reviews)
    - Great taste of local flavours
    Flea & Street Markets
    
    
    I like trying new things, especially local cuisine, and even more so when it’s cheap. This street is packed at night with vendors selling local specialties including mutton sandwiches, muesli hot drinks, potato cakes which look like giant hashbrowns and the best hand cut and freshly fried potato chips with local spices. See more..
    
35. 4.0 Binhe Park of Lanzhou (32 reviews)
    - The Yellow River as the Mother of China
    Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks
    
    
    The Yellow River is considered the mother of China and here in Binhe Park along the south shore of the river is a statue representing the river mother. There are also other Lanzhou attractions in the park, such as the water wheels and the iron bridge. The park itself makes for a nice stroll along the Yellow River and is popular with the locals. However, keep in mind that the river's water levels sometimes rise to the point where parts of the park become inaccessible (as during my first visit in August 2020). See more..
    
36. 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..
    
37. 4.0 Ganjia Grassland (26 reviews)
    - Wind, sun, sky, and silence
    Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Ranches
    
    
    The Ganja grasslands are a stunning landscape of wide open steppe covered by an enormous sky. It's a place for beauty and reflection, which you can do either hiking or biking or walking or driving or just standing still and listening to the silence. It's definitely worth a full afternoon's visit. See more..
    
38. 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..
    
39. 4.5 Kongtong Mountain (24 reviews)
    - Kongtong Mountain -- Very Pretty
    Wednesday: 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..
    
40. 4.0 Leitai Park of Wuwei (22 reviews)
    - Park free, museum free, tomb fee to enter
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Parks
    
    
    Nice park to walk in. Modern, life size sculpture of the tomb offering. Museum small (many objects taken to Lanzhou), but still some objects to see. Pay to enter the tomb, bare, but interesting to see the real thing, the design, and the build. See more..
    
41. 4.5 Yellow River Stone Forest of Jingtai (22 reviews)
    - Breathtaking geological creation
    Wednesday: 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..
    
42. 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..
    
43. 4.0 Lanzhou Xiguan Mosque (22 reviews)
    - Lanzhou halal beef noodle
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Religious Sites
    
    
    Best Lanzhou noodle in town . Look at the daily long line and self served . Sold out by around 2pm . The "Mc-noodle" processes of the freshly made or pulled , cook , added hot beef soup , chills oil ! The best is able to provide sizes of noodle , size 1,2,3 ....from fine to Undong .... Less than RMB$10 per bowl. Highly recommended! See more..
    
44. 4.5 Yulin Grotto (21 reviews)
    - Worthwhile stop
    Wednesday: 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..
    
45. 4.0 Dongfanghong Square (21 reviews)
    - Lanzhou Square
    Visitor Centers • Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    This is a special area in Lanzhou, not only for westerns but also for locals. You can find different stores for shopping and restaurants and/or cafes for eating local tyical food or something different, like pizza at Pizza Hut. Definetely one of my favorite areas in the city. After shopping or eating, just walk a little bit and you will reach the Yellow River border for a walk. It´s really worth! See more..
    
46. 4.5 Dunhuang Leiyin Temple (21 reviews)
    - Beautiful Buddhist temple complex in Dunhuang
    Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Religious Sites
    
    
    Dunhuang was my first stop during my trip to the Silk Road. Dunhuang is a small town but very rich in the history of the Silk Road, and is home to extraordinary sites with Buddhist art. The Lei Yin temple complex is located inside the town of Dunhuang, and is easily accessible from several nearby hotels. The complex consists of several temples with Buddhist art, all of which are very well preserved. Worth a visit! I highly recommend contacting China Highlights, who organized my tailor-made itinerary to the Silk Road in China. See more..
    
47. 4.0 Fuxi 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..
    
48. 4.0 Tianzang Platform of Langmu Temple (18 reviews)
    - just a place where funeral held.
    Religious Sites
    
    
    it's in the Langmusi Temple, but u also can go along the river and find a branch on your right up to get there. See more..
    
49. 4.0 Taishan Temple of Qin'an (17 reviews)
    - 有点荒芜感
    Religious Sites
    
    
    5.1去的，绿色太少了，没有感觉到泰山的威武，总觉得像个老人。其实爬泰山就是登阶梯，整个的维护并没有做好，有点让我这个江南人失望。 See more..
    
50. 4.0 National Wetland Park (17 reviews)
    - Crystal clear waters
    National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    
    
    Truly organic wetland park. Lots of reeds, some scattered trees, some people were fishing, others sightseeing via a bus like vehicle, and a few on bicycles. See more..