Transfer to the train station or the airport for your onward journey.

Rainbow Mountains and Dunhuang
Rainbow Mountains and Dunhuang
Extraordinary natural wonders abound
This tour takes you into the relatively undiscovered region of Gansu Province, which lies on the ancient Silk Road. The extraordinary landscape of Zhangye National Geopark, with its colourful rock formations, is not to be missed. Within easy reach of the city of Dunhuang are the Mingsha Sand Dunes and the unusual Cresent Moon Lake, an oasis in the desert. The nearby Mogao Grottoes, displaying a rich array of Buddhist art are considered to be the best of their kind within China. This is a fascinating region, and a real opportunity to explore off the beaten track!
Locations you will be visiting
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Zhangye, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Zhangye with this handy destination guide.
2 Days
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Jiayuguan, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Jiayuguan with this handy destination guide.
1 Day
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Dunhuang, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Dunhuang with this handy destination guide.
2 Days
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
Rainbow Mountains and Dunhuang
6 day Tour Itinerary
An overview of your trip
DAY 1 Xian to Zhangye
Take a bullet train from Xian to Zhangye (approx 7 hours). Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 2 Rainbow Mountains
Visit Zhangye Danxia Mountains, also known as the Rainbow Mountains, are made up of a variety of vivid colours. which developed around 200 million years ago. Covering an area of over 400 square kilometres, it is composed of lots of smooth and sharp cliffs, most of which are several hundred meters high. In the
afternoon, visit the remarkable Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye, the largest architectural relic in Gansu from the Western Xia period, is home to China’s largest reclining Buddha.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3 Zhangye to Jiayuguan
Transfer to the train station for the bullet train to Jiayuguan. In the afternoon visit Jiayuguan Fort, the Great Wall Museum and the Overhanging Great Wall.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Bullet Train
DAY 4 Jiayuguan to Dunhuang
Visit the Weijin Tomb Murals, before driving to Dunhuang, upon arrival check into your hotel, and in the late afternoon visit the Mingsha Sand Dunes and the Crescent Moon Lake.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Drive
DAY 5 Dunhuang
Morning visit to the impressive Mogao Grottoes. In the afternoon, visit the West Thousand Buddha Cave. Continue to the Yumen Pass, which was originally built more than 2,000 years ago. You will also have the opportunity to see the ruined Great Wall from the Han Dynasty. In the evening, visit the fascinating night market.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6 Dunhuang and Onward Journey
- Meals included: Breakfast
Optional Extras - Cultural Experiences
There is some free time in your itinerary for you to explore on your own, or treat yourself to an excursion. Use the links below to create a to-do list, or, if you’d prefer us to book you onto one of these or any other excursions, please let us know when booking your tour.
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China
China: Tai Chi Lesson
Practise this ancient martial art with a Tai Chi lesson
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China
China: Calligraphy Lesson
Create your own piece with a class in Chinese caligraphy
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China
China: Tea Tasting
Appreciate the varying blends of Chinese tea at a tasting
Sample Accommodation
Your holiday details
China: Rainbow Mountains and Dunhuang
from£1,199
What's included:
- 4* accommodation based on twin share
- Transfers
- Transportation
- Tours as stated
- Meals as specified
- International flights
- China visa and fees
- Tips
- Personal Spending
- Travel Insurance
Price from £1,199
Single room supplement from £199
(sole passenger prices on request)
Prices and products are subject to availability at the time of booking.
The deposit for these arrangements is £300 per person. Balance is due 12 weeks before departure.
When making an enquiry or reservation we will request your contact details, however no payment will be required at this stage. We will contact you for payment details and to confirm your booking, your details and the details of those travelling with you along with any extras you’d like to add.
TOUR MAP

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