Echoes of the Gobi: From Jiayuguan to the Singing Dunes

Journey across the shifting sands and storied outposts of the ancient Silk Road with this 10-day adventure through the Gansu Corridor and into the edge of the Gobi Desert. From Jiayuguan’s legendary Great Wall fortress to the magical Singing Sand Dunes of Dunhuang, you’ll walk in the footsteps of traders, monks, and nomads who shaped the culture and commerce of Eurasia.

This route is for curious travelers drawn to vast desert landscapes, Buddhist cave art, camel caravans, and sunset-lit sandscapes — a dramatic blend of history and natural beauty.

From $2,750 per person
(Double occupancy. Single supplement: $420)

Book now

What’s Included

9 nights in handpicked hotels and desert lodges
All breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners
Private transportation throughout
Domestic train (Lanzhou to Jiayuguan)
All entrance fees to attractions
English-speaking local guide
Camel ride at Singing Dunes
Cultural activities (paper-cutting, desert music night)
Airport/train transfers

Tour Highlights

Walk the Great Wall’s western edge at Jiayuguan
See the famous Danxia Rainbow Mountains
Discover the spiritual world of the Mogao Caves
Ride camels and experience the surreal Singing Dunes
Learn how the Silk Road shaped art, trade, and belief

What’s Not Included

Best seasons: April–June or September–October
Moderate physical activity, some long drives
Desert nights can be cool — pack layers
Respect for cave site rules and photography restrictions is essential

Important Information for Tourists

Visa: A valid Chinese tourist visa is required before arrival. We can provide an invitation letter if needed.
Best Travel Time: April–June and September–October (comfortable temperatures and clear skies)
Activity Level: Moderate – includes walking on uneven terrain and short desert hikes
Luggage: One medium suitcase and one daypack recommended
Climate Variability: Expect temperature swings from hot deserts to cooler mountain evenings
Local Customs: Respect for regional cultures, especially in Xinjiang, is expected (modest dress recommended in Muslim-majority areas)

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival in Lanzhou
Meet and greet, hotel check-in
Orientation dinner featuring Gansu-style hand-pulled noodles
Overnight in Lanzhou

Day 2 – Train to Jiayuguan
High-speed train through the Hexi Corridor
Visit Jiayuguan Fort, the symbolic western end of the Great Wall
Explore the ancient outpost and local museum
Overnight in Jiayuguan

Day 3 – Great Wall & Desert Edge
Hike along Overhanging Great Wall
Visit ancient tombs and murals
Intro to Silk Road history at a local cultural center
Overnight in Jiayuguan

Day 4 – Zhangye Danxia Landforms
Drive to Zhangye, visit the stunning Rainbow Mountains
Sunset over the Danxia formations — a photographer’s dream
Overnight in Zhangye

Day 5 – Giant Buddha & Buddhist Heritage
Visit the Giant Reclining Buddha Temple, over 30 meters long
Free time in Zhangye’s charming old town
Overnight in Zhangye

Day 6 – Journey to Dunhuang
Long drive across desert roads to Dunhuang, once a key Silk Road hub
Evening walk along the river and night market snacks
Overnight in Dunhuang

Day 7 – Mogao Caves
Visit the UNESCO-listed Mogao Grottoes — a masterpiece of Buddhist cave art
Special access to less-visited caves
Optional visit to Dunhuang Research Academy
Overnight in Dunhuang

Day 8 – Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Lake
Morning camel ride to the Singing Sand Dunes
Visit mystical Crescent Lake, an oasis in the sands
Try sandboarding or relax at the dunes
Overnight in Dunhuang

Day 9 – Desert Culture Day
Learn about desert survival, caravan history, and Uyghur musical traditions
Enjoy a farewell desert campfire dinner with live music
Overnight in Dunhuang

Day 10 – Departure
Transfer to Dunhuang airport or train station
End of tour

ChinaJTSS

About us

Contacts

Echoes of the Gobi: From Jiayuguan to the Singing Dunes

What’s Included

Tour Highlights

What’s Not Included

Important Information for Tourists

ITINERARY

Jon M. – USA

Keiko T. – Japan

Stefan L. – Germany

John Morgan

Michael West

Richard Brown

ChinaJTSS