4 Fascinating Stops Along the Silk Road
in Gansu Province
- Written by Roi Alfassi
- Updated October 2025
Shrewd merchants, devout monks, and bold explorers—the stories of travel along Asia’s ancient Silk Road have captured the imagination of millions for centuries. Today, many travelers set out to experience this wonder for themselves!
Here is a journey through four extraordinary sites in Gansu Province, China, where the legacy of the Silk Road endures and continues to inspire modern adventurers.
The Silk Road – Monks, Merchants, and Barbarian Tribes
The ancient road, which began with the rise of the Han Dynasty (207 BCE – 220 CE), stretched from its capital Chang’an (today’s Xi’an) all the way to the Roman Empire. It comprised several routes along which goods were passed from hand to hand. The name Silk Road comes from one of the most important exports of China—silk. Yet, beyond silk, countless other goods traveled these dusty, cross-border paths, from Indian spices to prized horses. Perhaps even more importantly, the Silk Road served for thousands of years as a gateway for cultures and ideas. Exotic foreigners carrying their goods settled in China, introducing new ways of life never seen before, while Indian monks spreading the message of Buddhism turned the road into a spiritual journey. Centuries later, Jewish merchants also discovered the road, settling in China’s capital.
For hundreds of years, it was Gansu Province (Gānsù, 甘肃) that functioned as the main corridor for goods flowing in and out of China. Its economic and strategic significance made it a coveted region for China’s dynasties, who fought to control it against barbarian tribes and Central Asian peoples. For centuries, merchants and monks from across the world passed here, transporting silk to Asia and Europe while bringing in new ideas and religions. Many settled in small towns that developed along the route, turning Gansu into one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world of its time.
Some 500 years after the Silk Road was abandoned, modern development took over global trade routes, and many ancient towns lost their unique identity, giving way to bustling modern cities. Yet Gansu stands out—it seems that the rapid progress seen in other parts of China has not fully erased its charm. The province also endured the upheavals and internal conflicts that shook China in the 20th century. Today, it remains one of the best places in China to witness ancient historical legacies and experience the remnants of the fabled Silk Road.
Gansu: Untamed Nature and Rich History
The isolation of Gansu has also shaped the experience for travelers. Despite its glorious past, the province still sees relatively few tourists. Its untouched atmosphere makes it perfect for those seeking peace and quiet away from noisy crowds, though it may pose challenges for those who expect well-developed travel infrastructure. In most towns, there are only a handful of hotels or hostels, and many of them do not accept Western travelers. English is scarce to non-existent, and those who do not speak Mandarin (or even the local dialect) may find it difficult to get by.
However, if you can manage these challenges, you’ll discover a world of wild landscapes and extraordinary historical wealth. Wherever you go, look for the international hostel network YHA, marked with a blue triangle featuring a house and a tree, which is foreigner-friendly. If none exist in your area, it’s best to turn to the larger hotels and check. Usually, such hotels are authorized to host foreigners, and their prices are still lower compared to hotels in other provinces.
First Stop: Lanzhou (1–2 days) – Fascinating Silk Road Exhibits
A Silk Road journey through Gansu begins in its capital, Lanzhou (兰州, Lánzhōu). Years of industrialization and air pollution have left the city dusty and gray, making it for most people nothing more than a transit point. Yet for history lovers, it’s a stop not to be missed.
The highlight here is the Gansu Provincial Museum (甘肃省博物馆), which houses a large and unique collection of archaeological treasures from the diverse cultures that once passed through the region. You can easily spend several hours exploring its impressive exhibits, which include a paleontology section with fossils found in the province and a wide department dedicated to the Communist Revolution.
Getting there: Lanzhou is well connected by flights and trains from many cities across China. A popular route is the train from Xi’an (7–9 hours, ¥90–260).
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:00). Closed on Mondays.
Second Stop: Zhangye (2–3 days) – One of the Oldest Wooden Structures in China
The sleepy little town of Zhangye (张掖, Zhāngyè) was once one of the key gateways into China’s trade corridor and an important city along the Silk Road. It even hosted Marco Polo, who lived here for an entire year on his way to meet the Mongol ruler of China, Kublai Khan.
The city still preserves several ancient temples and pagodas, but its true highlight is the Giant Buddha Temple (Dàfó Sì, 大佛寺). Built in 1098, this magnificent temple is said in legend to be the birthplace of Kublai Khan himself. At its center lies the largest reclining Buddha in China, making it an extraordinary site to witness. Remarkably, the temple’s main Buddha Hall, made of wood, has survived for nearly a thousand years—making it one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in all of China.
Getting there: A new airport, located 13 km from town, currently offers one daily flight from Lanzhou (1 hour, ¥390), departing at 16:15. Most travelers arrive by train: from Lanzhou (5–6 hours, ¥75–215) or from Xi’an (13–19 hours, ¥110–440). The Giant Buddha Temple is located on the street named after it: Dàfó Sì Xiàng (大佛寺巷).
Entrance fees: Giant Buddha Temple – ¥40; Wooden Pagoda – ¥50.
Opening hours: Giant Buddha Temple – 7:30–17:30; Wooden Pagoda – 8:00–17:30.
About an hour and a half from Zhangye lies the main reason many travelers come to the city: the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (张掖丹霞国家地质公园). Over millions of years, geological processes in the sandstone created this surreal landscape, where the colorful mountains look as if they were painted straight from the imagination of Dr. Seuss.
Today the park is well organized for visitors, with internal shuttle buses and marked walking paths. Despite a rise in tourism in recent years, its remote location in Gansu keeps it from becoming overly commercialized. This means you can still enjoy a few peaceful hours wandering among the vibrant hills and ridges. One thing is certain: every photo you take here will become a conversation piece among your friends.
Getting there: The rainbow mountains are about 40 km from Zhangye. Buses depart hourly from the West Bus Station (Qìchē xīzhàn, 汽车西站) between 9:00–12:00, and also at 15:30 and 16:30 (1.5 hours, ¥10).
Entrance fee: ¥60 (includes internal shuttle service between the four main viewing platforms).
Opening hours: Summer – 5:30–20:00; Winter – 8:00–18:00.
Mati Temple (马蹄寺) – The Horse Hoof Temple
Another highlight near Zhangye is the Mati Temple (Mǎtí Sì, 马蹄寺), located about two hours from the city. Here the landscape changes dramatically—desert sands give way to golden fields and snow-capped mountains that paint the horizon with striking colors. Amid this stunning scenery stands the temple itself, carved miraculously into a 100-meter-high cliff face.
The temple, whose name means “Horse Hoof Temple,” was created by monks traveling along the Silk Road who used the cliffs to carve out dozens of small Buddhist caves throughout the area. Today, many of these caves remain, housing statues that are maintained by the local Yugur minority who live nearby. The combination of sacred grottoes and wild natural surroundings makes Mati Temple a perfect spot for a relaxed day trip before heading back toward the rainbow mountains.
Getting there: Mati Temple is about 65 km from Zhangye. From the South Bus Station, frequent buses go to the nearby village of Mati He (马蹄河) in 2–3 hours (¥15). From there, a short taxi ride takes you to the site. Keep in mind that the last bus back leaves around 16:00 from Mati He. Many travelers choose to hire a taxi for a round trip, which costs around ¥200.
Entrance fee: ¥70 (¥35 for the nature reserve, ¥35 for the temple).
Opening hours: 8:00–18:00.
Third Stop: Jiayuguan (1–2 days) – The Edge of Chinese Civilization
The magnificent Jiayuguan Pass (嘉峪关, Jiāyùguān) marks the westernmost point of the Great Wall, built by the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). For centuries, it symbolized the very boundary of Chinese civilization. Constructed around 1372, Jiayuguan was long regarded as a place of exile—government outcasts and criminals would pass through here on their way to a life of banishment in the desert.
Today, it is precisely this sense of isolation that gives Jiayuguan its power. Set against the dramatic backdrop of vast desert plains and snowcapped mountains, the fortress remains one of the most striking and authentic sections of the Great Wall you can visit in China.
Getting there: Jiayuguan is easily reached by regular trains from Lanzhou (7–9 hours, ¥100–300) or from Zhangye (2–3 hours, ¥35–130). Buses are also available (3–4 hours, ¥60–100) from the West Bus Station. The pass is located 6 km from the city center, and a taxi to the entrance costs about ¥10.
Entrance fee: May–October – ¥101; November–April – ¥61.
Opening hours: May–October – 8:30–20:00; November–April – 8:30–18:00.
Fourth Stop: Dunhuang and the Mogao Caves (2–3 days) – 500 Prayer Caves and Murals
For centuries, the oasis town of Dunhuang (敦煌, Dūnhuáng) served as the gateway for goods and Buddhism entering China. Nomads would stop here to rest, quench their thirst, and gather supplies, while Chinese merchants came to trade with sellers from all across Central Asia. At its peak, this small town hosted representatives of almost every people imaginable.
Modern-day Dunhuang still captivates visitors with its mix of delicious food, talented artists, and fascinating attractions. The town is especially famous for the Mogao Caves (Mògāo kū, 莫高窟)—a complex of about 500 grottoes, carved into cliffs and decorated with exquisite murals and statues, making it one of the most important collections of Buddhist art in the world.
Beyond the caves, the surrounding area offers much more: the singing sand dunes (Mingsha Shan), remnants of different eras of the Great Wall (from the Han Dynasty, 206 BCE–220 CE, and the Ming Dynasty, 1368–1644), and a lively night market filled with souvenirs and restaurants serving barbecue skewers. In the evening, the small town comes alive with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Getting there: Dunhuang Airport is located 13 km from town and operates flights from several destinations, including one daily flight from Lanzhou (1.5 hours, ¥300–700). Alternatively, three trains depart daily from Lanzhou in the afternoon and evening (13–15 hours, ¥140–400), stopping in Zhangye and Jiayuguan along the way.
The Mogao Caves (莫高窟) – A Buddhist Artistic Treasure
Just a few kilometers from Dunhuang lies what can only be described as the greatest artistic treasure of Buddhism: the Mogao Caves (Mògāo kū, 莫高窟). Carved into a limestone cliff, these caves are nothing short of a historical wonder, and their contribution to the study of Chinese and Buddhist history and culture is immeasurable.
Over a period of a thousand years, monks carved out nearly 500 prayer caves, which today reveal 45,000 square meters of murals, sculptures, and unique manuscripts. The art here spans from the 4th to the 14th centuries, offering an unparalleled glimpse into life during those eras. The murals depict portraits of local leaders, famous historical figures, and even lost traditions of China, such as dances and burial ceremonies.
One hidden cave, discovered only in the last century, contained thousands of manuscripts that shed light on the history of the site and even helped linguists decipher Asian languages once thought to be lost.
Visiting the Mogao Caves is possible only with a guided tour. Guides lead visitors through a selection of caves, which changes daily. Tours are usually conducted in Chinese, but English tours are available three times a day (9:00, 12:00, and 14:00) at a slightly higher price (¥180 in summer, ¥100 in winter). It is recommended to bring a personal flashlight. Note: Photography inside the caves is strictly prohibited.
Getting there: The caves are located 25 km from Dunhuang. Most visitors arrive by hostel shuttles or taxi, though local buses are also available.
Entrance fee: April–October – ¥160; November–March – ¥80 (includes guide and entry to the museum).
Opening hours: April–October – 8:20–18:00; November–March – 9:20–17:30.
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