Gansu
Gansu is a featured travel region of China with 20 highlighted destinations. This guide is being expanded with practical visitor information, travel tips, maps, FAQs, and more.
Quick Facts
- Region type: Province
- Destinations covered: 20
- Country: China
Top destinations in Gansu
Mogao Caves
Dunhuang
Crescent Moon Spring
Mingsha Sand Dunes
Zhangye Danxia National Geopark
Jiayuguan Pass
Labrang Monastery
Maijishan Grottoes
Lanzhou
Bingling Temple Grottoes
Yumen Pass
Yangguan Pass
Kongtong Mountain
Gannan Tibetan Region
Zagana
Yellow River Mother Sculpture
White Pagoda Mountain Park
Shandan Army Horse Ranch
Jinta Populus Euphratica Forest
Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark
Best Time to Visit
Gansu's Hexi Corridor has an arid, continental desert climate with hot summers, cold winters, and large swings between day and night temperatures. Late spring through early autumn (April to October) is the best window, avoiding the extreme summer midday heat around Dunhuang and the bitter winter cold that can close some high-elevation routes. May, June, September, and October offer the mildest, most comfortable conditions.
How to Reach / Travel Access
Dunhuang Mogao International Airport offers direct flights from Beijing, Xi'an, and other major cities, while Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport serves the provincial capital. The Lanzhou-Xinjiang high-speed rail line runs the length of the Hexi Corridor, connecting Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang-area stations, making a rail-based itinerary through the desert region practical, comfortable, and scenic across long distances.
Travel Tips
Pack layered clothing for sharp temperature swings between day and night, plus sun protection and a scarf against dust and wind. Mogao Caves tickets must be reserved online in advance, as daily numbers are strictly limited, and photography is not allowed inside the painted caves. Bottled water and snacks are worth carrying between more remote sites like Jiayuguan Pass.
Region Map
This section is being updated and will be available shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book Mogao Caves tickets ahead of time?
Yes, visitor numbers are capped daily to protect the ancient murals, and tickets often sell out during peak season, so booking online at least a few days in advance is essential.
How hot does it get at the Mingsha sand dunes?
Summer midday temperatures on the dunes can be intense, often exceeding 35°C on the sand surface, so early morning or late afternoon visits are more comfortable than midday.
Can I combine Zhangye Danxia and Dunhuang in one trip?
Yes, both sit along the Hexi Corridor and are connected by the Lanzhou-Xinjiang high-speed rail, making it easy to visit the colorful Danxia landforms en route to or from Dunhuang.
What should I wear at Jiayuguan Pass?
Loose, breathable layers work well since the fortress sits in an exposed desert setting with strong sun and wind; a hat and sunglasses are recommended year-round.