4 Days Xian and Lanzhou Tour with Xiahe by Train
Tour Overview
Looking for a short excursion from Xian to the Northwest of China? This 4-day private tour from Xian to Lanzhou by roundway high-speed train, going through Xiahe, an amazing place with Tibetan-styled buildings and culture, will bring you an incredible exploration of Binglingsi Grottoes, Labrang Monastery, Sangka Grasslands as well as Yellow River, the Mother River of Chinese.
This Silk Road journey will definitely excite both your eyes and mind with its rich cultural relics and natural landscapes.
Travel destinations: Xian, Lanzhou, Xiahe
Suitable for: Cultural Enthusiasts, History Buffs
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Take a leisure stroll along the Huanghe River Custom Tourist Line to enjoy the beautiful scenic spots, such as the Yellow River Mother Sculpture and Waterwheel Park.
- Marvel at the vivid giant statues and brightly colored murals at Bingling Grottoes.
- Embark on a spiritual journey to Labrang Monastery, a propitious place for Tibetans.
- Refresh yourself on the Sangke Grasslands, strolling on lush grass and watching local folk dance performances.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Xian to Lanzhou Tour by High-speed Train
In the afternoon, the Xian local driver will pick you up from the downtown hotel and transfer you to Xian North Train Station for your high-speed train to Lanzhou. The train rides for around 3.5 hours and you can take this chance to enjoy the scenery on the way.
Upon your arrival, a local driver will pick you up from the exit gate and transfer you to a local hotel. Lanzhou is an important node and transportation hub on the Silk Road. In the remaining time, you can explore this historic city on your own.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: Overnight in Lanzhou
- Day 2: Lanzhou to Xiahe TourExplore the Yellow River Culture and Buddhist Grottoes
In the morning, follow your private Lanzhou tour guide to have a glimpse of Lanzhou city by visiting the Huanghe River Custom Tourist Line, which is considered "the Bund of Lanzhou City", taking Zhongshan Bridge as the axis to stretch out along the Yellow River. The sites to visit on the Tourist Line are distributed on the Road River, including Yellow River Mother Sculpture, Zhongshan Iron Bridge, White Pagoda Hill Park, Waterwheel Park, and so on. A stroll bathed in the rosy light of dusk is a top thing to do in Lanzhou.
Waterwheel Park in Huanghe River Custom Tourist Line Later, drive around 1.5 hours to visit Binglingsi Temple, which is a series of grotto complexes featured in Buddhist elements and engraved on the mountain cliffs. Considering Bingling Temple stands on the cliff along Liujiaxia reservoir, people need to take a speedboat to approach the grottoes to have a better visit.
After the visit, continue driving to Xiahe country for an overnight stay.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight in Xiahe
Bingling Temple Grottoes - Day 3: Xiahe Back to Lanzhou TourEnjoy Tibetan Buddhism Treasures & Grassland's Pastoral Scenery
Today's Silk Road tour in Xiahe begins with the Labrang Monastery, one of the Six Great Monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism Gelug Sect, a famous Tibetan Buddhist college with the best complete teaching system of Tibetan Buddhism. In the grand temple complex, you will see elegant Buddhist images and statues, wall paintings, and other treasures.
Labrang Monastery In the afternoon, transfer to relax at Sangke Grasslands. Distinct from the spiritous touch at Labrang Monastery, Sangke Grasslands appeals to endless people to cry out mental pressure built up from busy life. On the plateau at an altitude of 3,000 meters, lush green grass sways, and distant flocks and herds of sheep and cattle roam freely, creating a stunning pastoral scenery that drives travelers crazily to click the shutters.
More "wow" moments here are from those interesting activities at local families, like sampling local foods and appreciating their ethnic dances. After the tour in Xiahe, we drive back to Lanzhou for the night.
Friendly tip: The best visit time to Sangke Grasslands is from June to September.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight in Lanzhou
Sangke Grassland - Day 4: Lanzhou to Xian Tour by High-speed Train
Free and easy on your own exploration in the morning.
At the confirmed time, a private driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer you to Lanzhou West Train Station for your high-speed train back to Xian. When you arrive at Xian North Station, a local driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate and transfer you back to your hotel. This is the end of your 4-day china Silk Road trip. Hope you had a wonderful time with us.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Xian
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Price includes
- Xian-Lanzhou-Xian roundway high-speed train tickets (second class seat)
- Meal mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance tickets as listed in the itinerary
- Excellent English-speaking tour guide
- Private transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver
- Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour
- Government taxes
Price excludes
- China Visas/international flights
- Accommodation
- Any dinner
- Any optional activity/battery car/shuttle bus/boat cruise/camel ride/horse ride inside the attractions
- Our package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase commercial travel insurance before your trip for any unforeseen circumstances.
- Any item beyond “Price Includes”
- Gratuities to guide and driver (recommended if you are satisfied with their services)
Recommended Related Tours You May Like
Huanghe River Custom Tourist Line, Binglingsi Grottoes, The Rainbow Mountain, Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple, Matisi Grottoes
Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, Xian Ancient City Wall, Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum
Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Yongxingfang Food Street, City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, Great Mosque
