Zhangye Danxia, China's Rainbow Mountains

China panda, Chengdu

The 900 year old reclining Buddha at Dafo Temple, Zhangye.

Jiayu Guan, the first fort at the west end of the Great Wall of China

Jiayu Guan and the Qilian Mountains

The towering rock formations of Binggou Danxia Geopark

The Mati Temple Grottoes carved into Linsong Mountain

A section of the Great Wall near Jiayuguan in western China - Western Silk Road: Chengdu to Jiayuguan, China

A section of the Great Wall near Jiayuguan in western China | Peter Walton

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Western Silk Road: Chengdu to Jiayuguan

Discover giant pandas, Rainbow Mountains, Silk Road history and western China's spectacular natural landscapes and ancient frontiers.

China

7 Days from

$2150 USD

Trip Code: WXM

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement

$300 USD

Duration

7 Days

Activities

7 days adventure touring

Style

Classic Adventures

Accommodation

6 nights hotels

Meals

6 Dinners
6 Lunches
6 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: Adventure touring
The theme behind most of our trips is action holidays and the fitter you are, the more easily you will adjust and enjoy yourself. On a trekking trip such as this you need to be in general good health and moderately fit. The grading overall would be moderate, with some "strenuous" activity. Before departure aerobic-type exercise, which increases your breathing, is an obvious advantage. We recommend that for about two to three months prior to departure you try to exercise most days for 30 - 45 minutes or aerobic type activity.
2 / 10
Adventure touring

Trip highlights

Visit the renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to observe China's iconic giant pandas.
Experience the very best natural landscapes of China's historic Silk Road in one carefully designed itinerary.
Combine spectacular scenery with unique geology, Buddhist heritage and Great Wall history.
Travel efficiently by overnight sleeper train, high-speed rail and private vehicle.
Small-group travel with experienced local guides who bring western China's history, geology and culture to life.

Overview

Discover the remarkable landscapes and rich Silk Road heritage of western China on this seven-day journey from Chengdu in Sichuan Province through Gansu to Jiayuguan. Beginning with a visit to the renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, travel by overnight train, high-speed rail and private vehicle to explore the colourful Rainbow Danxia, dramatic Pingshanhu Grand Canyon, cliffside grottoes of Matisi and historic Jiayuguan Fort at the western end of the Great Wall. Combining iconic wildlife, spectacular natural landscapes and fascinating Silk Road history, this unique adventure reveals a lesser-visited side of China.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan Province and one of China's most relaxed and food-loving cities. Make your way to the joining hotel, where the remainder of the day is free to settle in or begin exploring at your own pace. This evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at 18:00 for a welcome briefing before enjoying a group dinner featuring the distinctive flavours of Sichuan cuisine. Accommodation: Buddha Zen Hotel or similar

Meals: D

Our adventure begins with a visit to the renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of the world's leading conservation centres dedicated to protecting China's iconic giant panda. Wandering through bamboo-filled enclosures, we have the opportunity to observe giant pandas and red pandas in spacious naturalistic habitats while learning about the important breeding and conservation programs helping secure the species' future. Later, we visit People's Park, a lively gathering place where locals meet to practise tai chi, play mahjong, dance, sing and enjoy tea in traditional open-air teahouses. It provides a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in Chengdu before we board our overnight 4 berth soft-sleeper train for the journey north to Zhangye, following one of the great historic routes of the ancient Silk Road. Train time is 16:37 and arrives at 09:05 the next day. Accommodation: Overnight train in soft sleeper berth

Meals: B,L,D

Arriving in Zhangye this morning (09:05), we may have time to freshen up before heading out to explore one of China's most extraordinary natural landscapes. Our first stop is Binggou Danxia (Ice Valley), where towering sandstone pillars, jagged pinnacles and weathered rock formations create a dramatic landscape often compared to an ancient stone fortress. The sculpted cliffs and isolated rock towers offer spectacular views towards the distant Qilian Mountains. Later we continue to the world-famous Rainbow Danxia, where millions of years of geological activity have created vivid bands of red, orange, yellow and ochre stretching across the hillsides. These remarkable layered sandstone formations are unique to China and are considered among the country's most photogenic natural attractions. Visiting in the late afternoon provides the best light for photography, as the setting sun intensifies the rich colours that have made the Rainbow Mountains internationally famous. Accommodation: Runhu Holiday Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we journey into the foothills of the Qilian Mountains to visit the remarkable Matisi (Horse-Hoof Temple), a fascinating complex of Buddhist grottoes carved into towering red sandstone cliffs. Dating from the 4th century and famously visited by Marco Polo, the temple is named after a legendary horse's hoofprint believed to be preserved within the site. We explore the Thousand Buddha Cave and the impressive Thirty-three Heavens Grottoes, where narrow passageways and cliffside chambers offer a fascinating insight into centuries of Buddhist history and culture. After lunch, there is a choice of two scenic walks through the beautiful Qilian Mountain landscape. Depending on the group's interests, fitness levels and the weather, you may choose the easier Qilian Alpine Meadow Walk, a 5km (3.1mi) return stroll across open alpine meadows with expansive mountain views, or the longer Pine Forest Waterfall Walk, a 12km (7.5mi) return hike through fragrant pine forests to a picturesque waterfall. Those who prefer a more leisurely afternoon may relax within the park and enjoy the mountain scenery before we return to Zhangye. Accommodation: Runhu Holiday Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we travel to Pingshanhu Grand Canyon, one of western China's most spectacular geological landscapes. Often compared with Arizona's Grand Canyon, this vast network of colourful sandstone cliffs, narrow gorges and sculptured rock formations has become one of China's premier destinations for landscape photography. Our visit includes a hike of approximately 2.5 hours through the canyon, descending among towering cliffs and winding through dramatic rock formations that reveal millions of years of geological history. While there are numerous steps and some steeper sections, the constantly changing scenery makes this one of the highlights of the journey. We return to Zhangye later this afternoon. Accommodation: Runhu Holiday Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Before leaving Zhangye, we visit the impressive Giant Reclining Buddha Temple, home to China's largest indoor reclining clay Buddha. Measuring 35 metres (115ft) in length, the statue dates from the Western Xia Dynasty and is surrounded by beautifully preserved murals and statues that illustrate the importance of Buddhism along the Silk Road. Later we travel by high-speed train for 2 hours to Jiayuguan, where we visit the fascinating Wei and Jin Dynasty Tombs. Hidden beneath the desert landscape, these ancient tombs contain remarkably preserved brick murals depicting scenes of everyday life more than 1,500 years ago, offering a rare insight into the customs and culture of early imperial China. Accommodation: Jiayuguan International Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Our final day is devoted to the western end of the Great Wall of China. We begin at the imposing Jiayuguan Fort, the largest and best-preserved military fortress along the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Known as the "First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven", it once marked the western gateway to imperial China and served as a vital stronghold protecting the Silk Road. We then continue to the nearby Overhanging Great Wall, a dramatic section rebuilt along steep mountain ridges overlooking the Gobi Desert. A walk of around one hour rewards us with expansive views across the desert plains towards the snow-capped Qilian Mountains, providing a fitting conclusion to our journey through western China. After lunch, a group transfer is provided to Jiayuguan Airport for onward flights.

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

10 scheduled departures between 18 Oct 2026 and 24 Oct 2027.

Departs 18 Oct 2026 – ends 24 Oct 2026 (7 days)
Departs 15 Nov 2026 – ends 21 Nov 2026 (7 days)
Departs 14 Mar 2027 – ends 20 Mar 2027 (7 days)
Departs 18 Apr 2027 – ends 24 Apr 2027 (7 days)
Departs 23 May 2027 – ends 29 May 2027 (7 days)
Departs 20 Jun 2027 – ends 26 Jun 2027 (7 days)
… and 4 more departures.

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
Accommodation in comfortable 4-star hotels
Rail travel including an overnight 4 berth soft-sleeper train from Chengdu to Zhangye and a high-speed train from Zhangye to Jiayuguan
Private vehicle transport as per the itinerary
Expert local guides and a tour leader throughout
Entry fees and sightseeing as per itinerary
Airport transfer on the final day
Drinking water during sightseeing and transfers

Not included

International airfares and departure taxes
Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Arrival airport transfer in Chengdu
Meals and drinks not listed as included
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Any items not listed as included

Responsible Travel

Extra trip info

Buddha Zen Hotel, Chengdu

Runhu Holiday Hotel, Zhangye

Jiayuguan International Hotel, Jiayuguan

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This is an Adventure Touring trip with moderate walking, some uneven terrain and optional longer walks in the Qilian Mountains.

Walks range from short sightseeing walks to around 2.5 hours in Pingshanhu Grand Canyon, with optional 5 km or 12 km walks in the Qilian Mountains.

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are recommended for uneven trails, historic sites and the mountain walks.

You’ll stay in comfortable 4-star hotels with private ensuite facilities, plus one night on an overnight sleeper train.

The Chengdu to Zhangye journey is in a 4 berth soft-sleeper on an overnight train.

Yes, with guides and a support vehicle to carry your luggage.

Yes, you will need to carry your main luggage on and off the trains and a daypack during sightseeing.

Carry your water bottle, rain jacket, camera, valuables, sunscreen and other personal items needed during the day.

Western China has warm days and cooler mornings and evenings, with colder and more changeable conditions possible in the Qilian Mountains.

Bring lightweight layers, warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sun protection and clothing suitable for changing temperatures.

The trip includes 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners.

The itinerary includes a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and you will see giant and red pandas.

Yes, the itinerary visits both Binggou Danxia and the famous Rainbow Danxia near Zhangye.

Yes, the trip visits Jiayuguan Fort and the nearby Overhanging Great Wall.

The itinerary uses a combination of private vehicle, overnight sleeper train and high-speed rail to reduce long road journeys.

No, due to uneven terrain, steps and walking requirements, this trip is not suitable for travellers with limited mobility.

No, the arrival transfer in Chengdu is not included.

Yes, a group transfer to Jiayuguan Airport is included on the final day.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and current Chinese entry regulations, so travellers should check the latest requirements before departure.

Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for this trip.

Begin your journey with a visit to China's famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Experience the very best natural landscapes of China's historic Silk Road in one carefully designed itinerary
Combine spectacular scenery with unique geology, Buddhist heritage and Great Wall history
Travel efficiently by overnight sleeper train, high-speed rail and private vehicle
Small-group travel with experienced local guides who bring western China's history, geology and culture to life
Strong balance of culture and history

Guaranteeing A Great China Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

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Quality accommodations

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Western Silk Road: Chengdu to Jiayuguan

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Map

Elevation

Ready to start your adventure?