The pass, known for its majestic and spectacular beauty, is hailed as the "most formidable pass under heaven" and has been the premier strategic point on the Hexi Corridor since ancient times. It is an ancient military castle built along the Great Wall during the Ming Dynasty with a grand scale and well-preserved condition. It served as an important military stronghold along the Great Wall for the Ming Dynasty and subsequent dynasties. Afterward, head towards the "Son of the Earth" (minimum visit time of 20 minutes). The "Son of the Earth" sculpture is located ten kilometers south of Guazhou County in the depths of the Gobi Desert, where a giant desert infant sleeps soundly with his head nestled against the sand and his buttocks facing up. Placing this sculpture here serves to remind people to cherish the environment they depend on for survival and that humans should coexist harmoniously with nature. The sleeping baby in the boundless Gobi Desert, lying on the ground like a blanket and bed, brings vitality and life to the desert, adding a touch of warmth. Looking south from the Son of the Earth sculpture towards the Gobi Desert, there is a mirage (minimum visit time of 20 minutes) consisting of a "main hall" and four "towers." It was created by Professor Dong Shubin from Tsinghua University Art Academy in Guazhou County, Gansu Province, as his second large-scale work titled "Boundless," which is truly a rare sight in this Gobi Desert. Afterwards, take a car to Dunhuang and check into a hotel. 【Qi Cai Danxia Warm Tips】 Some parts of Qi Cai Danxia have slopes close to 90°, and the mountains are steep and roads are rugged. During visits, it is not advisable to walk too quickly. When climbing, pay attention to technique, try to maintain balance, lean slightly forward, and climb in a "Z" shape for easier effort. Also remember, "don't look at the scenery while walking, or you'll be in danger when looking at the scenery while walking." D4 Dunhuang-Mogao Caves-Singing Sand Dunes Crescent Lake Accommodation: Dunhuang Meals: Breakfast and Lunch After breakfast, take a bus to Mogao Caves. Visit the world-renowned "Treasury of Oriental Art" 【Mogao Caves】(including Class B emergency tickets, minimum visit time of 1.5 hours). Mogao Caves, commonly known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, are located at the western end of the Hexi Corridor in Dunhuang. They were initially built during the Former Qin period of the Sixteen Kingdoms and later expanded through the Northern Dynasties, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Western Xia, Yuan, and other periods, forming a huge scale with 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, and 2,415 clay sculptures. It is the largest and richest collection of Buddhist art in the world. Mogao Caves, together with the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, Henan, the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, Shanxi, and the Maijishan Grottoes, are known as the Four Great Grottoes. Afterwards, visit the magical landscape of "mountains and springs sharing space, sand and water coexisting" 【Singing Sand Dunes Crescent Lake】(including the first entrance ticket to the scenic area, minimum visit time of 2 hours); The Singing Sand Dunes Crescent Lake Scenic Area covers an area of 31,200 square kilometers, including the Singing Sand Dunes, which stretch over 40 kilometers east to west and about 20 kilometers north to south. Crescent Lake is surrounded by the Singing Sand Dunes. Since ancient times, it has been famous for its unique landscape of "mountains and springs sharing space, sand and water coexisting" and is acclaimed as one of the finest landscapes beyond the Great Wall. The integration of the artistic landscapes of Singing Sand Dunes, Crescent Lake, and Mogao Caves forms a continuous "two wonders" south of Dunhuang City, becoming a tourist destination longed for by people from China and around the world. The main attractions of the Singing Sand Dunes Crescent Lake Scenic Area include Crescent Lake and the Singing Sand Dunes. Crescent Lake is named for its crescent shape encircled by the Singing Sand Dunes. The Singing Sand Dunes are located 5 kilometers south of Dunhuang city and are named for the sound made by moving sand. The Singing Sand Dunes are formed by flowing sands and come in five colors: red, yellow, green, white, and black. In 1994, the Singing Sand Dunes Crescent Lake Scenic Area was designated as a national key scenic spot and has won titles such as "one of the five most beautiful deserts in China." In 2015, it was approved as a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. After dinner, check into the hotel. Note for visiting the Singing Sand Dunes Crescent Lake: The temperature inside the Singing Sand Dunes Crescent Lake scenic area can be very high at noon, especially between 12:00 and 16:00. Please prepare sunscreen before entering the scenic area during this time, wear breathable, light-colored cotton or silk fabrics or sun protection clothing, wear sun hats, gloves, glasses, etc., and replenish water throughout the tour promptly, without waiting until thirsty to drink; if sweating excessively, appropriate amounts of sodium and potassium should be replenished. Do not use ice-cold beverages or mineral water, as intense low temperatures can cause damage to the human brain, leading to migraines. Climbing the Singing Sand Dunes requires significant physical exertion, so please do not climb at noon, and please proceed with caution in the morning and evening. You may choose to walk steadily or slowly, avoiding rushing for success. Under high-temperature conditions, if symptoms of heatstroke such as headache, dizziness, thirst, excessive sweating, weakness and soreness in limbs, lack of concentration, uncoordinated movements, dizziness, chest tightness, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc., occur, move to a cool and ventilated place immediately, lie down to rest, loosen your clothes, and the scenic area provides anti-heatstroke medication at all service points, which you can collect for free nearby. 【Mogao Caves Visiting Matters】: Notice on the Ticket Sales Policy for Mogao Caves in 2021: According to the requirements of the "Tourism Law of the People's Republic of China," "Notice on Strengthening the Opening Management of Grottoes and Other Cultural Relics and Implementing the Announcement System for Tourist Carrying Capacity," and other relevant regulations, Mogao Caves implement a real-name system online reservation and timed admission system, and enforce a daily maximum visitor capacity of 6,000 visitors per day. During peak tourism seasons, the Dunhuang Research Institute will activate an emergency admission mode to cope with massive crowds in a timely manner, implementing an emergency ticket sales limit of 12,000 tickets per day. (Scenic Area Policy: After the sale of Class A tickets is exhausted, Class B emergency tickets will be issued in a timely manner according to the policy. Large group tours are calculated based on Class B tickets. According to the scenic area policy, Mogao Caves implemented a real-name online ticket purchase system in 2017. If a cancellation is made within 15 days (including 15 days), a 5% refund fee will be charged for the ticket price. For cancellations made more than 48 hours but less than 24 hours after
Normal full price ticket: Ticket price 238 yuan/person/time (Mogao Grottoes 180 yuan (for 8 caves) + Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center 48 yuan + round-trip transportation to and from Mogao Grottoes 10 yuan) Emergency full price ticket: Ticket price 100 yuan/person/time (Mogao Grottoes admission 90 yuan (for 4 caves) + round-trip transportation to and from Mogao Grottoes 10 yuan) Mogao Grottoes normal ticket purchase price difference details: Under 60 years old: 138 yuan/person; 60-69 years old: 48 yuan/person; Over 70 years old: no refund or compensation, thank you for your cooperation, please understand any inconvenience caused! (If it is specified that you need to watch the A-class ticket, please inform us in advance when registering). A-class ticket includes: Digital Exhibition Center (themed movie "Thousand Years of Mogao" and dome movie "Dream Palace of Buddha") as well as about 6-8 physical caves within the heritage protection area to be visited (adjusted according to the number of visitors) + shuttle bus + two exhibition halls + guided commentary by an interpreter. B-class ticket includes: About 4 physical caves within the heritage protection area to be visited + shuttle bus + two exhibition halls + cave guardian's commentary. D5 Dunhuang - Emerald Lake - Kuerke Lake - Delingha Accommodation: Delingha Meals: Breakfast and dinner After breakfast, take a car to cross the Dangjin Mountain. Go to visit [Emerald Lake] (including admission, not including interval bus 60 yuan/person, tour time not less than 1.5 hours), known as God's Tears. If God has indeed shed countless tears, then this drop belonging to the Daichidan Emerald Lake must be a rare and exquisite beauty. The white snow at the edge of the lake gradually transitions to the deep ink green in the center, making the entire surface of the lake like a piece of jade, leaving one lingering and reluctant to leave. Emerald Lake is a great place for tourism and leisure. Pass through and visit [Kuerke Lake] (this attraction is complimentary, if not visited, no refund, including admission, not including boat/speedboat, tour time not less than 1 hour) located on the Waitou Talar Grassland in the northeast of the Qaidam Basin, about 50 kilometers away from the capital of the Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Delingha. There are two beautiful and tranquil lakes, named Kuerke Lake and Tuosu Lake, which resemble two dazzling giant mirrors embedded between the vast Gobi and endless grasslands. After the tour, stay at the hotel in Delingha. Warm reminder: The journey is long that day, so please prepare some dry food in advance. D6 Delingha - Tea Card Salt Lake - Sky No.1 - Qinghai Lake Accommodation: Qinghai Lake Meals: Breakfast and dinner After breakfast, take a car to [Tea Card Salt Lake - Sky No.1] (including first entrance ticket, self-driving small train 60 yuan/person around the lake, tour time not less than 1.5 hours), which was rated by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of the "55 Places You Must Visit in Your Lifetime." The gentle sunlight of the plateau covers the entire lake surface, creating a mirror-like calmness reflecting the azure sky and cotton candy clouds, peaceful and beautiful. A cool breeze gently blows, carrying a salty taste. Here there is almost no light pollution, and with a camera, you can capture stunning views of the Milky Way. Coupled with its unique charm, whether above or below, the night sky is filled with stars. After dinner at Qinghai Lake, set up a bonfire in the hotel courtyard, listen to Tibetan and other ethnic music, and everyone feels the urge to dance. There will also be a Tibetan Gypsy dance appreciation. Accompanied by the sunset and even the melodious sound of the horsehead fiddle, the evening slowly comes to an end. Return to the room, wash up, and sweetly sleep off the aftertaste! Later check into the Qinghai Lake hotel. Precautions for visiting the Tea Card Salt Lake: 1. It is best to prepare some wet wipes before visiting the Tea Card Salt Lake, as exposed skin should be washed with fresh water or wiped off with a tissue if it gets salt grains or saline solution on it. Prolonged exposure may cause certain damage to the skin. 2. On sunny days, the light is strong here, and there is also reflection from the lake surface, so sunscreen is necessary, and it is best to bring sunglasses to protect your eyes. 3. Eating is not allowed inside the scenic area, and shopping is not very convenient, so it is recommended to bring your own drinking water and dry food. 4. The altitude of the Tea Card Salt Lake area is about 3000 meters, so it is important to avoid strenuous exercise to prevent altitude sickness. 5. Due to the rough salt layer, walking barefoot may be painful, and the muddy depth in the deeper parts of the lake is relatively deep, so it is not recommended to walk too far. D 7 Qinghai Lake-Qinghai Lake Erlangjian-Hekou Ancient Town-Lanzhou Accommodation: Lanzhou Meals: Early morning and noon After breakfast, visit China's largest saltwater lake—Qinghai Lake, and tour the [Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area] (including the first entrance ticket, excluding electric vehicle 20 yuan/person, tour time not less than 1.5 hours), which is also known as Base 151. Erlangjian, with its special geographical location winding into Qinghai Lake, ecological natural resources dominated by grasslands, beaches, and animals, and folk cultural activities as content, has become a shining pearl in the Qinghai Lake tourist area. Currently, Erlangjian has been built into a viewing area composed of birdwatching platform, deer viewing garden, sea viewing bridge, and sea viewing pavilion, a leisure area composed of dock square and "Auspicious Four Auspicious" sculptures, and a water entertainment area with water motorcycles and self-driving yachts as activities. Then visit the [Hekou Ancient Town] (tour time not less than 1 hour) with east and west palace towers, the Dragon King Temple at the south gate, and archways on the north street; once bustling merchants, the ancient city's charm fading away; Old Hekou moves forward amidst such contradictions, forging local cultural connotations, the prosperity of the ancient Hekou was generated, extinguished, and restored along such unwritten rules. Afterwards, return to Lanzhou to stay at the hotel. D8 Lanzhou-Return Meal: Early breakfast After breakfast, depending on the time, send guests to the station. End the pleasant northwest trip The itinerary, order of scenic spot visits, and duration of visits will be determined by the guide based on weather conditions and actual travel experiences of the tourists. Some restaurants, scenic spots, service areas, restrooms, etc., have shopping places during the trip. For shopping stores not involved in this itinerary, please purchase them carefully according to your own conditions, as they are unrelated to the travel agency and guide. Please understand this. [Special Note] 1. The "Opinion Form" is the final assessment standard for the quality of the tour. Our company will use this as the basis for team quality investigation. Any complaints will be based on the tourist's "Opinion Form"; otherwise, they will not be accepted. Those who do not sign the opinion form will be considered to have waived their rights and will be treated as having no opinions. 2. The timing of scenic spot visits, free activities, and driving times will be based on actual travel. Please read this itinerary carefully. During the trip, if due to health reasons or personal reasons, you need to give up part of the itinerary, or if tourists request to give up part of the accommodation or transportation, it will be considered voluntary abandonment, and the incurred expenses will not be refunded. Personal safety during the abandoned itinerary period will be the responsibility of the traveler; 3. Due to the long driving distance and high altitude of some scenic spots in the itinerary, it is recommended that the age limit for joining the group does not exceed 75 years. [Remarks] 1. Please provide accurate contact information and keep your phone turned on; so that the local travel agency can get in touch with you; 2. Due to force majeure factors (such as train delays, traffic jams, queueing at scenic spots, renovation of scenic spots, weather reasons, etc.), the reduced time spent visiting attractions is not related to the vehicle team, and the vehicle team does not bear any losses. Please understand; 3. Qinghai is a plateau region with high altitude. If you experience altitude sickness, please prepare medication for altitude sickness. 4. The temperature difference in the plateau area is large, and the ultraviolet rays are strong. Please bring enough clothing, sun glasses, umbrellas, and sun protection products according to your own condition. 5. Some scenic spots have shopping shops with a shopping nature, which are unrelated to the travel agency. 6. Due to the natural conditions of the tourist destination, the conditions of the restaurants along the route are different from those in inland tourist areas, both in terms of hardware and software facilities or meal quality. We will strive to coordinate with the restaurants 7. Due to the vast territory and long travel distances between attractions in the northwest region, tourists are advised to rest well and manage their time effectively to have sufficient energy for their travel activities. 8. The northwest region is influenced by ethnic minorities and religion, with customs and habits different from those in the mainland. When visiting (such as entering temples), please remember to heed the guide's announcements regarding travel precautions. Follow local customs and avoid mentioning religious and political sensitive issues related to ethnic minorities at any time, cooperating with the guide's work. 9. Please keep safety first in mind when traveling. Safely store your personal belongings and valuables. 10. Upon check-in at the hotel, inspect the room facilities and report any issues immediately to the hotel staff. Adhere to the hotel's regulations. If a deposit is required, please keep the receipt safe. When checking out, if there are no damages to the room facilities, the front desk will handle the refund of the deposit. 11. It is advisable to travel in groups during nighttime or free activities and inform the guide, keeping his/her phone number handy in case of emergencies. Be mindful of safety, protect your valuables, and place them in the hotel's safe deposit box or leave them at the front desk for free storage; 12. Travel civilly, consciously cherish the flowers, trees, and cultural relics in the scenic areas, and do not vandalize them arbitrarily. 13. Before the end of the trip, please cooperate with the local guide to truthfully fill out the "Tourist Feedback Form" locally. Due to the cross-regional nature of the tourism industry, local agencies do not accept subsequent disputes and complaints arising from false or incomplete feedback forms; if you have objections to the service standards of the local agency during the trip, please call our 24-hour customer service hotline. Disputes should be resolved locally whenever possible. If they cannot be resolved locally during the trip, they can be registered locally. Note: The validity period for tourism complaints is within 30 days after returning to the departure point. [Friendly Reminder] 1. The natural environment, economic foundation, and reception conditions in the northwest region are relatively different from those in the mainland (for example, accommodation standards cannot be measured against the three-star standard in East China). Please maintain a normal mindset while traveling. Traveling is definitely not as comfortable as staying at home, so don't rush into things. Please be understanding and help each other. 2. The northwest region is vast, with some tourist routes being long and attractions scattered, resulting in longer driving times. It is recommended to prepare some snacks to prevent hunger and replenish energy. The road construction in the northwest lags behind that in the mainland, and the condition of certain sections may be poor. Please be prepared mentally. Tourists who suffer from motion sickness should take medication in advance. During visits to the northwest, some attractions require you to get off the vehicle and walk, climb mountains, etc., so comfortable shoes are particularly important. It is best to prepare a pair of comfortable, fitting, and lightweight travel shoes before departure, rather than wearing hard leather shoes. 3. Please respect local folk customs, taboos, etc., to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. Comply with the laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China and uphold the territorial integrity and national unity of the motherland. Do not make statements that undermine the dignity of the motherland or incite ethnic division. Strictly prohibit engaging in activities unrelated to tourism; otherwise, all consequences are at your own risk. 4. Please respect local folk customs, taboos, etc., to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. The northwest is an area inhabited by various ethnic minorities with strong religious colors. Ethnic groups that follow Islam do not eat pork, which is their biggest taboo and must not be violated. In the northwest, food mainly consists of beef and mutton, and we will try to meet guests' reasonable taste preferences. However, some economically underdeveloped areas may lack Han cuisine or have monotonous dining options due to economic and religious influences. Please overcome these difficulties! If there are dietary restrictions, please prepare some food according to personal preferences in advance. 5. There are many night markets in the northwest where delicious street snacks are sold. However, these night markets are operated by vendors, and hygiene cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, guests should consume according to their physical condition. The northwest produces fruits, and tasting fruit is a great pleasure. But remember to eat fresh and clean fruit, and never drink hot tea immediately after eating fruit to avoid diarrhea. 6. The temperature difference between morning and evening in the northwest is significant, about 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. When touring, you need to bring a long-sleeved outerwear or sweater to stay warm. Especially at night, the temperature will drop significantly, so please pay attention to warmth. Keep the air conditioning set to a moderate level at night to avoid being too cool, or sleep without covering yourself with a blanket, which could cause discomfort. Additionally, since many scenic spots are located at high altitudes with clean air and strong ultraviolet radiation, please bring sun protection items (sunblock, sun hat, sunglasses, etc.) and also carry cooling and heatstroke prevention medications for emergencies. 7. Some self-paid items in the scenic spots involve high-risk entertainment activities, and the travel agency advises tourists not to participate. If a tourist participates in such activities on their own and suffers personal injury, the travel agency will not be responsible, and the travel accident insurance does not cover this type of compensation. 8. The northwest is an area inhabited by ethnic minorities, and when shopping (especially in markets, roadside stalls, or near scenic spot entrances), if you encounter minority merchants, remember to negotiate the price before buying. If you do not plan to buy, do not bargain with the merchant or touch the goods casually to avoid unnecessary trouble and unpleasantness. 9. Since the five provinces of the northwest have a typical inland arid climate, it is important to drink plenty of water and eat fresh fruits to replenish body fluids daily, and to prepare an oily lip balm to prevent chapped lips. 10. Many scenic spots have their own shopping points, which are essential paths to enter the scenic area and are not part of the travel agency's arrangements. Considering the quality of shopping cannot be guaranteed, please consider carefully before purchasing. 11. Throughout the entire trip, group members should take care of their valuables: do not leave valuable items like laptops and cameras in the room; instead, deposit them at the front desk. While touring or going out in groups at night, please be careful to safeguard your cash, mobile phones, and other valuables to avoid unnecessary losses and affect future itineraries. The above itinerary is based on experiences from our unit working with other travel groups and is only for reference! For specific car prices and other details such as Lanzhou charter tour freedom travel itineraries and Lanzhou charter tour with driver prices, please contact our customer service for information! Contact number: 18919815130, Manager Wang!