This is a deep-dive into China’s wild west—seven days of rainbow mountains, Silk Road forts, Buddhist caves, and otherworldly deserts. Travelers will camel-ride through dunes, wander ancient temples carved into cliffs, and sip tea in frontier towns where history lingers in the dust. From Mogao to Mati, it’s a trip for the bucket list.

• Location: Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, Gansu Province
• Duration: 7 Days
• Trip Type: Cultural discovery, desert adventure, UNESCO sites exploration
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, groups
• Organizer: OKDeal Travel

What to Expect

This 7-day journey across Gansu invites travelers to follow in the footsteps of Silk Road merchants through deserts, mountains, and ancient ruins. From the rainbow-striped ridges of Zhangye to the sacred murals of the Mogao Caves, this trip is a vivid collision of natural wonders and cultural treasures. Camel rides, canyon hikes, and fortress climbs are just the beginning.

• Zhangye Rainbow Mountains – Capture the surreal beauty of multicolored sandstone formations that look painted by hand.

• Crescent Moon Spring & Echoing-Sand Dune – Ride camels across a dreamlike desert landscape and discover a real-life oasis in Dunhuang.

• Mogao Caves – Step inside a UNESCO-listed trove of Buddhist art that spans a thousand years.

• Jiayuguan Fort – Explore the final stronghold of the Great Wall and gaze out across the Gobi frontier.

• Pingshan Grand Canyon & Alien Valley – Traverse a Martian-like landscape of towering rock formations and deep red canyons.

• Boundless Outdoor Art Exhibition – Experience a unique Gobi desert art installation that blends nature and sculpture.

• Mati Temple & Horseback Trails – Visit cliffside grottoes and enjoy optional horseback riding through scenic canyons.

By the end of the week, participants will have explored China’s wild west—where history meets wilderness in one of the country’s most underappreciated provinces.

Location

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dunhuang

• Airport/train station pickup
• Free time to settle in and explore independently

Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Dunhuang
Meals: None

Day 2: Desert Wonders

• Visit the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves
• Explore Echoing-Sand Dune and Crescent Moon Spring
• Enjoy a camel ride through the dunes
• Stroll Dunhuang Night Market

Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Dunhuang
Meals: Breakfast
Travel Time: ~1 hour

Day 3: Into Jiayuguan

• Visit the Boundless outdoor desert art installation
• Transfer to Jiayuguan
• Tour Jiayuguan Fort and the end of the Great Wall

Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Jiayuguan
Meals: Breakfast
Travel Time: ~4 hours

Day 4: Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye

• Drive to Zhangye
• Catch sunset (or sunrise) over the Rainbow Mountains

Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Zhangye
Meals: Breakfast
Travel Time: ~4 hours

Day 5: Alien Valley & Grand Canyon

• Visit the Alien Valley Geopark
• Hike through Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon

Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Zhangye
Meals: Breakfast
Travel Time: ~2 hours

Day 6: Temples & Trails

• Tour Mati Temple grottoes
• Hike Linsong Canyon (optional horseback riding available for 200 RMB/person)

Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Zhangye
Meals: Breakfast
Travel Time: ~2–3 hours

Day 7: Departure from Zhangye

• Airport/train station transfer
• Tour ends

Meals: Breakfast

Note: Itinerary is for reference only and timing may vary depending on weather, traffic, or organizational factors.

Difficulty: Moderate – Includes hiking, long road transfers, desert walking, and optional horseback riding.

Accommodation

• Dunhuang (Days 1–2): 4-Star Hotel
• Jiayuguan (Day 3): 4-Star Hotel
• Zhangye (Days 4–6): 4-Star Hotel

Packlist

Essentials to Bring:

• Original passport/ID card
• Backpack with sufficient clothes for the trip
• Warm outdoor clothing in layers (especially for desert wind/cool nights)
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, lip balm)
• Personal toiletries
• Personal medication 
• Electronics and chargers (phone, camera, etc.)
• Refillable water bottle and snacks (energy bars, nuts, etc.)
• Sufficient cash

Pricing Details and Dates

• 6590 RMB/person (Single room supplement: 1900 RMB)

*2000 RMB deposit per person is required to book a spot

Trip Dates

• Jul 21-27
• Jul 28-Aug 3
• Aug 11-17

Room Arrangement Policy

If booking alone, there will be an additional charge for a private room. However, guests who are open to sharing a room may inform the event organizer, and efforts will be made to match them with another single participant. Please note that a shared room arrangement is not guaranteed, and if no suitable match is found, the private room supplement will still apply.

What’s Included in the Package?

• 7 days of private local transport, airport pickup/drop off service during recommended arrival/departure time.
• 6 nights accommodation at 4 star hotels with breakfast
• Service of an experienced local driver and an English-speaking local guide
• Entrance tickets to all the main scenic spots listed in the itinerary
• Travel insurance
• First-aid kit, bottled water

Not Included in the Package

• Main transportation (flights) to and from Gansu
• Single room supplement
• Additional meals not listed in the itinerary (lunch and dinner)
• Invoice, personal expenses, tips for guides and drivers, and any unexpected expenses
• Optional horseback riding (200 RMB/person)

How to Book

• Secure your spot by completing deposit payment on SmartShanghai.
• Once payment is made, the event organizer will contact you to confirm your booking.
• Further details, including trip specifics, schedules, and any additional information, will be provided.
• The remaining balance must be paid directly to the event organizer. Please ensure payment is completed as per the instructions provided by the organizer to confirm your participation.
• For any questions or special requests, guests are welcome to reach out.

Your Silk Road odyssey begins—dust off your desert boots, charge your camera, and get ready to ride camels across golden dunes, trace the edge of the Great Wall, and witness the rainbow-streaked wonders of Gansu’s wild frontier.

*Booking closes once spots are full or 2 days in advance, whichever comes first. Secure your spot early to avoid missing out!

Cancellation Policy

If members cancel the trip for personal reasons:

• Cancellation 14 days (336 hours) or more before the trip:
  A full refund will be issued.
• Cancellation within 14 days (less than 336 hours) before the trip:
  Deposit will not be refunded.

Flight or train tickets will be refunded according to the policies of the airline or railway company.

If the trip cannot be continued due to force majeure (such as flood, earthquake, weather, or transportation issues):

Part of the trip payment may be refunded under the following conditions:

• Local bus transport fees included in your travel fee (as fully prepaid to the local bus agency) will not be refunded.
• Tour guide fees included in your travel fee will not be refunded.
• Full hotel/attraction fees already spent will not be refunded.
• New local hotel fees or other fees incurred at the destination will not be refunded.
• Flight/train changing/cancellation fees will not be refunded.
• Other personal losses incurred will not be refunded.

*Please note that your booking is confirmed only when full payment is made. Seats are limited. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to a friend, but rescheduling to another trip is not permitted.

Disclaimer

OKDeal Travel Disclaimer:

1. OKDeal Travel is not responsible for any unforeseen changes or disruptions caused by force majeure, including but not limited to:

• Temporary closure of attractions, suspension of sightseeing vehicles, or other disruptions due to weather or other uncontrollable factors.
• Seasonal landscapes (such as snow, flowers, or foliage) that are subject to weather conditions. Advertised images are for reference only and do not guarantee actual scenery.

2. The availability and operating hours of hotel facilities (e.g., swimming pools, saunas, fitness centers) are subject to change at the hotel's discretion.

3. Prices for optional activities listed in the itinerary may vary based on the local provider. Advertised prices are for reference only.

4. In the event of uncontrollable factors such as weather or traffic affecting the itinerary, adjustments may be made as necessary to ensure traveler safety.

5. The availability of single or double beds in hotel accommodations is not guaranteed.

All forms of outdoor recreation, including hiking, carry a higher level of risk compared to most ordinary activities. By participating in OkDeal Travel's hike, participants acknowledge and accept full responsibility for assessing the suitability of the activity for themselves. They are responsible for their own safety, conduct, and well-being and agree to participate solely at their own risk.

OkDeal Travel, its organizers, and hike leaders will not be held liable for any loss, injury, or damage sustained as a result of participation in these activities.

Photography Policy: Photos taken during the trip may be used for promotional purposes. Those who wish to opt out should notify the organizers before signing up.