Tailored Travel
The Silk Road · Hexi Corridor
About This Journey
Over 9 days, from Xining to Lanzhou, you cross the Qinghai Plateau, follow the ancient Silk Road through the Hexi Corridor, and end at the Yellow River. You'll walk the shores of Qinghai Lake and step onto the salt flats of Chaka, where sky and earth become one. You'll stand inside the Mogao Caves, ride a camel into the Singing Sand Mountains, watch the sunset from the ruins of Yangguan, and climb the tower of Jiayuguan—where the Great Wall ends. Then cross the Qilian Mountains through grasslands and snow-capped peaks, and arrive in Lanzhou, where the Yellow River runs through the city. This is not a route. This is a passage—through lakes, deserts, caves, mountains, and the stories of people who traveled this road long before you.
Why This Journey
Stand on the shores of Qinghai Lake, China's largest inland lake, where the blue shifts like living silk under the plateau sun
Walk into the mirror of Chaka Salt Lake, where sky and earth become one, and you lose your sense of up and down
Gaze up at the murals of Mogao Caves, where the Silk Road comes alive in color, and every brushstroke tells a story of faith and trade
Wait for sunset at Zhangye Danxia, where the earth is painted in stripes of red, orange and gold—like the sky's palette fallen to the ground
Climb the tower of Jiayuguan—where the Great Wall ends and the desert begins
Cross the Qilian Mountains—through grasslands, snow peaks, and golden rapeseed fields (July–August)
Itinerary
Depart Xining in the morning and cross Laji Mountain (3,820 m)—your first gateway onto the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Stand at the pass where snow peaks stretch into the distance, then pass Sun Moon Mountain, the dividing line between plateau and loess. Beyond it, Qinghai Lake opens up on your right; follow the west lakeside road, the most scenic stretch, where white stupas and prayer flags line the shore.
In the afternoon, cross Xiangpi Mountain (3,817 m) as grassland gives way to Gobi. By late afternoon you arrive at Chaka Salt Lake—the "Sky Mirror." Step onto the white salt crust and lose all sense of where the sky ends and the earth begins.
Evening in Delingha: check in, then warm up with a bowl of yak bone soup—slow-simmered with Tibetan yak bones, glass noodles and tender yak meat. If energy remains, take a quiet stroll along the Baying River.
Hotels
Delingha
A modern hotel in Delingha offering smart rooms with oxygen supply, humidifiers and comfortable bedding, plus free parking, EV charging and a hearty breakfast.
1 night
Dachaidan
Opposite Jiangjun Tower Square on West Renmin Road, just 15 minutes from Emerald Lake and the hot springs—oxygen-equipped smart rooms, a gym, and a relaxing retreat after a day in the Gobi.
1 night
Dunhuang
Fully renovated and centrally located along the Dang River, with modern rooms and diverse dining—convenient access to all major attractions, your smart base for Silk Road exploration.
3 nights
Zhangye
In the historic city of "Golden Zhangye," 158 elegant rooms with modern amenities, a Chinese restaurant serving Northwest and Cantonese cuisine, and free parking with EV charging—an ideal base for the Danxia landforms.
1 night
Qilian
At the foot of Niuxin Mountain beside the Babao River—10,000 square meters of space, banquet halls and cozy highland rooms in the heart of the "Little Switzerland of the East."
1 night
Lanzhou
In the heart of Lanzhou's Chengguan District, blending British elegance with modern comfort—steps from Zhengning Road Night Market, minutes from Zhongshan Bridge, with a standout breakfast of hand-pulled beef noodles.
1 night
Photo Gallery
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- 8 nights' accommodation with daily breakfast included
- English-speaking guide for 9 days
- Local transportation throughout the itinerary
- Private chauffeur service to/from airport or railway station at the start and end of your trip
- Travel insurance for 9 days
- 24/7 online travel assistance throughout the trip
What's Excluded
- All admission fees and activity costs not explicitly included in the itinerary
- Any optional, recommended, or self-funded items listed in the itinerary
- All meals, snacks, and beverages other than breakfast
- Gratuities for driver and guide (at guest's discretion)
- Personal expenses, including shopping, souvenirs, and other items of a personal nature
Booking & Payment
How do I book this tour?
Ready to start your China journey? Click "Start Your Journey" in the upper right corner to fill out the inquiry form, or send an email to hello@localechina.com and include your travel preferences. One of our travel designers will get in touch with you promptly to craft a one-of-a-kind itinerary, tailored just for you.
What is the payment schedule?
A. Deposit: To begin reserving your arrangements, we ask for a deposit of 30% of the total trip cost per person. Don't worry, this deposit goes directly toward your trip and will be deducted from your final payment.
B. Full payment: Final payment for your trip is due 30 days before departure. If you book within 30 days of your travel date, full payment will be required at the time of booking. We accept credit card, international bank transfer, WeChat, and Alipay.
What is your cancellation policy?
See our full booking conditions here.
Why LocaleChina
Because great journeys are built on local knowledge. Unlike large international operators, we're based right here in China — meaning faster response, deeper connections, and authentic experiences you can't book online.
- Insider access · Skip-the-line VIP entry, hidden viewpoints, and private cultural encounters
- Full service, no hidden costs · Private GL8 transport, expert guides, and hand-picked accommodations — all arranged
- Real-time support · 24/7 local assistance before and during your trip