This is a 1-day tour that perfectly combines geological wonders with an ancient town near Lanzhou. In the morning, depart from your Lanzhou hotel and head to Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park, just a 1-hour drive from the city. It is one of the best-preserved and most diverse Danxia landform clusters discovered in China, located remarkably close to an urban area. The mountains, woven with hues of red, yellow, orange, green, white, and gray, resemble an ink-wash painting spread across the land under sunlight. You'll take a sightseeing bus to visit ten viewing platforms, including "Silk road glow" and "Nine-colored Danxia," walk along trails winding through colorful peaks, and enjoy panoramic views of the Danxia landscape.
In the afternoon, head to He Kou ancient town - this thousand-year-old trading port known as the "western gate of the golden city" served as a crucial pass to the Hexi corridor as early as the Han and Wei dynasties, preserving 37 ancient residential buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Stroll along the old cobblestone streets, climb the bell and drum tower for a panoramic view of the Yellow River, and visit the former site of "Gansu's first customs house" to touch the memories of the Silk Road.
On this day, experience two of Lanzhou's most iconic highlights - from the billion-year-old Danxia landforms to the millennium-old Silk Road ancient town, from nature's breathtaking craftsmanship to the vibrant riverside life along the Yellow River.
Private tour exclusive service:
- Private car pick-up & drop-off at the hotel with flexible itinerary
- Chinese-speaking driver with translation app for communication, no guide, self-guided tour at the attraction
Sample itinerary
08:00-08:30 Pick you up from your hotel in Lanzhou downtown by private car, then depart for the Shui Mo Danxia attraction (approx. 1 hour drive).
09:30-12:30 Visit Lanzhou ink danxia (approx. 3 hrs)
- Take the sightseeing bus to visit the ten viewing platforms
- Hike through the colorful mountains on the trail and capture stunning danxia landscape photos
13:00-14:00 Lunch on your own
- We recommend having a meal on your way back or directly at He Kou ancient town.
- Recommended ancient town firewood chicken
14:00-16:00 Visit He Kou ancient town (approx. 2 hr)
- Climb the bell and drum tower for a panoramic view of the Yellow River and the ancient town
- Visit the site of the "First customs house in Gansu"
- Stroll through the ancient residential complex and explore 37 old houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties
- Photo spot at Yellow River waterwheel park
- Optional experience of sheepskin raft or speedboating
16:00-17:00 Return to Lanzhou city center by car
17:00-17:30 Drop-off at your hotel in Lanzhou city center. The itinerary ends here.
Itinerary duration: approx. 9-10 hr (including transportation)
The itinerary is for reference only, and the actual visiting sequence is subject to on-site arrangements.
