Gansu - Dunhuang

Dunhuang01 : Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Crescent Lake - Western Thousand Buddha Caves - Yangguan Pass - Yumenguan Pass

 
First, you can spend one day visiting the Mogao Caves and the Crescent Lake. The Mogao Caves is around 25 kilometers southeast of Dunhuang City. It extends along the cliff for about 1,600 meters. After a visit to the caves, you may go to the Crescent Lake. In Dunhuang City, there are minibuses which can take you to go the Mogao Caves and also the Crescent Lake. On the way, you would pass by Leiyin Temple. After you finish the trip of the first day, you are suggested to go back to the downtown and stay one night there. 
 

Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang

The next day, you can go to the Western Thousand Buddha Caves, which is about 35 kilometers from Dunhuang downtown. The National Highway No.215 reaches there. After a visit to the Western Thousand Buddha Caves, you can go southwards to see the remains of the Yangguan Pass. Yangguan Pass is the vital stop from Dunhuang to Xinjiang in the Han Dynasty, while the Yumenguan Pass is another important stop on the Silk Road. You're suggested to visit the Yangguan Pass and then go to the Yumenguan Pass.
 
Tips: If you want to go to the Mogao Caves from Dunhuang Railway Station, it's very convenient. At the railway station, there are special buses to go there. Also you can see many local drivers persuade you to take their minibuses or taxis to go there. Most people choose taxi as the vehicle to go to the Mogao Caves. The charge is around CNY35.
 
Dunhuang - Lop Nor
 
Dunhuang is close to the east edge of Lop Nor. Trekking in Lop Nor is full of hardships. On the way, you will experience desert, hills and gobi. Camels, antelopes, wild rabbits and foxes can be seen very often. You would pass by the Great Wall remains of the Han Dynasty, Yumenguan Pass, Sanlongsha Devils' City, and the Wild Camel Valley and so on.
 

Gansu - Zhangye

Zhangye01 : Zhangye - Grottoes of the Matisi Temple -Qilianshan Natural Reserve

 
The Grottoes of the Matisi Temple lies in Sunan Yugu Autonomous County, which is about 65 kilometers from Zhangye. You can take a bus to Sunan at Zhangye Nanguan Coach Bus Station first and then go to see the grottoes by taxi. Matisi Temple shows you the splendid art of grottoes, the scenery of Mt. Qilianshan and the folk culture of Yugu minority. After that, you may go to hike the Qilianshan Natural Reserve.