5 Days Photography Tour to Zhangye & Dunhuang

Apart from the glorious Silk Road civilization, Zhangye is bestowed with the magical Danxia landforms, which feature colorful hills and strangely shaped reddish rocks, the result of exposed sedimentary rocks raised by tectonic movements.

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a 40-minute private transfer to capture those wonders at Zhangye Danxia Geopark, and remember to check the room on your camera before departing!

★ Rainbow Mountains: Nature’s Trump Card against Time

Our first stop will be the Rainbow Mountains, and the scenic area’s shuttle bus will lead us to check vibrant views at four observation decks. Viewpoint No.1 reveals screen-shaped hills rising from flat plains and ‘ribbons’ of color extending along its contours. Given that there are so many eager photographers, grab a few quick shots with your telephoto lens, and then we’ll move on to the next one for a more stunning color gradation. Also, an S-shaped bend is amidst the rolling hills, perfect for panoramic photos with a wide-angle lens. Viewpoint No.3 is built along the mountain ridge, and we’ll hike 1.5 km (1 mi) to reach it after getting off the bus, where you can focus on the stratum’s texture that some describe as streaky pork. And the grand finale awaits us at the last one, with the best exhibition of rich colors constantly changed by light and shadow. Most magazine photos of Danxia landforms are taken from here, so why not try to create your own geological blockbuster?Next, let’s head to another key scenic area of the geopark, the Ice Valley, which appears like an alien planet with its crimson cliffs, sharp stone pillars, and castle-like landforms, reminiscent of Turkey’s Cappadocia. The iconic ‘Welcoming Camel’, with its rounded top and tapering middle, will steal your attention at first glance. Another visual center is a symmetrical rock wall that resembles the Louvre, with rock strata naturally stacked to form a palace-like dome, windows, and columns.

Finally, your guide and the driver will convoy you back to your hotel in downtown Zhangye. 

 Helpful Tips：
1. The sun can be intense due to the geopark’s lofty location, so please bring sunscreen (SPF 50), sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect yourself. Light and breathable long-sleeved shirts and trousers are suggested to avoid sunburn if you visit between June and August. 
2. Supply points inside the park are very limited and pricey, and you can pack some energy bars and bread before we head out. 
3. If you prefer portrait shooting, consider preparing a shawl and wearing brown or black clothing to blend seamlessly with the surroundings.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ducheng Holiday Hotel, Zhangye (4 stars)

In the morning, after a rendezvous with your guide and the driver at the hotel lobby, we’ll visit the Giant Buddha Temple, home to China’s largest indoor reclining Sakyamuni statues with a height of 11 storeys. Surrounded by two Protectors, 10 Disciples, and 18 Arhats, the Buddha statue rests on a lotus pedestal in a state of nirvana, painted with gold and colored patterns. Moreover, you can appreciate intricate brick carvings, 600-plus-year-old scriptures written in gold and silver powders, and vivid murals that recreate the story of Journey to the West. However, please note that photography is prohibited inside the praying hall.

Following that, your guide and the driver will escort you to the railway station for a 4.5-hour high-speed train to Dunhuang, the Silk Road’s cultural heart, where deserts meet Buddhist mural art. After arrival, your Dunhuang guide and the driver will pick you up and accompany you to your hotel for check-in. After a short break, let’s head to the Shazhou Night Market. Enjoy a sensory feast when strolling among stalls offering local specialties: the aroma of sizzling grilled fish combines sweet, sour, and spicy scents, while the crispy crusts of baked buns filled with lamb offer a satisfying crunch with every bite. If something piques your taste buds, just try it at your own expense, with quite affordable prices ranging from CNY 10 to 50 (USD 1.4 to 7) per serving. Afterward, your guide will convoy you to back to your hotel. If you wish to stay longer at the night market to watch artisans painting rocks or making seals, just enjoy yourself and finally walk 10 minutes southwest to return on your own. May you have an unforgettable night!

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tianrun Yibo Hotel, Dunhuang (4 stars)

Today’s sightseeing kicks off at the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves. Flourished between the 6th and 9th centuries AD, it houses 734 caves adorned with clay Buddhist sculptures and intricate murals that illustrate Buddhist narratives. We’ll first watch two 3D films to gain insight into the background information and stories behind certain murals and sculptures, followed by a visit to eight classic caves. Among them, Cave No.96 features an iconic nine-story wooden tower, a visual beacon for ancient worshippers. They would admire each cave sequentially as they saw its gleaming golden roof from a distance. 
 Important Notice: 
To protect the murals, the caves are kept in dim lighting, and your guide will use a professional flashlight to illuminate some areas. Please refrain from using personal light sources, taking photos, or touching the murals during your visit.Later, let’s head to the Echoing-Sand Mountain. Here, the surrounding mountains are natural passes, and the middle basin is a ‘warehouse’ for accumulating sand. The wind eternally picks up sand particles from the basin, only to be caught by the terrain and spiraled upwards, and finally accumulating into a singing sand mountain! The special airflow keeps the sand circulating on the mountain ridge, miraculously guarding the Crescent Lake below. We’ll arrange for you a camel riding experience, the closest thing to traveling like a true adventurer on the Silk Road! Just a heads-up: due to the strong sandstorms in this region, be sure to prepare dust masks and shoe covers, and keep your phone and camera in sealed bags. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a private transfer back to your hotel.

► Insider Shooting Skills:
1. Climb to the top of Echoing-Sand Mountain on the east side for panoramic photos that encompass the Crescent Lake, the nearby pavilion, and rolling sand ridges.
2. On the south bank of Crescent Lake, you can frame the Moon Spring Pavilion as your focal point and snap a reflection in the water.
3. As you climb the wooden ladder halfway, consider capturing your silhouette against the sand ridges.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tianrun Yibo Hotel, Dunhuang (4 stars)

After breakfast, your guide and the driver will whisk you off to Dunhuang Ancient City, a film and television base that brings to life the military, commercial, and urban scenes of the Silk Road stronghold. Ascend the city wall for panoramic views that stretch over the sands, and wander along the main streets to discover a revival of ancient government offices, taverns, pawnshops, and caravanserais, reminiscent of the lively sounds of traders haggling over silk and spices! Some studios here offer traditional clothing rental services, and you can transform into an ancient traveler, swordsman, or Western merchant for a more immersive experience!

It’s time to say goodbye to your 5 days private Dunhuang tour, and we’ll escort you to the airport or railway station for your departure. If you want to explore more Silk Road destinations like Xi’an and Xinjiang, feel free to contact our travel consultants to tailor your itinerary!

Meal: Breakfast