When Silk Road Culture Meets Fabulous Fall Colors
Start from the mysterious city of Dunhuang, pass by historical Jiayuguan, and then go to Ejina Qi, which is famous for its golden poplar trees, and end the trip in Zhangye with its unique Danxia (red sandstone) landforms. Usually the poplar trees' leaves take on their gold color from mid-September to late October, so this tour is only available in this autumnal period each year. With perfect weather conditions and picturesque wild beauty, we will give you an unforgettable experience.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Admire the Splendid Golden Euphrates Poplar Forests
Visit Ejina Qi National Nature Reserve of Poplar Trees, which is one of the three remaining Poplar Tree reserves in the world. The famous movie "Hero", directed by Zhang Yimou, was shot there. It is a paradise for photographers in fall.
Capture Spectacular Views of Wild China
Visit Zhangye Danxia Geological Park and take stunning photos of the rainbow mountain and Binggou ('ice valley') Danxia landforms. Stroll beside Echoing Sand Mountain and witness the desert wonder — Crescent Lake. Shoot the marvelous desert sunset in Dunhuang.
Discover Unique Historical Sites along the Hexi Corridor
Appreciate amazing murals, sculptures, and grottoes in the renowned Mogao Caves. Visit "the First and Greatest Pass under Heaven", also the westernmost starting point of the Great Wall in the Ming Dynasty — Jiayuguan.
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Perfect 2-Day Xi’an Experience
We arrived in Xi’an in the evening, checked in, and went straight to see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda — beautiful lit up at night — and finished the day with amazing biangbiang noodles for dinner. Day 1: The Terracotta Warriors were the highlight — so impressive and very well organized, even with tens of thousands of other visitors! In the evening we did some relaxed shopping in the city (the girls even got their nails done) and enjoyed the local vibe. Day 2: We started with a tasty dumpling course, then explored the Muslim Quarter and the peaceful Great Mosque, with time for street food and souvenirs. In the afternoon we took the train to Chengdu — everything went smoothly. Perfect transfers, delicious food, so much history and culture — and a good, smooth driver and perfect guide, the twin Lins, made it all easy and fun. Xi’an is absolutely worth it — highly recommend! more
Jul 2025, Cyrill R
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Wonderful Days in Xi'an, Modern City with a long and fascinating History
Jenny from ChinaHighlights showed us, among many other sites, the TerracottaArmy, Citywall, Muslim Quarter, WildGoosePagoda and even local markets and tea houses. We enjoyed our visit to Xi'An very much. One of the Highlights was the light-ride to see the city by night. She was not only funny and charming but can solve any problem and knows her Hometown Xi'An and its history very well. more
Jul 2025, GregorL110
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Zwei Abenteuerinnen in Xi'an
Gemeinsam mit Jenny Yang habe ich drei Tage die wundersch?ne Stadt Xi'an erkundet und bin mit tollen Entdeckungen weitergefahren. Jenny's Wissen der historischen und aktuellen Bedeutung der Region für deren Entwicklung hat mich begeistert. Temperamentvoll und engagiert lie? sie mich auch am authentischen Leben in der Stadt teilnehmen, dadurch hatte ich wundervolle Begegnungen mit interessanten Menschen. Meine Ispiration Xi'an nochmals zu besuchen und wieder mit Jenny Yang Neues zu entdecken, habe ich mit nach Hause genommen. Mein Programm waren, Die gro?e Wildganspagode, die Terrakotta Armee, das muslimische Vietel, die Stadtmauer, die Dynastie Show und viele kleine Begegnungen haben mir bleibende Erinnerungen geschenkt, dafür herzlich Dank Barbara more
Jun 2025, Barbara G
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Tour Map
Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Railway station or airport transfer. Saty overnight at Dunhuang.
Mogao Caves, Singing Sand Mountains, Crescent Moon Spring, and camel riding. Stay over night at Dunhuang.
Great Wall Museum, Jiayuguan Fort. Stay overnight at Jiayuguan.
The Black City, Strange Forest sunset shoot.Stay overnight at Ejina Qi.
Visit Poplar Forest National Nature Reserve, immerse yourself in the fabulous fall views.Stay overnight at Ejina Qi.
Juyan Lake sunrise shoot. The Rainbow Mountains sunset shoot.Stay overnight at Zhangye.
Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple.Zhangye Railway station or Zhangye Airport transfer.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: gs-2