Xinjiang does not have the Hexi Corridor; the Hexi Corridor is located in Gansu Province in western China. Below is a detailed travel guide for the Hexi Corridor:
I. Itinerary Planning
Classic 4-day tour
Day 1: Zhangye
Visit the Colorful Danxia scenic area, ticket price in the off-season is 93 yuan per person, including the sightseeing bus
Note that there are multiple entrances to the scenic area, so confirm your visiting route when boarding the bus
Day 2: Dunhuang
Visit the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring scenic area, ticket price in the off-season is 55 yuan per person
Experience camel riding, 100 yuan for 40 minutes
In the afternoon, you can visit the Dunhuang Museum
Day 3: Mogao Grottoes
Tickets need to be booked in advance, approximately 150 yuan per person
First watch a documentary, then take a bus to visit. Each group consists of about 20 people and is led by a guide
Day 4: Lanzhou
Visit the Gansu Provincial Museum and check off the Horse Trampling on Flying Swallow
Visit Zhongshan Bridge and Baita Mountain Park
Other recommended routes
Classic 3-day 2-night route starting from Dunhuang
4-day, 5-day, or 8-day in-depth tour routes starting from Lanzhou, covering more attractions such as Yellow River Stone Forest, Tiantishan Grottoes, Jiayuguan Fort, etc.
II. Must-Visit Attractions
Mogao Grottoes: A World Cultural Heritage site famous for its exquisite murals and sculptures
Colorful Danxia: A landmark attraction in Zhangye, featuring brightly colored and layered hills
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring: An oasis in the desert with spectacular scenery
Jiayuguan Great Wall: An important military defensive work in the Hexi Corridor
Yulin Grottoes: The ‘sister grotto’ of the Mogao Grottoes, known for its exquisite murals
III. Precautions
Weather: From March to April, sandstorms are frequent in the Hexi Corridor, so you need to check the weather forecast before departing
Tickets: Tickets for some attractions need to be booked in advance, such as the Mogao Grottoes
Transportation: Zhangye, Dunhuang, and other places have well-developed public transportation, but some remote attractions may require renting a car or chartering a bus to reach
Clothing: The desert area has strong winds and sandstorms, so it is recommended to wear clothing and shoes that protect against wind and sand
IV. Unique Experiences
Camel riding: Ride a camel around Mount Mingsha in the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring scenic area to experience the desert ambiance
Stroll through the night market: Dunhuang’s Shazhou Night Market is a great place to taste local specialty snacks
Copy壁画:Inside the Mogao Grottoes scenic area, you can copy and learn about the flying apostles murals, and feel the charm of art
I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to the Hexi Corridor!