Daily Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Lanzhou
Arrive at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport or Lanzhou Railway Station. Enjoy 24-hour exclusive private pickup service and seamless transfer to your downtown hotel for check-in. Settle down and adapt gently to the plateau climate at your own pace. You may take a casual stroll along the Yellow River waterfront to feel the unique charm of the “Yellow River Capital”.
Accommodation：Comfortable Hotel in Lanzhou
Meals：Self-care (Daily hotel breakfast included for subsequent stays)
Altitude：1,520 meters
Driving Distance：0 km (airport & station transfer only)
Day 2 | Lanzhou — Xining · Urban Culture Exploration
In the morning, visit the renowned Gansu Provincial Museum, a national first-class museum in Northwest China. Admire the iconic national treasure Bronze Galloping Horse (Flying Horse), the official symbol of Chinese tourism, and explore the profound historical evolution, ethnic customs and natural heritage of the northwest region with professional English guiding service.
In the afternoon, wander along the classic Yellow River Scenic Line. Visit the century-old Zhongshan Bridge, known as the First Bridge over the Yellow River, and appreciate the artistic charm of the Yellow River Mother Sculpture, experiencing the profound cultural heritage nurtured by the Yellow River. In the evening, drive approximately 2.5 hours to Xining and check into the hotel for rest.
Scenic Introduction：Gansu Provincial Museum houses over 350,000 cultural relics, fossils and specimens, presenting a complete historical and natural evolution of Northwest China. The Yellow River Scenic Line is Lanzhou’s core waterfront landscape belt, featuring the historic 1907 Zhongshan Bridge and the classic Yellow River Mother Sculpture that symbolizes the nurturing spirit of China’s mother river.
Accommodation：Comfortable Hotel in Xining
Meals：Hotel Breakfast / Self-care Lunch & Dinner
Altitude：2,261 meters
Driving Distance：Approx. 220 km
Day 3 | Xining — Kanbula · Tibetan Buddhism & Danxia Landscape
In the morning, explore Ta’er Monastery, one of the six major ancestral monasteries of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. Marvel at the world-famous Three Wonders of Tibetan art — exquisite butter sculptures, ancient murals and delicate appliqués, and immerse yourself in the solemn religious atmosphere and intangible cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhism.
In the afternoon, head to Kanbula National Geopark, a stunning natural scenic area featuring unique red Danxia landforms intertwined with crystal-clear Yellow River water. Take a relaxing lake cruise to fully appreciate the breathtaking landscape of red mountains and emerald waters, a rare natural wonder in Northwest China integrating mountains, forests, canyons and lakes.
Scenic Introduction：As an important Tibetan Buddhist cultural center in Northwest China, Ta’er Monastery features well-arranged mountain-side palaces and preserves precious traditional Tibetan art. Kanbula National Geopark is celebrated for its spectacular Danxia landscape and primitive ecological scenery, offering an immersive natural sightseeing experience via lake cruising.
Accommodation：Scenic Area Hotel in Kanbula
Meals：Hotel Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Altitude：2,500–2,800 meters
Driving Distance：Approx. 130 km
Day 4 | Kanbula — Tongren · Encounter Regong Art
In the morning, drive to Tongren, reputed as the Hometown of Regong Art. Visit Lower Wutun Monastery, the core inheritance base of national intangible cultural heritage Regong Art. Observe master artists creating authentic Thangka paintings, clay sculptures and Tibetan appliqués up close, and gain in-depth insight into the millennial Tibetan artistic heritage.
In the afternoon, visit a primitive Tibetan village to experience the simple and authentic local pastoral life, and try traditional Tibetan handicraft making. In the evening, enjoy a private Tibetan family banquet, tasting local delicacies including tsampa, butter tea and hand-cooked lamb, embracing the genuine local catering culture.
Scenic Introduction：Lower Wutun Monastery retains the most authentic Regong art techniques, serving as the best window to appreciate and study traditional Tibetan Buddhist folk art. The local Tibetan village preserves original Tibetan living customs and traditional handicraft culture.
Accommodation：Tibetan-style Boutique Hotel in Tongren
Meals：Hotel Breakfast / Lunch / Tibetan Family Banquet Dinner
Altitude：2,200 meters
Driving Distance：Approx. 100 km
Day 5 | Tongren — Xiahe · Devout Tibetan Spiritual Time
In the morning, visit Longwu Monastery, one of the largest and oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Qinghai with a history dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. Follow local Tibetan believers to join the traditional Kora circumambulation, experiencing the daily prayer rituals and devout religious culture of local Tibetans. The monastery’s unique architecture blends Tibetan, Han and Hui styles, presenting magnificent and diverse ethnic architectural aesthetics.
In the afternoon, drive to Xiahe. Stroll along the ancient Xiahe Old Street, explore characteristic Tibetan shops, taste authentic Tibetan snacks, and feel the down-to-earth mortal atmosphere of Tibetan settlements before checking into the hotel for rest.
Scenic Introduction：Longwu Monastery is a vital local pilgrimage site with prosperous religious rituals and profound cultural heritage, perfectly showcasing the diversified architectural art and religious culture of Qinghai-Tibet border areas.
Accommodation：Comfortable Hotel in Xiahe
Meals：Hotel Breakfast / Lunch / Self-care Dinner
Altitude：2,900 meters
Driving Distance：Approx. 180 km
Day 6 | Xiahe — Zagana · Grassland Scenery & Secret Stone City
In the morning, discover Labrang Monastery, known as the World Tibetan Academy and one of the six core Gelug Buddhist monasteries. Walk along the world’s longest prayer wheel corridor, listen to the pure Buddhist chants lingering in the temple complex, and feel the profound religious and cultural heritage of Gannan Tibetan area.
In the afternoon, traverse the vast Sangke Grassland, admiring the picturesque alpine pasture scenery with flocks and herds wandering on the lush grassland. Pass through Luqu and overlook the panoramic view of Langmusi, known as the Little Switzerland of the East. In the evening, arrive at Zagana, the hidden stone city, and settle in a scenic local homestay.
Scenic Introduction：Labrang Monastery is the core religious, cultural and educational center of Gannan Tibet, retaining complete traditional Tibetan Buddhist inheritance systems. Sangke Grassland features broad horizons, lush vegetation and typical original Tibetan alpine pasture scenery.
Accommodation：Scenic Homestay in Zagana
Meals：Hotel Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Altitude：2,900–3,300 meters
Driving Distance：Approx. 150 km
Day 7 | Zagana — Lanzhou · Finale of Humanistic Journey
In the morning, explore the primitive Zagana Scenic Area, hailed as the Garden of Eden on Earth. Hike to Fairy Beach, the best panoramic viewing platform, and overlook the stunning natural stone city surrounded by steep cliffs, forests and terraced Tibetan villages, enjoying the pure and magnificent alpine landscape.
In the afternoon, pass through Hezuo and visit Milarepa Buddha Pavilion, the only dedicated pavilion for Master Milarepa in the entire Tibetan region. Appreciate its unique multi-layered Tibetan architectural design, exquisite carvings and ancient murals. Enjoy a short rest in Linxia before driving back to Lanzhou in the evening.
Scenic Introduction：Zagana, meaning stone box in Tibetan, is a well-preserved natural stone city with primitive and pure ecological scenery. Milarepa Buddha Pavilion represents the supreme artistic level of traditional Tibetan religious architecture with elaborate internal Buddha statues and murals.
Accommodation：Comfortable Hotel in Lanzhou
Meals：Hotel Breakfast / Lunch / Self-care Dinner
Altitude：Hezuo 2,936 meters / Lanzhou 1,520 meters
Driving Distance：Approx. 400 km
Day 8 | Lanzhou Departure · Satisfactory Journey End
Enjoy a relaxed morning at the hotel. You may freely purchase distinctive northwest local souvenirs as travel keepsakes. Based on your flight or train schedule, our exclusive driver will provide private transfer service to Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport or Lanzhou Railway Station for your departure, ending your immersive Tibetan cultural journey.
Meals：Hotel Breakfast Included
Altitude：1,520 meters
Driving Distance：Approx. 70 km
End of the journey. Beginning of something unforgettable.
Pricing Policy
✅ Service Included
• Accommodation：7 nights of twin-bed standard rooms in carefully selected comfortable hotels and scenic featured homestays
• Transportation：Full-time private chartered car service, including driver service fee, fuel fee and highway tolls
• Scenic Tickets：First entrance tickets and official scenic shuttle fees for all attractions listed in the itinerary
• Catering：Daily hotel breakfasts and featured special dinners specified in the itinerary
• Service：Exclusive private driver and guide service, professional itinerary explanation, 24-hour airport & station pickup and drop-off service
❌ Service Excluded
• International and domestic air tickets, high-speed train tickets and other long-distance transportation fees
• Self-care meals, personal snacks, beverages, alcohol and all private consumption
• Optional scenic entertainment projects, voluntary tips and self-funded experience activities
• Personal travel insurance, luggage overweight fees, communication fees and other individual expenses
• Extra expenses incurred by force majeure factors including bad weather, traffic control and policy changes
Important Travel Notes
• Plateau Adaptation：The itinerary covers plateau areas with an average altitude above 2000 meters. Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive alcohol consumption upon arrival. Drink sufficient water and keep warm to prevent altitude discomfort.
• Climate & Attire：The northwest plateau features a large day-night temperature difference and intense ultraviolet rays. Please prepare windproof outerwear, thin down jackets, sun-proof clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen for full protection.
• Religious Etiquette：When visiting Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and Tibetan villages, do not touch Buddha statues, prayer wheels and religious instruments randomly, and avoid stepping on prayer flags and door thresholds. Respect local religious beliefs and folk taboos.
• Travel Reminder：Some mountainous sections feature winding roads with long driving hours. Motion sickness medicine is recommended in advance. The entire tour is shopping-free with pure sightseeing, and the itinerary pace can be flexibly adjusted according to your physical condition.
• Accommodation & Diet：Tibetan-style homestays and characteristic hotels retain unique regional features and differ from urban hotels. Local catering is mainly beef and mutton; please inform us of any dietary taboos in advance.
• Safety Tips：Do not leave the team or enter undeveloped wild areas during sightseeing. Always pay attention to personal safety and property protection.
