For all the wonder of Tibet and its Buddhist culture (but without the Tibet travel permit headaches), Xiahe in western Gansu is a great place to head. A sleepy town set in a beautiful mountain valley six hours from Lanzhou, Xiahe is nestled in mountains and surrounded by rugged landscape of grasslands and lakes.  Dominating the town is the stunning Labrang Monastery, the largest Tibetan lamasary outside of Lhasa. Everywhere you look there are fuschia-robed monks on their way to prayer or pilgrims walking the 3-kilometer long kora that encircles the monastery. Xiahe's population is made up largely of Tibetans and Han Chinese with about 10% Hui also thrown into the equaltion, representing the three main ethnic groups found in Gansu. Gansu guide | Xiahe guide | Xiahe attractions | Xiahe flights (Lanzhou) | Lanzhou hotels Xiahe on the China Travel Blog more >>

Once an important trade hub thanks to its location on the Silk Road, Lanzhou, once dubbed the "Golden City," has seen its formerly brilliant patina dulled by pollution. Still, Gansu Province's capital city remains a destination of great value and interest for the serious traveler, if only as a jumpoff point for the nearby Labrang Monastery and Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves, two top-grade historical attractions that have largely been spared the attention of the group-touring masses thanks to their isolation.  Now an industrial and transporation hub of some three million, Lanzhou is home to mix of ethnic Han, Hui, Bao'an, Dongxiang, Tibetan, Yugur and Salar peoples. This diversity is one reason that travelers should consider peeking beneath the blanket of smog or basing themselves in the city for few days. The ease of making regional... more >>

Although desolate and forlorn in its present condition, Jiayuguan historically was known for inspiring sorrow and fear in those threatened with exile; Jiayuguan is the last vestige of Chinese civilization, the final settlement in ancient China's western reaches. Located in central Gansu province, Jiayuguan was an important stronghold in feudal China's line of defense against the barbaric tribes beyond China's western-most borders. Today, Jiayuguan is more sedate, towers and turrets have been replaced by iron smelts and shopping malls. In terms of tourism, the city's top attraction is the ancient fort, a storied symbol of safe passage for merchants transporting the Silk Road's coveted riches into the city. Entrance through Jiayuguan's 10-meter high gates offered safety and protection from raiders and enemies. While Jiayuguan doesn't attract too many long-term ... more >>

This desert town near the old Silk Road rewards visitors with an astonishing archeological treasure carved out of bedrock and cliffs: the Mogao Caves. The caves' Buddhist paintings and artifacts are stunning and Dunhuang itself is worth a stay for its relaxed oasis atmosphere. Historically the last Chinese outpost on the Silk Road, Dunhuang has a long history of taking care of weary travelers. more >>