Discover giant pandas, Rainbow Mountains, Silk Road history and western China's spectacular natural landscapes and ancient frontiers.
7 Days from
$
Classic Adventures
Adventure touring
Discover the remarkable landscapes and rich Silk Road heritage of western China on this seven-day journey from Chengdu in Sichuan Province through Gansu to Jiayuguan. Beginning with a visit to the renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, travel by overnight train, high-speed rail and private vehicle to explore the colourful Rainbow Danxia, dramatic Pingshanhu Grand Canyon, cliffside grottoes of Matisi and historic Jiayuguan Fort at the western end of the Great Wall. Combining iconic wildlife, spectacular natural landscapes and fascinating Silk Road history, this unique adventure reveals a lesser-visited side of China.
Expand all | Collapse all
Meals: D
Show on map
Meals: B,L,D
Meals: B,L
10 scheduled departures between 18 Oct 2026 and 24 Oct 2027.
Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.
If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.
It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.
You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.
If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.
Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.
Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.
Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.
This is an Adventure Touring trip with moderate walking, some uneven terrain and optional longer walks in the Qilian Mountains.
Walks range from short sightseeing walks to around 2.5 hours in Pingshanhu Grand Canyon, with optional 5 km or 12 km walks in the Qilian Mountains.
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are recommended for uneven trails, historic sites and the mountain walks.
You’ll stay in comfortable 4-star hotels with private ensuite facilities, plus one night on an overnight sleeper train.
The Chengdu to Zhangye journey is in a 4 berth soft-sleeper on an overnight train.
Yes, with guides and a support vehicle to carry your luggage.
Yes, you will need to carry your main luggage on and off the trains and a daypack during sightseeing.
Carry your water bottle, rain jacket, camera, valuables, sunscreen and other personal items needed during the day.
Western China has warm days and cooler mornings and evenings, with colder and more changeable conditions possible in the Qilian Mountains.
Bring lightweight layers, warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sun protection and clothing suitable for changing temperatures.
The trip includes 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners.
The itinerary includes a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and you will see giant and red pandas.
Yes, the itinerary visits both Binggou Danxia and the famous Rainbow Danxia near Zhangye.
Yes, the trip visits Jiayuguan Fort and the nearby Overhanging Great Wall.
The itinerary uses a combination of private vehicle, overnight sleeper train and high-speed rail to reduce long road journeys.
No, due to uneven terrain, steps and walking requirements, this trip is not suitable for travellers with limited mobility.
No, the arrival transfer in Chengdu is not included.
Yes, a group transfer to Jiayuguan Airport is included on the final day.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and current Chinese entry regulations, so travellers should check the latest requirements before departure.
Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for this trip.
Carbon Footprint
So what does 100 kg of carbon look like? Here is a rough guide to help put it into perspective:
Discover how we're working to cut carbon emissions from our adventures by exploring the Climate Action page within our Responsible Travel hub.
Please note trip footprints do not include flights to and from the tour.
Search Filters
Ask a real person
All fields are required except mobile number.
Save or retrieve your favourites
Enter your email to save or retrieve your favourite trips.
Welcome! Please tell us your first name.
Enter verification code
Enter the 6-digit code we sent to .
Your Favourite Trips
Remove All Favourite Trips?
Are you sure you want to remove all your favourite trips?
This action cannot be undone.
The following errors occured
