6 Days China Silk Road Photography Tour
Tour Overview
Welcome to join us on this 6-day photography tour of China Silk Road. You will be guided to ascend the westernmost point of the Great Wall -Jiayuguan Pass; explore the mystical Strange Forest and the beautiful Populus Euphratica Forest, known for its golden hues.
Marvel at Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple and the surreal Danxia Rainbow Mountain. This Silk Road journey offers unparalleled opportunities to capture the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this trade route.
Highlights of this tour
- Explore the westernmost point of the Great Wall by strolling along its ancient walls.
- Learn about local history at Ruins of Black City.
- Watch the stunning Juyan Lake sunrise.
- Discover the unique “Strange Forest” in Ejin Banner.
- Capture the striking beauty of the 900-year-old Euphrates Poplar trees and witness a breathtaking sunset.
- Experience the splendid Buddhist culture at Giant Buddha Temple.
- Visit the colorful rock formations of Danxia Rainbow Mountain.
Basic Trip Information
Travel Route: Jiayuguan-Ejin Banner-Zhangye-Jiayuguan
Travel Length: 6 Days and 5 Nights
Tour Code:
Group Size: Only your family or group
Suitable for: Culture & history lovers, nature lovers, photographers
Departure: Any day you want
Your tour – quick look
Day 1 Arrival, Jiayuguan Tour
Stroll along the west starting point of the Chinese Great Wall – Jiayuguan Pass.
Day 2-3 Ejin Banner Tour
Travel from Jiayuguan to Ejin Banner to visit the Black City Ruins, followed by a visit to the Strange Forest. Early morning photography at Juyan Lake for the sunrise. Visit the 900-year-old Euphrates Poplar and explore the Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest to capture the sunset.
Day 4-6 Zhangye Tour, Back to Jiayuguan
Enjoy 2 days exploring the best parts of the Zhangye from Giant Buddha Temple and Matisi Grottoes to Danxia Rainbow Mountains.
Day-to-day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Jiayuguan
Stroll along the Ancient Jiayuguan Fort
Our driver and guide will wait for you at the airport terminal exit or train station by holding a welcome sign with your name on it. Then you will be driven to Jiayuguan Pass, the west starting point of the Chinese Great Wall. Strolling along the city wall, experience the profound history. The guide will explain more about its historical significance to you. After the visit, you will be transferred to your hotel in Jiayuguan.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: in Jiayuguan
Day 2 Jiayuguan to Ejin Banner Tour
Visit the Black City Ruins and Explore Strange Forest
In the morning board the van and transfer to Ejin Banner (5.5 hours). After lunch, you will visit the Ruins of Black City. Black City was built during the Western Xia Period in the 9th century and was abandoned in the Ming Dynasty due to the war in 1372. The ruins are the largest and the most completely preserved city ruins along the Silk Road. Till today the ruins of civil dwellings, government offices, markets, and streets are visible.
Afterward, move to the well-known Strange Forest. Your stereotype of the forest would be subverted here. Taking the chance to take some photos and then go back to the hotel.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Ejin Banner
Day 3 Journey to Populus Euphratica Forest in Ejina Banner
Shoot Juyan Lake Sunrise and Sunset in Populus Euphratica Forest
In the early morning, your Silk Road photography tour takes you to Juyan Lake to appreciate the sunrise here and take some photos. Next, drive to see the 900-year-old Euphrates Poplar which is regarded as a sacred tree by locals. After that, we will wander in the Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest and appreciate the sunset. The Poplar forest is for sightseeing, photo taking, and more for spirit encouragement. A poplar can live for nearly 1,000 years in a tough environment and will keep standing for hundreds of years even after dying.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Ejin Banner
Day 4 Ejina Banner to Zhangye Tour
Visit the Iconic Building of Zhangye – Dafo Temple
Today we will depart to Zhangye. After arrival, the Silk Road tour in Zhangye will take you to Giant Buddha Temple, aka Dafo Temple, which is not only an important scenic spot on the Silk Road, but also a landmark building in Zhangye. The temple preserves the largest Western Xia Buddhist hall in the country and the largest indoor wooden and clay sculpture reclining Buddha. Finishing the visit, drive you to your hotel in Zhangye for check-in.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Zhangye
Day 5 Zhangye Rainbow Mountain Tour
Capture the Rainbow-like Danxia Landform
In the morning, you will visit Matisi Grottoes (Horse’s Hoof Temple), boasting a history of over 1600 years. The scenic area has rich Buddhist cultural heritage and natural landscapes, and is an important Buddhist holy site in the Hexi Corridor.
After that, we will head for Danxia Rainbow Mountain where you can see a truly picturesque world made up of red, white, yellow, and other colors of rock. There are multiple observation decks in the scenic area, among which visitors can overlook the magnificent scenery from the Cloud Sea Terrace. The Rainbow Terrace is the best place to enjoy the sunset. The rainbow glow falls on the hills, and its colors are particularly brilliant against the afterglow of the setting sun.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Zhangye
Day 6 Zhangye to Jiayuguan Tour, Departure
Your 6-day Silk Road tour to Jiayuguan, Ejina Banner, Zhangye ends here. You will be transferred to the airport or train station to your next destination.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
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