Guazhou County Travel

Guazhou County, Jiuquan, Gansu — a cultural hub on the Silk Road, an ancient city where the Gobi and oasis intertwine. This 2-day 1-night in-depth tour includes exploring the Suoyang City Ruins, appreciating the art of Yulin Grottoes, and experiencing the Gobi Sculpture land art.

1300+
Years of City-Building History
1
Extension Project of World Cultural Heritage
42
Gobi Sculptures
18+
Special Local Foods
Aerial Panorama of Suoyang City Ruins in Guazhou
Suoyang City Ruins - Ancient Silk Road City
Ruins of a Tang Dynasty military stronghold and an important post station on the Silk Road, with existing city walls, corner towers and other relics

2-Day 1-Night Cultural Tour of Guazhou County

Explore the ancient Silk Road city, admire grotto art, experience land art, and taste the food of the Gobi oasis

Tour Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Suoyang City, Yulin Grottoes, Gobi Sculpture Park
Suitable For
History and culture enthusiasts, art lovers
Per Capita Budget
¥550-¥850
01
Silk Road Treasures
Suoyang City Ruins · Yulin Grottoes
Itinerary Highlights

Arrive in Guazhou, check into the hotel and then head to Suoyang City Ruins to explore this Tang Dynasty military stronghold. In the afternoon, visit Yulin Grottoes to admire the exquisite mural art.

Attraction Arrangement
Suoyang City Ruins
Ruins of a Tang Dynasty military stronghold and an important post station on the Silk Road. Existing relics include city walls, corner towers, government offices, etc. It was inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage List in 2014.
Yulin Grottoes
The sister grottoes of Mogao Grottoes, with 43 existing caves, more than 4,200 square meters of murals, and 259 colored sculptures, with the most exquisite art from the Tang Dynasty.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Guazhou Hotel
  • Suoyang City Inn
  • Budget hotels in the county seat
Food Recommendations
  • Mutton Soup with Noodles
  • Guazhou Honeydew Melon
  • Cynomorium Tea
Travel Tips
  • Strong wind and sand in the ruins area
  • Photography is prohibited in Yulin Grottoes
  • Pay attention to sun protection and hydration
02
Land Art
Gobi Sculpture Park · Local Specialty Shopping
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, visit the Gobi Sculpture Park to admire land art works. In the afternoon, visit the Guazhou Museum to learn about local history and culture. Buy local specialties such as cynomorium and wolfberry before returning.

Attraction Arrangement
Gobi Sculpture Park
The world's first Gobi Sculpture Park, with 42 large-scale sculpture works scattered in the Gobi, forming a shocking land art landscape.
Guazhou Museum
A comprehensive museum displaying the history and culture of Guazhou and cultural relics of the Silk Road, with a collection of more than 2,000 cultural relics.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • About 50 kilometers from the county seat to Suoyang City
  • Yulin Grottoes need to be reached by chartered car
Specialty Recommendations
  • Cynomorium
  • Wolfberry
  • Guazhou Honeydew Melon
  • Gobi Stone Art
Ticket Information
  • Suoyang City: ¥40
  • Yulin Grottoes: ¥40
  • Sculpture Park: Free

Must-Try Foods in Guazhou County

Mutton Soup with Noodles

A special delicacy of Guazhou, mutton is cooked with noodle slices in a rich soup with tender meat. It is the most beloved traditional pasta among locals.

Guazhou Honeydew Melon

A national geographical indication product. Due to the large temperature difference between day and night, the sugar content is high, the flesh is delicate, sweet and juicy, with a maximum sugar content of up to 18%.

Cynomorium Tea

A local special health tea, with cynomorium as the main raw material, has nourishing effects and is a traditional drink in the Gobi area.

Guazhou County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Mild climate
  • Autumn (September-October): Melons are in season
  • Avoid high temperature periods in summer
Must-Experience Activities
  • Explore Suoyang City Ruins
  • Admire Yulin Grottoes Art
  • Gobi Sculpture Photography
  • Honeydew Melon Picking and Tasting
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥80
  • Accommodation: ¥120-220 per night
  • Catering: ¥50-80 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥150
  • Total: ¥550-850
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What are the highlights of Suoyang City? → Tang Dynasty ancient city wall ruins
  • What are the opening hours of Yulin Grottoes? → 09:00-17:00
  • Best time to shoot at Sculpture Park? → Early morning or evening
  • What are the local specialties of Guazhou? → Cynomorium, honeydew melon, wolfberry

Explore Travel in Each District and County of Jiuquan City