Jiuquan City Travel

Jiuquan, Gansu — a vital town on the Silk Road and a new aerospace technology city. Explore the world cultural heritage Mogao Grottoes, climb the world's No.1 grand pass Jiayuguan Pass, and visit the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the cradle of China's aerospace industry.

2100+
Years of City-Building History
2
World Cultural Heritage Sites
1
Cradle of China's Aerospace Industry
40+
Specialty Foods

Jiuquan City Tourism in Various Districts and Counties

Jiuquan City 4 Days 3 Nights Essence Tour

Explore Dunhuang art, climb the world-famous grand pass, experience aerospace technology, and taste Silk Road cuisine

Trip Duration
4 Days 3 Nights
Main Destinations
Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Jiuquan Urban Area
Suitable for
Culture lovers, history explorers, photography enthusiasts
Per Capita Budget
¥1200-¥1800
01
Dunhuang Art
Mogao Grottoes · Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring
Trip Highlights

Arrive in Dunhuang, visit the world cultural heritage Mogao Grottoes, and tour Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring in the afternoon to experience the wonder of desert and clear spring coexisting.

Attraction Arrangement
Mogao Grottoes
World cultural heritage, with 735 existing caves, 45,000 square meters of murals and 2,415 clay sculptures, known as the "Oriental Louvre".
Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring
A desert wonder, with a clear spring surrounded by sand mountains, the sound of sand and the reflection of the spring complement each other, known as "a unique scenery of the frontier".
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Dunhuang Villa
  • Sunshine Shazhou Hotel
  • Homestays near Dunhuang Night Market
Food Recommendations
  • Donkey Meat with Yellow Noodles
  • Dunhuang Niangpi (Cold Noodle Jelly)
  • Apricot Skin Water
Travel Tips
  • Mogao Grottoes require advance reservation
  • Photography is prohibited inside the caves
  • Sunscreen and hydration are essential in the desert
02
The World's Grand Pass
Jiayuguan Pass · Overhanging Great Wall
Trip Highlights

Travel to Jiayuguan, visit Jiayuguan Pass, known as "the world's No.1 grand pass", and tour the Overhanging Great Wall in the afternoon to experience the grandeur of ancient military defense projects.

Attraction Arrangement
Jiayuguan Pass
The western starting point of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, known as "the world's No.1 grand pass", a well-preserved ancient military defense system.
Overhanging Great Wall
A section of the Great Wall built on a steep mountain ridge, shaped like hanging upside down in the air, magnificent, a miracle in the history of Great Wall construction.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • About 380 km from Dunhuang to Jiayuguan
  • Recommended to charter a car or take a bullet train
  • Travel time is about 4 hours
Ticket Information
  • Jiayuguan Pass: ¥120
  • Overhanging Great Wall: ¥35
Travel Tips
  • It's windy at the pass, keep warm
  • Climbing the Great Wall requires physical strength
  • Jiayuguan roasted meat is a must-try
03
Aerospace New City
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center · Western Han Dynasty Jiuquan Scenic Spot
Trip Highlights

Visit the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to learn about the development history of China's aerospace industry. Return to Jiuquan urban area in the afternoon and tour the Western Han Dynasty Jiuquan Scenic Spot.

Attraction Arrangement
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center
China's earliest established and largest comprehensive missile and satellite launch center, known as "the cradle of China's aerospace industry".
Western Han Dynasty Jiuquan Scenic Spot
The origin of the name Jiuquan, it is said that Huo Qubing poured imperial wine into the spring to drink with his soldiers. Existing relics include ancient spring pavilions and stone inscriptions.
Practical Information
Notes
  • Advance reservation is required for the launch center
  • Random photography is prohibited in military restricted areas
  • Carry ID documents
Special Experiences
  • Aerospace model making
  • Simulated launch experience
  • Tasting astronaut food
Food Recommendations
  • Huguo (Thick Soup with Noodles and Ingredients)
  • Mutton Noodle Soup
  • Jiuquan Liangpi (Cold Noodle Jelly)
04
Gobi Oasis
Jinta Populus euphratica Forest · Return Trip
Trip Highlights

Visit Jinta Populus euphratica Forest in the morning to admire the golden ocean in the Gobi. Return in the afternoon according to flight/train schedule.

Attraction Arrangement
Jinta Populus euphratica Forest
China's largest artificial Populus euphratica forest, golden in autumn, forming a magnificent picture with deserts and lakes, known as the "desert hero tree".
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • About 80 km from Jiuquan to the Populus euphratica Forest
  • Travel time is about 1.5 hours
  • Sightseeing buses are available in the scenic area
Best Season
  • Mid-October to early November is the best viewing period
  • Populus euphratica leaves are fully yellow
  • Avoid high temperatures in summer
Return Suggestions
  • Jiayuguan Airport is 13 km from the urban area
  • Dunhuang Airport is 12 km from the urban area
  • It is recommended to arrive 2 hours in advance

Must-Try Foods in Jiuquan City

Donkey Meat with Yellow Noodles

A special food of Dunhuang, with tender donkey meat and chewy handmade yellow noodles, served with special sauce, it is the most representative food of Dunhuang.

Jiayuguan Roasted Meat

Using mutton from Qilian Mountain grassland, roasted over charcoal fire, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with cumin and other seasonings, fragrant.

Huguo (Thick Soup with Noodles and Ingredients)

A characteristic breakfast in Jiuquan, made with chicken soup, gluten, vermicelli, fried dough sticks and other ingredients, thick and delicious, warming the stomach and satisfying hunger.