Your day begins with a pickup from your centrally located hotel in Lanzhou. Travel by comfortable private vehicle as your guide introduces the geography and Yellow River culture of the region.

Tianfu Sand Palace: a striking desert landscape shaped by wind and time. Towering sand formations, natural arches, and sculptural ridges create a dramatic environment often compared to a natural outdoor gallery. You’ll have time to walk among the formations, take photos, and experience the quiet contrast between desert scenery and the distant Yellow River.

Lanzhou Ink Danxia Geological Park: known for its layered rock formations painted in ink-like shades of red, gray, and black. Unlike more crowded Danxia sites, this area feels expansive and serene. Scenic walkways and viewpoints allow you to fully appreciate the scale and texture of the landscape.

Hekou Ancient Town: In the late afternoon, visit Hekou Ancient Town, a former Yellow River trading post that once linked Lanzhou with Inner Asia. Stroll through old streets, stone courtyards, and riverfront paths while learning about the town’s role in commerce, transport, and river culture.