Back from Gansu, and let me tell you the unvarnished truth! I came to this city because of a song.

🎵“Hey yo, my hometown Gansu, the Yellow River flows, the story of beef noodles spreads throughout the world, the Mogao Grottoes hide thousand-year-old paintings, and the setting sun sets by the Crescent Moon Spring…” Every time I hear the soulful song "Gansu My Hometown," the melodious tune and poetic lyrics act like a magic key, opening the door to my yearning for this magical land. In March of this year, filled with anticipation, I embarked on a fantastic 6-day journey to Gansu. Come along with me! 🌆 Gansu, located in Northwest China, is a vital part of the ancient Silk Road. In March, the chill of winter hadn't completely dissipated, but the sun was already blazing, and the earth was gradually awakening. Here, you'll find world-renowned artistic treasures like the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, where murals and painted sculptures narrate a thousand years of history. You'll also witness the magnificent spectacle of the Zhangye Danxia Landform, where nature has painted a breathtaking vista with a seven-color palette. And let's not forget the mouthwatering cuisine, such as Lanzhou beef noodles and hand-pulled mutton, each bite brimming with the boldness and warmth of the Gansu people. History and nature, culture and art intertwine, and every corner exudes a unique charm. 🚌 Transportation Guide: ✈️ You can first arrive at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport. The province has convenient transportation, with high-speed trains and bullet trains crisscrossing the region, allowing you to quickly reach various cities. Public buses in Lanzhou cover most major attractions. If you're heading to suburban scenic spots like Dunhuang and Zhangye, taking a bullet train or a special tourist bus is the most convenient option, allowing you to admire Gansu's diverse landscapes of mountains, deserts, and oases along the way, and experience the vastness of the region and the changing scenery😃. 🎯 Recommended Itinerary: Day 1-2: Lanzhou - Gansu Provincial Museum - Yellow River Scenic Line - Zhongshan Bridge Day 1: Morning: Stepping into the Gansu Provincial Museum is like entering a treasure trove of history. The museum houses a vast collection of cultural relics, from painted pottery from ancient times to relics from the Silk Road. The exquisite Buddha statues and vibrant murals are particularly captivating, immersing you in the profoundness of Chinese civilization. Noon: Enjoy authentic Lanzhou beef noodles near the museum. "One clear" (clear broth), "two white" (white radish), "three red" (red chili oil), "four green" (green garlic sprouts and cilantro), "five yellow" (bright yellow noodles) - the aroma is enticing, the noodles are firm, and a sip of the hot broth warms you from head to toe. Afternoon: Head to the Yellow River Scenic Line and stroll along the banks of the Yellow River, watching the surging waters and feeling the majestic power of the Mother River. Cross the Zhongshan Bridge, a century-old iron bridge spanning the Yellow River, connecting Lanzhou's past and present, and admire the cityscape on both sides of the river. Day 2: Morning: Return to the Yellow River's edge and watch the sunrise paint the river's surface with shimmering light, starting your day with energy. Noon: Enjoy a Northwest home-style meal in the city center and try the hand-pulled mutton. The tender mutton, bursting with its natural flavor, needs only a touch of salt and pepper and melts in your mouth, showcasing the boldness of Gansu cuisine. Afternoon: After a short rest, visit the Lanzhou Stele Forest, home to calligraphy masterpieces by numerous renowned calligraphers. Stroll through the forest, appreciate the art of calligraphy, and experience the charm of traditional culture. Day 3-4: Dunhuang - Mogao Grottoes - Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring Day 3: Morning: Travel to Dunhuang, admiring the Gobi Desert scenery of western Gansu along the way. Upon arrival, visit the Mogao Grottoes, a sanctuary of human culture and art. The exquisite murals and lifelike painted sculptures within the caves, bearing over a thousand years of Buddhist culture and artistic heritage, leave you in awe of the creativity of the ancients. Noon: Savor donkey meat yellow noodles in Dunhuang city. The slender yellow noodles are paired with a rich donkey meat topping, sprinkled with chopped green onions and cilantro, offering a smooth and delicious taste. Afternoon: After a short rest, head to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring. Climb Mingsha Mountain and overlook the Crescent Moon Spring, a clear oasis nestled within the desert. Resembling a green gemstone, it shimmers under the sunlight, showcasing the magical coexistence of desert and spring. You can stay in a nearby guesthouse for the night and fall asleep to the sound of the desert wind. Day 4: Morning: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Mingsha Mountain. As the sun rises, golden light spills over the sand dunes, creating a mesmerizing display of light and shadow, starting a dreamlike day. Noon: Enjoy a Dunhuang specialty meal in the city center, such as apricot skin water, a sweet, sour, and refreshing local drink, perfect for replenishing your energy. Afternoon: Visit the Dunhuang Museum to delve into the city's historical transformations and explore its past and present through its relics. Day 5-6: Zhangye - Zhangye Danxia Landform - Giant Buddha Temple Day 5: Morning: Take a bullet train to Zhangye. Upon arrival, head to the Zhangye Danxia Landform, nature's palette. The colorful mountains stretch as far as the eye can see, their hues even more vibrant under the sunlight. Walking along the viewing platform, you'll feel like you've stepped into a fairytale world, marveling at nature's artistry. Noon: Enjoy beef xiao fan near the Zhangye Danxia Landform. These small, pellet-like noodles are served in beef broth with chopped green onions and cilantro, creating a steaming and delicious dish. Afternoon: Visit the Giant Buddha Temple, home to Asia's largest indoor reclining Buddha. The temple exudes solemnity and reverence. Step inside to experience the tranquility and peace of Buddhist culture and admire the exquisite ancient architecture. Day 6: Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon - Return Trip Morning: Visit Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, a deep canyon with rugged rock formations. Hike through it, experience the thrill of exploration, and feel the magnificence of nature. Noon: After a simple lunch nearby, embark on your return journey, filled with memories and a fondness for Gansu. 🌟 Must-Visit Spots: 📍Nine-Story Building at Mogao Grottoes: With the majestic Nine-Story Building, the cave entrance, and the surrounding Gobi Desert scenery as a backdrop, taking photos in front of the building captures Gansu's most iconic cultural image, leaving a lasting impression of your trip. Whether under the bright sun or the setting sun, the scenery is captivating. 📍Zhangye Danxia Landform Viewing Platform: With the colorful mountains, the azure sky, and the distant peaks as a backdrop, taking photos here creates a fantastic atmosphere, showcasing the natural beauty of Gansu. 💕 Travel Experience: This six-day Gansu trip was a celebration of culture and nature. The awe-inspiring Mogao Grottoes and the vibrant Zhangye Danxia Landform immersed me in Gansu's charm. The delicious Lanzhou beef noodles and the rich hand-pulled mutton made me fall in love with this city. Gansu in March, with its grandeur and depth, captivated me. I left with a heavy heart, looking forward to returning and continuing my story with this enchanting place. 🍱 Local Food Recommendations: 🥘Lanzhou Beef Noodles: Clear broth, firm noodles, exquisite ingredients, and a fragrant aroma. 🥩Hand-pulled Mutton: Tender mutton, bursting with natural flavor, bold and delicious. 🥢Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles: Smooth yellow noodles, rich donkey meat, and a fresh taste. 🥘Beef Xiao Fan: Small noodle pellets in beef broth, hearty and delicious. 🥤Apricot Skin Water: Sweet, sour, refreshing, and a local specialty drink. Gansu's cuisine is as enticing as its scenery. Come and experience it, and you might, like me, fall in love with this city because of a song!