About Gansu

Gansu is a captivating province in northwest China that serves as a living museum along the ancient Silk Road. This narrow corridor stretches over 1,600 kilometers, connecting the Tibetan Plateau with the Gobi Desert, creating a landscape of dramatic contrasts. Travelers are drawn to the magnificent Mogao Caves near Dunhuang, a UNESCO World Heritage site housing one of the world's greatest collections of Buddhist art spanning a thousand years. The province boasts stunning natural wonders like the rainbow-colored Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park and the otherworldly Yardang landforms that resemble a Martian landscape. Gansu's cultural tapestry is woven from diverse ethnic groups including Han, Hui, Tibetan, Dongxiang, and Yugur peoples, each contributing unique traditions visible in vibrant markets and festivals. The historic Jiayuguan Pass marks the western end of the Great Wall, while Labrang Monastery in Xiahe offers an immersive Tibetan Buddhist experience. From the oasis city of Dunhuang to the grasslands of Gannan, Gansu presents an unforgettable journey through China's history, spirituality, and breathtaking geography.

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Travel Tips for Gansu

Getting Around

Transportation varies widely across Gansu. High-speed trains connect Lanzhou with Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang. Regular trains serve most cities. Long-distance buses reach remote areas but can be uncomfortable. In cities, taxis are affordable; use DiDi (China's Uber equivalent) in Lanzhou. Car rentals with drivers are recommended for desert and mountain routes. Domestic flights connect Lanzhou with Dunhuang and other major cities. For remote areas like Labrang Monastery, shared minibuses are common. Download offline maps as cellular service can be unreliable in remote regions.

Best Time To Visit

May to October offers the most pleasant weather. September-October provides comfortable temperatures (15-25°C), clear skies, and autumn colors. May-June features blooming landscapes but can be windy. July-August is warm but crowded with domestic tourists. Avoid winter (November-March) when temperatures drop below freezing, especially in desert and high-altitude areas. Tibetan Buddhist festivals in Xiahe (January/February) offer unique cultural experiences but require preparation for extreme cold.

Local Customs

Respect religious customs at Buddhist monasteries: walk clockwise around stupas, don't touch religious artifacts, and ask permission before photographing monks. Remove shoes when entering homes or certain temple areas. In Muslim Hui communities, avoid eating pork or drinking alcohol in public during Ramadan. Tipping isn't customary but appreciated for exceptional service. Dress modestly at religious sites—cover shoulders and knees. When offered food or tea, accept with both hands as a sign of respect. Bargaining is expected at markets but not in department stores. Avoid discussing sensitive political or ethnic topics.

Safety Information

Gansu is generally safe with low violent crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in cities. Be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas like Mogao Caves and Zhangye Danxia. Road safety varies significantly—mountain roads can be hazardous, especially after rain. Avoid political demonstrations. Some border areas near Xinjiang and Tibet have travel restrictions; check current regulations. Scams targeting tourists include overpriced tours, fake antiques, and inflated taxi fares. Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps. Earthquakes occasionally occur in seismic zones. Respect religious sites and local customs, particularly in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.

Health Information

Gansu's high-altitude areas (especially southern regions near Tibetan Plateau) may cause altitude sickness; acclimatize gradually. Air quality can be poor in industrial areas like Lanzhou. Drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid gastrointestinal issues. Hospitals in major cities (Lanzhou, Tianshui, Jiayuguan) offer reasonable care, but rural areas have limited facilities. Recommended vaccinations: routine vaccines plus Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Consider altitude sickness medication if visiting areas above 2,500 meters. Bring any prescription medications with original packaging. Medical insurance covering evacuation is strongly recommended.

Languages Spoken

Mandarin ChineseGansu dialectsTibetanMongolianUyghur

Quick Facts

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)
¥

Timezone

Asia/Shanghai +08:00 (GMT)

Calling Code

+86

Electricity

Type A, C, I; 220V, 50Hz
Socket types →

Driving Side

Right

Population

25 million

Area

454000 km²

Government

Provincial People's Government of China

About Gansu

Things to do in Gansu

Morning Fatbike Dune Tour

Sunset Fatbike Dune Experience

Shark Cage Diving Viewing Only

Whale Watching from Gansbaai

Shark Cage Diving - Adventure Meets Conservation!

Half-Day White Shark Cage Diving from Gansbaai

Guided Shark Cage Diving with Hookah Air Supply in Gansbaai

Big 5 Sea Safari in Walker Bay from Gansbaai

Shark Cage Diving and Viewing - Self drive

Gansbaai Shark Cage Diving with surface air available on request

Shark Cage Diving and Whale Watching Combo in Gansbaai

Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai

Travel Tips for Gansu

Getting Around

Best Time To Visit

Local Customs

Safety Information

Health Information

Languages Spoken

Quick Facts

Currency

Timezone

Calling Code

Electricity

Driving Side

Population

Area

Government

ISO Code

Emergency Contacts

Police

Ambulance

Fire

Tourist Police

Frequently Asked Questions