The Hexi Corridor stretches from Wushaoling Ridge in the east to Yumen Pass in Dunhuang in the west, sandwiched between the Southern Mountains (Qilian Mountains) and Northern Mountains (Mazong Mountain, Heli Mountain, and Longshou Mountain). Named for its position west of the Yellow River and its corridor-like shape, this narrow passage — approximately 1,000 km long and varying from a few kilometers to nearly 100 km wide — was the most important and prosperous golden section of the ancient Silk Road.
Since Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty sent Zhang Qian on his mission to the Western Regions, the Hexi Corridor has served as China's vital transportation link to Central Asia, West Asia, and even Europe. Countless caravans, envoys, monks, and soldiers left their historical footprints here. Huo Qubing's northern campaign against the Xiongnu, Xuanzang's westward journey for Buddhist scriptures, Marco Polo's eastward travels — these legendary stories all unfolded on this land.
Along the corridor are numerous historic cities and attractions: Wuwei (ancient Liangzhou), Jinchang, Zhangye (ancient Ganzhou), Jiuquan (ancient Suzhou), Jiayuguan Pass, and Dunhuang (ancient Shazhou) — each city carries profound Silk Road memories. Zhangye's colorful Danxia landforms, Jiayuguan Pass, Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring — each attraction is a crystallization of a thousand years of civilization.
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit: May to October, with June–September being the peak tourist season.
Transportation: From Lanzhou, take a high-speed train to Zhangye, then drive or hire a car westward to Dunhuang. Tuodada Travel provides full transportation arrangements.
Recommended Duration: 6–8 days for an in-depth tour.
Recommended by Tuodada Travel
Tuodada's Hexi Corridor 6-Day Tour, round trip from Lanzhou, covers Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang in one journey. Small groups of 1–8 people, including "Back to Zhangye" live performance, Apsara travel photography, and desert camping. Hotline: 0937-8839685 / 133-0937-2188 / 133-0937-3667.
