Gansu vs Yunnan?

Question

Hi all,

We'd like to see both provinces including a flight with the zhangjajie area. I thought about a double entry visa but my husband is not really keen on traveling more than 1 month in China.

So in 30 days we have to operate a choice between Gansu and Yunnan.

Option 1 would be such an itinary: Dunhuang, zhangye, including Badan Jaran desert, xiahe, Bingling Si. Then Xi'an and a flight to the Zhangjajie area.

Option 2 would be only Yunnan.

Really confusing... We've already been to Tibet. That was 15 years ago and we go trekking in Nepal almost every year.

We'd like to see something a bit different this time. The Gansu province seems to offer more variety compared to Yunnan, but I might be wrong...

Being now retired, we can travel any time.

Thank you for your feedback

Answer

Choosing between Gansu and Yunnan for a 30-day trip depends largely on the type of landscapes, cultural experiences, and pace of travel you prefer. Both provinces offer remarkable scenery, but they are quite different in character.

Option 1: Gansu Province + Xi’an + Zhangjiajie

Gansu is in northwest China and offers a mix of deserts, ancient Silk Road towns, Tibetan-influenced culture, and Buddhist grottoes. A suggested itinerary might include Dunhuang, Zhangye, the Badain Jaran Desert, Xiahe, Bingling Si, followed by Xi’an for the Terracotta Army, then a flight to Zhangjiajie for the unique sandstone pillars.

Pros: Extremely diverse landscapes (deserts, mountains, temples), less touristy compared to Yunnan, Silk Road history, Tibetan culture exposure, and stunning geological formations.
Cons: Long distances between sites, requiring flights or long train journeys, some areas are remote, basic infrastructure in rural areas, and less lush greenery compared to Yunnan.

Option 2: Yunnan Province only

Yunnan in southwest China is known for its dramatic mountains, ethnic diversity, and subtropical climate. Key highlights include Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-La, Yuanyang rice terraces, and Kunming.

Pros: Lush landscapes, colorful minority cultures, easier travel logistics between sites, good accommodation and dining options, and generally milder climate.
Cons: More touristy in popular spots, may feel more similar to other southeast Asian trekking destinations you’ve visited, less “desert and Silk Road” type landscapes.

Given that you’ve already experienced Tibet and are accustomed to trekking in Nepal, Gansu might offer a more unusual and varied experience, combining desert trekking, Silk Road history, and Tibetan culture. Yunnan is more scenic in terms of greenery and cultural villages, but may feel more familiar to someone used to Himalayan landscapes.

Other considerations:

Season: Yunnan is pleasant year-round, while Gansu can be hot in summer deserts and very cold in winter mountains.
Pace: Gansu requires more internal travel planning due to distances; Yunnan allows for more relaxed travel between sites.
Travel preference: If you enjoy less touristy, off-the-beaten-path exploration, Gansu is appealing. If you prefer lush landscapes and a more comfortable, scenic route, Yunnan is ideal.

In conclusion, for a 30-day trip with a focus on something different from Tibet/Nepal trekking, Gansu combined with Xi’an and Zhangjiajie offers more variety and uniqueness, while Yunnan provides scenic beauty and cultural richness with easier logistics.

Gansu vs Yunnan?

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