Answer: Traveling the Silk Road in Gansu on a DIY basis using mostly public transport is possible, though it requires careful planning due to the region's vast distances and limited connectivity in some areas. Many travelers have shared experiences online detailing their itineraries, transport options, and challenges.

Answer: Planning a private day trip from Lanzhou to Bingling Temple and then onward to Xiahe is definitely doable, but it requires careful coordination due to the boat schedules and road conditions.

Answer: The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang are a large complex of Buddhist grottoes spread over several hills, with access to some caves requiring climbing stairs. For seniors or visitors with minor disabilities, it is important to know what to expect in terms of accessibility.

Answer: Yes, your plan to travel from Xi'an to Zhangye on train T269 and then from Zhangye to Lanzhou is feasible, though it will be a tight schedule. Let's break down the details:

Answer: The journey between Xiahe (home to the Labrang Monastery) and Langmusi is a popular route for travelers exploring the Tibetan areas of Gansu and Sichuan provinces. However, public transport options are limited and schedules can vary depending on the season and local demand.

Answer: In Dunhuang and Jiayuguan, hiring a private driver is one of the most convenient ways to explore the main attractions, especially when traveling in a group of six. The distances between scenic sites in Gansu can be significant, and public transportation options are limited, so private transport provides both flexibility and comfort.

Answer: Jiayuguan, located in Gansu province, is a small city but holds significant historical importance as the western end of the Ming Great Wall. Whether to stay overnight depends on your interest level and train schedules. If you only have a short layover, it is possible to see the main attractions in one day, but an overnight stay allows for a more relaxed pace and the chance to visit additional sites like the Wei-Jin Tombs.

Answer: The trip from Dunhuang to the Yadan National Geological Park (also known as the “Yadan Ghost City”) is possible, but timing and transportation require careful planning, especially if you have a flight from Dunhuang at 9:20 PM the same day.

Answer: Traveling from Xi'an to Dunhuang is a common question for visitors to Gansu province, and there are a few options, each with its pros and cons. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Answer: Visiting the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture at the end of the May holiday can be a smart way to avoid the peak crowds found in China’s more popular tourist spots, such as Beijing, Xi’an, or Shanghai. While May 1–3 will see heavy domestic tourism, heading to a more remote area like Gannan means that by May 4–5, you will likely encounter fewer travelers, though local tourism may still be active.

Answer: Thanks — nice short trip idea. Both options are possible but you’re packing a lot into 8 days across a very large, sparsely populated province (and, for Badain Jaran, across into Alashan/Inner Mongolia). Below I explain the realistic pros/cons, note key travel times you should plan around, give weather/seasonal cautions for early November, and finish with a recommended, tightened 8-day plan (one driver option and one “hostel + local tours” option) that is far more realistic and less exhausting.

Answer: Good questions — here’s a detailed look at whether your planned train leg with T269 from Xi’an to Zhangye West (for visiting the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park) and then onward to Beijing is workable, along with its constraints.

Answer: Finding a private taxi in Zhangye for a 2-day itinerary is possible, but direct WeChat contacts are not widely published online. Most travelers arrange private taxis through local hotels, travel agencies, or online platforms that specialize in China travel services.