2012 China Self-Drive Tour Route Selection — Self-Drive Tour in Gansu

       Reasons to Drive Here

       The Yellow River brings life and comfort to the northwestern plateau, and Lanzhou is the wellspring of the Chinese nation gushing forth from this land. The city’s uniquely shaped ancient buildings are exquisitely constructed and dazzlingly colorful. In ancient times, it was described as having “a lake reflecting mountain hues, half the city crowned with pagoda shadows, reed marshes stretching as far as the eye can see, and temples scattered everywhere.” Traveling westward along the ancient Silk Road, you’ll encounter the majestic and splendid Great Wall, countless historical relics, vast volumes of ancient texts, and mysterious, otherworldly landscapes that keep this ancient route shining brilliantly to this day. The time-honored Mogao Caves, the magical Crescent Lake and Singing Sand Dunes, and the remnants of the Jade Gate Pass together tell the story of Dunhuang’s storied history and beautiful legends.

       Impressions

       Sculpture of the Mother Yellow River – White Pagoda Mountain – Yellow River Iron Bridge – Waterwheel Expo Garden – Danxia Landform – Giant Buddha Temple – The First Pier Under Heaven – Jade Gate Pass – Devil’s City – Singing Sand Dunes – Crescent Lake – Yangguan Pass – Mogao Caves – Lanzhou Beef Noodles – Black Bean Pudding – Noodle Soup with Fermented Grains – Northwestern Mixed Dish – Twisted Fish Noodles – Steamed Lamb and Beef – Dunhuang Minced Noodles – Glowing Cup

       Sculpture of the Mother Yellow River: This sculpture holds high artistic value and won an excellence award in the first national urban sculpture design competition.

       White Pagoda Mountain: From the top of the White Pagoda, you can overlook the cityscape of Lanzhou. The pagoda and the iron bridge over the Yellow River form a majestic and magnificent scene, making it one of the iconic images of the city.

       Yellow River Iron Bridge: With the old setting sun over the ancient ferry, the pagoda’s shadow and the river’s murmurs recall old dreams. This is the oldest ancient bridge in Lanzhou and the first true bridge over the Yellow River.

       Waterwheel Expo Garden: Recreates the spectacular sight of numerous waterwheels lining both banks of the Yellow River over 50 years ago.

       Danxia: Thousands of steep cliffs and mountains all display vibrant shades of cinnabar red and reddish-brown, with peculiar shapes, colorful hues, and a grand momentum.

       Giant Buddha Temple: Named for housing China’s largest indoor reclining Buddha statue, it is an important historic site along the Silk Road. The First Pier Under Heaven: Facing the Qilian snow-capped peaks across the river, it marks the starting point of the westernmost pier of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall.

       Jade Gate Pass: “Why should the Qiang flute lament the willows? The spring breeze never crosses the Jade Gate Pass.” This ancient and mystical pass along the Silk Road has withstood two thousand years of history and still stands proudly.

       Devil’s City: A typical Yardang landform cluster resembling a medieval ancient city, where you can find the silhouettes of many world-famous architectures—nature truly is the best architect.

       Singing Sand Dunes: This romantic sand dune stretches its arms to embrace Crescent Lake. Sit on the sand, listen to the singing sands while watching the sunset, and nothing else seems to matter.

      Crescent Lake: On the golden sand dunes, whenever strong winds blow, a thunderous sound is emitted, while a pool of spring water in the desert shines like a bright moon. The Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake are miracles in the vast desert.

       Yangguan Pass: “I urge you to drink one more cup of wine, for beyond Yangguan Pass there’ll be no more friends.” This ancient city celebrated by poets throughout the ages has stood guard until the very last beacon tower through the centuries.

       Mogao Caves: The largest existing cave temple complex in China, famed as the “Pearl of Oriental Art,” the Mogao Caves continue to deliver a profound spiritual impact even after enduring the influences of the Han and Tang dynasties.

       Lanzhou Beef Noodles: Lanzhou beef noodles are characterized by being “clear soup, white radish, red chili oil, green coriander, and yellow noodles,” offering delicious flavor and nationwide fame. They are light, refreshing, affordable, and a must-try when visiting Lanzhou—enjoy a bowl of authentic beef noodles.

       Black Bean Pudding: A porridge-like dish made from black beans. Cooked black beans are sometimes mixed with dates; when the dates burst, their sweet juice enriches the broth with a rich aroma. Served with sugar, it has a unique taste and is widely loved. In hot summer months, chilled black bean pudding also makes for a great cooling treat.

       Noodle Soup with Fermented Grains: A type of noodle served in a broth made from fermented grains. Popular in Lanzhou, Tianshui, Dingxi, and Linxia, but Lanzhou’s version is the most refined, with a sour, spicy, and fragrant taste that is truly distinctive. The fermented grains contain various beneficial enzymes that help clear heat, stimulate appetite, and make it a great summer dish.

       Northwestern Mixed Dish: In Zhangye, any formal banquet will feature a special dish called “Northwestern Mixed Dish.” Beneath layers of fragrant braised pork are meatballs and tofu balls symbolizing good fortune, garnished with tender stir-fried eggs, wood ear mushrooms, and fresh green vegetables—a supremely delicious dish.

       Twisted Fish Noodles: These are handmade noodles twisted into one-inch-long, fish-shaped pieces that are thick in the middle and pointed at both ends. They can be served cold or stir-fried. The texture is smooth and chewy, but it’s recommended to drink the noodle broth afterward to aid digestion.

       Steamed Lamb and Beef: With a history of over 1,000 years, this dish uses fresh lamb or beef and flour as the base. Seasoned with thirteen types of spices ground from western ingredients such as Sichuan pepper and fennel, it is marinated, then steamed over high and low heat—hence the name “Steamed Lamb and Beef.” It is typically eaten with raw garlic or served between fluffy scallion pancakes, and enjoyed with a cup of brick tea to aid digestion, refresh the palate, and leave a lasting aftertaste.

       Dunhuang Minced Noodles: A traditional handmade wheat noodle dish where flour is mixed with water, kneaded into dough, rolled thin with a rolling pin, cut into strips, boiled, and served in broth. The noodles are long, thin, and even, resembling chive leaves, and when paired with the delicious broth, they quickly relieve hunger and fatigue. Lanzhou Lily Bulb: A highly nutritious and healthy vegetable with great culinary value. “Lanzhou Lily Bulb” is high in sugar, low in coarse fiber, has a delicate texture, and contains other beneficial components.

       Glowing Cup: Carved meticulously from fine Qilian Mountain jade, these cups feature unique shapes and exquisite designs. Their colors range from jet black to glossy lacquer, white as mutton fat, dark green like jade, with natural patterns. The cups are as thin as paper, shiny as a mirror, smooth inside and out, with transparent and bright jade color. When used to serve wine, the taste remains sweet and fragrant over time. Especially enchanting under moonlight, the cup appears as if filled with water, radiating a magical glow. Hence the timeless verse: “Grapes, fine wine, glowing cup.”