Top 50 Best Things to Do in Gansu
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Gansu

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Springtop_1
    󰺂8.9
    2.58
    Dunhuang.Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoHalf-Price Tickets to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring for 4 Consecutive Months | Dec 1, 2025-Mar 31, 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Sand dunes and springs: A desert oasis
    󱓊Desert dunes & spring coexistence
    󱨠Saved by 827 users󱨠23506 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    AlinkaShockAlinkaShock

    We had such a great time here. We booked the slot in the afternoon and it was great decision, it was enough time to wander around, take pictures and climb up the sand dune to watch the sunset and really cool laser show 🤩 highly recommend to stay a bit longer after the sunset for a better experience 👍

  • Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spottop_2
    󰺂8.7
    Zhangye>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoZhangye Danxia Geopark Launches Night Tour and Light Show
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󱨜World Geopark-level Colorful Zhangye Danxia landform
    󱓊Danxia landform's seven scenic wonders
    󱨠Saved by 1122 users󱨠24529 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    爱吃三不沾的略略略爱吃三不沾的略略略

    The itinerary was perfectly balanced. I dread those rushed tours where you sleep on the bus and only need to pee when you get off, but this trip had just the right pace! There was ample time for photos and exploration each day, so it never felt rushed. All the classic tourist attractions were included, plus several hidden gems that are usually inaccessible on independent trips, and a stunning mountaintop viewpoint – the moment I saw the view, I knew it was all worth it!

  • Mogao Cavestop_3
    󰺂8.2
    82.47
    Dunhuang>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoHalf-Price Tickets for Core Dunhuang Attractions | Dec 1, 2025-Mar 31, 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Guided tour of select grottoes
    󱓊Watch two 20-minute Mogao films
    󱨠Saved by 690 users󱨠5603 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    Surasak CalvinSurasak Calvin

    A guided tour of the Mogao Grottoes is essential. Our guides are incredibly knowledgeable and provide engaging explanations, not only about the stories behind the murals and Buddhist rituals, but also about the origins of the pigments and the stylistic differences between dynasties (e.g., the boldness of the Northern Wei and the magnificence of the Tang). They act like learned guides, decoding this artistic labyrinth for us. We recommend doing some research beforehand and going with specific questions in mind; you'll gain twice the benefit.

  • Guan City of Jiayuguan
    4
    󰺂8.2
    45.36
    Jiayuguan>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Night Attractions in Gansu
    Highlights:
    󰀆Watch ancient military drills
    󱨜Ancient military drills in season
    󱨠Saved by 137 users󱨠10688 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Travel JuriTravel Juri

    The hanging wall was absolutely outstanding. A very nice experience to see and walk on the last bit of the Great Wall. For the fortress it would have been nice to have more and better information in English. We would have liked to see the night show at the fortress also but saw and figured it would be only mandarin. It was also a bit hard to find the shuttle bus to and from the hanging wall.

  • Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park
    5
    󰺂8.0
    41.24
    Yongdeng88.4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions
    Highlights:
    󰀆Geological & rural tourism destination
    Danxia trail: 1.6 miles views
    󱨠Saved by 262 users󱨠2120 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    It’s such a wonderful trip. Easy communication. This place is so beautiful and is a must visit when you’re in Lanzhou.

  • Zha Ga Na
    6
    󰺂7.7
    41.24
    Diebu>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoZha Ga Na in Gansu Looks Like a Chinese Ink Wash Painting After the Snow | Nov 2025-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱓊Two-day hike: lakes & rocks
    󱓊Taste yak butter tea & visit
    󱨠Saved by 129 users󱨠2490 positive reviews
    4.2/5
    贩卖快乐的贝儿贩卖快乐的贝儿

    ​- Morning: Take a sightseeing bus from the visitor center to Fairy Beach, enjoy the alpine meadows and the opposite stone peaks; then go to Fairy Lake to feel the clear and tranquility of the lake. ​- Afternoon: Go to the first-line sky to experience the unique landscape of the narrow canyon; then go to the Shenwang Temple to learn about the local religious culture.

  • Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon
    7
    󰺂7.6
    67.01
    Zhangye>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoPingshanhu Grand Canyon: A high-speed train journey through the Jurassic era | Dec 2025-Dec 2025
    Highlights:
    󱨜Panoramic view of stunning canyon
    󰋄2.5-mile glass walkway overlooks canyon
    󱨠Saved by 240 users󱨠2208 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M65***88M65***88

    From ticket purchase to admission to the park, to the tour process, the service of the scenic spot is very thoughtful. The staff is warm and friendly, providing a full range of services such as consultation and guidance, so that our play process is very smooth. The facilities in the scenic area are also very complete. The sightseeing cars, adventure cars and other transportation are clean and tidy, and the operation is orderly, saving physical strength for tourists and improving the efficiency of play.

  • Gansu Provincial Museum
    8
    󰺂7.3
    Lanzhou.Gansu Provincial Museum/Lanzhou Center57.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe Green Horse at Gansu Provincial Museum is still a top attraction
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Paint pottery & experience history
    󱨜Archaeology & artifact restoration workshop
    󱨠Saved by 124 users󱨠2473 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    晓风2018晓风2018

    The public account reservation of the Gansu Provincial Museum is simply too grinding, and the fingers have to be broken and can't be made, so I have to buy a special exhibition ticket. The staff is still pretty good. You can go to the queue earlier, and there is a high probability that you can take pictures of horses stepping on the swallows and blue lotus cups that are not many people around. The literature and creation are very rich, and it is almost difficult to come out empty handed.

  • Zhangye Buddha Temple
    9
    󰺂7.3
    19.59
    Zhangye.Dafo Temple>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Majestic & sacred winter snow景。
    󱓊Buddha statues & cave carvings
    󱨠Saved by 113 users󱨠3155 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    盛夏的清凉盛夏的清凉

    The Big Buddha Temple is a famous attraction in Zhangye. The huge sleeping Buddha in the temple is spectacular. It is not easy to preserve such a long-historic building. There are also Buddhist relics and treasured Buddhist scriptures in the temple. There is a tower behind the temple, which can enter the first floor to circle the tower for a week.

  • Mati Grottoes Tourism Area
    10
    󰺂7.3
    26.81
    Sunan>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄360° glass deck overlooking mountains
    󰀆Qilian Mountains & Hexi Corridor
    󱨠Saved by 123 users󱨠1397 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    M50***79M50***79

    The Horseshoe Temple scenic spot is really great! The grotto art is shocking, the scenery of Qilian is as beautiful as a fairyland, and there is a unique national customs. It is simply a double feast of vision and soul.

Best things to do in Gansu (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Gansu? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Gansu offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Gansu

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Gansu experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring

• Dunhuang.Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring | >100 km from downtown

• : Sand dunes and springs: A desert oasis,Desert dunes & spring coexistence

Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot

• Zhangye | >100 km from downtown

• : World Geopark-level Colorful Zhangye Danxia landform,Danxia landform's seven scenic wonders

Mogao Caves

• Dunhuang | >100 km from downtown

• : Guided tour of select grottoes,Watch two 20-minute Mogao films

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Gansu

If you want to explore attractions just outside Gansu, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Gansu, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Gansu special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Gansu

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Gansu

Ready to explore the best of Gansu? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Gansu?
These are all Best Things to Do in Gansu:Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring, Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot, Mogao Caves, Guan City of Jiayuguan, Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Gansu?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Gansu include:Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring:4.7, Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot:4.7, Mogao Caves:4.4, Guan City of Jiayuguan:4.5, Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park:4.5
At what locations in Gansu can Best Things to Do in Gansu be found?
The Best Things to Do in Gansu are mainly located in:Mingsha Mountain And Crescent Spring:Dunhuang, Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot:Zhangye, Mogao Caves:Dunhuang, Guan City of Jiayuguan:Jiayuguan, Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park:Yongdeng
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