Overview
Lanzhou – Xining overland tour through cultural heartland of central Amdo
Lanzhou – Xiahe – Tongren – Kanbula National Park - Xining
Lanzhou in Gansu province and Xining in Qinghai province are two important starting points for travellers visiting the Tibetan plateau. Our journey between Lanzhou and Xining makes a fabulous loop for a glimpse of arts and cultures in central Amdo that passes several important and significant sites, including region’s principal monastery Labrang and Kumbum. The most important highlight hits the cultural heartland of Tongren (Rebgong in Tibetan). As the birthplace of Rebgong Art, the unique elaborate thangka paintings, frescoes, sculpture, opera and dances are handed down here over the centuries and have been part of Tibetan cultural heritages. For those who are fond of the natures, the trip is also the fascinating one. As we head out across the rolling grasslands, verdant valleys and gorgeous gorges, farmers and nomads are spread through the region, many villages and monasteries dot them. This is an ideal option for a post before extending journey to Tibet too.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival Lanzhou & City Sightseeing
Day 02 Bingling Caves & Labrang Monastery (B)
Day 03 Rebgong Art in Tongren (B)
Day 04 Kanbula National Park (B)
Day 05 Kumbum Monastery & Xining (B)
Day 06 Xining Departure (B)
Get Inspired
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Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Lanzhou & City Sightseeing
Upon arrival at Lanzhou airport or train station, you will be met by our local guide and driver and then transfer to the hotel. Later take a city sightseeing of Lanzhou, visit Gansu Provincial Museum, the Water Wheel Garden, the first ferrous bridge and White Pagoda where offers good views across the city.
Day 02: Bingling Caves & Labrang Monastery (B)
The road from Lanzhou to Xiahe descends west through a highly fertile valley. En the route, stop to visit Bingling Thousand-Buddha Caves over the Yellow River by boat. There are 183 Buddhist grottoes containing unscathed 694 statues and many terracotta sculptures and frescoes. The oldest date from 420 AD, older than those in Dunhuang Grottoes. Arrive Xiahe in the afternoon and visit Labrang Monastery, the most important Gelugpa sect seat outside Lhasa.
Day 03: Rebgong Art in Tongren (B)
Heads on to Tongren across over the border of Gansu province to Qinghai. Before reaching the town, make a stop in Wutun village and visit two small monasteries. Here is thought to be the heart of Tibetan Rebgong-art, famous for its beautiful artwork of Buddhist Thangka painting and painted statues. Later visit Rongwo Monastery, the biggest in Amdo region.
Day 04: Kanbula National Park (B)
Take the scenic drive by following the spectacular Gu-chu gorges. Rest time merges into the breathtaking Kanbula National Park. Approximately 80 percent of the park is virgin forest, and the park is characterized by its extraordinary eroded Danxia peaks The historically important site of Namdzong is located within the park and was revered as one of the 25 important power places of Kham and Amdo.
Day 05: Kumbum Monastery & Xining (B)
The road renders the scenes varying from forested valleys to verdant grasslands that support nomadic camper groups. En the route, stop for visiting Qinghai’s symbolic site of Kumbum Monastery. It is the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelugpa sect, and is also famous for the artworks of Yak Butter sculptures, frescoes and embossed embroidery made by lhama artists. In Xining, the capital of Qinghai province, we visit the Grand Mosque, one of the four largest mosques in China, worshipped by local Muslim.
Day 06: Xining Departure (B)
Transfer to the airport/train station to see off.
Experiences & Activities
- Visit Amdo’s principal monastery of Labrang and Kumbum
- Get insight into the exquisite Tibetan arts, religions and cultures in Tongren
- Peruse the astonishing Bingling Buddhist grottoes complex
- Marvel at the breathtaking red stone peaks in Kanbula National Park
- Experience the Amdo Tibetan, Tu, Salar, Hui & Mongol cultures and lifestyles
