7-Day Dunhuang, Zhangye, and Ejina Qi Photography Tour

When Silk Road Culture Meets Fabulous Fall Colors

Start from the mysterious city of Dunhuang, pass by historical Jiayuguan, and then go to Ejina Qi, which is famous for its golden poplar trees, and end the trip in Zhangye with its unique Danxia (red sandstone) landforms. Usually the poplar trees' leaves take on their gold color from mid-September to late October, so this tour is only available in this autumnal period each year. With perfect weather conditions and picturesque wild beauty, we will give you an unforgettable experience.

Tour 'Wow' Points

Admire the Splendid Golden Euphrates Poplar Forests

Visit Ejina Qi National Nature Reserve of Poplar Trees, which is one of the three remaining Poplar Tree reserves in the world. The famous movie "Hero", directed by Zhang Yimou, was shot there. It is a paradise for photographers in fall.

Capture Spectacular Views of Wild China

Visit Zhangye Danxia Geological Park and take stunning photos of the rainbow mountain and Binggou ('ice valley') Danxia landforms. Stroll beside Echoing Sand Mountain and witness the desert wonder — Crescent Lake. Shoot the marvelous desert sunset in Dunhuang.

Discover Unique Historical Sites along the Hexi Corridor

Appreciate amazing murals, sculptures, and grottoes in the renowned Mogao Caves. Visit "the First and Greatest Pass under Heaven", also the westernmost starting point of the Great Wall in the Ming Dynasty — Jiayuguan.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Great days in Xian What a great city experience! Few days in Xian, enjoying noodles challenge, the bike ride on the city wall and finally the impressive army of terracotta warriors. Great thanks to our guide Jenny Yang from China Highlights, professional and flexible, helpful on every occasion, the tour was really a great pleasure. more Mar 2025, Gottfried S

A Great 7-day China Trip We were a party of 3, spent a week in China and covered Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. In each town we had 3 great tour guides, Tina, Jenny and Christina and 3 great drivers that drove us around. I highly recommend this agency who looked after us very well down to all the minute details. We enjoyed the trip very much and definitely will come back again!! more Mar 2025, MyLinhP

Outstanding visit to Xian with Ms. Lin and China Highlights We visited Xian for 2 days as part of a multi-city tour through China Highlights. Our guide Ms. Lin was outstanding. A native of Xian, she was highly knowledgeable about the history and cultural aspects of the area. She was extremely attentive and clearly committed to making our time in Xian the best. On the first day, we visited the Terra-cotta Warriors and made our own clay warriors afterwards. We finished the day climbing to the top of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. On the second day, we bicycled on the Xian City Wall, walked through the Muslin Quarter and created our own shadow puppets. Just before departing, Ms. Lin brought us to the Food Gallery of Xian for a truly memorable lunch. A shout out to our driver, Mr. Zhang also. He was a steady and responsible driver. I felt very comfortable and safe in his vehicle. I would highly recommend Ms. Lin and China Highlights for visiting Xian. more Mar 2025, SKHawaii

Tour Map

Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.