18 Days Epic China Silk Road Tour: Xinjiang-Gansu-Xi'an Ultimate Nature & Cultural Expedition

Touch down at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, the vital transportation hub of Xinjiang's ancient Silk Road. Our seasoned local guide and private chauffeur will wait for you at the terminal exit with a custom welcome sign to offer dedicated, exclusive private pick-up service. Skip crowded taxi queues and cumbersome public transit, and enjoy a smooth, comfortable direct transfer to your well-appointed downtown hotel for hassle-free check-in.

We leave the entire day free of pre-planned sightseeing itineraries, granting you plenty of unhurried time to unwind and ease exhaustion from your long international journey. Take this chance to gradually adjust to Xinjiang's signature dry continental climate and mild highland elevation without rushing. When you feel refreshed, wander nearby city streets and bustling ethnic food quarters to dive into genuine Uyghur culinary culture. Don't miss iconic local staples: smoky charcoal-grilled lamb skewers, freshly baked crispy naan bread, creamy spiced ethnic milk tea, sweet preserved fruits and fragrant hand-pulled noodles.

Immerse yourself in Urumqi's rich multicultural vibe, where Central Asian customs and Chinese heritage intertwine. Savor the laid-back frontier atmosphere and stock up on light local treats, fully settling in to gear up for your unforgettable 18-day epic expedition tracing the legendary Northern Silk Road across Xinjiang's breathtaking landscapes. Overnight in downtown Urumqi.

After breakfast, depart Urumqi by private vehicle for a 1.5–2 hours drive to visit the core alpine scenic spot. The journey passes through open Gobi wilderness and gentle mountain valleys, with the grand and vast frontier landscape unfolding continuously.

Known as the "Pearl of Tianshan Mountains", Tianshan Heavenly Lake 5A-level national scenic spot is one of China's most representative alpine lakes. Nestled at an altitude of 1,980 meters, the lake boasts crystal-clear azure water that changes vivid hues with sunlight and seasonal shifts. Surrounded by snow-capped Tianshan peaks, dense primeval coniferous forests and blooming alpine meadows, it forms a layered and fairy-tale landscape integrating snow mountains, forests, lakes and grasslands. Accompanied by a professional guide, stroll along the well-built lakeside trails, visit core viewing platforms, capture postcard-perfect scenery, and breathe fresh negative-oxygen-rich alpine air for a relaxing immersive experience.

After finishing the sightseeing, continue driving northward for about 1 hour to Fukang City. Check into the local hotel in the evening and rest adequately for the next day's mountain exploration.

After breakfast, depart Fukang and drive 3 hours eastward to the Altai mountain scenic area. The landscape gradually transitions from desolate desert hills to lush green mountain valleys, with fresh and refreshing mountain air along the way.

Hailed as the "Fairyland of Altai Mountains", Koktokay Scenic Area 5A-level core scenic area preserves the most primitive and unspoiled ecological landscape of the Altai region. Carved by tens of millions of years of geological movements, the scenic area features towering jagged granite peaks, gurgling clear mountain streams, dense primeval forests covering mountain slopes and vast soft alpine grasslands. With distinct four-season scenery and lush vegetation far away from urban noise, it presents quiet and healing primitive mountain valley scenery. Follow the guide to explore core valley trails, appreciate unique peak forest landforms, and immerse in the tranquil natural charm of the northern frontier.

After the valley tour, drive 15 minutes to visit the world-famous geological relic，No.3 Mine Pit. Reputed as the "World's Natural Mineral Museum", this iconic crater is a precious rare metal mining relic with extraordinary geological research value. Rich in dozens of rare minerals including beryllium, lithium and tantalum, it records the glorious mining history and unique crustal evolution process. Here, you can learn about rare geological knowledge and appreciate the rare integration of industrial heritage and natural landscape.After a fulfilling day of exploration, drive westward for 1 hour to Fuyun County, check into the local hotel and settle down for the night.

Travel Tips：The sightseeing buses only stop at some of the main attractions. If you want to fully explore the area, please purchase a self-driving ticket. Self-driving vehicles can only reach Zhongshan Parking Area. Whether by self-driving or by sightseeing bus, you need to transfer to an electric bus at the Shengzhongshan Self-Drive Transfer Point to reach the Karazolei Waterfall.

After breakfast, depart Fuyun and drive 4 hours northward to the legendary fairyland scenic area. The journey crosses vast Gobi deserts and winding mountain passes, with the scenery gradually transforming from desolate wilderness to dense primeval forest landscapes.

Renowned as "China's Most Beautiful Fairyland", Kanas is a world-class alpine ecological resort hidden deep in the Altai Mountains. It is famous for its magical color-changing lake water, winding river bays, dense snow forests and scattered primitive Tuvan wooden villages. Surrounded by perpetual snow-capped peaks and lush primeval forests, the scenic area maintains a pure and serene ecological environment all year round. Take a professional scenic shuttle bus to reach high-altitude core viewing platforms, stroll along the rippling lakeshore, admire the dreamlike integration of mountains, forests and lake water, and fully immerse in the fresh and healing primitive alpine scenery. Overnight in Kanas scenic town.

In the early morning, depart the hotel for a short drive to explore the in-depth hidden scenery of Kanas, avoiding crowded mainstream routes.Kanas In-Depth Hidden Trails exclusive sightseeing route covers quiet and less-trodden high-altitude viewing spots. From a panoramic perspective, you can overlook the rolling forest sea, winding lake bays and layered snow-capped peaks. The soft morning golden light sprinkles on the lake surface, presenting delicate and gorgeous color tones different from daytime scenery, allowing you to capture the most tender and unique fairyland scenery of Kanas.

After the in-depth exploration, drive 2 hours across alpine valleys and grassland belts to Hemu Scenic Area. As one of the three major fairyland villages in northern Xinjiang and known as the "Most Beautiful Pastoral Village in China", Hemu is nestled in a closed and quiet alpine valley. It features primitive Tuvan folk customs, vast soft grasslands, the winding Hemu River and dense snow mountain forests. Curling smoke rises from scattered wooden houses, forming a peaceful and poetic oil-painting-style pastoral scene. Climb the high viewing platform to enjoy a full panoramic view of the village, stroll freely on the lush grassland, listen to the gurgling river, and experience the slow-paced and tranquil frontier rural life. Overnight in Hemu Village for a unique alpine night experience.

After breakfast, depart Hemu and drive 2.5 hours downhill. The landscape changes significantly from dense alpine forests to open hilly wilderness, with a broad and unobstructed field of vision.Irtysh River Colorful Beach，A unique water-eroded Yardang landscape and the top sunset viewing spot in northern Xinjiang. Polished by thousands of years of wind erosion and river scouring, the layered rock walls present rich and vivid hues of red, orange, yellow, green and purple. At sunset, the golden sunset glow dyes the colorful rock clusters, which reflect on the rolling river surface, creating a stunning and dreamlike colorful landscape with extremely high ornamental and photographic value.

After enjoying the gorgeous sunset scenery, drive 40 minutes to Burqin County, known as the "Fairy Tale Border Town". Check into your hotel upon arrival. Spend your free evening exploring local vibrant night life: wander the century-old River Embankment Night Market to taste grilled dogfish, local lamb skewers and traditional kvass. Stroll along the Illi River waterfront to admire stunning neon night views and visit the China-Russia Old Pier Style Street for exotic photos.

After breakfast, depart Burqin and drive 2 hours westward. The roadside scenery turns into vast and barren Gobi desert, presenting a desolate and magnificent northwest frontier style. Next we approch the Urho Ghost City，A typical wind-eroded Yardang landform and one of China's top desert wonders. Countless bizarre rock formations stand tall in the boundless Gobi desert, shaped like ancient palaces, ferocious beasts and towering peaks. When strong winds pass through dense gullies, unique desolate howling echoes resound across the desert, creating a mysterious and shocking atmosphere. The integration of endless Gobi wilderness and strange rock groups fully displays the grand and desolate beauty of desert landforms.

After visiting the desert wonder, drive 30 minutes to the desert poplar forest scenic area，Karamay Primitive Populus Euphratica Forest. This is a rare pristine desert poplar reserve in Northwest China. Thousands of ancient poplar trees stand tenaciously in the arid desert, with twisted and powerful postures. Having witnessed thousands of years of desert vicissitudes, they interpret the indomitable vitality of desert creatures. The wild and shocking primitive desert landscape composed of ancient poplars, yellow sand Gobi and blue sky is extremely impressive.After the tour, drive 40 minutes to Karamay urban area for overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, depart Karamay and drive 2.5 hours eastward along the Gobi edge, gradually approaching the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains.The first stop Dushanzi Grand Canyon, is a stunning natural miracle on the northern foot of Tianshan Mountains and a classic representative of Tianshan fault canyon landforms. Formed by tens of millions of years of crustal movement, the canyon features towering steep cliff walls, clear layered stratum textures and crisscrossing deep gullies. The undulating terrain and rugged rock walls fully demonstrate nature's uncanny craftsmanship. Standing on safe professional viewing platforms, you can overlook the endless grand canyon valleys and distant vast Gobi wilderness, deeply feeling the bold, desolate and magnificent geological charm of northern Xinjiang.

After immersive canyon sightseeing, continue driving 1.5 hours to Jinghe County. Check into the hotel in the evening, and enjoy ample free time to stroll around the quiet county town, experience the simple local frontier life, taste authentic snacks, and fully recharge for the alpine lake tour the next day.

After breakfast, depart Jinghe County and drive 1 hour northward. The landscape changes drastically from dry basin wilderness to lush alpine grasslands, with fresh and vibrant scenery all the way. Hailed as the "Blue Pearl of Tianshan Mountains" and "Western Frontier's Last Pure Land", Sayram Lake ranks among China's top ten most beautiful alpine lakes. Located at an altitude of 2,073 meters, this closed alpine lake has extremely pure and transparent azure water with distinct layered color changes. Surrounded by snow-capped Tianshan peaks, endless green grasslands, blooming wildflowers and wandering flocks and herds, it forms a fairy-tale healing pastoral scenery, known as the most romantic lake landscape in Xinjiang. Enjoy relaxed sightseeing and photography here without rushed schedules.

After the lake tour, drive 2 hours to Yining City, the "Pearl of Ili". The journey crosses Tianshan branch veins, with continuous mountain forests and crisscrossing grassland valleys full of vitality.Then we arrived at Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area，a classic Uyghur folk block that perfectly preserves Yining's original ethnic charm. Filled with brightly painted Uyghur wooden dwellings, crisscrossing quiet alleys, and blooming flower baskets hanging on street walls, the whole block is soaked in strong Central Asian exotic vibes. Wander freely along the streets, watch local artisans demonstrate traditional handicrafts, and experience the simple daily life of Uyghur residents. It is an ideal spot for exotic-style photos and in-depth ethnic culture exploration.

In the evening, settle in Yining for a good rest. You can arrange your own leisure time: stroll the local ethnic night market to taste authentic Ili yogurt, roasted buns and hand-pulled noodles, buy delicate ethnic handicrafts, and feel the warm and lively night atmosphere of this frontier pastoral city.

After breakfast, depart Yining and drive about 5 hours south across the Tianshan Mountains. The landscape undergoes a huge transition: the lush Ili grasslands gradually fade into arid basins and Gobi deserts, presenting the unique dry and hot frontier scenery of southern Xinjiang.

The first stop today is the Flaming Mountain，A iconic natural landmark of Turpan, famous for its fiery red sandstone peaks. Under the blazing sunshine, the whole mountain range glows with intense red-orange light, just like burning flames rolling across the desert. It perfectly presents the grand and hot desert volcanic landscape, leaving a shocking visual impression.

After that, we were located in the arid Turpan Basin and could see a rare green oasis.This is Grape Valley. Covered with endless dense grape trellises, the valley is shaded and cool, filled with sweet grape fragrance all year round. Walk through the green corridors, taste fresh seedless grapes, visit local Uyghur families, and experience the unique oasis pastoral life and rich grape culture of Turpan.

After visiting all the attractions today, we returned to the city of Turpan and prepared to stay overnight. In your free evening time, you can visit the local grape farm night market, taste Turpan's sweetest melons and fruits, and watch traditional Uyghur song and dance performances to experience the passionate ethnic customs.

After breakfast, depart Turpan and drive about 4 hours east, crossing the border from Xinjiang into Gansu Province. The whole journey stretches across endless flat Gobi deserts, with vast and desolate northwest frontier scenery.

Arrive in Dunhuang, a timeless desert oasis that served as the vital trading hub of the ancient Silk Road, bridging Eastern and Western civilizations for thousands of years. After hotel check-in and a full rest, explore Dunhuang's stunning night scene at your leisure. Wander the bustling Shazhou Night Market, the most iconic local night spot, to taste authentic northwest delicacies including Dunhuang yellow noodles, rich camel milk tea, and specialty desert snacks. Browse exquisite Dunhuang cultural and desert-themed souvenirs, admire the ancient city's soft neon-lit streets blending primitive desert charm and prosperous modern vitality, and immerse yourself in the unique romantic night vibe of this legendary Silkroad town.

After breakfast, we start our day tour to explore the world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mogao Grottoes, universally celebrated as the incomparable "Art Treasury of the East". Spanning over 1,000 years of continuous excavation and creation across multiple dynasties, this peerless Buddhist art sanctuary houses 735 exquisite grottoes, massive preserved ancient murals and intricate colored sculptures. Featuring iconic flying apsaras, vivid Buddhist tales and authentic depictions of ancient Silk Road trade and folk life, the artworks perfectly record the grand integration of Eastern and Western civilizations. Accompanied by a professional guide, explore the most representative open caves to admire the peak achievement of ancient Chinese religious and aesthetic art, and uncover the splendid cultural legacy of the ancient Silk Road.

After lunch, we headed to visit Dunhuang's most breathtaking natural miracle at Crescent Moon Spring, a one-of-a-kind scenic wonder nestled amidst endless rolling golden sand dunes. Defying natural arid laws for thousands of years, this stunning crescent-shaped clear lake never dries up in the harsh desert, forming a rare and mesmerizing landscape of sand embracing water and water nourishing sand. You can climb the soft golden sand dunes to enjoy a panoramic view of the intact crescent water body, and linger to capture stunning dreamlike scenes under the gorgeous desert sunset, experiencing the exclusive romantic charm of the desert oasis.

Overnight in Dunhuang, with plenty of wonderful self-guided night activities to explore the city's charming after-dark vibe. You can dive deeper into the bustling Shazhou Night Market to feast on signature local delicacies, including crispy Dunhuang lamb skewers, savory donkey meat noodles and sweet desert fruits. For an immersive cultural experience, you can book the renowned live-action show "Dunhuang Grand Show", which vividly reproduces the glorious Silk Road stories and ancient Dunhuang civilization through stunning stage effects. Stroll the luminous Dunhuang Night Riverside Belt to enjoy peaceful desert city night views, and browse delicate Dunhuang mural-themed cultural and creative stores to pick up unique souvenirs, soaking up the timeless romantic charm of this ancient desert oasis after sunset.

After breakfast, depart from Dunhuang and travel east for about 3.5 hours across the endless flat Gobi wilderness. The entire journey features desolate and magnificent desert scenery, with the snow-capped Qilian Mountains looming faintly on the horizon, creating a stunning layered frontier landscape as you approach the core military fortress of the ancient Silk Road. Arrive at Jiayuguan, the most crucial western gateway of ancient China.

Explore the legendary Jiayuguan Great Wall, universally honored as the “First Pass Under Heaven” and the western starting point of the grand Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Standing solitary and majestic in the heart of the vast Gobi desert for over 600 years, this well-preserved military fortress serves as the pivotal intersection of ancient Great Wall defense culture and Silk Road trade civilization. Boasting towering rammed-earth city walls, solid defensive battlements, rigorous military layouts and intact ancient tower architectures, it perfectly retains the grand appearance of an ancient frontier fortress. Wander along the ancient city ramparts, overlook the boundless barren desert and rolling Qilian snow peaks stretching endlessly, and deeply sense the extraordinary vicissitudes of frontier warfare and the prosperous trade stories of the ancient Silk Road, experiencing the unique bold and desolate charm of northwest frontier defense culture.

Overnight in Jiayuguan. In your free evening time, enjoy a relaxing self-guided tour of this quiet frontier city. Stroll through the ancient city's pedestrian and cultural streets, where traditional northwest architectural styles blend with local frontier customs. Taste authentic local delicacies including northwest braised dishes, specialty pasta and desert snacks that carry strong Gansu frontier flavors. Immerse yourself in the simple, tranquil and down-to-earth night atmosphere of this ancient military town, relaxing fully after a day of historical exploration.

After breakfast, leave Jiayuguan and travel east for around 2.5 hours, bidding farewell to the vast desolate Gobi desert and frontier fortress scenery. The landscape gradually transforms into rolling undulating mountain ranges, laying a perfect visual prelude to the stunning colorful natural wonders ahead. Arrive in Zhangye, a renowned Silk Road city famous for its peerless colorful landform landscapes.

Explore the stunning Zhangye Danxia Landform, a prestigious UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site widely known as China's breathtaking "Rainbow Mountains". For millions of years, continuous crustal movements, sediment deposition and wind-water erosion have forged unique layered rock textures, dyed with vivid and saturated hues of crimson red, bright orange, golden yellow, lavender and emerald green. The winding, undulating colorful ridges stretch endlessly across the vast land, forming a magnificent three-dimensional natural oil painting that looks otherworldly. As one of the most representative colorful Danxia landforms in the world, it boasts distinct layered colors and grand terrain scale. Visiting at sunset is the prime highlight—soft golden sunlight drapes over the rock clusters, making the rich colors more vivid and layered, creating dreamlike, jaw-dropping scenery perfect for premium photography and immersive sightseeing.

Overnight in Zhangye. After a day of admiring the stunning natural artistry, enjoy diverse self-guided evening leisure activities to experience the local humanistic charm. Wander the bustling local food and cultural streets to taste signature Zhangye specialties, including authentic fried noodles, hand-pulled noodles and unique northwest pasture snacks with rich local flavors. You can also stroll the urban night waterfront to enjoy the quiet city night view, browse local cultural and creative boutiques featuring Danxia-themed souvenirs, and fully relax and unwind after a fulfilling day of landscape exploration.

After breakfast, depart from colorful Zhangye and drive eastward for approximately 3 hours, bidding farewell to the fantastic multicolored Danxia mountain landscapes. Along the journey, the stunning colorful rock ridges gradually transition into vast and profound loess plateau landforms, showcasing the typical rugged geographical scenery of northwest China. Continue driving through continuous loess hills and river valleys, and finally arrive in Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu famously known as the "City of the Yellow River".

Upon arrival in Lanzhou in the afternoon, immerse yourself in the unique charm of this rare city where the mighty Yellow River runs directly through the urban area. Different from the desolate wilderness and gorgeous mountain landscapes of previous stops, Lanzhou presents a prosperous and gentle riverside urban style. Take your time to wander the well-built Yellow River waterfront promenade, watch the rolling turbid waves of China's mother river surge eastward, and feel the grand momentum and profound heritage of the Yellow River civilization, enjoying a relaxed and leisurely urban sightseeing experience.

Spend a pleasant self-guided evening exploring Lanzhou's authentic local lifestyle. Taste the world-famous authentic Lanzhou beef noodles, a signature northwest delicacy with delicate soup, chewy noodles and rich aroma. Stroll the brightly lit riverside night belt, admire the stunning urban night scenery dotted with neon lights and river reflections, and take exquisite photos with iconic city sculptures along the bank. It is the perfect way to relax and unwind after days of intensive landscape and historical exploration. Overnight in Lanzhou for a comfortable rest.

Spend a full relaxed day exploring the core cultural scenery of Lanzhou, delving into the profound Yellow River civilization and Silk Road heritage of this northwest river city with no long-distance driving. Start your in-depth city tour by visiting the iconic century-old iron bridge standing across the Yellow River, known as the "First Bridge of the Yellow River". Perfectly combining classic Western architectural design and unique Chinese regional features, this time-honored landmark spans the surging mother river of China. Stroll along the bridge deck to enjoy the broad river view, watch the rolling river waves flowing eastward endlessly, and overlook the integrated urban and riverscape of Lanzhou, feeling the gentle and grand charm of the Yellow River city.

Continue your urban sightseeing to visit the classic city sculpture that symbolizes the origin of Chinese civilization—the Yellow River Mother Statue. Exquisitely carved and vivid in shape, the sculpture depicts a warm image of a mother holding an infant, silently guarding the land of northwest China. It carries the profound cultural connotation of the Yellow River nurturing Chinese descendants for thousands of years, serving as the spiritual symbol of Lanzhou and a must-visit cultural landmark for in-depth understanding of Yellow River civilization.

In the afternoon, head to the renowned Gansu Provincial Museum, a top-level treasure house of Silk Road cultural relics in Northwest China. The museum houses a massive collection of precious cultural relics spanning thousands of years, including ancient pottery, exquisite bronze wares, delicate Buddhist artworks and rare Silk Road exchange artifacts. The unrivaled highlight is the national treasure Bronze Galloping Horse, a classic ancient art masterpiece that perfectly showcases the splendid craftsmanship and prosperous trade culture of the ancient Silk Road. With professional guide explanations, you can systematically sort out the historical context of the Gansu Silk Road and gain a deeper insight into the integration of northern ethnic cultures and Central Asian civilizations.

Overnight in Lanzhou. Enjoy abundant free evening leisure time to experience the authentic local life. Wander the bustling night food streets to taste classic Lanzhou specialties, including authentic hand-pulled beef noodles, sweet fermented rice and local barbecue. You can also take a casual riverside walk to enjoy the quiet night breeze and gorgeous neon river views, or browse cultural and creative stores to collect unique Silk Road-themed souvenirs, relaxing completely before heading to the ancient capital Xi'an.

After breakfast, depart from Lanzhou and take a high-speed train or flight eastward, bidding farewell to the loess plateau and Yellow River scenery of Gansu. The landscape gradually transitions from rugged northwest loess landforms to flat and fertile Guanzhong Plain, marking your arrival at Xi'an—the ancient imperial capital of China and the world-famous starting point of the ancient Silk Road. After arriving in Xi'an, complete hotel check-in and have a short rest before starting your in-depth exploration of imperial cultural relics.

Visit the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site universally known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World"—the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang. Buried underground for more than 2,200 years, this grand underground military complex features thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses and chariots. Every terracotta warrior boasts completely unique facial expressions, hairstyles and costumes, with exquisite detailing and lifelike postures. It perfectly reproduces the mighty military strength and national grandeur of the Qin Dynasty, shocking every visitor with its magnificent scale and superb ancient craftsmanship, and fully showcasing the peak level of ancient Chinese military engineering and plastic art.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the prosperous night atmosphere of the ancient capital by wandering the lively Muslim Quarter. This century-old folk block gathers all classic Shaanxi specialties, where you can taste iconic delicacies including crispy roujiamo, chewy biangbiang noodles, refreshing cold skin noodles and sweet hawthorn drinks. Stroll through the antique streets, watch bustling crowds and traditional folk performances, and experience the perfect integration of ancient Chang'an charm and modern market vitality. Overnight in Xi'an for a comfortable rest.

Start your final day of ancient capital exploration after breakfast. First, head to the time-honored imperial hot spring resort of Huaqing Pool, nestled quietly at the foot of lush Lishan Mountain. With a history of more than 3,000 years, it was a prestigious royal garden and hot spring resort in the Tang Dynasty. Boasting elegant ancient palaces, clear natural hot spring pools, lush green gardens and mountain-ringed scenery, it perfectly combines exquisite natural landscapes, romantic imperial legends and significant modern historical memories, allowing you to feel the profound historical heritage of the ancient Tang Dynasty royal culture.

Then continue your tour to visit the iconic symbol of Xi'an and the core Buddhist heritage along the ancient Silk Road—the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Built in the prosperous Tang Dynasty, this towering ancient pagoda has stood firm for over a thousand years, silently witnessing the prosperous cultural exchange and Buddhist civilization inheritance of the Silk Road. The surrounding antique architectural squares, gorgeous musical fountain shows and cultural pedestrian streets blend ancient charm and modern vitality perfectly, presenting the inclusive and prosperous demeanor of the ancient starting city of the Silk Road.

After completing all the classic sightseeing of Xi'an, you have free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or casual relaxation. Finally, enjoy exclusive private transfer to Xi'an airport or high-speed railway station, bringing a perfect and memorable end to your 18-day cross-regional epic Silk Road adventure spanning Xinjiang, Gansu and Xi'an.