Leaving Xian, we embarked on the Silk Road tour part two from Lanzhou to Zhangye in June this year. Rosa and I found ourselves amidst a group of 28 eager tourists from the U.S., all under the careful guidance of Signet Tours. From the very beginning, the tour was impeccably organized, promising an enriching journey through the ancient trade route.
Our first day in Lanzhou was marked by serendipity when I met our tour guide, Eric Cao. To my delight, Eric hailed from my hometown, Huangshan City. It was heartwarming to find a connection so far from home, and Eric’s knowledge and charm quickly endeared him to our group.
Our adventure commenced with a visit to Zhongshan Bridge, the first bridge ever constructed over the Yellow River over 100 years ago. As we stood on this historic structure, the mighty river flowed beneath us, carrying stories of ancient traders and travelers. The significance of the bridge as a symbol of progress and connectivity was not lost on any of us.
Next, we explored the Gansu Provincial Museum, a treasure trove of history and culture. The museum provided a captivating introduction to the Silk Road, detailing its origins and vast reach. The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the Flying Horse of Gansu, a stunning bronze sculpture from the Eastern Han dynasty with a history of about 2000 years. Its graceful form and dynamic posture left us in awe, embodying the spirit of adventure and discovery that defined the Silk Road. Flying Horse of Gansu is now protected as a national treasure.
From Lanzhou, our journey took us to the breathtaking Zhangye National Geopark, renowned for its spectacular Danxia landforms. The vibrant, seven-colored hills stretched out before us like a surreal painting, each hue telling a tale of geological wonder. As we wandered through this natural marvel, the interplay of light and shadow on the vividly striped mountains created an otherworldly experience that none of us would soon forget. I tried to compare what I saw in Bryce National Park Zion National Park in the U.S. and my impression is, it is more colorful and splendid.
Our final destination on this leg of the tour was Jiayu Pass, the most western point of the Ming dynasty Great Wall. Along with Juyong Pass and Shanhai Pass, it is one of the main passes of the Great Wall. In the Ming period, foreign merchants and envoys from the Central Asia and West Asia mostly entered China through Jiayu Pass. Construction began in the fifth year of Emperor Hongwu during the Ming Dynasty (1372).
This imposing fortification stood as a sentinel, guarding the frontier of ancient China. As we walked along its ancient battlements, we could almost hear the echoes of soldiers and traders who once passed through this strategic gateway. The historical significance and sheer magnitude of Jiayu Pass left an indelible impression on our hearts and minds.
While Jiayu Pass marked the end of our journey from Lanzhou to Zhangye, it was also a prelude to the next chapter of our Silk Road adventure. With anticipation, we looked forward to our upcoming visit to the world-famous Dunhuang Caves, or known as the Mogao Caves, or Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, eager to uncover more secrets of this legendary route.
In just a few days, the Silk Road had revealed its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty to us. Each stop along the way had been a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring spirit of exploration. As Rosa and I reflected on our experiences, we felt a deep sense of connection to the past and a renewed appreciation for the incredible journey that lay ahead.