Day 9: Jiayuguan - Lanzhou
Continue your city tour of Jiayuguan. Later, in the evening, board the train for Lanzhou. Stay overnight on the train. (B/L/D)

Day 10: Lanzhou
Lanzhou is known as the “City of Fruits.” See how gracefully the Yellow River runs through this city. Attractions include the Yellow River Bridge, Mt. Jade Stream and a taste the local specialties in the evening. (B/L/D)

Day 11: Lanzhou - Xining
Board the bus for Xining, capitol of Qinghai Province. This city has been central China’s gateway to Tibet since ancient times. Here, China’s two major rivers, namely, the Yangtze and the Yellow River, originate. Visit majestic temples to admire golden altars and tour a mosque to see its jeweled pagodas. The Taer Monastery, in particular, will interest many. Stay two nights in Xining. (B/L/D)

Day 12: Xining (Qinghai Lake)
The breath-taking beauty of Qinghai Lake is in store for you today. Lying approximately 2,000 feet above sea level, the lake is China’s largest salt water lake. The turquoise blue water, the jade-green pastures, the azure blue sky, the Tibetan tents, the black yaks, the yellow blooms and, last but not least, the colorful Tibetan costumes–you’ll take numerous pictures to catch the exotic beauty in an exotic land! Experience the unique flavor of this remote city where many different ethnic groups live in harmony. Islam, Lamaism (Tibetan Buddhism), and Christianity co-exist within the same city, each bringing its distinctive features and richness of a mixed culture. (B/L/D)

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