Jiuquan

In October, Jiuquan has a large day-night temperature difference. Use sun protection during the day, and prepare a windproof jacket or light down jacket for the mornings and evenings.

Jiuquan combines Han and Tang dynasty heritage, Gobi scenery, and spaceflight culture. It is well suited to a trip that combines historical sites, natural landscapes, and local food.

• Western Han Jiuquan Scenic Site: A Han dynasty garden that is free to enter. Legend has it that Huo Qubing once poured wine into the spring here. The ancient spring and Zuo Gong willows create a picturesque setting, which is also suitable for taking photos in Hanfu.

• Jinta Desert Poplar Forest: October is the best time to visit. You can admire the reflections of the poplars by Jinbo Lake, making this a good destination for photography and autumn road trips.

• Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center: The actual space center is in Dongfeng Town, Inner Mongolia, about a 3.5-hour drive from Jiuquan city center. Visitors must complete real-name security screening and make a reservation in advance. The visit offers an introduction to space engineering facilities.

• Mogao Caves: An important site of Buddhist art, with centuries-old cave murals that remain highly impressive. Category A tickets must be reserved through official channels 30 days in advance.

• Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake: Sand dunes sit beside the spring. In the evening, you can ride a camel and watch the sunset over the desert, taking in the expansive landscape.

• Yumen Pass: The ruins of a Han dynasty frontier pass. You can visit it alongside the poem “The spring breeze never reaches Yumen Pass” to learn about the history of the Gobi frontier.

• Yangguan Scenic Area: Located along an important route of the Silk Road, the area includes the ruins of ancient Yangguan and the Yangguan Ancient Trail. Its desert setting preserves the atmosphere of the historic route.

• Dunhuang Yardang National Geological Park: Known for its wind-eroded landforms. Black clothing is suitable for taking surreal, science-fiction-style photos in the desert.

• The Son of the Earth: A giant baby sculpture in the Gobi. Entry and photography are free, and the overall landscape combines desert and science-fiction elements.

• Yulin Caves: An important part of the Dunhuang cave complex, with murals distributed along cliffs in a river valley. Visitors must strictly follow cultural heritage protection rules.

Recommended 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 (City history and local atmosphere): After arriving in Jiuquan, visit Western Han Jiuquan Scenic Site in the morning to learn about the remains of the Han dynasty garden. For lunch, try a bowl of Jiuquan Huguo Soup in the city center. In the afternoon, visit the Jiuquan Museum to explore the history of the Silk Road, then take a walk around Suzhou Drum Tower in the evening. Have dinner or a late-night meal at Drum Tower Night Market or Han-Tang Food Street, and try grilled lamb skewers and apricot-skin drink.

• Day 2 (Golden poplars and Gobi scenery): Drive yourself or hire a car to Jinta Desert Poplar Forest in the morning. The journey from the city center takes about 1.5 hours. Jinbo Lake is the main viewing area; allow 3–4 hours for the visit. Return to Jiuquan city in the afternoon, or continue to Jiayuguan for the night. For dinner, try lamb soup with vermicelli and other ingredients.

• Day 3 (Spaceflight dreams or desert wonders): Visitors interested in spaceflight can leave early for the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Security screening and reservations must be completed 3–5 days in advance, and the drive takes about 3.5 hours. Visitors heading toward Dunhuang can stop at The Son of the Earth along the way and buy melons at the Guazhou expressway exit. After arriving in Dunhuang in the evening, visit Shazhou Night Market.

Essential Food Guide

Jiuquan cuisine focuses on Northwest-style lamb dishes and noodles. Portions are generally generous, and flavors tend to be rich.

• Jiuquan Huguo Soup: Made with chicken broth, fried dough twists, gluten, and bean-starch noodles. The soup is thick and is best eaten hot for breakfast. Try Song's Huguo Soup or Chunyuan Huguo Soup; expect to pay 10–15 yuan per person.

• Donkey Meat with Yellow Noodles: A traditional noodle dish featuring handmade yellow noodles with a firm, chewy texture, served with strongly seasoned donkey meat sauce. Try Shunzhang or Daji; expect to pay about 30 yuan per person.

• Lamb Soup with Assorted Ingredients: A popular local breakfast consisting of lamb soup with slices of cooked lamb, meatballs, vermicelli, and stuffed bean curd rolls. The broth is flavorful and the lamb tender. Try Xiajia Lamb Soup; expect to pay about 25 yuan per person.

• Lamb Braised with Flatbread: Lamb is slow-cooked until tender, then handmade thin flatbread is added to absorb the meat juices. The texture is soft and pleasantly chewy. Try Chef Zhu's; expect to pay 35–50 yuan per person.

• Cynomorium Flatbread: Made with cynomorium, a plant from the Gobi region. It is crisp on the outside, tender inside, and lightly sweet. Roadside stalls usually charge about 2–3 yuan each.

• Grilled Lamb Skewers: Common at evening food venues, these are grilled over saxaul branches. They have a charred aroma, tender meat, and a pronounced cumin flavor. Visit Baiheyuan Night Market; expect to pay about 40 yuan per person.

• Apricot-Skin Drink: Made by simmering dried apricots, this drink is sweet, tangy, and refreshing, and pairs well with barbecue. Try Liu Hongxing; a cup costs 10–13 yuan.

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Accommodation: In the city, consider staying in Suzhou District, especially near Han-Tang Food Street or the Drum Tower, where restaurants and city attractions are convenient. If you plan to leave early for Jinta Desert Poplar Forest the next day, you can also stay in Jinta County. When visiting the satellite launch center, you can stay at Huyanglin Hotel, or leave early from the city center.
• Transportation: Attractions in Jiuquan city are relatively concentrated, so taxis and buses are sufficient. For Jinta Desert Poplar Forest, Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, and destinations toward Dunhuang, self-driving or a hired car is recommended. Jiuquan's administrative area is very large and includes places such as Dunhuang and Guazhou. Some one-way journeys can be several hundred kilometers, so allow plenty of time for travel when planning your itinerary.

Important Notes

• Satellite launch center reservations: The scenic area is under military administration. You must make a real-name reservation through the designated mini-program 3–5 days in advance and complete security screening. Visitors without a reservation or the original ID card cannot enter. Private cars cannot enter the core area; visitors must transfer to an official shuttle bus.
• Mogao Caves tickets: Category A tickets must be reserved through official channels 30 days in advance, and tickets are generally unavailable at the site. Category B emergency tickets do not include the digital film, and the number of caves available to visit is reduced by half.
• Clothing and sun protection: In October, the day-night temperature difference in Jiuquan can reach 15–20°C. Daytime sunlight is strong, so bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Wear a windproof jacket or light down jacket in the morning and evening. Dressing in layers makes it easier to adjust.
• Sand and dry air: Gobi areas have strong ultraviolet radiation, and mesh shoes are not suitable for the desert. The local air is dry, so bring an insulated water bottle and moisturizing skincare products.
• Food and dining costs: In the city, established neighborhood restaurants with clearly displayed prices are generally the safest choice. Some restaurants near scenic areas charge more. A budget of 60–90 yuan per person is usually enough for a substantial meal. At restaurants that price food by the Chinese liang, confirm the pricing method first.