China's loneliest child—the Son of the Earth!

The self-driving route from Zhangye to Dunhuang is the ultimate experience that blends the vastness and romance of Northwest China into your eyes✨! Giant art sculptures stand on the boundless Gobi Desert, and the thousand-year-old Dunhuang holds a gentleness that the wind and sand cannot erase. This route, connecting natural wonders, modern art, and Silk Road heritage, makes every stop irresistible: the beauty of the Great Northwest truly exceeds imagination! 🚗 Complete self-driving guide from Zhangye to Dunhuang (no backtracking version) Recommended route: Zhangye Pingyi River → Jiuquan Economic Development Zone → Hanwu Majesty → Crossing Qilian → Son of the Earth → Boundless → Dunhuang City → Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring → Silk Road Heritage City (It’s recommended to take 3-4 days to fully embrace the vastness and surprises of the Great Northwest) 🌟 Must-visit spots along the way, each hiding breathtaking scenes 1. Zhangye · Tree of the Earth🌳 Navigate to Pingyi River Toll Station, stop for drone shots near arrival. The “tree veins” formed by the dried riverbed spread across the earth. Nature’s craftsmanship is more touching than any man-made landscape, and the drone’s perspective is stunningly speechless! 2. Jiuquan Economic Development Zone · Snow Mountain Road❄️ On the way to Dunhuang, the Qilian snow peaks stretch alongside the road. The pure white snow contrasts with the Gobi wasteland, making every snapshot a cinematic highway scene. Don’t miss this unexpected beauty when passing by~ 3. Hanwu Majesty🗿 A giant statue of Emperor Hanwu stands in the Gobi Desert, with a majestic and profound gaze. It feels like instantly traveling back to the mighty Han Dynasty of war and glory. The grandeur and vicissitudes of the Silk Road are embodied here. 4. Crossing Qilian👣 The sculpture of a boy striding forward looks like he’s stepping on Gobi clouds to cross the mountains, carrying a hopeful feeling of “always on the road.” Standing beside it lifts your spirits. 5. Son of the Earth🧒 A giant baby sculpture on the Guazhou Gobi Desert, the most tear-jerking sight of the trip! The soft childlike expression contrasts sharply with the desolate Gobi. Covered in dust yet peacefully sleeping, like the child of Mother Earth and the guardian of the Silk Road, quietly witnessing the passage of time. 6. Boundless⚪ The “mirage” in the desert! The hollow white building casts layered shadows at sunset. Walking through it feels like entering a dream—magical and romantic. 7. Dunhuang City🍜 The soul of food and fun! Dunhuang Night Market and Shazhou Night Market hide many Northwest delicacies: Populus euphratica pancakes, Northern desert grilled fish, and scallion beef pancakes so delicious you’ll lick your lips. Sweet embryo ice tofu pudding paired with apricot peel tea refreshes and cleanses the palate. A one-stop place to taste all Dunhuang flavors. 8. Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring🌙 A clear spring that a thousand years of wind and sand couldn’t bury. The crescent-shaped water surface is nestled in the desert. At dusk, ride a camel around the spring and watch the sunset dye the sand dunes red. This romance even time cannot take away. 9. Silk Road Heritage City🏛️ Like the ruins of a forgotten mysterious ancient kingdom! Buildings such as Taihe Hall, Thousand Buddha Cliff, and Hakka Tulou are scattered around. The desolate atmosphere hides a sense of time travel, and every photo looks like a movie scene. 📕 Essential tips for Northwest self-driving 1. Dunhuang’s UV rays are intense; sunscreen hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen cream are all indispensable. Make sure to apply enough on exposed skin! 2. The Gobi climate is extremely dry; prepare body lotion, lip balm, and hydrating masks in advance, or your skin will crack and peel by the end of the day~ 3. Attractions in the Great Northwest are far apart, so self-driving is the best choice! Tested and highly recommend Shenzhou Car Rental, which supports pick-up in Zhangye and drop-off in Dunhuang, no backtracking needed. You can also pick up cars directly at train stations or airports, saving time and effort🚙. Although these modern art sculptures are not millennia-old relics, when embraced by the vast Gobi and intertwined with Silk Road history, the awe and emotion they evoke are real and intense. This journey from Zhangye to Dunhuang is the most precious gift the Great Northwest offers travelers~