Begin your adventure with a pickup from your Lanzhou hotel. Relax in a luxury private car as you make your way to the Yellow River Stone Forest. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights into the geological history of the area, building your anticipation for the natural wonder that awaits.
Upon arrival, take a scenic shuttle bus into the stone forest. Follow your guide through the “Narrow Sky” canyon, running your fingers over the gully-covered rock walls as you learn about the million-year-old wind and rain traces behind each texture. Your guide will also act as your “best photo spot finder,” leading you to vantage points to witness the spectacular sight of stone pillars rising from the ground, layer upon layer.
Later, climb the viewing platform to take in the panoramic grandeur of Huanghe Stone Forest: endless stone pillars spread across the land, complementing the winding Yellow River and golden desert. The guide will share stories of the stone forest as a key route on the ancient Silk Road, letting you feel its profound historical heritage while enjoying the scenery.
If you want to experience the iconic sheepskin rafting (cost not included), inform your guide in advance. Board the traditional raft and drift downstream, with the stone forests on both sides receding like natural screens. The guide will accompany you throughout, explaining the craftsmanship of sheepskin rafts and the history of Yellow River navigation.
Afterwards, follow the guide into a characteristic folk village in the scenic area, where strong northwest customs await. The guide will reveal the local wisdom of “living by the mountains and thriving on the river,” from daily life to festival traditions. You may even have the chance to try intangible cultural heritage (ICH) crafts like paper-cutting and clay modelling. If you’re interested in the village’s history or folk tales, the guide will act as a “living encyclopedia” to answer all your questions. You’ll have lunch here (cost not included).
Board the exclusive business car for a comfortable trip back. On the way, the guide will help you select the best photos taken that day, revisiting the awe and excitement of the stone forest and Yellow River rafting together. They’ll also share more off-the-beaten-path activities and local delicacies in Lanzhou and its surrounding areas, keeping the joy of the trip alive through casual chat—bringing this one-of-a-kind Huanghe Stone Forest tour to a warm close.
