Zhangye

Zhangye gets strong sunlight and has relatively dry air, so remember to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated when traveling.

Located in the Hexi Corridor, Zhangye has a distinctive northwestern landscape shaped by its Danxia landforms and Silk Road heritage. Historic grottoes are also preserved among the cliffs. The following Zhangye travel guide can help you plan your trip.

Classic 4-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Zhangye and explore Ganzhou Old Town
  • Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Zhangye and check in to a hotel in the city center.
  • Evening: First visit the Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye to see the reclining Buddha, then head to Ganzhou Alley or Mingqing Street for dinner and try chao bola and beef xiaofan.

• Day 2: Explore geological landscapes and watch the Danxia sunset
  • Morning: Head to Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon for a canyon hike and camel ride, and experience at close range the canyon landscape formed by long-term geological processes.
  • Afternoon: Return to the city for a rest, then continue to Colorful Danxia.
  • Evening: Wait for sunset at Viewing Platform No. 4. As the light changes, the mountains take on different colors.

• Day 3: Visit the grottoes and look toward the Qilian snow-capped mountains
  • All day: Head to Mati Temple, visit the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes, and enjoy views of the Qilian Mountains along the elevated walkways. If you have limited stamina, you can take a sightseeing bus to the plaza stop and then follow the relatively gentle paths on foot.
  • Evening: After returning to the city, take a walk in Zhangye National Wetland Park and watch the migratory birds and sunset.

• Day 4: Learn about the city's history and begin your return journey
  • Morning: Visit Zhangye City Museum to learn about the history of the Hexi Corridor and Ganzhou on the Silk Road. You can also visit Muta Temple for photos.
  • Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, buy Yugur embroidery or wheat-straw paintings as souvenirs, then head to the airport or high-speed rail station.

Local Zhangye Food Recommendations

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Where to stay: The city center is a convenient choice. The Drum Tower area of Ganzhou District and the area near Zhangye West Station have convenient amenities, and taxis can easily take you to the various attractions. If you plan to watch the sunrise or sunset over the Danxia landscapes, you can also stay near Danxiakou Cultural Tourism Town.
• Getting around: Zhangye High-Speed Rail Station, also known as Zhangye West Station, has convenient connections to places such as Lanzhou and Xining. Taxis are sufficient for getting around the city. For outlying attractions such as Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon and Mati Temple, driving yourself or hiring a private car is more suitable; a private car generally costs about 500–800 yuan per day.

Travel Tips

• Sun protection and hydration: The Hexi Corridor has strong sunlight and dry air. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and moisturizing skincare products, and drink water regularly.
• Prepare for temperature changes: Even in summer, the temperature difference between morning and evening is around 10°C. If traveling in October, bring a thick jacket or a waterproof outdoor jacket. Mati Temple is at a relatively high altitude, so take particular care to stay warm while visiting.
• Viewing the Danxia landscapes: The viewing experience at Colorful Danxia is strongly affected by the weather. Clear days and sunset are usually the best times to visit. If the sky is overcast, the rock layers may look darker, so you can choose a standard ticket without specifically planning an in-depth visit.
• Avoid the crowds: The Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes at Mati Temple require visitors to queue and climb. Visit when the site opens at 8 a.m., or plan to go after 4 p.m. to avoid the busiest periods.
• Respect religious customs: Mati Temple is a Tibetan Buddhist temple, and photography is strictly prohibited inside the grottoes. Follow the site's rules and respect local religious customs while visiting.