Best Places to Visit in Zhangye

✨ Overview of Top Attractions in Zhangye

? Detailed Attraction Guide

1. Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (七彩丹霞景区)

The most iconic landscape of Zhangye, famous for its rainbow-colored hills.

? Location: Nantai Village (南台村), Linze County (临泽县), Zhangye

? Getting There:

• Shared Car / Charter: Shared ride ~25 RMB per person; charter ~80–100 RMB.

• Tourist Shuttle Bus: From Zhangye West Bus Station (张掖汽车西站), ~15 RMB, 1 hour, departures 9:00–12:00 hourly, plus 15:30 & 16:30.

• Self-drive: Navigate to “Zhangye Danxia National Geopark (张掖七彩丹霞旅游景区, North Gate 北门 or West Gate 西门)”. Parking ~10 RMB.

⭐ Highlights:

• Multiple viewing platforms: Qicai Yunhai Terrace (七彩云海台), Qicai Jinxiutai (七彩锦绣台), Qicai Hongxiatai (七彩虹霞台 – best for sunset).

• Vivid colors after rainfall.

• Optional hot air balloon (~200 RMB) or helicopter (~800 RMB) rides.

? Contact: 0936-5623666
? Tickets: ~93 RMB (54 RMB entrance + 38 RMB sightseeing bus + 1 RMB insurance). Valid for 2 days (bus ticket must be repurchased). In-depth tours available (~368 RMB/person, 3+ people).
⏳ Suggested Time: 3–5 hours
? Tip: Best light at sunrise/sunset. Strong UV – bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and wear comfortable shoes.

2. Pingshanhu Grand Canyon (平山湖大峡谷)

A dramatic canyon hailed as China’s answer to the Grand Canyon.

? Location: Pingshanhu Township (平山湖乡), Ganzhou District (甘州区)

? Getting There:

• Self-drive or charter, ~56 km from Zhangye.

• Coaches available from Zhangye Bus Station.

⭐ Highlights:

• Nicknamed “China’s Colorado”.

• Hike through “One-Line Sky” slot canyon, try rope descent (with guide).

• Adventure tours: off-road vehicles, camel riding, Jurassic rock formations.

? Contact: 0936-8830066
? Tickets: ~130 RMB (with sightseeing bus). Adventure package ~329 RMB (includes off-road & camel experiences).
⏳ Suggested Time: 3–5 hours
? Tip: Wear good walking shoes, bring water & snacks. Strong sun protection recommended.

3. Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple (张掖大佛寺)

A cultural highlight in the city with deep Buddhist history.

? Location: Buddha Temple Pedestrian Street (大佛寺步行街), Ganzhou District (甘州区)

? Getting There: Within Zhangye city – walk or taxi.

⭐ Highlights:

• Built during Western Xia Dynasty.

• Houses Asia’s largest indoor reclining clay Buddha (34.5 m).

• Exquisite murals and rare relics, some predating Journey to the West by 200 years.

? Contact: 0936-8222048, 0936-8212049
? Tickets: ~41 RMB (subject to change).
⏳ Suggested Time: 1–2 hours
? Tip: Keep quiet and respectful. Pay attention to mural details and architectural artistry.

4. Mati Temple Grottoes (马蹄寺)

A blend of Tibetan culture, grotto art, and mountain scenery.

? Location: Sunan County (肃南县), ~70 km from Zhangye

? Getting There: Best by chartered car or self-drive.

⭐ Highlights:

• Famous “Thirty-Three Heavens” (三十三天) grottoes – a thrilling climb through tunnels and stairs.

• Backdrop of Qilian Mountains (祁连山).

? Tickets: Check official updates.
⏳ Suggested Time: Half day+
? Tip: Dress warm (higher altitude, cooler temperatures). Be cautious when climbing grotto stairs.

5. Shandan Horse Ranch (山丹军马场)

Perfect for experiencing the vast grasslands and horse culture.

? Location: Shandan County (山丹县)

? Getting There: Requires self-drive or charter due to distance.

⭐ Highlights:

• World’s largest and oldest horse ranch.

• July–August: golden rapeseed flower fields at the foot of Qilian Mountains.

• Horse riding (~50 RMB/hour) and spectacular horse-running shows.

⏳ Suggested Time: Half day or longer
? Tip: Best season is July–August for flowers and horse herds. Follow safety instructions while riding.

? Practical Travel Tips for Zhangye

? Best Time to Visit

• June–October: Pleasant weather and vibrant landscapes.

• July–August: Best for Danxia after rain and rapeseed blossoms at Shandan Horse Ranch.

? Transportation

• Best option: Chartered car or self-drive (scattered attractions).

• City sights: Walk or taxi.

• Some sites (e.g., Danxia): Tourist shuttle buses available.

? Accommodation

• Zhangye City (张掖市区): Wide choices, convenient for dining/shopping.

• Near Danxia Park (七彩镇 or 南台村): Stay overnight to catch sunrise.

? Local Food to Try

• Cuoyu Noodles (搓鱼面): Handmade, fish-shaped chewy noodles.

• Chaopao (炒炮): Stir-fried short noodles, spicy & savory.

• Beef “Small Rice” (牛肉小饭): Mini flour dumplings in rich beef broth.

• Chaobola (炒拨拉): Stir-fried lamb offal on iron plate.

? Best places: Ganzhou Night Market (甘州夜市) or Ganzhou Alley Night Market (甘州巷子夜市).

? What to Pack

• Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.

• Clothing: Layers for big day-night temperature differences.

• Shoes: Comfortable walking/hiking shoes.

• Documents: Passport/ID, student card for possible discounts.