4 Days Zhangye Hiking tour

Zhangye in Chinese means “stretching arms” which was established in Western Han dynasty when the emperor Wudi intended to stretch arms of the empire westwards. The city is located at the middle part of Hexi Corridor in north western Gansu Province. Zhangye was called ”Ganzhou” in history, which is also the origin of the name “Gansu”. Chinese people like to call it “Golden Zhangye” for the fertile land and rich products. Zhangye is an important city on the Silk Road, it has long history and splendid culture. There are many historical and natural sites spread in the area.

Highlights:

  • Walking in Danxia National Geological Park and marvel at the multicolored rock landscape;
  •  Explore the astonishing Buddha caves at the Mati Temple;
  • Appreciate the amazing Zhangye Danxia Landform.

Brief Itinerary

  • Day 1: Zhangye Arrival
  • Day 2: Zhangye 
  • Day 3: Zhangye
  • Day 4: Zhangye Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Zhangye Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities: Dujiang Yan,Yingxiu Town, Bala Mountain, Yaomei Peak.
Accommodation: In Zhangye.
Meals:None

Arrival at Zhangye train station / airport and be transferred to the hotel.

Day 2 Zhangye

Sightseeing and Activities: Buddha caves , Northern Matisi grottoes,  Hike along the mountain valley.
Accommodation: In Zhangye
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

After breakfast drive to Matisi Grottoes (also called horse hoof temple). On arrival visit the thousand Buddha caves and Northern Matisi grottoes. Take a break at lunch time and then start a hiking of 3.5 hours (7km for a round trip). Hike along the beautiful mountain valley with grassland, river and natural forest to a little waterfall hanging high on the mountain. On the way back you can visit the lttle Z00 with some wild animals such as wolf, fox, wild cock…

After dinner at local restaurant drive back Zhangye city and check in hotel.

Day 3 Zhangye

Sightseeing and Activities: The Giant Buddha Temple, Binggou Danxia Landform, Danxia National Geologic Park.
Accommodation: In Zhangye.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

After breakfast visit The Giant Buddha Temple which is the only royal temple left by mysterious Western Xia Dynasty. Then drive to Binggou Danxia Landform and have lunch at the local farmer’s restaurant on arrival.After lunch we start hiking from the entrance and follow the valley of red colored sandstone mountain. Climb up and down the red colored mountain to have a panorama view of the mountains(3 hours hiking). 

Then drive to Danxia National Geologic Park which also knows as Danxia Land form or rainbow mountains. Following the paved road to 4-5 scenic sits and reach the last one at sunset time. After enjoy the beautiful sunset on the mountain, take the shuttle bus back to the entrance. (3 hours hiking) Be transferred back to the hotel in the evening.

Day 4 Zhangye Departure

Sightseeing and Activities:
Accommodation:None
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast be transferred to the airport or train station and the tour end.

Service Included:

  • Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary;
  • Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
  • Private English-speaking tour guide;
  • Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
  • Service charge & government taxes;
  • Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
  • Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.

Service Excluded:

  • Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
  • Chinese visa fees;
  • Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
  • Single room supplement;
  • Tips to guides and drivers;
  • Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
  • Personal travel accident insurance;
  • All optional programs.