Zhangye Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Apr)

You don't have to go to the northeast to see the snow!

The colorful Danxia and the white snow crisscross and spread The sun shuttles between the canyons Winter is the off-season for tourism in the northwest, but I really recommend you to come here! ⛰【Zhangye Colorful Danxia】 Ticket: 93/person (including sightseeing car) Opening hours: 7:30-17:00 Traffic situation: The scenic area is tens of kilometers away from Zhangye city, remember to buy tickets from the north gate (if you just want to check in the Danxia landform, you can drive to the east gate, although you can't go into the main scenic area, but you can get it for free! Originally we planned to sneak in from the east gate to see the colorful Danxia and leave, but later decided to buy tickets to enter from the north gate) The colorful Danxia sightseeing car will take you to 4 scenic spots 1st viewing point: Colorful Fairy Platform Apart from being able to see the mountain up close, everything else is very ordinary 2nd viewing point: Colorful Cloud Sea Platform You need to climb up by yourself, the view from the top of the mountain is particularly beautiful! It is also the viewing platform with the best view among these scenic spots! It's worth getting off the sightseeing car to check in! 3rd viewing platform: Colorful Brocade Platform The sightseeing car driver said it was not good-looking, so only two or three of the 20 people on the sightseeing car got off to see it, our driver just drove us directly to the next scenic spot, we didn't go to see 4th viewing platform: Colorful Rainbow Platform The viewing angle is multiple and beautiful, recommended for watching the sunset! You can climb up, compared to the second viewing platform, the scenery here will be more lively! 📝Note tips: The winter activities here are basically all stopped, it's a pity not to get on the hot air balloon! There is no need to buy a deep tour during the off-season, there are not many people in winter, there are 3 more scenic spots than the ordinary tour, but the price difference is not a little bit, if you don't want to queue for the sightseeing car and don't want to take pictures, you can consider the deep tour

🌈Zhangye National Geopark | Feel the Rainbow

#fallingseason The Zhangye National Geopark, located in the Gansu Province of China, is a breathtaking natural wonder and a geological treasure trove. The park is renowned for its stunning Danxia landforms, often referred to as the "Rainbow Mountains." These unique rock formations feature a vivid array of colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. The result is a mesmerizing, almost otherworldly, landscape. Zhangye National Geopark is a geological wonderland, with layers of sedimentary rocks that have been eroded over millions of years. This process has revealed the colorful layers that form the distinctive patterns seen today. The Danxia landforms have a rich geological history dating back millions of years. They provide a unique insight into the Earth's geological processes and ancient landscapes. Tips and Tricks ⁉️ 🥾Visitors can explore the park on designated walkways and platforms, allowing them to get up close to the vibrant rock formations. The park offers panoramic viewpoints, making it a photographer's paradise. 🚌Zhangye National Geopark is easily accessible for tourists, with well-maintained pathways and facilities, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers. 🌈The park's appearance can vary with the seasons and the angle of the sun, providing different and equally stunning vistas throughout the year. 👀The park is also close to other attractions in the region, including the Mati Temple and the Zhangye Buddha Temple, offering visitors a well-rounded experience. #SpinTheWorld #wecreate #trip

🌋 Seven-Colored Danxia | Nature's Palette! ❗️

"Lonely Planet" 🌍 recommends it as one of the best travel destinations in Asia. "National Geographic" 🌏 has named it one of the world's top ten geological wonders. "Chinese National Geographic" 🇨🇳 describes it as "crazily picturesque" and one of China's most beautiful seven Danxia landforms. 📍It's none other than the Zhangye Danxia Landform in Gansu, China. 🏞️ Certainly, here's the improved translation with more emojis: 💰 Cost: 💳 Admission Ticket + 🚌 Bus fare for adults (🎫 93 ticket) ⏰ Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to witness the breathtaking Danxia landforms is right after the rain, as the dampness enhances the colors, making them even more vibrant and captivating. 🌦️🌈 🗺️ Route: Begin at the North Entrance and follow this route - Seven Color Xianyuan Platform, Seven Color Cloud Sea Platform, Seven Color Exquisite Platform, Seven Color Rainbow Platform, and exit through the North Entrance. (Enter and exit from the same gate) 🚪👣 🌟 1st Viewing Point: Seven Color Xianyuan Platform Highlights: This platform is close to the mountain and offers a close-up view of the opposite mountains. Please note that there are no railings, so exercise caution. It's perfect for capturing full-body portraits. This is the first stop for most visitors, and it can get crowded below. To enjoy the best views with fewer crowds, head further up. 📸🌄 🌟 2nd Viewing Point: Seven Color Cloud Sea Platform Highlights: This is the largest viewing platform and provides a panoramic view. It comes equipped with various facilities for dining and shopping. To reach the highest point, you'll need to allocate some time. Along the way, you'll find numerous platforms for viewing and resting. However, the most magnificent vistas are still from the mountain's peak, where you can take in several mountain ranges, offering the most extensive view. 🏞️🍔🛍️ 🌟 3rd Viewing Point: Seven Color Exquisite Platform Recommendation: We didn't visit this point, as we heard it doesn't offer impressive views. ❌👎 🌟 4th Viewing Point: Seven Color Rainbow Platform (Highly Recommended) Highlights: Here, you'll find the most vibrant colors and perfect viewing angles. It's an exceptional spot to witness a sunset like no other. Be sure to visit just before the sun sets. During this time, with the sun at a lower angle, it beautifully illuminates the mountains, creating an extraordinary spectacle. On clear days, if you wait for about 10 minutes after sunset, you can witness a stunning evening glow. 🌅🌄🌟🌇

Real rainbow mountain!

As I stood before the majestic Mati Si, also known as the Horse Hoof Temple, I couldn't help but marvel at its uniqueness. Nestled on the rocky walls of a mountain in Zhangye, this Tibetan masterpiece stood as a testament to human artistry and devotion. Unlike any other temple I had seen before, Mati Si seemed to defy gravity itself. The temple complex was intricately carved into the rugged cliffs, seemingly hanging on to the sheer rock face. It was a sight that left me in awe of the incredible human ingenuity and determination that went into creating such a remarkable structure. As I explored the temple, the relaxed atmosphere engulfed me, transporting me into a realm of tranquility. The soft whispers of the wind caressed my face, carrying with it a sense of serenity that seemed to be inherent to this sacred place. The gentle rustling of the leaves and the distant sound of chanting monks created a symphony of peace that resonated deep within my soul. Every step I took revealed intricate details etched into the rock walls. The vibrant colors of the frescoes depicted scenes from Tibetan Buddhism, telling stories of enlightenment, compassion, and spiritual journeys. The delicate sculptures of Buddhist deities seemed to come alive, their serene expressions radiating wisdom and tranquility. As I reached the highest point of the temple, a breathtaking panoramic view unfolded before my eyes. The vast expanse of the surrounding landscape stretched out endlessly, the mountains standing tall and proud in the distance. It was a moment of pure bliss, a feeling of being connected to something greater than myself. Mati Si was not just a temple; it was a place of pilgrimage, a sanctuary for those seeking solace and spiritual awakening. The combination of natural beauty and human craftsmanship made it a place of profound significance. It was a reminder that even amidst the chaos of the world, there are sanctuaries of peace and tranquility waiting to be discovered. As I reluctantly left Mati Si, I carried with me a deep sense of gratitude for having experienced such a remarkable place. The memory of the hanging temple, the gentle whispers of the wind, and the awe-inspiring beauty would forever be etched in my heart. Mati Si truly was a hidden gem, a Tibetan masterpiece that left an indelible mark on my soul. #trip #China #chinalife #chinatravel #adventure #zhangye #danxia

Gansu's Mati Grottoes: Ancient Wonders

⛪️ Mati Temple Grottoes, located in Gansu, China, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and culture. As someone who loves exploring ancient sites, I found this complex of caves and temples to be absolutely stunning. The intricate carvings and sculptures inside the grottoes are a testament to the incredible skill and artistry of the people who created them so many centuries ago. 🤩 One of the highlights of my visit to Mati Temple Grottoes was the opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible walks inside the rocks of these ancient structures. The attention to detail and dedication of the original artists is truly remarkable, and it's heartening to know that these cultural treasures are being preserved for future generations to enjoy. We stayed at a local hotel nearby, which was really nice to wake up and just walk to the temple. There are plenty of beautiful surrounding walk, and I would highly recommend going and walking up the many steps to the viewing platform opposite the stupas! Winner views!!! ⛰️ Overall, I highly recommend a visit to Mati Temple Grottoes for anyone traveling to Gansu. The combination of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty makes for a truly unforgettable experience. #roadtrip #tripleblazer #ancientlandmark

Top 3 in China MATI Temple horse 🐴

Pictures speak louder than words ✌️ How to get there: rental car from Xining (3h), best a 4 wheel drive as the last 5km are not good What’s to see: Nature, temple, local culture and horseback riding Costs: hotels are local, below 200RMb/night. For the horses we paid around 200/each for half day Time needed: full weekend What to look for: Go remote with the horses Don’t forget to bring your drone for some of these beautiful aerial shots 🛸 IG: andykoh_m8 #germaninchina #travellifestyle #aroundtheworld

Zhangye’s Stunning Mati Temple

Mati Temple is one of the most famous scenic spots in Zhangye. The temple is located over 50km from Zhangye city making it difficult and very long to get there by bus. If you can, hire a driver for your journey. Opening Hours: 08:30-18:00 Tickets: 73 RMB/person 📍Address: Sunan Yugu Nationality autonomous county, Zhangye, Gansu ⏰Recommended time: 2-3.5 hours. There are quite a few stairs so it depends on how fast you can go. I recommend just taking your time and taking in the beautiful landscape as well as the grottoes. #grottoes #zhangye #gansu #summervacation #china #thisischina #beautiful

Mati Temple was built in the Jin Dynasty, and features a series of grottoes that blend into the cliff face! In total there are 7 small grotto groups that stretch over 30km, and legend has it that this temple was so named because a sacred horse left a footprint in the rock here - which you can also see inside the temple!). Aside from the grottoes, the area itself is super beautiful, with lush greenery surrounding the entire area. 📍Mati Temple, Gansu Province, China #leaveyourmark

Zhangye’s Buddhist Temple

If in Zhangye, I’m sure you’re here for the Mati temple, the Grand Canyon, and the Rainbow mountain but this place is also nice. If you have a bit of time (all you need is about one hour), go and visit the Big Buddha Temple! How to get there - During my time in Zhangye, I had a private driver. There’s most likely a bus that could drop you off near the temple but taking a DiDi is always convenient. Attraction - There are a few temples and some beautiful flowers. Have a nice little stroll and enjoy the beauty of this scenic spot. 😊 Cost - If I remember correctly, the ticket was about 40-50¥. #zhangye #gansu #temple #urbanexplorer #summervacation #thisischina

The #dafotemple 大佛寺 is an ancient Buddhist temple in #silkroad #zhangye, Gansu, China, notable for its gigantic reclining Buddha statue made around 1100 during the Western Xia and Song dynasty, which is thirty-five metres long. #temple #unforgetabletrip #happynewyear

The scenic beauty of the Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye

The Giant Buddha Temple is a landmark building of the historical and cultural city of Zhangye, known as the 'Famous Monastery on the Frontier, a Holy Land of Buddhism'. Inside the temple, there is the largest Western Xia Buddhist hall in China, the Giant Buddha Hall, the largest indoor clay reclining Buddha in Asia, and the most complete first edition of the 'Great Ming Tripitaka, Northern Canon' in the country, with a collection of over 10,000 precious cultural relics. In 1995, it became a patriotic education base in Gansu Province, in 1996 it was listed as the fourth batch of national key cultural relics protection units, and in 2018 it was selected as one of the 'Magical Northwest Top 100 Scenic Spots'.

Traversing the Hexi Corridor: A journey to experience the vicissitudes and splendor of a millennium

Stepping onto this ancient land, I followed the Hexi Corridor section of the Silk Road carved out by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, traveling eastward from Dunhuang, through Guazhou and Jiayuguan, and finally arriving at Zhangye. The scenery along the way was like a series of flowing paintings, utterly intoxicating. 🏺🎨 At the Mogao Caves, I witnessed the grottoes that have weathered over a thousand years. From the 4th century (Sixteen Kingdoms period) to the 14th century (Yuan Dynasty), this place has witnessed the hard work of countless artists. During the Tang Dynasty, the Mogao Caves reached their peak in both scale and artistic achievement, which is breathtaking. 🏰🔔 Jiayuguan, as the westernmost pass of the Great Wall, was founded in the fifth year of Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty (1372). It consists of an inner city, outer city, barbican, Wengcheng (defensive towers), moat, and the Great Wall sections extending to the north and south, with a total length of about 60 kilometers. In May 1880 (the 6th year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty), the famous Qing official Zuo Zongtang left Jiayuguan with his coffin to reclaim Xinjiang, a journey that took three years and became a legendary story. When he returned to Jiayuguan, he personally inscribed 'The First and Greatest Pass under Heaven', highlighting the importance of this pass. 🏯🕉️ The Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye, founded in the first year of Yong'an of Chongzong of the Western Xia (1098), is a landmark of Jin Zhangye and was a royal temple of the Western Xia. Inside the temple is an enshrined reclining Buddha statue of Sakyamuni, also known as the 'Sleeping Buddha Temple'. It is the largest indoor reclining Buddha in China, measuring 34.5 meters in length, which is awe-inspiring. 📸📝 During this trip, I deeply felt the historical significance and cultural heritage of the Hexi Corridor. Each site is a testament to history, and every landscape tells the story of the wisdom and courage of ancient people. If you are also interested in this history, why not come and experience the millennia of vicissitudes and splendor for yourself.

Grand Canyon Zhangye!

Imagine standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, marveling at its sheer size and breathtaking beauty. The vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold dance across the rugged walls, creating a masterpiece that nature has painted over millions of years. It's a place that leaves you feeling small and humbled, reminding you of the incredible power of time and the earth. Now, picture yourself in Zhangye, China, at the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park. Here, you'll find a different kind of wonder, but one that is just as awe-inspiring. The rainbow mountains stretch out before you, resembling a giant artist's palette. Layers of mineral deposits have been sculpted by wind and water, creating a landscape that seems too vibrant to be real. While the Grand Canyon boasts towering cliffs and deep, winding canyons, Zhangye showcases rolling hills and peaks that seem to blend together in a colorful harmony. As you walk along the trails, you can't help but be captivated by the unique geological formations that surround you. It's like stepping into a painting that has come to life. Both the Grand Canyon and Zhangye offer a sense of tranquility and serenity that can only be found in nature's embrace. Standing in either place, you can't help but feel a sense of calm wash over you, as if the worries of everyday life melt away in the face of such natural splendor. So, whether you find yourself in the United States or China, take the time to visit these incredible sights. Let yourself be immersed in the grandeur of the Grand Canyon or the vibrant beauty of Zhangye. Allow these natural wonders to remind you of the power and beauty of our world, and let them leave an indelible mark on your soul. #danxia #zhangye #trip #grandcanyon #China #chinatravel #chinalife

A GRAND time was had

Headed to the amazing Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon. It was such a great hike!! We started by hiking down and eventually climbed up and out. With many steps, caves and ladders it was one for the books. As one of the magnificent grand canyons along the silk road, it is the best place where you can not only enjoy the special landform but also visit some precious animals and plants. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Grand View Garden of Zhangye Landscape, and it has been praised as " Comparable to the Grand Canyon of Colorado " and " the new discovery of the Silk Road " by China Geographic Journal and well-known geologists and tourists at home and abroad. Special note: Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon needs hike around 2-3 hours.

Breathtaking view at Zhangye’s Grand Canyon

When visiting Zhangye, the Pingshanhu Grand Canyon is a must! The canyon is absolutely stunning! It does get very hot and if you’re there on a sunny day, bring sunscreen!! 📍How to get there: I hired a driver and I suggest you do the same. It is located quite far from Zhangye city and I’m not sure if you can take a bus from the city. ⏰Recommended time: About 3.5-4.5 hours. There are a lot of stairs, depending on how fit you are, going up the stairs when leaving the canyon could potentially take you about 45mins. *Bring A LOT of water and some snacks! While exploring the site, I came across only 1 little shop about 1.5 hours into the hike. The shop wasn’t selling any food and the drinks weren’t cold. When reaching observation deck 4, there’s another shop selling some snacks and drinks but you reach that shop only at the end of your hike. #passionpassport #gansu #canyon #naturalwonders #china #summervacation #zhangye

Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon

Getting There - Our tour bus took us there. You can drive yourself or take a taxi to the parking lot of Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, from.there a shuttle bus will pick you up to take you to the scenic spot of the Grand Canyon. Attractions - What a spectacular site! The Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon is quit exquiste. So glad we had the opportunity to see this scenic spot. At the lookout points you can far and beyond and walking between the canyons just admiring the wonde of the canyon. There's also a lot of stairs to bring you back to reality😁 but in the end you can reward yourself with an ice cold drink or ice cream. Hotels - There's place to sleep on site other than that there's not hotels nearby you need to drive awhile. But it's definitely worth it. Food & Restaurants - At the Canyon there's a restaurant/shop where you can eat something, buy some drinks or ice cream and some souvenirs. Shopping - There's a shop at the entrance to buy some souvenirs and drinks.#silkroad #summervacation #pingshanlakegrandcanyon

Qilian Mountain National Park

Qilian Mountain National Park is known for its Swiss-like scenery. The park is vast, encompassing the entire Qilian Mountain range. The mountains I had seen before were bare, but the mountains here seem to be covered with a green blanket. There's only thin grass, not many trees, so the shape of the mountains is very clear, with strong and resolute lines, and the mountains are majestic. Below the mountains are vast grasslands, where the grass grows close to the ground. Here, herds of cattle and sheep abound, and the herders have marked the sheep. Some have pink painted on their heads, as if blushed, looking very cute; some have red painted on their rumps, swaying as they walk; others are painted blue, like little blue smurfs on the mountain; the black yaks are a bit larger. Flocks of sheep cross the road in groups, making quite a spectacle, and here, traffic jams are mostly caused by giving way to the sheep herds.

Gansu's 'Little Switzerland', the Qilian Mountains live up to their name

The Qilian Mountain range stretches 800 kilometers from east to west and is 200 to 400 kilometers wide from north to south, with altitudes ranging from 4000 to 6000 meters. It contains 3306 glaciers, covering an area of about 2062 square kilometers. The western end connects with the Altun Mountain Range at Dangjin Mountain Pass, and the eastern end reaches the Yellow River Valley, linking with the Qinling and Liupan Mountains, spanning nearly 1000 kilometers. It is a folded block mountain range, with the widest part reaching 300 kilometers between Zhangye City and the Qaidam Basin◇from north to south◇including the Daxue Mountain, Tuolai Mountain, Tuolai South Mountain, Yema South Mountain, Shule South Mountain, Danghe South Mountain, Tuerkendaban Mountain, Qaidam Mountain, and Zongwulong Mountain. Many peaks are between 4000 and 5000 meters in altitude, with the highest peak, Shule South Mountain's Tuanjie Peak, reaching 5808 meters. Peaks over 4000 meters are perennially snow-capped, and the valleys between mountains are also between 3000 and 3500 meters in altitude. It is an important ecological barrier in western China. In 1988, the Gansu Provincial Qilian Mountain National Nature Reserve was established in the central and eastern parts of the northern Qilian Mountains, spanning the cities of Zhangye, Wuwei, and Jinchang. Gansu and Qinghai provinces have initiated a pilot program for the Qilian Mountain National Park system. The area spans the cities of Zhangye, Wuwei, and Jinchang.

In the mountains (1)

Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, on a sunny day, I drove to the Qilian Mountains. It's really cool in the mountains, with deep mountains and deep gullies, and trees shading the sun. Birds sing in the mountain streams, and everything is thriving. The stream rushes over the rocks, flowing with a rustling sound. The primitive jungle, the winding path leads to the distance. The wooden bridge on the stream lies across the river, a natural and simple nature, how can it not make people sigh, how can it not make people linger.

I'm sorry, Qilian Mountains, I underestimated your beauty

When it comes to snow mountains, the first places I think of are Sichuan, Tibet, and Xinjiang. I never thought of the Qilian Mountains. Even when the plane flew over the Qilian Mountains, I thought they were too low and not very spectacular. It wasn't until the National Day when I drove to the Qilian Mountains and went deep into the hinterland that I realized I had seriously underestimated the beauty of the Qilian Mountains. Compared with famous snow mountains like Gongga and Yaomei, the Qilian Mountains are more like a snow wall. The momentum is overwhelming and indescribable. Under the contrast of the golden grassland, it is incredibly spectacular.