Things to do in Gaotai
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Top 10 attractions in Gaotai
Camel City Ruins, Gaotai County
Camel City is located 20 kilometers west of Gaotai County. Founded in the first year of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, in 397 AD, it was the capital of the Northern Liang Kingdom established by Duanye, the prefect of Jiankang County in the Later Liang Dynasty. According to the records of "Rebuilding Suzhou Xinzhi", Camel City was not only the capital of the Northern Liang Dynasty when it was first built, but also the former site of Lehuan County in the Han Dynasty and the Jiankang Army in the Tang Dynasty. Camel City covers an area of nearly 300,000 square meters and is divided into three cities: front, middle and rear. The base of the city wall is 6 meters thick and the residual height is 7 meters. Except for the northeast corner, the other triangles are built with rectangular corner piers. The front wall has a gate on each of the east, west, and south sides, and an urn is built. The layout of the whole city is reasonable, and it is a relatively complete ancient city of the Han and Tang Dynasties. The poet Shen Qingya of the Ming Dynasty wrote poems on a high platform and wrote "the ancient Jiankang in front of Yumu Mountain, and the scenery of Nanguo is painted in Tunzhuang. The two rows of high willow satin are dark, and the rice is fragrant in Pinghu. Ziyan mud walks through the alley, and white gulls rush through Hengtang. At that time, in the middle of the painting, talking and laughing, the soldiers sent the feathers”. This poem expresses the beautiful scenery of the fields around the old city where people were flourishing, the water was clear and the trees were luxuriant.Gaotai · 20.5 km from downtown
Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot
Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot is located in Linze and Sunan counties at the northern foot of Qilian Mountain. The attraction is 40 km east of Zhangye city and 20 km north of Linze county. Covering a total area of 50 sq km with 4 sq km accessible to visitors, it's currently recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark and a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The attraction features seven viewing spots, including Colorful Cloud Sea, Colorful Fairyland, Colorful Splendor, Colorful Rainbow Glow, Crouching Tiger Gorge, Colorful Ao River, and Wanxiang Earth Forest Valley, along with over 30 scenic views such as Dragon Playing with Fire (colorful hills), Monkey Gazing at the Sea, Turtle Asking the Sky, Golden Toad Seeking the Way, Giant Scallop, Colorful Screen, Sleeping Beauty, and Crouching Tiger. It is a highly integrated area of colorful hills and Danxia landforms. The colorful hills amaze visitors with their vibrant hues, intricate layered patterns, majestic scale, and breathtaking vistas. The Danxia landform area of Wanxiang Earth Forest Valley features towering peaks resembling a forest, with a harmonious yet dramatic arrangement of sparse and dense formations. These extraordinary shapes, carved by nature's artistry, combine grandeur, peril, wonder, elegance, and serenity in one spectacular landscape. After being promoted to a national 5A-level attraction and global geopark, Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot aims to become an international travel destination. By deeply exploring and optimizing regional cultural resources, the scenic spot will leverage its unique tourism assets and cultural heritage to transform into a western China-based international resort with scientific research appeal. Centered around colorful hills and Danxia landforms, it highlights the aesthetic and scientific value of geological resources while prioritizing their protection and development. The composite attraction primarily offers geological sightseeing and recreation, complemented by cultural experiences, folk customs, and leisure vacations.Zhangye · 52.5 km from Gaotai
Crescent Lake
Located 1 km west of Gaotai County, it is known as "Little Jiangnan". It is buckling around and looks like a crescent moon, hence the name Crescent Lake. The park covers a total area of 560 mu, with a water area of 186 mu. Curved, arched and flat bridges are staggered, and the pavilions, halls and platforms form a shadow. The trail on the shore is secluded, the weeping willows are swaying, and the winding paths are surrounded; the reeds in the lake are swaying, the duckweeds appear, and the boats are swaying.Gaotai · 1.8 km from downtown
Binggou Danxia
Binggou Danxia Scenic Area is located in the Zhangnan Sunan Yugu Autonomous County. It is a natural scenic spot dominated by the red palace-type Danxia landform. Compared with the Zhangye Danxia landform scenic spot (also known as the colorful Danxia) not far away, Danxia's color is relatively simple and has little change, but the main feature of the scenic spot is that the shape of the Danxia landform is very unique here. The style of the style is very large. Moreover, due to the late development here, there are fewer tourists than the colorful Danxia, and you can have a quiet view.Sunan · 43.2 km from Gaotai
Jiayuguan Guancheng
Jiayuguan Guancheng is located 5 km west of Jiayuguan city, marking the western end of the Ming Great Wall. The Guan City was initially built during the Ming dynasty. It is located in the Jiayuguan cultural relics scenic area.The admission ticket serves as a pass for the entire attraction. The attraction isn't too large, with a perimeter of approx. 4 km, making it suitable for walking. Visitors with limited stamina can rent bicycles at the entrance for touring. The entrance is on the east side. Upon entering, you will first see the Heishan stone carvings, a modern replica by stonemasons showcasing the history and culture of Jiayuguan. There are seven themed gardens to explore: the celebrity inscriptions garden, ancient poetry garden, chronicle garden, story garden, guerrilla general stone carvings garden, Wei-Jin brick mural stone carvings garden, and Heishan stone carvings garden. Continuing forward, you can see the Jiayuguan Great Wall Museum, a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Great Wall. It features advanced facilities and showcases the history, culture, artifacts, and scenery of the Great Wall and Jiayuguan. Moving forward will take you to the western core area. Before entering the fortress, you can visit Jiuyanquan Lake on your left.Jiuyan springThe area boasts lush water plants and picturesque scenery, making it an ideal location for ancient military horse breeding and border defense. Today,Jiuyan springThe water ripples with crystal clarity.Jiuyan springIts beauty lies in its tranquility, undisturbed by waves. The Guan City of Jiayuguan is divided into inner and outer cities, featuring three main grand gate towers. The city walls also boast structures such as arrow towers, enemy towers, corner towers, watchtowers, and sluice gate towers. Inside the Guan City of Jiayuguan, you'll find the Residence of the Guerrilla General, the Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Attraction - Jingting Pavilion, and the Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Attraction - Wenchang Pavilion. Outside the east gate, there are the Jiayuguan Cultural Relics Attraction - Guandi Temple, memorial archways, and opera stages. Each of these has its own history and unique characteristics, making them all worth visiting. From atop the city walls, you can gaze into the distance, where the Qilian Mountains stretch endlessly, and the vast Gobi grassland lies beneath your feet, evoking a profound sense of historical grandeur and tragedy. The attraction features numerous small stalls showcasing folk and historical characteristics, including opportunities for ancient costume photos, calligraphy, and painting sales. You can explore each one and purchase items that catch your eye. Additionally, the attraction offers a variety of entertainment options such as horseback riding, camel riding, dune buggies, and gliders.China · Jiayuguan
Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon
Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon is located in Zhangye, Gansu Province, just 56 km from the city center. This national 4A-level attraction offers a diverse experience combining canyon exploration, geological research, ethnic culture, and off-road adventures. Here you'll find landscapes as spectacular as Zhangjiajie and as awe-inspiring as Colorado—a rare geological treasure and a new Silk Road discovery for travelers. Along the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon unveils an extraordinary journey for travelers with its pristine grandeur and profound valleys. This natural masterpiece serves as a sacred site for spiritual exploration, inviting you to give your weary soul a liberating stage.Zhangye · 88.7 km from Gaotai
Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple
The Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple is located in the urban area of Zhangye. It was first built during the Yong'an era of the Western Xia Dynasty and has a history of over 900 years. The temple is renowned for housing one of China's largest indoor clay reclining Buddha statues, along with other distinctive ancient structures such as the earthen pagoda and the Shanxi Guild Hall, which are open for visits. Exhibitions inside the temple help travelers understand Buddhist art and the history of the Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple. As one of Zhangye's iconic attractions, it is a must-see for visitors to the city. The current site of the temple is not large, with a depth of approx. 200 m and a width of approx. 100 m. Visitors can enter from the western square and explore on foot. The main buildings open for visits, from west to east, include the Giant Buddha Hall, the Hall of Ten Thousand Saints (now the Buddhist Art Exhibition Hall), the Scripture Hall (now the Buddhist Texts Exhibition Hall), the earthen pagoda, and the Shanxi Guild Hall. A complete tour takes approx. 1–2 hrs. The Giant Buddha Hall is the temple's most significant structure and the highlight for travelers. It features one of China's largest indoor clay reclining Buddha statues, depicting the Nirvana of Sakyamuni. The statue measures 34.5 m in length and 7.5 m in shoulder width—so massive that a single finger can accommodate a lying person, and one ear can seat 10 people side by side. The hall also houses statues of the Ten Great Disciples and the Eighteen Arhats, along with exquisite murals depicting Journey to the West and the Classic of Mountains and Seas. The Hall of Ten Thousand Saints and the Scripture Hall, located in the central area, now serve as exhibition spaces for Buddhist art and texts, displaying sculptures, grotto statues, scriptures, and other artifacts. Notable among these is a collection of over 6,000 Buddhist scriptures personally bestowed by Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty, many written in pure gold, which are the temple's prized treasures. The earthen pagoda, standing over 30 m tall, is east of the Giant Buddha Hall. Its two-tiered base features four small pagodas on each level, adorned with exquisite carvings and housing solemn Buddha statues. The Shanxi Guild Hall, situated northeast of the temple complex, was originally a merchant guild hall during the Qing Dynasty. This typical northwestern residential courtyard features ancient architecture with intricately carved beams and painted pillars, exuding rustic elegance.Zhangye · 74.1 km from Gaotai
Qilian Mountains Binggou River Scenic Area
Chairlong lake, at an altitude of 4,008 m, is a sacred natural alpine lake in the Qilian mountains with high elevation and vast area. The lake water, formed by melting snow from the mountains, displays emerald, azure and other colors as the light changes. Backed by the majestic Anigangar snow mountain, the landscape resembles a heavenly pool on earth. The round-trip hiking route is approximately 20 km, featuring wooden walkways and the Hero's slope viewing platform along the way. Successful summiters can receive a dedicated climbing certificate. The entire trail remains pristine with well-preserved natural features, accompanied by meadows, unique rocks and wild flowers, free from excessive commercial development. It's ideal for outdoor hiking enthusiasts and travelers seeking unspoiled natural scenery, offering pure and healing alpine views. The vast native alpine meadow bursts into bloom with purple iris flowers around the Dragon Boat Festival each year, creating a stunning visual spectacle across the wilderness. Gentle wooden boardwalks extend deep into the floral expanse, where cattle and sheep graze leisurely while wild marmots occasionally appear, all framed by distant rolling green mountains under expansive skies. During non-blooming seasons, the lush grassy fields serve as ideal spots for leisurely walks, picnics and aerial photography. With its flat terrain requiring no strenuous climbing, the attraction is easily accessible for seniors and children alike. At sunset when golden light blankets the grassland, the atmosphere becomes magical, making it a prime location for travel photography and camping throughout the year, with each season offering distinct pastoral landscapes. Vast stretches of pristine spruce and juniper forests form alpine woodlands, with wooden boardwalks winding along mountain streams. The area boasts exceptionally high negative oxygen ion levels, earning its reputation as a natural wellness oxygen bar. In spring and summer, lush greenery shades the paths accompanied by babbling brooks and constant birdsong. Come fall, the mountains transform into a breathtaking tapestry of red and gold hues. The interconnected canyons and forest sea provide continuous shade, shielding visitors from summer heat while offering soothing walks. The thriving ecosystem frequently rewards travelers with squirrel sightings and encounters with mountain birds. With gentle slopes suitable for all ages, it's an ideal destination for leisure, relaxation and rejuvenation. Nimela Grand Canyon, meaning "valley of the sun" in Tibetan, boasts unique wonders like "June glaciers with flowers blooming on ice." Glacial streams surge endlessly through the canyon, flanked by rugged rock formations where primitive spruce trees and alpine rhododendrons grow in harmony. A gentle wooden walkway runs the entire length, making for effortless exploration. Legend says this was the habitat of the three-legged golden crow, with dense forest vegetation and abundant negative oxygen ions. With an average summer temperature of just 18°C, it's a natural cool retreat. Afternoon mist often creates rainbows arching across the canyon, offering picturesque views at every step. Combining refreshing air, wilderness charm, and unique glacial landscapes, it's a hidden gem for light hiking. Princess Honghua ranch is the historical site where Princess Honghua of the Tang dynasty once herded livestock. On the vast and gentle alpine meadows, prayer flags flutter in the wind amidst scattered Tibetan tents and herds of yaks, immersing visitors in the rich Huari Tibetan culture. The location offers expansive views with a complete panorama of the Ani Gangkar snow mountain, complemented by cultural activities like Tibetan costume photography and butter-making workshops. Adjacent to the Malanhua grassland and the starting point of Tianchi hiking trails, it serves as an ideal resting spot during travels. At dusk, the setting sun bathes the entire meadow in warm golden hues, while the night sky remains unpolluted by light, providing excellent stargazing conditions. Blending millennia of history, grassland scenery and Tibetan folk customs, the site harmoniously combines cultural heritage with natural beauty. The Aniganggar snow mountain is the main peak of the eastern Qilian Mountains, standing at 4,874 m with perennial snow and crisscrossing glaciers, serving as the source of the entire Binggou River water system. The majestic mountain features alternating ice cliffs and bare rocks, shrouded in year-round mist, exuding a sacred and grand plateau aura. The hiking trail to Chairlonghai Tianchi offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountain, with golden sunlight covering the summit during sunrise and sunset, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Meltwater from the mountain flows down the valleys, forming streams that nourish grasslands, forests, and lakes, completing the ecological network of the attraction. As the iconic landmark of this hidden paradise, it presents unique charm in every season and is a must-visit destination for photography enthusiasts. The sea of azaleas is located on the mountainside of the Nimela Gorge, serving as a seasonal attraction in spring and summer. Every June, while remnants of ice still linger in the mountains, vast stretches of alpine azaleas bloom in competition, with clusters of pink-purple and white flowers dotting the evergreen pines and glacial rivers, creating a unique scene where ice and blossoms coexist. The gentle trail is easy to walk, allowing close-up appreciation of the floral branches and distant views of the gorge streams and faraway mountains. With few visitors, the area offers a tranquil escape from crowded hotspots. The floral sea, framed by glaciers and forests, provides rich compositional layers, making it ideal for capturing mountain portraits and stunning landscape shots. This hidden gem is a niche viewing spot, only accessible during the blooming season, making it highly time-sensitive. The great khan's camp is a 1:1 restoration of the Tuyuhun royal camp, faithfully replicating ancient nomadic tents, living utensils, and nomadic scenes to recreate the grassland lifestyle during Princess Honghua's marriage alliance period. The camp displays nomadic artifacts and historical exhibition panels, detailing the millennium-old stories of the Hexi Tuyuhun tribe and Princess Honghua, combining educational value with visual appeal. Located near Princess Honghua's ranch, it offers a convenient stop after exploring the grasslands, providing an immersive experience of ancient nomadic civilization. Unlike purely natural views, it adds profound cultural depth to your itinerary, making it ideal for family-friendly educational trips and history enthusiasts. The Shili gallery is a gentle mountain trail connecting Honghua ranch and Nimeila canyon, featuring minimal elevation changes. Along the way, it unfolds meadows, streams, and pristine pine forests, presenting ever-changing views like a flowing landscape painting. Multiple viewing platforms along the route unlock panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains, flower fields, and forests with unobstructed sightlines. The entire trail is easy to walk with minimal physical exertion, perfect for leisurely strolls and spontaneous photo stops. Linking two core scenic areas, it serves both as a transit route and an independent attraction, offering richly layered landscapes and exceptional touring comfort throughout. Hidden deep in the Qilian forest lies Banmu Fangtang, a tranquil pond with a mirror-like surface that perfectly reflects the surrounding spruce trees, wildflowers, and distant mountains, blending the landscape and its reflection into a serene, healing scene. Encircled by dense woods that block out the outside noise, this secluded spot remains peaceful with few visitors, making it a hidden gem to escape the crowds. The forest trail passes by here, offering a brief stop to capture atmospheric photos of the water reflections, with soft and elegant lighting. Free from bustling crowds, it's ideal for solitary relaxation and quiet photography, allowing you to fully appreciate the quiet beauty of the forest. This underrated waterside spot is a must-visit highlight along the forest route.China · Tianzhu
Mati Grottoes Tourism Area
The Mati Grottoes Tourism Area is located at the foot of the Qilian Mountains in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye. This grotto temple complex was first built during the Northern Liang period of the Sixteen Kingdoms and continued to be carved for over a thousand years. It was renamed Puguang Temple during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty and was historically renowned alongside the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and the Yulin Caves in Guazhou as a major center of Buddhist art along the Hexi Corridor. The grotto complex consists of Shengguo Temple, Puguang Temple, the Thousand Buddha Caves, Jinta Temple, and the Upper, Middle, and Lower Guanyin Caves, with over 70 surviving cave niches. Early on, Han Buddhism flourished here, while Tibetan Buddhism gradually rose after the Yuan Dynasty. The coexistence of Han-style halls and Tibetan Buddhist temples on the same mountain is a distinctive feature that sets this grotto complex apart from most others. Legend has it that a heavenly horse left its hoofprint here, giving the mountain and temple their names. The deep hoofprint can still be seen on a bluestone slab in the Mati Hall today. The "Thirty-three heavens" grotto is the iconic view here: over 20 caves across seven tiers are carved into the steep red sandstone cliff in a pagoda-like formation, with halls and pavilions suspended layer by layer. All passageways are hewn into the rock—some so narrow and steep that only one person can pass at a time, requiring visitors to climb on hands and knees along zigzagging stone steps and wooden ladders. From the upper caves, one can overlook the river valley and grasslands at the foot of the Qilian Mountains. The grand Tibetan Buddha Hall, also called the Standing Buddha Hall, extends over 30 m deep, with niches densely lining its encircling corridor, most housing statues from the Yuan Dynasty. The Thousand Buddha Cave, an earlier-excavated section of the complex, preserves intact stone sculptures of one Buddha flanked by two disciples, while nearby cliffs feature extensive relief carvings of stone pagoda forests. The attraction stretches several km deep, with the main route connecting several areas including the "Thirty-three heavens" grottoes, King Gesar's hall and the Thousand Buddha caves, which are some distance apart. Taking the shuttle bus within the attraction will save energy, and walking through the main grotto areas generally takes approx. three hrs. King Gesar's hall features statues depicting the heroic tales of the Tibetan epic figure King Gesar, which can be viewed along the way. It's worth noting that many of the early statues and murals in the grottoes have suffered damage over time, and some of what we see today are later restorations. Rather than fixating on the original millennium-old artworks, it's better to focus on the experience of climbing the cliffside grottoes themselves, along with the Qilian snow-capped mountains, pastoral grasslands and rich Yugur ethnic culture.China · Sunan
Zhangye Alien Valley Scenic Area
The Alien Valley Interstellar Theme Geopark is located in Dahe Township, Baiyin Mongolian Township and Kangle Township Souvenir Kangbaiji Town, Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province. It is an important part of Zhangye National Geopark. The Souvenir is rich in glaciers, snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, Danxia, hills, Gobi, deserts, wetlands and many other landforms. The park includes four Attraction: Mars Valley, Mercury Valley, Jupiter Valley, and the Great Leap Forward in Steel. There are protruding peaks, steep mountains, steep canyons, steep cliffs, jagged rock pillars, and strange rocks. The terrain is magnificent and vast, and the colors are gorgeous and colorful. Many landforms are very rare in the country. They are rare, unique, and unrepeatable high-quality tourism resources. It is a complex tourist Attraction that can bring tourists multiple enjoyments. The Alien Valley Interstellar Theme Geological Park has become a shining pearl on the Silk Road with its unique endowments.Sunan · 47.2 km from Gaotai
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Free things to do in Gaotai
Camel City Ruins, Gaotai County
Gaotai · 20.5 km from downtownZhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot
Zhangye · 52.5 km from GaotaiImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeCrescent Lake
Gaotai · 1.8 km from downtownBinggou Danxia
Sunan · 43.2 km from GaotaiJiayuguan Guancheng
China · JiayuguanImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimePingshan Lake Grand Canyon
Zhangye · 88.7 km from GaotaiImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeZhangye Giant Buddha Temple
Zhangye · 74.1 km from GaotaiImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeQilian Mountains Binggou River Scenic Area
China · TianzhuMati Grottoes Tourism Area
China · SunanImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytime
Zhangye Colorful Danxia Spot
Sunan · 51.7 km from Gaotai
What travellers say about Gaotai
知行影士November 12, 2024
4.0
From the outside, apart from the loess city walls and ruins, there are no other colorful scenery and no participation; but if you love history, it is worth a visit. When you are investigating on the spot, you are in the yellow sand and clay, looking at the vast desolate space, combined with your understanding of historical events, you will feel a lot: the past and the present, prosperity and loneliness, the changes of time and space, the impermanence of the world, as well as the bizarre stories and moving legends buried under the loess; this is part of the history of the West and the history of human social development, which cannot be changed but is worth remembering.
Camel City Ruins, Gaotai County
柚子胡椒October 16, 2026
5.0
We entered the Rainbow Mountains scenic area at 4 pm and took the sightseeing bus to four viewing points. We waited at the No. 4 viewing platform to watch the sunset. The setting sun dyed the entire mountainside golden red. The colors were 10 times more stunning to the naked eye than in the photos.
Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot
吾自独行独行客December 3, 2020
5.0
Crescent Lake is located 1 km west of Gaotai County, Zhangye, and is known as "Little Jiangnan". The entire lake is curved and shaped like a crescent, hence the name Crescent Lake. Crescent Lake Park covers a total area of 560 mu, with a water area of 186 mu. Curved, arched, and flat bridges are laid out in an interlaced manner, and pavilions, halls, and terraces complement each other. The path on the shore leads to a secluded place, with weeping willows and winding paths around; the reeds in the lake are swaying, duckweed is exposed, and boats are rowing, creating a Jiangnan scenery.
Crescent Lake
118***98October 15, 2026
5.0
A very satisfying trip! The half-day tour of Binggou Danxia was just over 40 yuan per person for transportation, including door-to-door pick-up and drop-off – excellent value for money. Especially our driver, Mr. Zhao, was incredibly warm, attentive, and considerate – very professional, punctual, and responsible. Highly recommended!
Binggou Danxia
Summer狗宝October 15, 2026
5.0
Jiayuguan Fortress is undoubtedly the star attraction of Jiayuguan. A combined ticket allows you to visit the fortress, the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall, and the Overhanging Great Wall in one visit. Each of these three sites has its own unique features and highlights; if you have enough time, it's recommended to visit them all.
A direct shuttle bus runs between the scenic areas every half hour, making transfers convenient. We highly recommend visiting on a clear day to enjoy panoramic views of the Qilian Mountains and the ancient Great Wall, experiencing a profound sense of history and culture – you definitely won't be disappointed.
Jiayuguan Guancheng
Anonymous userOctober 14, 2026
4.0
People from Guangxi are already a bit oxygen-deprived at that high altitude, and the dramatic elevation changes and the seemingly endless "sky ladder" almost took my life. But the scenery was truly breathtaking; scenes I'd only ever seen in geography books were now a reality.
Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon
你好哇开心October 11, 2026
5.0
It's a great choice for learning about the Hexi region, its religious art, history, and culture. Nearby attractions include the city museum and the Wooden Pagoda. Overall, it offers good value for money and is worth visiting.
Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple
姚思圆October 7, 2026
5.0
I went during the National Day Golden Week holiday and stepped into the autumn of the Qilian Mountains. The golden grasslands, the melting snow from the glaciers, and the dense forests were breathtaking. I took photos every step of the way. The only regret was not being able to climb to Tianchi Lake. I will definitely come back next time.
Qilian Mountains Binggou River Scenic Area
Anonymous userOctober 15, 2026
5.0
Mati Temple has beautiful scenery and offers sightseeing buses, making the visit relatively easy. The Medicine Buddha Hall at Thousand Buddha Cliff is quite difficult to climb; at the 33-Day Grottoes, someone provided guidance that lifting the right foot and extending the left foot actually made climbing easier. Overall, the visit was fun, exciting, and very enjoyable.
Mati Grottoes Tourism Area
130***58August 25, 2026
5.0
What's confusing about this scenic area is that the navigation leads to the visitor center on the map, but after asking a staff member, I learned that I had to go up to the second floor to exchange for tickets, get a navigation address and a pass, and then drive more than ten kilometers to actually reach the scenic area. Make sure you don't lose your pass; you'll need to check it before entering. Also, it might be inconvenient if you're not driving. During the summer, which is probably peak season, I didn't see any buses for individual tourists; it was all private cars. The scenery inside the scenic area is definitely worth seeing, and the fact that drones can fly is a great feature 👍
Zhangye Alien Valley Scenic Area
