Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot8.7
Global Traveller-Picked
Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot is located in Linze and Sunan counties at the northern foot of Qilian Mountain…
BuildingNo.8, Danxia Road,Linze County, Zhangye City
From US$ 16
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About Zhangye
16℃
16°Clear
20° / 1°
- 11/7Tomorrow
Light rain10° / -4° - 11/8SunClear9° / -4°
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- 11/12ThuClear15° / -9°
Recommended length of visit
3-4 days
Local currency
CNY
Must-visit attractions in Zhangye
Looking for things to do in Zhangye? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.
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Best Things to Do
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Recommended stays in Zhangye
Discover the most popular places to stay in Zhangye, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
Bell Tower
Zhangye West Railway Station
Guest User: Very friendly host, convenient location and you can book join tour with the hostel
Westbound from the intersection of Minzhu East Street and Xinjian
From US$ 5
Guest User: It was really a nice stay, cozy, comfortable and clean. The receptionists were friendly and helpful. Also the breakfast was very good with many options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians 🤗❤️
No. 17 West Street
From US$ 25
Guest User: Excellent customer service. Front desk staff, cleaner and driver are all prompt and attentive. Room is well designed. Will recommend this hotel to friends and family.
No. 359 Shandan Road
From US$ 61
Guest User: This hotel suited all of my needs and the staff was friendly. I reccomend.
2nd Floor, No. 60 North Street
From US$ 9
Guest User: The hotel is truly excellent, with convenient parking and easy access to nearby restaurants! The front desk staff was incredibly helpful and welcoming, and their service was truly heartwarming! It truly warmed my heart! The room was spacious, the bed comfortable, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view! I was very satisfied with my stay! The breakfast was also very generous and I loved it! Overall, I was very satisfied with my stay. It's a great choice for both business and leisure travel, and I highly recommend it! Thank you to Manager Bao for her patient care. My children and I were very happy and it made me forget the fatigue of our Grand Loop Tour. Cleanliness: Very clean Service: Extremely attentive
Building 8, Yangguang Xihuayuan Community, No. 606 North Ring Road
From US$ 29
Guest User: We did not expect the room to be so big! The breakfast was good. The staff was super nice overall. Good value for money.
No. 20 East Street
From US$ 56
Guest User: Highly recommended hotel to stay . Staffs at the front desk are courteous n hv cheerful personality. Feel comfortable staying at this hotel. Keep up the good work
No. 209 Xinjian Street
From US$ 16
Guest User: Very good hotel, located close to the HSR station Zhangye West. Great room! Great service.
No. 66 Danxia East Road
From US$ 47
Guest User: It is a new hotel just opposite Zhangye West hsr station. The room is big and clean with good amenities provided. Hotel breakfast was decent. It's got beef noodles and dumplings on alternate day. The DIY laundry room provides only 3 washers & 3 dryers whereby 1 dryer was out of service. It's pretty a long wait on my days of stay. Fruits and yogurts were sent up to the room everyday, which was very thoughtful.
No. 404, No. S2 Commercial Building, Jingfuning Garden, Linze South Road
From US$ 38
Guest User: The room was clean and the location is convenient. I loved the comfortable bed.
No. 787 Yuguan Road, Binhe New District
From US$ 15
Must-try food in Zhangye
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Zhangye Colorful Danxia one-day tour guide
Zhangye Colorful Danxia is perfect for a one-day trip. We recommend entering the park in the morning or late afternoon, as the light is best during these times and the colors are most photogenic. The core strategy is to see the colorful hills, take the park shuttle, choose the right viewing platforms, and avoid the harsh midday sun. 1. Recommended one-day itinerary Depart from Zhangye city center → Colorful Danxia Scenic Area → Viewing Platform 1 → Viewing Platform 2 → Viewing Platform 4 → Viewing Platform 5 → Return to city center Suggested schedule: · 7:30 AM Depart from Zhangye city center · 8:30 AM Arrive at Colorful Danxia Scenic Area · 9:00 AM Take the park shuttle inside · 9:30 AM Viewing Platform 1: Good for panoramic views and wide-angle shots · 11:00 AM Viewing Platform 2: Clear color layers, good for detail shots · 1:00 PM Simple lunch in or near the scenic area · 2:30 PM Viewing Platform 4: Popular viewing platform, great for seeing colorful gullies · 4:00 PM Viewing Platform 5: Relatively fewer people, good for depth shots · 5:30 PM Exit the park and return to the city center 2. How to choose viewing platforms? ✅ Viewing Platform 1: Panoramic views Wide field of view, suitable for capturing the full landscape of the Danxia landform. ✅ Viewing Platform 2: Color layers Clear mountain textures and beautiful color bands. ✅ Viewing Platform 4: Colorful gullies The most popular platform with the most stunning scenery, perfect for photos. ✅ Viewing Platform 5: Quiet and uncrowded Suitable for capturing depth and boardwalks; visit if you have extra time. 3. How to get there? 1. Driving Search for "Zhangye Colorful Danxia Tourist Scenic Area" in your navigation app. After parking, follow the park signs to purchase tickets and enter. 2. Public transport First, travel to Zhangye city center, then transfer to a direct park shuttle, charter a car, or take a taxi. Shuttle and departure times change with the season. Please refer to official information on the day of your trip before departing. 4. Accommodation recommendations Top choice: Zhangye city center · Plenty of dining options, convenient for dinner · Many hotels and homestays · Suitable for first-time visitors to Zhangye Alternative: Near the scenic area · Suitable for those who want to enter the park early · However, evening amenities are not as convenient as in the city 5. Food recommendations · Beef noodles: A Gansu specialty, great for breakfast · Chao Paozhang (stir-fried firecracker noodles): A local Zhangye pasta dish with generous portions · Cuoyu noodles (rubbed fish noodles): A Gansu specialty pasta with a unique texture · Lamb with steamed rolls: A grassland-style dish, perfect for meat lovers · Apricot skin tea: Sweet and sour, refreshing, and pairs well with pasta dishes 6. Tips to avoid pitfalls 1. Avoid entering the park at noon. The midday sun is harsh, making the colors look less vibrant and photos look flat. 2. Don't limit yourself to one viewing platform. Different platforms offer different angles of the Danxia landform, so we recommend visiting several. 3. Don't dress too lightly. There is a large temperature difference between day and night in the mountains, and it can be windy, so bring a jacket. 4. Don't step into protected areas. The Danxia landform is fragile. Please stay on the boardwalks and do not climb over railings. 5. Bring these essentials. ID card, power bank, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, jacket, and water. Summary Zhangye Colorful Danxia is a geological landscape in Gansu that is well worth visiting. One day is enough to cover the essential viewing platforms. The most important arrangements are: enter early or go in the late afternoon, choose the right viewing platforms, avoid the midday sun, and stay on the boardwalks without stepping into protected areas. If you enjoy unique landforms, colorful mountains, and northwestern scenery, don't miss this place.
Zhangye Alien Valley | A place that doesn't look like Earth at all
Zhangye Alien Valley Scenic Area Driving through Zhangye in May, I ventured into this alien valley. There are no artificial sci-fi sets, just mountains carved by wind and sand over hundreds of millions of years, and our tiny selves. Before I arrived, I imagined it filled with sci-fi imagery: spaceship wreckage and glowing, mysterious rocks. Upon arrival, I realized it feels alien because of its raw, natural state. Even before entering the scenic area, there were surprises on the road. When I felt sleepy while driving, I suddenly spotted a snow-capped mountain in the rearview mirror. It was still covered in white snow in May, quietly accompanying us the whole way, so we quickly pulled over to stop. Driving into the scenic area, the road slowly changed from a smooth highway to a bumpy gravel road. The mountains are Jurassic and Cretaceous sandstone and conglomerate, eroded by wind and water for hundreds of millions of years to be sculpted into this peculiar shape. Walking on the boardwalk, the colors of the rock walls spread out in layers. Red-brown, earthy yellow, and light white interweave, like paint spilled on the wilderness. There are very few tourists, and the canyon is quiet, with only the sound of the wind and our footsteps. Standing beneath the massive rock pillars, I truly realized how small we are. There is a giant rock pillar called the "Granary," with horizontal rings and a round, heavy appearance. Photos can hardly capture the awe; you must stand in front of it yourself to feel it. Walking deep into the scenic area, my phone had no signal at all. Taking off the drone to look down, the vehicles were as small as toys, and the distant snow-capped mountains were exceptionally dazzling under the blue sky. At this moment, I suddenly realized: We often overestimate ourselves, and this wilderness will bluntly tell you how vast the world is. On the way back, I kept looking back. The rock walls were crisscrossed with gullies, like the open palm of the earth, covered with palm prints carved by hundreds of millions of years of wind and sand. Small Mani piles were scattered in the wilderness, traces left by travelers, and I also added a stone. Compared to popular social media check-in spots, this place is quiet and desolate. Many small things I was struggling with, standing here, felt less significant. 📌 Travel Tips ▪️ Suitable for self-driving; many gravel and dirt roads, pay attention to driving safety ▪️ No mobile signal deep inside, plan your route in advance ▪️ Windy and dry, take sun protection and hydration measures ▪️ Few people and wild scenery, no need to crowd for photos, immerse yourself in the romance of the wilderness If you are tired of the crowds, come here and pretend to land on an alien planet.
Winter Trip to the Hexi Corridor | 5-Day Off-Season Silk Road Guide
Stop waiting for summer to visit the Hexi Corridor; winter is when it truly tells its story. With the crowds gone, the Gobi Desert, ancient passes, and grottoes are peaceful. The Danxia landforms are dusted with light snow, and the vast desert is frosted with ice. Without the long lines, you can calmly connect with thousand-year-old relics. The off-season experience is excellent—the pace is relaxed, perfect for those who want to slow down and truly feel the Silk Road. Here is a classic 5-day itinerary that balances culture and scenery👇 📅Day 1: Lanzhou – Tianti Mountain Grottoes – Leitai Han Tomb | Stay in Wuwei Departing west from Lanzhou, visit the Tianti Mountain Grottoes, where the lake and the Great Buddha are exceptionally serene under the winter sky. In the afternoon, explore the Leitai Han Tomb to appreciate the Han Dynasty cultural heritage of Liangzhou. Stay overnight in Wuwei to rest up. 📅Day 2: Wuwei – Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple – Colorful Danxia | Stay in Zhangye Spend the morning at the Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple, feeling the weight of Western Xia history within the ancient temple. In the afternoon, head to Colorful Danxia. Snow resting on the colorful mountains creates a red-and-white contrast unique to winter. The atmosphere at sunset is incredible. Stay overnight in Zhangye. 📅Day 3: Zhangye – Jiayuguan Pass – First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall – Overhanging Great Wall – Son of the Gobi | Stay in Dunhuang Check off the Great Wall sites along the route. The majestic pass, beacon towers, and the Overhanging Great Wall look even more vast and desolate in the cold wind. Pass by the "Son of the Gobi" sculpture, standing quietly in the wilderness. Continue heading west and arrive in Dunhuang by evening. 📅Day 4: Mogao Caves – Dunhuang Museum – Mingsha Mountain | Stay in Dunhuang Visiting the Mogao Caves in the off-season is much more relaxed, allowing you to take your time admiring the murals and painted sculptures. Explore the Dunhuang Museum to piece together the stories of the Silk Road. In the evening, head to Mingsha Mountain. The dunes are cold and quiet; if you catch a snowfall, it’s a limited-edition view. Watch a peaceful desert sunset. 📅Day 5: Dunhuang trip ends, airport transfer for departure After this journey, you will have seen the grottoes, the Great Wall, the Danxia landforms, and the vast desert—a perfect, quiet conclusion to your Silk Road trip. ⚠️Key Tips for Winter Travel ▪️Clothing: Temperatures are low and it is windy. Bring a thick down jacket, fleece-lined pants, non-slip shoes, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Pack hand warmers. Cameras and phones drain battery quickly in low temperatures, so keep batteries close to your body. ▪️Climate: It is extremely dry. Stay hydrated throughout the trip. Bring lip balm, hand cream, and moisturizing masks. The reflection from the snow is strong, so sunglasses are a must. ▪️Road Conditions: Distances are long, and black ice can easily form in the morning and evening. Check the weather before traveling, drive cautiously, and try to avoid driving at night. ▪️Tickets: It is the off-season, so some scenic spots may have adjusted opening hours. It is still recommended to book the Mogao Caves in advance. ▪️Other: Signal can be unstable in the Gobi region, so download offline maps in advance. Bring drinking water and small snacks.
After watching "The Tree of Life,"
I feel like something has taken root in my heart. His story has ended, but Qinghai's hasn't 😭 Thinking back to a few years ago when I drove into the Great Northwest 🚗 for a 4,000 km journey across the Gobi and the plateau. 📸 My lens captured 18 moments, each holding an answer to life: 1️⃣📍U-shaped Road Tires rolling over the skyline, the thrill of reaching out and touching the clouds ☁️ 2️⃣📍Qarhan Salt Lake An emerald in the Gobi, salt flowers glistening in the sun ✨ 3️⃣📍Rainbow Danxia Star Valley A blend of Danxia and Yardang landforms, vast and colorful mountains 🎨 4️⃣📍Blood of the Earth A red riverbed cutting through the road, the burning pulse of the earth ❤️🔥 5️⃣📍Mangya Ekin Spring The "Eye of Hell" gazing at the sky, the spring bubbling with mystery 👁️ 6️⃣📍Heidu Mountain Venturing into the ink-black wilderness, feeling the lonely aesthetics of an alien planet 🪐 7️⃣📍Delingha Photovoltaic Power Station The "white light" on the Gobi, a collision of technology and nature ⚡ 8️⃣📍Hala Lake A hidden gem deep in the Qilian Mountains, clear water reflecting the snow-capped peaks 🏔️ 9️⃣📍Water Yardang Wind-eroded stone pillars standing in the lake, breathtaking when the sunset turns to gold 🌅 🔟📍Mangya Emerald Lake An emerald plate dropped by God, the turquoise water healing all inner exhaustion 💚 1️⃣1️⃣📍Mangya Blue Hole & Heart Lake A blue secret and a heart-shaped lake, romantic to a fault 💙 1️⃣2️⃣📍Da Qaidam Salt Lake Lying in the center of the salt lake, clear and one with the sky 🩵 1️⃣3️⃣📍Qinghai Lake A sapphire on the plateau, the Queen Mother of the West statue standing in the water 💎 1️⃣4️⃣📍"Boundless" Sculpture Steel art on the Gobi, feeling the resonance of the soul in the vastness 🎭 1️⃣5️⃣📍Sanjiangyuan The source of the "Water Tower of China," clear streams nourishing the land 🌊 1️⃣6️⃣📍Mingsha Mountain Sand grains singing with the wind, Crescent Lake resting quietly in the desert for millennia 🏜️ 1️⃣7️⃣📍Mirror of the Sky (Chaka Salt Lake) Mirror reflecting the snow-capped mountains, blurring the line between heaven and earth 🪞 1️⃣8️⃣📍Zhangye Tree of Life A natural miracle in the Danxia landform, the vitality of life rooted in the earth 🌲 The beauty of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is truly worth the flight! Someone asked, "Just for 18 photos?" — It's worth it! Because this is not just scenery, but the answer to life. If you ever set foot in Qinghai, remember to look up at the vastness of the sky and look down to touch the permafrost beneath your feet — inside it hides an evergreen Tree of Life 🌲 Its roots are connected to the souls of heroes, and its branches reach toward all living beings 😭 Travel tips 💡: ☀️ Qinghai is on a plateau with large temperature differences between day and night, so remember to bring a thick jacket 👟 Some attractions require hiking, so comfortable shoes are recommended 📷 Best time for photos: sunrise and sunset, when the light is stunning
2 days and 1 night: I found the living history of Northwest China in Wuwei
Wuwei, located at the eastern end of the Hexi Corridor, was historically known as Liangzhou. It was named to honor the military might and prestige of the Han Dynasty. This is the place where the symbol of China's tourism was unearthed. It is home to royal grottoes that predate the Mogao Caves. It holds a stone tablet that cracked the code of the Western Xia script. It was the site of a historic alliance that changed the map of China. With 5 major national historical and cultural sites, over 100 protected cultural sites at various levels, and tens of thousands of precious artifacts, this small northwestern city contains a condensed history of half of China. · 👉🏻 Itinerary 1️⃣ Day 1: Haizang Temple (no admission fee) — Wuwei Museum (no reservation required, swipe ID card) — Beiguan Market (dining) — Leitai Han Tomb (site where the Bronze Galloping Horse was unearthed) — South City Gate Tower 2️⃣ Day 2: Kumarajiva Temple (no admission fee) — Dayun Temple — Wuwei City Wall Ruins Square — Wuwei Confucian Temple — Western Xia Museum Don't be intimidated by the number of stops each day; because every attraction is very close by, you can just rent an e-bike in Wuwei city. The only exception is Haizang Temple, which is north of the city center. · — Some personal favorite attractions 1️⃣ Wuwei Museum: If you enjoy grottoes or Han culture, you must visit this museum. It not only has many bronze artifacts but also features a special exhibition on the Tiantishan Grottoes and replicas from the Jinta Temple Grottoes. No reservation is needed; just swipe your ID card to enter. 2️⃣ Dayun Temple: A Tang Dynasty bell that has resonated through Liangzhou for 1,300 years. The "Morning Bell at Dayun Temple," one of the eight famous sights of Liangzhou in the Qing Dynasty, refers to this place. Inside the temple is a Tang Dynasty alloy bronze bell—the only original artifact that has survived a thousand years of earthquakes and wars. You can also climb the bell tower for a bird's-eye view of the Wuwei cityscape for an admission fee of just 10 yuan. 3️⃣ Wuwei Confucian Temple: First built in the second year of the Zhengtong reign of the Ming Dynasty, it is over 500 years old. Known as the crown of Longyou academies, it is ranked alongside the Confucius Temple in Qufu and the Jianshui Confucian Temple as one of the three major Confucius temples in China. The 44 giant plaques hanging under the eaves of the Guiji Hall in the Wenchang Palace are particularly stunning, though I personally find the 40 yuan admission fee a bit pricey. 4️⃣ Wuwei South Gate Tower: A landmark of Wuwei. It lights up at night for a beautiful view, and you can climb it for free during the day. Inside, there is a Five Liang Culture Museum. While most items are replicas, it is very helpful for understanding the Five Liang culture and the history of the Hexi Corridor. · . About transportation: I arrived at Wuwei Station, which is close to the city center and attractions. About food: Wuwei barbecue, "three-piece set" (San Tao Che), sweet embryo (Tian Pei Zi), and apricot skin tea. If you have time, I recommend browsing the local Xinle Supermarket; it has many snacks and delicious foods. · — I am Baiyang, and my guides for the Hexi Corridor are being updated continuously❗
Zhangye Danxia Landform
Stepping onto this land, you truly begin to understand nature's vibrant, sprawling canvas. Rolling hills stretch out in layers, with shades of red, orange, yellow, ochre, and pale white blending along the textures of the mountains. Bands of color wind along the ridges like pigments meticulously crushed by time, spread across the vast northwestern wilderness. A gentle sightseeing road winds through the colorful hills. As you drive, the mountains on both sides display a myriad of forms. When sunlight hits the mountains, the colors are vivid and intense, with gullies and folds casting deep, varied shadows that make the contours stand out. As the light shifts, the tones soften, and the warm colors spread out, creating a completely different atmosphere. Looking out, the boundless Danxia landscape extends to the foot of the distant mountains. The wilderness is open, the sky is clear, and between heaven and earth, there is only magnificent color and the silent wind. Walking slowly up the trails, your view gradually expands, taking in the scattered colorful hills. Without dense forests to block the view, the exposed rock layers clearly reveal the traces of millions of years of geological change—rough yet romantic, magnificent yet gentle. As the wind sweeps across the Gobi, it is quiet enough to hear your own breathing. Standing here, it is easy to be moved by this vast and grand scenery. ✨Travel Tips Try to visit during sunrise or sunset when the light is soft, making the layers of color on the mountains even more striking. There is a large temperature difference between day and night, so be sure to bring windproof clothing. The Danxia landform is very fragile; please stay on the trails throughout your visit and do not step on the rock formations. The scenic area is quite large, so take the sightseeing bus to connect between the various viewing platforms. Take your time to walk and look around, and allow enough time to fully experience this splendor unique to the Northwest.
Love at first sight! Zhangye Danxia is truly like a palette overturned by God.
I never expected to find such a giant, colorful palace hidden in the Northwest! 🏰 Red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and gray—layer upon layer, slope after slope—it looks like an abstract oil painting spread across the earth 🎨. Whether it's a sunny day ☀️, sunset 🌅, or just after the rain 🌧️, it's as beautiful as a movie still 🎬. Every photo you take is wallpaper-worthy! 📍Attraction Highlights ✔️Colorful Danxia landform: Intersecting rock layers of red, yellow, orange, green, and gray, with maximum color saturation 💥 ✔️Colorful Rainbow Ridge: One of the best spots for sunset. The setting sun dyes the mountains golden red—breathtakingly beautiful ✨ ✔️Colorful Cloud Sea Platform: Extremely wide view, an amazing spot for drone shots and panoramic scenes 🚁 ✔️Colorful Brocade Platform: The clearest color textures. Great for both close-ups and wide shots—a texture lover's dream 🤩 ✔️Wohu Canyon/Wanxiang Earth Forest Valley: A combination of deep canyons, red cliffs, and earth forests—perfect for that wild, cinematic look 🏜️ 🎯Best Time for Photos 1️⃣1–2 hours after sunrise: Soft light, clean mountain colors, as if you're using a filter 🌈 2️⃣1–2 hours before sunset: The legendary moment at Colorful Rainbow Ridge. Perfect for portraits and silhouettes 📸 3️⃣Just after rain: The colors are most intense! But remember to check if the park is open in advance ⚠️ 4️⃣Clear, windy days: The mountain layers are distinct, making it easy to get those cinematic drone shots 🎥 📸Recommended Photo Spots ✅Viewing Platform 1: Panoramic view, grand and majestic ✅Viewing Platform 4: Near Colorful Rainbow Ridge, the legendary sunset spot—get there early to grab a spot! ✅Viewing Platform 5: Rich color layers, great for portraits 👗 ✅Rainbow Canyon/Wohu Canyon: Danxia canyon + wild style, full cinematic vibes 🎬 ✅Earth Forest area: Gives off "Martian surface" and "Northwest wilderness" vibes 👽 🎫Ticket Reference (Subject to the park's daily rates) 💰Standard ticket + sightseeing bus: approx. CNY 90/person 💰In-depth tour route: approx. CNY 300/person ⏰Opening hours vary by season; it is recommended to check official announcements in advance 🚗Transportation 🚙Self-driving: Approx. 1–1.5 hours from Zhangye city center 🚌Park shuttle: Round-trip shuttles available at certain times, friendly for non-drivers 🚐Chartered car/carpooling: More flexible, suitable for photographers chasing sunrises and sunsets 📷 ⚠️Practical Tips 1️⃣Viewing platforms are connected by sightseeing buses; follow the route to avoid getting lost 2️⃣The UV rays in the Northwest are very strong; sunglasses 🕶️, sunscreen 🧴, a hat 🧢, and a windbreaker 🧥 are essential 3️⃣Solid-colored clothes look better in photos! White, red, or black all look great 👗 4️⃣There is a lot of walking in the park; comfortable, non-slip shoes are a must 👟 5️⃣Do not enter restricted areas! The Danxia surface is very fragile; let's protect it 🌍 6️⃣Drone flights must comply with park regulations; confirm if flying is allowed in advance 🚁 Walking on the wooden boardwalk, strolling slowly toward the sunset, and watching the light and shadow flow over the mountains—the impact is truly indescribable 😭💫 Zhangye Danxia is a visual feast you must experience at least once in your life!
National Day 8-City Travel Guide! From Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake to Arxan Heavenly Lake
Hey everyone! Have you decided where to go for the National Day holiday? 😎 As a seasoned traveler, I've put together a list of 8 stunning destinations for you. From lakes and mountains to ethnic customs, and from magnificent landscapes to artistic ancient charm, there's something for everyone! Save this comprehensive guide and get ready for your National Day trip! ✈️ 1. Dali, Yunnan | Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake 🌊 If you love relaxing lakeside scenery, head straight to Dali! Spend 3 days cycling around Erhai Lake, hiking up Cangshan Mountain, and wandering through Xizhou Ancient Town to experience the slow life under the warm autumn sun. Don't forget to try the milk fan (grilled cheese) and crossing-the-bridge rice noodles—they are incredibly delicious! 🤤 The autumn weather is super comfortable, and your photos will look like they have a built-in filter! 2. Chaozhou, Guangdong | Guangji Bridge 🌉 For those who prefer off-the-beaten-path destinations away from the crowds, look here! 2 days in Chaozhou is just right. Visit the ancient city and Guoqing Temple to soak in the rich cultural atmosphere. Chaozhou food is absolutely amazing! 🥹 You'll be eating so many snacks you'll need help walking, and you'll perfectly avoid the popular tourist crowds. The experience is top-notch! 3. Zhangye, Gansu | Colorful Danxia 🎨 If you love magnificent landscapes, you must come to Zhangye! The Colorful Danxia looks even more vibrant under the autumn sun—it's like nature's own palette! You'll be amazed by this breathtaking geological wonder; no filters needed for your photos! 📸 4. Golmud, Qinghai | Qarhan Salt Lake 🪞 This is the real "Mirror of the Sky"! Qarhan Salt Lake is like a giant mirror reflecting the sky and clouds. You must watch the sunset over the salt lake at least once 🌅. The sense of solitude and romance in the vast Northwest is something you'll remember for a lifetime! 5. Kaili, Guizhou | Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village 🏮 If you want to experience ethnic minority culture, come to Kaili! Spend 3 days exploring the Miao Village, strolling through the layers of stilt houses, and feeling the local vibe. When the lights come on at night, it feels like you've traveled into the world of Spirited Away! You must try the sour fish soup—it's tangy, appetizing, and absolutely incredible! 6. Yangshuo, Guangxi | Li River Bamboo Raft 🛶 Drifting on a bamboo raft along the Li River, the karst landscape on both sides is as picturesque as a painting. It really feels like you're "traveling inside a painting." Every shot is a masterpiece! 📷 This is definitely a paradise for photography lovers! 7. Jingdezhen, Jiangxi | Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue 🏺 A must-visit for art lovers! Stroll through Taoxichuan in Jingdezhen and soak in the artistic atmosphere of the "Porcelain Capital." The reflection of the brick tower in the pool at night, combined with the industrial-style architecture under the lights, has a unique charm. You can even try your hand at pottery and make your own one-of-a-kind souvenir! 🎨 8. Arxan, Inner Mongolia | Autumn Scenery of Arxan Heavenly Lake 🍂 Those who love the autumn scenery of the North shouldn't miss Arxan! The golden forest sea and the plateau lake complement each other, looking like a rich, colorful oil painting. Immerse yourself in the strong autumn atmosphere, and then have a fire-pan barbecue—it's simply perfect! 🔥 💡Travel Tips: It's crowded during the National Day holiday, so be sure to book popular attractions online in advance! Book your hotels and tickets as early as possible! Take sun protection measures in high-altitude areas, take your time exploring the ancient towns, and enjoy the unique National Day scenery everywhere you go! 🥰
Qinghai-Gansu Day 5 | Colorful Danxia is breathtaking, and meeting a sleeping giant baby in the Gobi!
The moment I stood on the viewing platform, I was truly speechless. The entire mountain looks like God spilled paint on it, with layers of red, orange, yellow, and purple stacked together. It glows in the sunlight 🌞, Like burning flames, Or a flowing rainbow 🌈. Every photo is wallpaper-worthy; No filters needed at all! The sunset at Danxia is truly worth waiting all day for, But there are just way too many people 😭. Son of the Earth A giant red sandstone baby sculpture in the Gobi Desert, lying quietly in its sleep. Surrounded by the vast desert, that feeling of loneliness and tenderness inexplicably makes you want to cry.
Dachaidan Emerald Lake travel guide
📍Location: Dachaidan Town, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province ✨Introduction: A collection of colorful lakes of varying sizes formed by salt deposits. The water displays shades of green, blue, and cyan due to minerals, resembling emeralds scattered across the earth. With white salt flats and distant snow-capped mountains as a backdrop, this pristine, natural landscape is perfect for photography. ⏰Best time to visit · June–October: Comfortable temperatures and the most vibrant lake colors. July–August is peak season, so expect more crowds. · Recommended times: Before 9:00 AM / After 4:00 PM. The light is soft, the lake reflections are beautiful, and you can avoid the harsh midday sun. · Winter: Very few visitors and thick salt frost on the lake surface, but temperatures are very low, so dress warmly. 🚗Transportation · ✅Self-driving: Highly recommended! It is about a 10-minute drive from Dachaidan Town and has parking available. It is a classic stop on the Qinghai-Gansu loop. · 🚗Chartered car/carpooling: Included if you are traveling the Qinghai-Gansu loop. · 🚌Public transport: There is no direct public transport, so it is not recommended to travel here by public transport alone. 🏞️Highlights 1. Colorful salt pools: Each pool has a different color, ranging from mint blue to emerald green. Wander around and look for the heart-shaped lake. 2. Snow mountain reflections: On calm, sunny days, the lake surface acts like a mirror, allowing you to capture reflections of the distant Qilian Mountains. 3. Salt flat photos: The white salt flats pair perfectly with light-colored dresses for an atmospheric photo. 📅Recommended itinerary Typical Qinghai-Gansu loop arrangement: Day 1: Arrive in Dachaidan Town, visit Emerald Lake in the afternoon to watch the sunset Day 2: Depart in the morning for the next stop (Water Yadan/Dunhuang direction) Duration: 2–3 hours is sufficient; no need to set aside a full day. 🍜Dining & accommodation · Accommodation: Stay in Dachaidan Town. The town has plenty of hotels and restaurants and is very close to Emerald Lake. · Food: Try the kang pot lamb, Qinghai-style hot pot, liangpi (cold skin noodles), and yak yogurt. ⚠️Important tips 1. Sun protection! Sun protection! The UV rays on the plateau are extremely strong. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are essential. The reflection from the lake will intensify sun exposure. 2. The salt flats are sharp, so do not walk barefoot as it can easily scratch your skin. The lake water has a high salt content, so do not soak your feet for long periods and rinse with fresh water immediately after contact. 3. Outfit: Light-colored dresses look best in photos. The temperature difference between day and night on the plateau is huge, so bring a thick jacket even in summer. 4. It is windy, so take care to protect your camera and phone. Drone photography is stunning, but please follow park regulations. 5. The scenic area is quite large, so stay hydrated and bring drinking water.
What people are saying about Zhangye
Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot
Millions of years of weathering and erosion have sculpted ancient sedimentary deposits into this spectacular Danxia landscape, revealing breathtaking layers of colourful rock formations.The park is huge, with four viewing platforms open during my visit. The final platform near the North Gate offers the most stunning views of the colourful rock layers up close.Getting around is convenient, thanks to the well-organised shuttle bus system connecting the viewing platforms. There are some stairs to climb at each platform, but they are relatively easy and manageable for visitors of different fitness levels.To reach the park, take a bus from Zhangye Bus Station. The journey takes approximately 40–45 minutes, with a round-trip fare of RMB 40.Overall, a magnificent natural wonder and definitely worth visiting!
Xave EdisonPingshan Lake Grand Canyon
If you have the time and resources, I highly recommend the in-depth tour! Walking through the canyon is a completely different experience! Overall Itinerary: After the park shuttle bus arrives at the end, explore the three viewing platforms on your own. Return to the starting point for the in-depth tour. Take an off-road truck, then transfer to a minibus, ride a camel, then a camel-drawn cart, hike through the canyon, and finally (either the "One Line Sky" or "Lingzhi Valley") to the summit. After reaching the summit, take the park shuttle bus back to the main entrance to exit the park. Riding camels is fun and doesn't smell bad, with a gentle swaying motion. The camel carts clang and rattle, creating a unique atmosphere in the canyon. I even recorded an audio clip of the camel bells. I chose the Lingzhi Valley route, which was beautiful all the way. The final long staircase didn't seem difficult at all 🤔, but it might be tiring for older people, children, or those who aren't used to exercise. I heard you can do both routes, but I was carrying valuables, so I didn't climb the "One Line Sky" – I didn't want to risk damaging them 🫨 By the way, I went during the off-season, and I was the only one on the in-depth tour. The staff in the canyon were very friendly and greeted me politely as I passed by.
E43***69Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple
The Western Xia Royal Temple is located right in the city center, making it very convenient to visit. It contains a wealth of treasures, including a large reclining Buddha, murals depicting Journey to the West, and many original Buddhist scriptures. There's also a replica of the Jinta Temple Grottoes (which, when combined with the museum, includes both the east and west grottoes). It's truly magnificent. The couplet in Western Xia script inside the temple is so well-recognized from afar, but completely illegible up close! 🤣
勇气君Mati Grottoes Tourism Area
We visited in autumn, and the autumn colors of the Qilian Mountains, set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, added a wonderful touch to the scenic area. We felt we had found the best season to visit. The most breathtaking part of the scenic area is the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes. Reaching the seventh level requires continuous climbing using both hands and feet; the scale and exquisite craftsmanship of these grottoes carved into the mountainside are truly awe-inspiring. The remains of a celestial horse in the Horseshoe Hall add a mythological element to the area. The scenic area is divided into the North Temple Grottoes, the Gesar King Hall, and the Thousand Buddha Hall, each with its own ticket. The Thousand Buddha Hall is near the main entrance, so you don't need to take the shuttle bus. Some paths in the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes are dark, so bring your own lighting equipment.
心向远方的巨蟹Binggou Danxia
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!
118***98Zhangye Colorful Danxia Spot
The night tour of Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park exceeded expectations. There were two stops in total. The first stop featured the Danxia landforms and the sunset, while the second stop included an immersive light show. It was excellent!
_We***60Shandan Army Horse Breeding Farm
Shandan Military Horse Ranch, nestled on the northern slope of Lenglong Ridge in the Qilian Mountains of Shandan, Zhangye, on the Damaying Grassland, is a national 3A-level scenic area and the world's oldest and largest horse ranch, with a history of over two thousand years, dating back to the Western Han Dynasty when Huo Qubing stationed troops and herded horses there. The vast grassland stretches out at the foot of snow-capped mountains, Luan Niao Lake is crystal clear, herds of horses roam freely, the grass ripples in the wind, and distant snow-capped peaks create a vast and desolate landscape. Kulong Gorge and Huaixi Town are worth stopping at, especially in summer and autumn when wildflowers bloom in abundance, creating a wonderful atmosphere. Due to the high altitude, there is a significant temperature difference between day and night; even in the height of summer, a thick coat is necessary. Supply points are limited along the way, so remember to bring enough drinking water and dry food. If you're visiting the Hexi Corridor and want to witness the wildness of the Qilian Grassland and experience the rich history of horse herding over a thousand years, Shandan Military Horse Ranch is an absolute must-see.
cat litter boxesBars Snow Mountain
On the third day of the National Day trip, the journey from Zhangye to Jiuquan was long, so we arranged to go to the snow mountain first. It is indeed not famous, but the scenery is nice, and you may see marmots, but we didn’t see any. It was cold and windy, so you needed to wear a thin down jacket and gloves. There were plank roads all the way, but the altitude was 3900-4000m. This was the day with the fewest steps on the trip. We walked more than 8,000 meters and had not yet reached the end. I flew a drone, and it may not have been halfway, but I still felt very tired. It took 2 hours, plus the round trip bus ride was about 3 hours. There were not many people in the scenic area, so there was no need to queue.
来和我一起旅行Zhangye Alien Valley Scenic Area
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 👍
130***58Qilian Mountains
Qilian Mountains in Gansu attracts tourists with its magnificent natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Qilian Mountain Ski Resort has become a popular attraction where tourists can experience skiing, snowmobiling and other activities. In addition, a herd of white-lipped deer, a national first-class protected animal, was discovered in the Qilian Mountains Nature Reserve, and the ecological protection results were remarkable. It is worth a visit. The Qilian Mountain Grassland is known as one of the six most beautiful grasslands in China 🤟
背包客小马
