Zhangye Travel Guide

Key Attractions & Must-Do Experiences in Zhangye

Zhangye's highlights are compact and easy to explore, centered on two themes: spectacular natural landscapes and Silk Road heritage.

Natural Wonders

Zhangye Danxia (Rainbow Mountains)
Zhangye's signature sight - rolling hills painted in vivid reds, yellows, and greens.
Best experience: Visit at sunrise or sunset for the richest colors. Viewpoint No. 4 (Hongxia Terrace) is the top photo spot. Hot-air balloon rides are available in some seasons (advance booking required).

Pingshanhu Grand Canyon
Often compared to Zhangjiajie or the Grand Canyon, this is a dramatic and less-crowded canyon escape.
Best experience: Choose a "deep exploration" ticket to ride off-road vehicles into the canyon and try camel rides for a more immersive adventure.

Bals Snow Mountain (Qilian Range)
One of the most accessible snow mountains on the northern slopes of the Qilian Mountains.
Best experience: Get close to glaciers, enjoy hiking or climbing, and even stay overnight in a mountain lodge.

Shandan Horse Ranch
Founded over 2,000 years ago by General Huo Qubing of the Han Dynasty, it is the world's oldest military horse ranch.
Best experience: Horseback riding across vast grasslands; in summer, witness impressive herds running freely.

Silk Road Heritage

Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple
A former Western Xia royal temple, home to Asia's largest indoor reclining Buddha (34.5 meters long).
Highlight: Rare Buddhist scriptures from the Yongle Northern Canon, making this a cultural must-see.

Mati Temple Grottoes
Dating back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty, this is one of the three great art grotto sites of the Hexi Corridor.
Highlight: The "Thirty-Three Heavens"  caves, reached via narrow cliffside walkways - thrilling, scenic, and unforgettable.

Alien Valley Geopark
A surreal geological park with colorful, sculpted landforms that feel otherworldly.
Why visit: More intricate and playful than the Danxia, perfect for curious explorers and photographers.

Culture & Local Life

Yugur Ethnic Culture Experience
Sunan County is China's only Yugur Autonomous County.
Best experience: Visit a Yugur cultural resort to enjoy traditional music, dance, and living heritage from the Qilian Mountains.

Ganzhou Ancient City & Night Market
A lively historic district blending culture, food, and nightlife.
Best experience: Sample local snacks, watch historical performances such as Zhang Qian's Journey to the Western Regions, and enjoy Zhangye's relaxed evening atmosphere.

Zhangye Highlights: 3-Day Itinerary

Zhangye's highlights are centered around the city, with attractions spreading east and west - ideal for a 2–5 day stay.

Day 1 – Canyon & City Sights
Morning: Explore Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon on an in-depth visit.
Afternoon: Return to the city to visit Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple.
Evening: Stroll through Zhangye National Wetland Park for sunset, then enjoy local flavors at Ganzhou Old Town Night Market.

Day 2 – Colorful Landscapes
Morning: Visit the iconic Zhangye Danxia Landform (Rainbow Mountains).
Afternoon: Continue to Binggou Danxia, known for its dramatic rock formations.
Evening: Stay in Danxia Town, and watch the large-scale outdoor show “Returning to Zhangye.”

Day 3 – Culture & Grasslands
Morning: Discover the cliffside Mati Temple Grottoes.
Afternoon: Drive to Shandan Horse Ranch to experience the vast grasslands and enjoy horseback riding.

Getting There and Around Zhangye

By Air: Zhangye Ganzhou Airport offers direct flights to major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, and Lanzhou.

By Train: Zhangye West Railway Station (high-speed rail) is a key stop on the Lanzhou–Xinjiang HSR line, with easy connections from Lanzhou, Xining, and Urumqi. Zhangye Station also serves regular trains.

Local & Regional Transport: Private car or self-drive is the most flexible and efficient way to visit nearby highlights such as Danxia Landforms, Mati Temple, and Pingshan Lake Canyon (about 1–2 hours from the city).  Check out Zhangye Transfer Services, Car Rental & Coach Hiring

Tourist shuttle buses may operate to major sights during peak season - check with your hotel in advance.

Best Time to Visit & Local Cuisine

Best Seasons to Visit
Zhangye has distinct seasons, each offering a different experience:

Spring (Mar–May): Dry with big temperature swings; occasional wind. Great for countryside walks and rapeseed flowers around Biandukou.

Summer (Jun–Aug): The best season - clear skies and ideal weather for all outdoor activities. Grasslands are at their most beautiful.

Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cool, crisp air and golden light - perfect for photography. Danxia colors are especially vivid.

Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold but quiet, with snowy landscapes and significant ticket discounts at many attractions.

Must-Try Local Food
Zhangye cuisine is hearty, centered on noodles and lamb.

Cuoyuzi / Chao Pao: Signature noodle dish shaped like small fish; chewy and satisfying.

Beef "Xiaofan": Noodles cut into rice-size pieces served in rich beef broth - a classic local breakfast.

Juanzi Chicken: A regional twist on big-plate chicken, served with rolled noodles soaked in sauce.

Shandan Stir-Fry (Chao Bola): A sizzling lamb and vegetable dish, best found at Ganzhou Old Town Night Market.

Apricot Peel Tea: Sweet and tangy, made from local apricots - refreshing and soothing.

Where to Stay in Zhangye

Boutique & Experience Stays

Huangcheng Grassland Tented Camps / Xiari Tala Eco Camps: Set deep in the Qilian Mountain grasslands, offering stylish eco-lodges and stargazing tents - ideal for experiencing Yugur nomadic culture.

Danxiakou Cultural Town or Qicai Town Inns: Located near the Rainbow Mountains, perfect for sunrise and sunset visits with convenient facilities.

High-End Hotels
In the city, choose hotels in Ganzhou District (near Giant Buddha Temple and Wetland Park) or close to Zhangye West Railway Station for easy transport and dining.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Climate & Packing: Extremely dry with strong sun and big day–night temperature changes. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and a hat year-round. A windproof jacket is useful even in summer.

Seasonal Discounts: From November to March, many attractions (Binggou Danxia, Alien Valley, Balasi Snow Mountain) offer major ticket reductions.

Payment & Connectivity: Mobile payments are widely accepted, but signals can be weak in remote areas—carry some cash and download offline maps.

Altitude Awareness: Average elevation is around 1,500 m; higher in mountain areas. Take it easy, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity at first.

Cultural Respect: At sites like Mati Temple, keep quiet and follow photography rules. Respect local customs when visiting Yugur communities.