Zhangye

Zhangye gets strong sunshine and has a noticeable temperature difference between day and night, so bring sun protection and a light jacket.

Located in the middle of the Hexi Corridor, Zhangye combines Danxia landforms, canyon scenery, and Silk Road culture. It is well suited to a relaxed travel pace. Here are some of the main attractions:

• Rainbow Mountains (Qicai Danxia): A 5A-rated scenic area known for its vividly colored Danxia hills. It is best to enter after 16:00 and wait for sunset at Viewing Platform 4, where the slanting sunlight brings out the colors of the mountains.

• Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon: The canyon is characterized by red rock walls and a dense network of gullies, creating a broad, rugged wilderness landscape. For a more in-depth visit, you can take an off-road vehicle down into the canyon, ride camels, and climb through the narrow passage known as Yixiantian.

• Mati Temple: This grotto complex was carved into red-rock cliffs and has a long history. The main attraction, the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes, requires climbing with both hands and feet. The Qilian Snow Mountains can be seen in the distance, combining natural scenery with cultural significance.

• Giant Buddha Temple: First built during the Western Xia dynasty, this former imperial temple houses the largest surviving indoor wooden-frame clay reclining Buddha in China. The statue is 34.5 meters long. It can be reached by taxi from downtown.

• Zhangye National Wetland Park: Located in the city, the park features reeds, open water, and swans. It is a good place to cycle or walk in the evening while enjoying the sunset.

• Binggou Danxia: This area is known for its various “象形石,” or rocks in distinctive shapes. formations such as Phantom of the Louvre and Root of the Earth are especially recognizable. It can be visited on the same day as Rainbow Mountains, or used as an alternative itinerary.

Classic 3-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Zhangye + Relax in the City

After checking in, head to Zhangye National Wetland Park in the afternoon for a bike ride and sunset views. In the evening, eat at Ming-Qing Street or Ganzhou Night Market, and try local street foods such as stir-fried boluo and malatang.

• Day 2: Canyon Adventure + Danxia Sunset

In the morning, drive or hire a car to Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon. The journey takes about one hour, and it is best to allow 3–4 hours for hiking in the canyon and visiting Yixiantian. After returning in the afternoon, continue to Rainbow Mountains, entering through the North Gate and watching the sunset from Viewing Platform 4. Return to the city for the night.

• Day 3: Cliffside Grottoes + Silk Road Heritage

Leave at 8:00 in the morning for Mati Temple, about a one-hour drive away. Visit the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes first to avoid some of the crowds and experience the cliffside climb. Return to the city in the afternoon to visit Giant Buddha Temple, then arrange the rest of the day according to your departure time.

Local Foods You Should Try in Zhangye

• Zhangye Beef Xiaofan: Despite its name, “xiaofan” does not mean rice. It consists of noodles cut into rice-sized pieces, served with clear beef-bone broth, thinly sliced beef, and glass noodles. The broth has a fairly strong pepper flavor and makes a good breakfast. Dongji or Longmen Duwei are worth considering.

• Lao Zhou Stir-Fried Lamb Offal: Lamb heart, liver, tripe, intestines, and other offal are stir-fried fresh on a hot plate with onions and barbecue seasoning. It is best eaten with plain steamed buns.

• Heshunyuan Saozi Noodles: This restaurant has been operating for 60 years. Its green spinach noodles are served with bone broth and diced braised meat. You can also order freshly steamed chive or celery buns. Around RMB 10 per person is enough for a filling meal.

• Sunji Stir-Fried Paozi: The noodles are torn into pieces about an inch long, resembling firecrackers. They are boiled and then stir-fried, and served with braised-meat broth and eggplant, chili, and tomato. The flavor is fairly rich.

• Qi Saozi Malatang: Its signature feature is a specially made sweet bean sauce. The sweetness balances the spice, and wide rice noodles and potato slices are especially flavorful when coated in the sauce.

• Fang Ha Sweet Fermented Barley Milk Tea: Made with sweet fermented highland barley, this drink is refreshing and sweet-tart, with a pleasantly chewy texture. You can order it with less ice and 30% sugar.

How to Choose an Area to Stay

• Near Zhangye West Railway Station: Suitable for travelers arriving by high-speed rail who prefer a relaxed schedule or plan to join a shared day tour. The area is close to the departure point for direct buses to the scenic areas and has many chain hotels, making accommodation convenient.

• Giant Buddha Temple / Bell and Drum Tower Area: Located in the old city, this area is surrounded by food streets and shopping centers, with convenient dining and shopping. It is suitable for travelers who want to stay downtown and experience the local atmosphere.

• Entrance to the Rainbow Mountains Scenic Area: Suitable for those who want to photograph sunrise and sunset, as the ticket gate is within walking distance. There are fewer dining options nearby, so it is advisable to bring some food. This location works well for a one-night stay followed by immediate departure after sightseeing.

Transportation and Practical Tips

• Getting Around: Zhangye is a relatively small city, and taxi rides usually cost no more than RMB 10. Rainbow Mountains, Pingshan Lake, and Mati Temple are all in the suburbs, about an hour from downtown, and there are no direct public buses. You can join an official day tour for around RMB 100 per person, or hire a private car for about RMB 500 per day.
• Rainbow Mountains Tips: Visiting between 12:00 and 15:00 is not recommended, as the overhead sunlight can make the mountains look washed out and gray. The light is more suitable for sunset after 16:00. Tickets are valid for 48 hours, so you can re-enter if the weather is poor.
• Mati Temple Tips: The Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes are located inside a cliffside passage. The steps are steep and may be slippery, and the route is one-way. People with a fear of heights, high blood pressure, or heart disease, as well as elderly people and young children with limited mobility, should not attempt the climb. Wear long pants and nonslip shoes that allow easy movement, and avoid skirts.
• Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon: The walking distances inside the scenic area are long, and some stairways are quite steep, so wear comfortable sports shoes. The in-depth tour costs more, but includes an off-road vehicle ride and a camel experience, providing a more complete way to explore the area.
• Sun Protection and Temperature Differences: Ultraviolet rays are strong in the area, so use sunscreen and wear sunglasses and a hat. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night. Even in summer, bring a light jacket for watching the sunset in the evening.