If you are looking for a destination that combines natural wonders with historical culture, Zhangye, a small city in northwest Gansu, will give you a stunning answer.
From the rainbow-like Danxia landforms to the Buddhist grottoes, from the historic Reclining Buddha Temple to the Horseshoe Temple on the border of the grassland, here are the most gentle colors and deepest stories in northwest China.
Must-visit attractions recommended: What to see in Zhangye?
1. Zhangye Colorful Danxia Landform Scenic Area
Known as "God's overturned palette", it is the most famous check-in place in Zhangye!
- Location: about 25 miles (40 km) from downtown Zhangye
- Tickets: about $11 (including sightseeing bus)
- Opening hours: 6:00–20:00 in summer; 7:00–18:00 in winter
- Transportation: Charter a car for about $20–25 round trip, or take a tour bus (about $5)
- Recommended time: early morning or dusk, when the light is soft and the colors are the most brilliant
- Photo suggestion: The 2nd and 4th viewing platforms have the best views and are not to be missed!
2. Mati Temple Grottoes
The Buddhist temple buildings on the rock wall are extremely spectacular, suitable for travelers who like culture and adventure.
- Location: about 40 miles (65 km) from the city
- Ticket price: about $10
- Opening hours: 8:00–18:00
- Transportation suggestion: It is more convenient to charter a car, about $30–40 a day (carpooling is available)
- Highlights: You can climb the mountain and enter the cave to experience the grotto art on the cliffs
3. Zhangye Dafo Temple (Western Xia Dafo Temple)
Here is China's largest indoor clay reclining Buddha, which is 113 feet (about 34.5 meters) long, quiet and shocking.
- Located in Zhangye City
- Ticket price: about $5
- Opening hours: 8:30–18:00
- It is recommended to walk or take a taxi, the fare is about $2–3
How to get to Zhangye?
- Airplane: Zhangye Ganzhou Airport has flights connecting Lanzhou, Xi'an, Chengdu and other places. The airport is about 16 miles (25 kilometers) from the city center, and a taxi costs about $8-10
- High-speed rail: Lanzhou to Zhangye high-speed rail takes about 4 hours, and a taxi to the city center after arriving at Zhangye West Station costs about $2-3
- Long-distance bus: You can take a long-distance bus to Zhangye from Jiayuguan, Jiuquan, Wuwei and other cities
Tips for traveling in the city
- Taxi: It is easy to get a taxi in the city, with a starting price of about $1.5, and generally no more than $3 for travel in the city
- Bus: Low fare, suitable for visiting attractions in the city, such as Dafo Temple and Wetland Park
- Charter or carpool: Going to Danxia or Mati Temple, it is recommended to charter a car, and the cost per day is about $30-40 (you can share the cost of the carpool)
Accommodation recommendation
- Comfort type: Zhangye Hotel, downtown, good service, about $40-50/night
- Specialty: Danxia Impression Inn, near the scenic area, convenient for watching the sunrise, about $35-45/night
- Economy: Youth hostel/B&B, price $10-20/night, suitable for budget travelers
Best time to travel
- June-September is the golden tourist season in Zhangye, with clear weather and the most colorful Danxia
- October is the beginning of autumn, with grasslands and forests having a unique flavor
- November-March of the following year, the temperature is relatively low, but temple tours are still worth experiencing
Travel Tips
1. Sun protection is very important: the plateau sun is strong, bring sunscreen, hats and sunglasses
2. Prices in the scenic area are relatively high: it is recommended to bring your own water and snacks
3. Signals are weak in some areas: you can download the map app offline package in advance
4. Book tickets and hotels in advance: especially in the peak summer season, the room supply is tight
Come to Zhangye and collect a miracle of color
Zhangye is not only synonymous with "Rainbow Mountain", but also a small town that perfectly integrates history, humanities and natural landscapes. Every sunset, every time you look up at the reclining Buddha, is the quietest moment of our journey. If you are planning a trip to the northwest, then write Zhangye into your itinerary!
What other treasure cities in the northwest do you want to know? Welcome to leave a message, let's discover more unknown and amazing corners together!
Unbelievable Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye Danxia | Amazing Places in China
Video by China Documentary
