Zhangye

Zhangye is originally called Gan Zhou, a city in northwestern part of Gansu province and middle in Hexi Corridor. The town was part of the western Xixia dynasty until conquered in 1227, Zhangye and Dunhuang not only served as important trading center in the history, but also important two stops on the silk road trips today.

Zhangye is originally called Gan Zhou, a city in northwestern part of Gansu province and middle in Hexi Corridor. The town was part of the western Xixia dynasty until conquered in 1227, Zhangye and Dunhuang not only served as important trading center in the history, but also important two stops on the silk road trips today. Zhangye is noted for a city of producing wheat, rice and fruits, and also has its outstanding tourist attractions like Da fo Si Temple, Mati Si Temple and Zhangye Danxia Rainbow mountains Landscapes.

Where I should go in Zhangye?

Her are the list of tourists sites you must go when you are in Zhangye.

Dafo si Temple

Giant Buddha Temple is the biggest indoor reclining Buddha in China with 34.5 long and 7.5m high. The reclining Buddha is Shakyamuni, it’s a must for people who is interested in Buddhism. As it’s located in Zhangye city, so it’s convenient to go visiting by foot if you are staying close by.

Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains, also called Zhangye Qicai Danxia Park.

Drive about 1 hour to get to this colorful park where you can see a unique geological landscape, one of the representative landscape of Gansu. In front of the gate, there are peddlers selling local products and souvenir. When you arrive the spots, you need take spot bus in turn to get inside of park. The layers of multi-colored rock in the mountain amid a green oasis basin are truly spectacular. You will find that each mountain is different in color and shape, walk up and down to discover these beauty is really wealth the efforts. Going for its sunset and sunrise can be another highlight to your trip.

Binggou Red Clays Mountains or Binggou Danxia Landform

Binggou Danxia Lnadform is located in Sunan Yugur Autonomous county, On the junction of Qilian Mountain and Hexi Corridor. It extends from 5 -10km from north to south and 40km from east to west. Covering an area of more than 300 sq km. The highlights of Binggou Danxia Geopark is widespread of Danxia Cliff, Stone forests, Aiguilles and hills.

Mati si Temple

Mati si is 65 away from Zhangye city, located in Sunan Yugu Autonomous prefecture. Grotto art, Qilian mountian scenery and Yugu character are the tourist feature of this small temple. According to the old legend, there was a heavenly horse coming to drinking water and leaving hooves, which is the derive of the name of this temple.

How to get to Zhangye?

1. You can book a tour from Xining and then to Qinghai Lake to Zhangye.

2. You can also take high speed train from Xining to Zhangye or Lanzhou to Zhangye.

It takes about 2-3 days to nicely cover all these places.