Zhangye Travel Guide – A Complete Guide for First-timers
Located in the northwest of Gansu Province, at the heart of the famous Hexi Corridor, Zhangye is a land of ancient history, diverse ethnic cultures and stunning natural landscapes. If Zhangye is on your Silk Road travel bucket list, you won’t regret it!
Once a pivotal transportation hub on the ancient Silk Road, Zhangye got its name during the Western Han Dynasty, when it was described as “Zhang Guo bi ye, yi tong Xi Yu” (张国臂掖，以通西域
), meaning “extend the arm of the country, connecting with the Western Regions.”
Throughout its history, Zhangye served as a crossroads for diverse ethnic cultures. The prosperity of the Silk Road promoted cultural exchange and the dissemination of Buddhist culture in Zhangye, endowing it with numerous ancient sites and cultural relics, including the Matisi Temple, Dafo Temple, Muta Temple, etc.
Not only historically significant, Zhangye is also rich in natural wonders. A visit to Zhangye will also delight your eyes with its stunning landscapes, including the world-famous Danxia Geopark, Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, and the Black River Wetland National Park.
Once a pivotal transportation hub on the ancient Silk Road, Zhangye got its name during the Western Han Dynasty, when it was described as “Zhang Guo bi ye, yi tong Xi Yu” (张国臂掖，以通西域
), meaning “extend the arm of the country, connecting with the Western Regions.”
Throughout its history, Zhangye served as a crossroads for diverse ethnic cultures. The prosperity of the Silk Road promoted cultural exchange and the dissemination of Buddhist culture in Zhangye, endowing it with numerous ancient sites and cultural relics, including the Matisi Temple, Dafo Temple, Muta Temple, etc.
Not only historically significant, Zhangye is also rich in natural wonders. A visit to Zhangye will also delight your eyes with its stunning landscapes, including the world-famous Danxia Geopark, Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, and the Black River Wetland National Park.
Location: In the northwest of Gansu Province, at the heart of the Hexi Corridor
Chinese Name: 张掖
(zhāng yè)
Area: 38,600 square kilometers
Population: 1,104,600 (in 2023)
Zip Code: 734000
Chinese Name: 张掖
(zhāng yè)
Area: 38,600 square kilometers
Population: 1,104,600 (in 2023)
Zip Code: 734000
Where is Zhangye
- Located in the northwest of Gansu Province, Zhangye is in the narrowest section of the Hexi Corridor, which is sandwiched by the Qilian Mountains and Helan and Longshou Mountains to the south and north.
- Its unique geographical location places it at the crossroads of Wuwei, Jinchang, Jiayuguan, Jiuquan, Qinghai Province, and Inner Mongolia. No wonder it was a vital hub on the ancient Silk Road and a key route of the New Eurasian Continental Bridge.
Top Zhangye Attractions
If you’re looking for majestic natural landscapes, fascinating ancient history, and splendid cultural sites, Zhangye should be on your Silk Road tour in China. With the beauty of nature and relics of history coexisting, the city offers plenty of attractions for visitors to explore its enchanting charm.
Zhangye Danxia National GeoparkKnown worldwide for its Danxia landform, the park features a breathtaking array of colorful rock formations formed through millions of years of wind and erosion.
Matisi TempleA 1,600-year-old Buddhist site, the temple stands out for a group of cliffside caves housing exquisite Buddha sculptures and murals.
Dafo Temple (Giant Buddha Temple)Aka the Reclining Buddha Temple, the temple has a 34.5-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, which is one of the largest indoor reclining Buddhas in the world.
Binggou Danxia GeoparkAnother site showcasing the beautiful Danxia landforms, the park is more renowned for its extraordinary rock formations, featuring towering, pillar-like, and castle-shaped structures.
Pingshanhu Grand CanyonThis relatively new destination will immerse you in its pristine natural environment and dramatic canyon scenery, with clear streams flowing and towering cliffs surrounding it.
Muta Temple (Wooden Pagoda Temple)Aka Wanshousi Pagoda, the temple is famous for its iconic wooden pagoda. The pagoda features exquisite architectural design, standing as a marvel of ancient Chinese architectural ingenuity.
Things to do in Zhangye – Featured Activities
Besides visiting to the aforementioned natural and cultural sites, you can also include some featured activities in your Zhangye tour to gain a deeper experience of this city.
Outdoor Adventures
Zhangye is a paradise for outdoor adventures. For hiking lovers, walking to various viewing platforms in Zhangye National Geopark allows you to marvel at the rainbow mountains in their full glory.
At Pingshanhu Grand Canyon, you can not only enjoy scenic hiking but also experience thrilling off-road vehicle rides, camel trekking, and a locally featured camel-drawn cart journey.
Besides these natural sites, Zhangye also has Kangle Grassland, wetlands, forests, and snow mountains. The Badain Jaran Desert, one of the most beautiful deserts in China, is just a 2.5-hour drive from Zhangye.
At Pingshanhu Grand Canyon, you can not only enjoy scenic hiking but also experience thrilling off-road vehicle rides, camel trekking, and a locally featured camel-drawn cart journey.
Besides these natural sites, Zhangye also has Kangle Grassland, wetlands, forests, and snow mountains. The Badain Jaran Desert, one of the most beautiful deserts in China, is just a 2.5-hour drive from Zhangye.
Watch the Grand Historical Drama “Return to Zhangye”
“Return to Zhangye” is a large-scale historical drama that brings the city’s thousand-year legacy to life through immersive stage production. The show comprises five acts and vividly tells history and stories from the Han to Tang Dynasties. Not only showcases the glory of the ancient Silk Road and the integration of diverse ethnic cultures, it also offers an immersive experience of unique local customs, cultural characteristics, and distinctive chanting styles.
As the first indoor “Sand Show” in China, the drama uses 400 cubic meters of simulated sand to recreate vivid desert scenes.
As the first indoor “Sand Show” in China, the drama uses 400 cubic meters of simulated sand to recreate vivid desert scenes.
Experience Yugur Culture
Zhangye City in Gansu Province is home to multiple ethnic groups, and the Yugur people are one of the indigenous groups here. During your trip to Zhangye, you can visit a local Yugur culture experience center to learn about their authentic traditions, unique clothing, songs, dances, wedding customs, and unique lifestyle.
Zhangye Weather & Best Time to Visit
June to September are typically the best time to visit Zhangye, when the weather is pleasantly warm, and temperatures range from 11°C to 27°C. July and August are particularly recommended as various equestrian events and horse races are hosted.
Zhangye has a temperate continental climate characterized by dryness, low rainfall, abundant sunshine, frequent winds, and a large annual and diurnal temperature difference.
Due to its large latitudinal span, the city experiences distinct climate differences between the north and south. The northern areas experience hotter summers, more severe winters, and more extreme dry conditions. The southern areas often experience unpredictable winds and rain, especially in summers.
Zhangye has a temperate continental climate characterized by dryness, low rainfall, abundant sunshine, frequent winds, and a large annual and diurnal temperature difference.
Due to its large latitudinal span, the city experiences distinct climate differences between the north and south. The northern areas experience hotter summers, more severe winters, and more extreme dry conditions. The southern areas often experience unpredictable winds and rain, especially in summers.
Zhangye Accommodation
As a popular travel destination, Zhangye offers a wide range of accommodation options, from international hotel chains and business hotels to local-featured guesthouses and homestays, to satisfy different budgets and preferences.
If you arrive at or leave Zhangye by high-speed train, hotels around Zhangye West Railway Station would be convenient choices for you. To explore Zhangye city life or for convenient access to attractions like Dafo Temple and Drum Tower, it is recommended to choose hotels in the city center. Both of these two areas offer sufficient hotel options.
If you want to stay close to the Rainbow Mountains to capture the stunning sunrise and sunset views, there are also hotels near the scenic spots.
If you arrive at or leave Zhangye by high-speed train, hotels around Zhangye West Railway Station would be convenient choices for you. To explore Zhangye city life or for convenient access to attractions like Dafo Temple and Drum Tower, it is recommended to choose hotels in the city center. Both of these two areas offer sufficient hotel options.
If you want to stay close to the Rainbow Mountains to capture the stunning sunrise and sunset views, there are also hotels near the scenic spots.
Zhangye Transportation: How to Get to & Travel around
How to Get to Zhangye
Zhangye Ganzhou Airport is the only airport serving the city. Currently, the airport offers limited direct flights from Lanzhou, Beijing, and Xian. From other cities, like Shanghai, and Chengdu, visitors need to Lanzhou or Xining first, then take a connecting flight or high-speed train to Zhangye.
Getting to Zhangye by high-speed train is also convenient. From Xining and Lanzhou, the train ride is no more than 3 hours, and from Xian, it takes about 5-6 hours.
Getting to Zhangye by high-speed train is also convenient. From Xining and Lanzhou, the train ride is no more than 3 hours, and from Xian, it takes about 5-6 hours.
How to Travel around Zhangye
To attractions in the city center, such as Dafo Temple, and Muta Temple, you can easily reach them by taking buses, taxis, or by walking. However, some other attractions, like the Danxia National Geopark, Pingshanhu Grand Canyon, and Matisi Temple are farther away and are scattered in different directions. To reach these attractions, it’s recommended to hire a car or join a local tour for a more efficient and hassle-free experience.
Useful Zhangye Travel Tips
- You can explore the Rainbow Mountains either by walking or sightseeing buses. There are various viewing platforms within the park, and if take a sightseeing bus, you can get on and off at every station.
- Zhangye food is primarily based on noodles and beef or lamb. Some of the must-try dishes include sao mian, beef rice, chao pao, etc.
- When traveling to Zhangye in summer, take necessary sun protection measures in case of the strong UV rays.
- When visiting the Danxia Geopark, please follow the designated pathways to avoid damaging the unique landscape.
- Though Zhangye is not a high-altitude area, some visitors may experience mild altitude sickness. So carry common medication just in case.
- Joining a Zhangye tour with a reliable travel agency is recommended considering its scattered attractions.
Best Silk Road Tours including Zhangye
3 Days Zhangye Danxia Classic TourZhangye Danxia Landform Geographical Park, Binggou Danxia Landform, Giant Buddha Temple, Matisi Temple (Matisi Grottoes)
5 Days Zhangye to Dunhuang Highlights TourRainbow Mountains, Binggou Danxia Landform, Giant Buddha Temple, Matisi Temple, Yumen Pass, Yardang National Geologic Park, Echoing Sand Mountains, Mogao Caves, etc.
5 Days Xian to Zhangye TourTerracotta Army, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Rainbow Mountains, Giant Buddha Temple, Matisi Temple
