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The Shandan Military Horse Farm is a significant military training facility, offering a unique experience for visitors. The recommended activities include:
Shandan Military Horse Farm is located in the middle of the Hexi Corridor, on the Damaying grassland at the northern foot of Lenglongling in the Qilian Mountains. It is the largest military horse farm in Asia and the second largest in the world. After the disintegration of the former Soviet Union's Don River Horse Farm, it took the first place in the world.
Shandan Military Horse Farm, with its flat terrain and abundant grass and water, is an ideal breeding ground for horses. Horses have been raised here for over 3,000 years. Since the Western Han Dynasty, the Shandan Horse, based on local Mongolian horses, was introduced with various fine horses from the Western Regions. The resulting crossbreeding has become renowned, making it a breeding ground for imperial military horses for generations. Shandan Military Horse Farm is divided into the Main Farm, First Farm, Second Farm, Third Farm, and Fourth Farm. Farms One and Three offer the best scenery and the largest herds of horses. Along the way, you'll see vast fields of rapeseed flowers, which bloom similarly to those in Qinghai Lake and Minle, Gansu, from mid-to-late July to early August. The colorful flowers on the grasslands alternate between June, July, and August.
Spring, summer and autumn are the best seasons for travel
Entry to the racecourse is free, and horseback riding is 50 yuan per hour.
All day
The scenic spot is currently closed for rectification and temporarily not open to the public. Please call the scenic spot in advance for the reopening time.
The Shandan Military Horse Farm was established in 1958 and is historically significant as one of the largest military horse breeding and training farms in China. It played a key role in the development of China's cavalry units and has cultural importance for its contributions to equestrian training in the military.
Shandan Military Horse Farm is located in Shandan County, Gansu Province, China. It is accessible by bus or taxi from Zhangye City, which is the nearest urban center. There are no metro stations, so driving or using local taxis is the most convenient option.
The Shandan Military Horse Farm typically operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities.
The entrance fee for the Shandan Military Horse Farm is approximately 50-100 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and there is no online booking system in place for individual visitors.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, as the ticket counters at the farm are generally not busy. However, during peak tourist seasons (summer), it may be a good idea to book a day or two ahead if possible.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the Shandan Military Horse Farm, which includes a tour of the horse training grounds, museum, and watching horse shows. If you are a horse enthusiast or wish to explore the area in-depth, you might spend more time.
The must-see highlights include:
Guided tours are available, and they are generally provided in Mandarin. However, English-speaking tours may be available upon request, but it is advised to confirm in advance if required.
The best photography spots include:
Start by visiting the museum to understand the historical context of the farm. Then, head to the training grounds to watch the horse demonstrations. Finish by walking through the scenic areas surrounding the farm to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows at the Shandan Military Horse Farm. The farm mainly operates during the daytime, offering horse training demonstrations and exhibitions.
The Shandan Military Horse Farm can get busy during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays during the off-season (late autumn and winter months).
Basic facilities, including toilets, food stalls, and water stations, are available at the farm. There are rest areas for visitors to relax, though there are no high-end restaurants or shops within the farm itself.
The farm is generally accessible for elderly and children, with walking paths around the training areas. However, it may not be fully accessible for disabled visitors due to the uneven terrain and lack of specialized infrastructure.
Cash is widely accepted at the Shandan Military Horse Farm, especially in local currency (CNY). Some larger vendors may accept mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay, but credit card usage is limited.
There are small food stalls within the farm that offer local snacks. For a more substantial meal, there are restaurants in the nearby Zhangye city, where you can find a variety of Chinese dishes and local specialties.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available in Zhangye city, though the farm itself mainly offers local meat-based dishes. Halal food options may also be available in the surrounding area due to the presence of Muslim communities in Gansu province.
Nearby hotels in Zhangye include the Zhangye Yitel Hotel and the Zhangye Jianguo Hotel. There are also budget options available for travelers looking to stay near the Shandan Military Horse Farm.
Nearby attractions include:
Souvenir shops at the farm mainly offer horse-themed items, including small figurines, local crafts, and memorabilia related to the Shandan Military Horse Farm.
To continue your trip, the best options are to use a taxi or rent a car for further exploration of Zhangye and the surrounding areas, including the Danxia Landform or the city center for more cultural sites.
