Zhangye City, Gansu Province | Zhangye, the arm of the Zhang Dynasty, leads to the Western Regions.

| Zhangye, the arm of the Zhang Dynasty, leads to the Western Regions. Zhangye is known as the "Jiangnan of the Frontier", a large-scale geomorphological park with diverse landscapes such as canyons, Gobi deserts, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, Danxia landforms, Yardangs, and wetlands. It is very suitable for in-depth tours.
Experience summary:
1⃣️🚕 Transportation: Taxis start at 5 yuan, very convenient
2⃣️🏨 Hotel: We stayed at the Hanting Plus (Zhonggulou Branch) for 250+ yuan. It is very convenient to get around (booked half a month in advance)
3⃣️ The portions are quite large, so try to order less
4⃣️ Must-have items for travel: motion sickness pills, lip balm, and hydrating products
5⃣️ Pay attention to sun protection, sunglasses, sun protection clothing, long pants, sunscreen, and umbrellas
✅ Itinerary (3 days and 2 nights)
Day 1⃣️
Zhangye Museum 👉🏻 Dafo Temple 👉🏻 Zhenyuan Tower 👉🏻 Ming and Qing Streets 👉🏻 Ganquan Park
📍 Zhangye Museum
A comprehensive introduction to the characteristics of Zhangye in different historical periods, showcasing the development and integration of the Han and minority ethnicities here
📍 Dafo Temple
A royal temple of the Western Xia Dynasty, the temple has three treasures: the most complete Western Xia temple complex; the largest indoor reclining Buddha; the most complete collection of the Northern Tripitaka. The couplet of the main hall of Dafo Temple is very Zen: "The sleeping Buddha sleeps for a thousand years and never wakes up, the questioner asks for a hundred years and never understands."
📍 Zhenyuan Tower
The largest bell and drum tower in the Hexi Corridor, a three-story wooden tower, is a landmark of Zhangye City
📍 Ming and Qing Streets
There are many delicious and fun things to do here, and you can experience the local life up close
📍 Ganquan Park
Known as the "Royal Garden" of Zhangye, with a history of over a hundred years, it is mainly water-based, with mountains and water interspersed, and winding paths leading to secluded places
Day 2⃣️
Mati Temple 👉 Ganzhou Night Market
📍 Mati Temple Scenic Area
Tickets are required for the Thirty-Three Caves, Thousand Buddha Caves, and Special Caves
➡️ Visiting order: First go to the Thirty-Three Caves inside, limit the flow and queue in advance, then go to the Special Caves, then the Thousand Buddha Caves. The documentary "Hexi Corridor" mentions that Mati Temple was a cave temple excavated by Guo Yu, a university scholar, and his disciples. It was a place for them to stay away from worldly disputes. It is a witness to the confluence of Confucianism and Buddhism.
📍 Jin Tower Temple
24 kilometers away from Mati Temple, limited number of vehicles, need to make an appointment with the "Mati Temple Management Office" a few days in advance, belongs to the Mati Temple Grottoes, and is known as the Three Great Buddhist Art Treasures of the Hexi Corridor along with Mogao Caves and Yungang Caves.⚠️ Must make an appointment in advance❗️
📍 Ganzhou Market
Also known as Ganzhou Alley, similar to a food court, there are many delicious things to eat
Day 3⃣️
Seven-Colored Danxia → Jiuquan
📍 Seven-Colored Danxia
There are a total of 4 viewing platforms. No. 1 is generally, No. 2 is impressive, No. 3 has a wide view but the color changes are generally, and No. 4 is the most famous and has the richest colors. The sunset is very beautiful, don't miss it! Tickets for Seven-Colored Danxia can be used for two days
🥯 Special food: Beef noodles, scallion and egg stir-fry, roasted lamb, apricot skin tea, Forward milk, chicken rolls, Lao Zhou stir-fried Polla, try to buy and experience less.