Zhangye Travel Guide

Zhangye Travel Guide | 3 Days in the Pearl of the Silk Road 🌟 Check Out the Rainbow Mountains + Food Guide 🌟

🔥 Must-See Attractions
1️⃣ Rainbow Mountains
🌈 Voted "China's Most Beautiful Danxia Landform" by National Geographic, the colorful rock formations are as beautiful as an oil painting! Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting. The park offers hot air balloon and helicopter rides for a breathtaking view of the landscape.
🎫 Tickets: Regular ticket CNY 93 (includes shuttle bus), in-depth tour CNY 368 (for 3 or more people, includes special protection area).

2️⃣ Mati Temple
🏯 A combination of grotto art and Qilian Mountain scenery, legend has it that a heavenly horse left its hoofprint here! Climbing the nearly vertical 33 Heavens Cave is a thrilling experience, so remember to wear sportswear! From June to September, there are Yugur song and dance performances.
🎫 Tickets: CNY 67, round-trip chartered car approx. CNY 260.

3️⃣ Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple
🕌 A Western Xia royal temple, home to the largest indoor reclining Buddha in Asia (34.5 meters long)! The temple houses precious cultural relics, a must-see for history lovers.
🎫 Tickets: CNY 40, CNY 10 taxi ride from downtown.

4️⃣ Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon
⛰️ Known as the "Chinese Colorado", hike through the canyon and explore the wonders of nature, passing through narrow paths and ladders. We recommend traveling light!
🎫 Tickets: CNY 130 (includes shuttle bus), approx. 3 hours to visit.

🍜 Food Map: Local Hidden Gems
- Spicy Hot Pot: Zhangye spicy hot pot is famous for its spicy red oil! We recommend "Liu Yingying Spicy Hot Pot" and "Qi Sister-in-law Spicy Hot Pot", the wide noodles and bean curd are a must-try!
- Sao Noodles: A must-try for breakfast! We recommend Yuanji in Dafosi Alley, the spinach noodles with pepper soup are very warming.
- Beef Xiaofan: The noodles are as small as rice, the soup is fresh and the meat is tender! Jiao Datou Xiaofan at Nanguan Bus Station is very popular.
- Cuoyuzi: Handmade noodles shaped like small fish, the old shop in Ganzhou Market is the most authentic!
📍 Food Landmarks: Ganzhou Market, Huayi Snack City, a one-stop shop for Northwest flavors!

📅 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary
Day 1: Natural Wonders Tour
Morning: In-depth tour of the Rainbow Mountains (take photos) → Afternoon: Explore Mati Temple (experience grotto culture) → Stay overnight in the city, visit Ganzhou Market for a late-night snack.
Day 2: Culture + Style Experience
Morning: Giant Buddha Temple → Afternoon: China Yugur Style Corridor (horseback riding on the grassland, watch ethnic song and dance) → Evening: Try fried bola (warm up by the fire).
Day 3: Adventure
Hike Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon or ride horses at Shandan Horse Ranch (the poplar forest is beautiful in autumn).

💡 Useful Tips
- Best Season: June to September (the grasslands are green and the Rainbow Mountains are most colorful), poplar forests can be seen in October.
- Transportation: Taxis are convenient for downtown attractions, we recommend chartering a car (CNY 200-300 per day) or joining a 1-day tour for attractions outside the city.
- Accommodation: We recommend staying near Minzhu West Street/Ganzhou Market, convenient for food, cost-effective hotels are CNY 100-200 per person.
- Note: The UV rays are strong! Be sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses; non-slip shoes are required for climbing at Mati Temple.

Zhangye, a hidden gem in the Hexi Corridor, is waiting for you to discover its colorful Rainbow Mountains, rich history, and delicious food! ✨