Gansu – Zhangye
The landscapes are dry but rich with desert hues. Gansu greets
you with friendly locals and a delicious cuisine. The sites are
unlike anywhere else in China – a real must see, if you ask me.
Itinerary Highlights
/ pingshan grand canyon
Though much smaller, Ping Shan Hu (China’s very own Grand Canyon) closely resembles that of Colorado – and you can walk/climb right through it! There’s only been public access since 2014.
/ mati temple grottoes
Mati Si, or Horse Hoof Temple is over 1600 years old, 60m in height and consists of 7 stories surrounded by beautiful snowy mountains. The area consists of many scattered sacred grottoes with resident monks caring for them.
/ danxia geopark
Danxia Geopark, or more commonly known as the Rainbow Mountains, is the perfect sunset destination. The park was only made famous in 2000 and has since become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Suggested Itinerary
Recommended time (3-4 days)
*NOTE: Itinerary is based off the three main destinations mentioned. Use this as a
general guide within your full Gansu plan.
Day 1
If you arrive at Zhangye Ganzhou Airport – take the minibus airport transfer into town
40 min drive
~20rmb
If you arrive at Zhangye Railway Station – take Bus 1 to Shang Mao Da Shi Jie stop
Once in town, use the remainder of the day to explore.
– Ganquan Park for an evening/sunset stroll
– Dafo Temple (with giant reclining Buddha)
40rmb ticket
7:30am-5:30pm
– Eat at the famous Ganzhou Snack street
RECOMMENDED ACCOMODATION
Silk Road Travellers Hostel
(English speaking staff, offer tours, 100m from food street)
If you choose to do Pingshan the next day, go to purchase your return bus ticket the day before to ensure a seat (only one bus/day).
Zhangye West Bus Station
Office closes at 5:30pm
30rmb return
Day 2
The only bus to get to Pingshan departs Zhangye West Bus Station at 9:45am (double check with ticket office).
1 hour drive
The public bus will take you to the entrance of the park. Here you will buy your entrance ticket and a smaller bus will take you into the actual park.
You only need a few hours to explore as there is a general route to follow (they will advise you what time to be back).
130rmb ticket
I HIGHLY recommend this park. It’s stunning and if you’re not there during public holidays, you’ll be on your own for the most part. This is a true Gansu and China gem.
You’ll meet back up where the bus driver left you (by a restaurant with delicious noodles) and they’ll take you back to the entrance. From there a bus returns you to Zhangye West Bus Station.
Day 3
Arrange a tour with the hostel that takes you to Mati Grottoes for the first half of the day, and to the Rainbow Mountains for sunset.
I suggest this if you are limited for time because of the great distances to cover.
120rmb/person
This area is another standout in Gansu. The guide will take you to the various grottoes.
If you get here on your own and you have more time, there is a hiking trail you can follow to the left of the Mati entrance.
74rmb ticket
The guide will take you back to town for lunch and then you will head to The Rainbow Mountains. The entire park runs on a bus system – you CANNOT explore it on your own.
74rmb ticket
You need maximum 2-3 hours with a hop on and off bus system taking you to each peak.
*NOTE: colours are more vibrant in colder weather and at sunset.*
Weather in Zhangye
- Winter is very cold and dry.
- Spring is mostly sunny but remains very cold.
- Summer gets fairly warm due to the strong sun and dry heat.
- Autumn brings comfortable weather though it cools down a lot in the evenings.
Transit options BEST for Zhangye
- Zhangye Ganzhou Airport
- Zhangye Railway Station
Lanzhou is a common transit location if you continue your travels (in Gansu and elsewhere).
