Zhangye Travel Guide

Zhangye, located in the northwest of Gansu Province in China, derives its name from the phrase “Zhang Guo Bi Ye, Yi Tong Xi Yu,” which means “to stretch out the arms of the country to embrace the Western Regions.” Situated in the middle of the Hexi Corridor, Zhangye was historically known as “Ganzhou,” the origin of the “Gan” in Gansu’s name. It has long been praised as the “land of mulberries and hemp” and the “land of fish and rice.” As a National Historical and Cultural City, Zhangye was an important hub on the ancient Silk Road and now serves as a key point on the New Eurasian Land Bridge.

Home to 38 ethnic groups, including Han, Hui, Tibetan, and Yugur, Zhangye boasts a rich cultural heritage and many captivating legends. It is celebrated for its numerous historical treasures, such as the Giant Buddha Temple, Matisi Grottoes, Wenshu Monastery Grottoes, Ganzhou Ancient Pagoda, and the ruins of Camel City.

However, Zhangye’s most famous attractions are the breathtaking Zhangye Danxia Landform and the autumn scenery of the Qilian Mountains. The mesmerizing colors, layered rock formations, and winding lines of the Danxia landscape are nature’s finest gift, best appreciated in person to uncover their hidden secrets.

Most Popular Zhangye Attractions

Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Zhangye Danxia Geopark - one of the World's Top Ten Geographical Wonders
Zhangye Danxia Geopark (张掖七彩丹霞), located in Gansu Province, China, is renowned for its stunning and colorful landforms. It is the only site in China where...
Mati Temple Zhangye
Mati Temple (Horseshoe Temple), Zhangye
Mati Temple (马蹄寺, Matisi Temple), located in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, China, is a renowned tourist destination blending cave art, the scenic beauty...
Dafo Temple Zhangye
Dafo Temple (Reclining Buddha Temple), Zhangye
Dafo Temple (大佛寺), also known as the Giant Buddha Temple, is located in Zhangye, Gansu Province, China. Originally named Jiaye Rulai Temple, it was established...

Other Attractions in Zhangye

Wenshu Mountain Grottoes Zhangye
Wenshu Mountain Grottoes - A Site of Buddhist Art in Zhangye
The Wenshu Mountain Grottoes (文殊山石窟, Manjusri Mountain Caves), located in the Wenshu Mountain range of Zhangye, Gansu Province, are an ancient and significant...
Ruins Of Camel City Zhangye
Ruins of Camel City, Zhangye - A Former Military Center
The Ruins of Camel City (骆驼城遗址), located in present-day Jiuquan City, Gansu Province, China, stand as a testament to the vibrant history of the Silk Road...
Yanzhi Mountain Forest Park
Yanzhi Mountain Forest Park - The Little Yellow Mountain
Yanzhi Mountain Forest Park (焉支山森林公园) covers an area of 680 square kilometers, with its main peak, Maomao Mountain, reaching an elevation of 3,978 meters,...
Kangle Grassland
Kangle Grassland, Zhangye - Home to the Famous Kanglong Temple
Kangle Grassland (康乐草原), named after the “Kanglong Temple (康隆寺)” within its boundaries, spans a total area of 2.68 million acres, with approximately...
Wooden Pagoda Temple Zhangye
Wooden Pagoda Temple, Zhangye - Built 1500 Years Ago
The Wooden Pagoda Temple (木塔寺), originally named Wanshou Temple, is located on Xianfu South Street in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, China. This historic...
Drum Tower Zhangye
Bell and Drum Tower, Zhangye - A Historical Landmark
The Bell and Drum Tower in Zhangye (张掖鼓楼), also known as Zhenyuan Tower (镇远楼) and Jingyuan Tower (靖远楼), is a historical landmark with a rich heritage dating...
Shandan Military Horse Farm
Shandan Horse Farm, Zhangye - Founded in 121 BCE
Shandan Military Horse Farm (山丹军马场), founded in 121 BCE by General Huo Qubing of the Western Han Dynasty, is located in the central part of the Hexi Corridor....
Zhangye National Wetland Park
Zhangye National Wetland Park
Zhangye National Wetland Park (张掖国家湿地公园), covering a total area of 1347.65 hectares, is situated near the city of Zhangye in Gansu Province, China. It...
July 1 Glacier Gansu
July 1 Glacier (Qiyi Glacier) in Gansu
The July 1 Glacier (Qiyi Galercier, 七一冰川), located between Zhangye City and Jiayuguan City in Gansu Province, China, is renowned as the closest accessible...
Biandukou Scenic Area
Biandukou Scenic Area - Surrounded by Abundant Natural Beauty
Biandukou Scenic Area (扁都口风景区, Biandukou Pass) spans 10 kilometers north to south and averages 6 kilometers east to west, covering a total area of 60 square...
Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon Zhangye
Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, Zhangye - Zhangjiajie in the Northwest China
Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon (平山湖大峡谷), located in Zhangye, stands as one of China’s most accessible natural wonders, blending awe-inspiring landscapes,...
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