Zhangye travel guide, How to Plan a Trip to Zhangye

Zhangye, historically known as Ganzhou, is located in the northwest of Gansu Province, in the central section of the Hexi Corridor where the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau meets the Mongolian Plateau. To the south, it borders the Qilian Mountains, while to the north, it faces the Badain Jaran Desert. Since ancient times, it has been a vital commercial hub and strategic passage on the Silk Road, earning the nicknames "Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall" and "Golden Zhangye".

Culture of Zhangye

the Silk Road

During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, General Huo Qubing led 10,000 cavalry troops from Longxi, advancing over a thousand miles past the Yanzhi Mountain to defeat the Xiongnu, capturing over 18,000 enemy soldiers. To strengthen control over the Hexi region, the Han Dynasty established Zhangye Prefecture in 111 BCE. Along with building fortresses and sections of the Great Wall, the Han Dynasty relocated hundreds of thousands of people to carry out large-scale agricultural development.

In the centuries that followed, Zhangye remained a vital northwest hub of multiethnic settlement and interaction. It became a bustling center of commerce and trade along the Silk Road, earning the reputation of "Golden Zhangye" for its fertile lands, abundant resources, and prosperous population.

• Culture index of Zhangye »

Attractions of Zhangye

Zhangye Colorful Danxia

On this vast land of 42,000 square kilometers, Zhangye features the Qilian Mountains, Zhangye Danxia, Black River Wetland, and Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon. It is home to the nation's largest Shandan Horse Farm, the best-preserved Han and Ming Great Wall, the historically and culturally significant Yanzhi Mountain. It also boasts the country's largest indoor clay statue Zhangye Reclining Buddha statue and the Shandan Sitting Buddha statue, and contemporaneous with Dunhuang's Mogao Caves, the Matisi Grottoes.

• Best attractions of Zhangye »

Best things to do in Zhangye

You cannot truly grasp the vastness of heaven and earth until you visit the northwest; nor can you understand the beauty of the Hexi Corridor until you visit Zhangye. No matter when you come, this city possesses a magical allure that makes you want to stay. Witness a sunrise or sunset at the magnificent Zhangye Danxia, ride the fiercest horse at the Shandan Horse Farm, cycle through the serene Zhangye National Wetland Park, and marvel at the marvellous spectacle of the hanging Mati Temple Grottoes on the sheer cliffs.

• Interesting things in Zhangye »

Delicious food in Zhangye

Although Zhangye is a small city, its culinary innovations have been evolving for centuries, with the people of Northwest China putting significant effort into the art of "eating." Zhangye is rich in wheat, so its snacks are primarily wheat-based. The variety of snacks is abundant, catering to both refined and simple tastes. Since the Ming and Qing Dynasties, unique flavors of Ganzhou have been passed down, including Minced Noodles, Beef Xiaofan, Oil Cakes, and Cuoyu Noodles.

• More about food in Zhangye »

Best time to visit Zhangye

Grassland in Summer

The best time to visit Zhangye is from June to September. During this period, Zhangye enjoys summer, but the climate remains relatively cool, making it an ideal destination to escape the heat. At the Danxia Scenic Area, watching the sunrise or sunset in the early morning or evening is not too cold, and if in a rainy day, you can admire the vividly colorful Danxia landscapes. However, winter in Zhangye is cold and windy, and the grasslands in early spring are still yellow and barren, making these seasons less recommended for travel.

• Weather of Zhangye »

Luxury hotels in Zhangye

In Zhangye, finding a hotel that is convenient, comfortable, and well-located—offering easy access to attractions and local delicacies—is essential for a perfect journey through Northwest China. Luxury hotels such as Zhangye Hotel, Runhu Holiday Hotel, and Huachen International Hotel, comfortable ones like Home Inn Plus and Yitel Zhishang Hotel, are all the best choice.

• Top hotels in Zhangye »

Customize Your Unique Golden Zhangye Trip

If you are interested in one of the Zhangye itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Zhangye Tour, please visit our Zhangye Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Zhangye Trip

the ancient Silk Road

• Travel Guide: attractions, weather, hotels, food, etc.
• Top destinations: best places to visit in Zhangye
• Travel itineraries: itineraries for your reference
• Local culture: brief history, folk culture, festivals, etc.
• Weather: the best time and seasons to visit Zhangye
• Top attractions: sightseeings to watch in Zhangye
• Unique perspective: best interesting things to do
• Local food: what to eat while traveling in Zhangye
• Luxury hotels: accommodation to stay in Zhangye
• Lanzhou Tours: customized tours for your reference