5 Days Zhangye Itinerary, Plan a 5 Days Trip in Zhangye

5 Days Zhangye Travel Itinerary

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. If you only have five days to explore Zhangye, how can you make the most of your time and fully experience its allure? This guide will provide you with a detailed itinerary for an unforgettable five-day trip, ensuring that you can explore Zhangye to the fullest without missing out on its wonders.

5 Days Zhangye Itinerary for Family with Kids

Day 1: Encounter the Buddhist Culture

After arriving in Zhangye and taking a short rest, drive to Mati Temple, climb up the cliff, and explore the Buddha statues suspended on the mountain walls. In the afternoon, return to Ganzhou to visit the Dafo Temple and pay respects to China’s largest indoor reclining Buddha. In the evening, wander through Zhangye's night market and savor the local flavors of the Northwest.

Day 2: Explore the Natural Scenery

In the morning, take a bus to the Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, take a photo at the sightseeing deck, and then explore the valley floor, marveling at the unique peaks and bizarre rocks. For those choosing an in-depth travel, you can also experience riding a camel or taking a camel cart. In the afternoon, head to the Zhangye Danxia for a breathtaking view of the colorful Danxia landforms, as well as the nearby Binggou Danxia, watching the sunset from the viewing platform. In the evening, you can either stay overnight at a hotel near the Danxia Scenic Area or return to Ganzhou for a night.

Day 3: Devote into Qilian Mountains

Drive to the Shandan Horse Farm, where you can watch thousands of horse drink water by the river, admire the breathtaking Qilian Mountains scenery from horseback, and enjoy the authentic nomadic cuisine. On the Qilian Mountain grasslands, both photography and hiking are great options. Even if you just want to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings, quietly sightseeing on the grasslands is a pleasant experience. In the evening, you can stay at the local Mongolian yurt or homestay.

Day 4: Touch the Country Greenery

In the morning, head to Yanzhi Mountain and take the scenic bus to the top, then you can walk down the mountain while enjoying the most scenic spots of Yanzhi Mountain. At around 11:30 AM, return to the Military Horse Farm to witness the spectacular sight of thousands of horses galloping, feeling the vitality of the horses. In the afternoon, head to Biandukou and enjoy the endless fields of rapeseed flowers, and then return to Ganzhou in the evening. If you wish to get even closer to nature, you can stay at Biandukou for a barbecue and camping, gazing up at the starry sky of the grasslands.

Day 5: Enjoy in Zhangye and Surroundings

Head to the Lushuiwan Holiday Resort to enjoy the nature of the National Wetland Park. If you're already used to the natural scenery, you can visit the Monkey King Amusement Park for some fun, or head directly to Jiayuguan City to experience the grandeur of the Jiayu Pass and its famed "First Pass Under Heaven".

5 Days Zhangye Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Travel Pace

Day 1: Explore Zhangye Scenery

After arriving in Zhangye, take some time to rest. After lunch, head to the Zhangye Museum to learn about the rich culture of the city while taking the opportunity to rest and adjust. Then, take a ride to the colorful Danxia Scenic Area, taking on the sightseeing bus to reach the viewpoint, capturing stunning photos and enjoy the breathtaking sunset. If you still have energy in the evening, you can explore the night market in the Colorful Town, and then return to Ganzhou for a restful night.

Day 2: Stroll in Natural Ecology

Head to the Zhangye National Wetland Park to admire Zhangye's "half city of reeds". You can also take a boat ride along the river to capture the enchanting wetland scenery. In the Lushuiwan Holiday Resort, where you can not only explore the Ganzhou Prefectural Seat, but also have fun in the Monkey King Amusement Park, also just stroll among the Lushui Bay. In the afternoon, you can visit the Zhangye Dafo Temple, where you can experience a sense of spiritual purification in front of the reclining Buddha.

Day 3: Experience Idyllic Scenery

In the morning, take a car ride to the Mati Temple to admire the magical stone Buddhas and mural art. By noon, head to Biandukou to enjoy the picturesque rural scenery and indulge in authentic, farm-to-table cuisine. If you visit during the summer, you’ll be treated to endless fields of vibrant rapeseed flowers. If you would like to embrace the nature closer, you can camp in Biandukou, otherwise return to Ganzhou.

Day 4: Have a Hiking Challenge

Head to the Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon for a pleasant yet challenging hiking adventure. Be mindful of your limits; if the trek proves too strenuous, consider visiting the Alien Valley near the Zhangye Danxia. Its unique rock formations rival those of Pingshan Lake Canyon and offer a more leisurely experience. In the afternoon, return to Ganzhou for some rest. If you still have energy, take the opportunity to visit the Muta Temple.

Day 5: Linger in Zhangye

Breathe in the fresh air at Ganquan Spring Park to shake off any fatigue. If you have extra time, you can opt to take a trip to Crescent Lake Park in Gaotai County. Otherwise you can take a citywalk in Ganzhou, and spend your final moments in Zhangye, soaking in the last of its beauty.

5 Days Zhangye Itinerary for Young Travelers

Day 1: Explore the Colorful Danxia

After arriving in Zhangye, you can visit Dafo Temple first and relax yourself at the same time. Then in the afternoon, proceed to the Colorful Danxia and Binggou Danxia to watch the stunning rainbow-like landform, and make sure not to miss the sunset. In the evening, explore the local delicacies at the night market in Danxia Qicai (Colorful) Town, and return to Ganzhou or stay at local homestay for a restful night.

Day 2: Take Adventure in Snow Mountains

Set out early in the morning for the Snow Mountain Adventure Area at Kangle Grassland. Be sure to book your morning tickets in advance to witness the sunrise illuminating the snow-capped peaks. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the unique cultural experience at the Yugur Ethnic Culture Corridor. If in winter, you can also head to nearby Qilian Mountain Ski Resort for an enjoyable skiing. In the evening, return to Ganzhou.

Day 3: Enjoy the Mountains Scenery

In the morning, head to the Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon for a relaxing hiking adventure for several hours, exploring the bizarre rock and unique peaks. If you’ve booked a luxury in-depth tour, you can also enjoy the fascinating experience of riding camels through the canyon. In the afternoon, drive to Mati Temple Grottoes, where you can admire exquisite Buddhist statues and murals, and you can also climb the steep cliffs for a panoramic view of the Qilian Mountains. In the evening, return to Zhangye and explore the night scene of the city.

Day 4: Devote Yourself into Nature

Head to Yanzhi Mountain and take a leisurely walk through the forest park, breathing in the fresh air. Then, proceed to the Shandan Horse Farm to witness the breathtaking sight of thousands of horses galloping across the vast grassland. Under the guidance of an instructor, you can select a fine horse, get to know it, and ride through the endless prairie, experiencing the true feeling of being a horse herder. At dinner, you can enjoy the nomadic food, and you can even stay at local homestay to get close to the nature.

Day 5: Have Fun in the Desert

Head to the Mati Temple, where you can climb and explore the stone Buddha caves embedded in the sheer cliff faces. At noon, return to Ganzhou and visit the Desert Sports Park located south of the city, enjoy a delicious meal and indulge in various activities such as desert surfing and sand sliding on the desert.

5 Days Zhangye cultural Immersion Itinerary and Leisure

Day 1: Experience the Yugur Culture

After arriving in Zhangye and taking a short rest, head to the Chinese Yugur Ethnic Culture Corridor, where you can experience the purest and most authentic Yugur traditions unique to the Sunan region of Zhangye. On the Kangle grassland, there is a Yugur Culture Experience Base, as well as many Yugur-related attraction, where you can enjoy Yugur food, Yugur clothing, and Yugur lifestyle. In the evening, stay at a Yugur-style homestay.

Day 2: Meet the Buddhist Culture

In the morning, visit the Zhangye Museum and the Zhangye Dafo Temple in Ganzhou. In the afternoon, head to the Mati Temple Grottoes to admire the exquisite sculptures and mural art. Then turn back to Ganzhou and spend your last time in Jinta (Gold Pagoda) Temple or Muta (Wood Pagoda) Temple. In the evening, explore the northwest flavor in the Zhangye night Market, or you can watch a drama in the Zhangye Theater.

Day 3: Visit the Nomadic Culture

In the morning, head to the Shandan Horse Farm, where you can enjoy nomadic-style cuisine, watch galloping horses, and immerse yourself in the region’s nomadic culture. If conditions allow, you can ride a horse under the guidance of an instructor, crossing the grasslands while experiencing the culture of the prairie and admiring the scenic views of the Qilian Mountains along the way. At dinner time, head to Biandukou, set up your tent for barbecue and camping, and watch the steppe starry sky.

Day 4: Admire the Stunning Scenery

In the morning, head to the Lushuiwan Holiday Resort to experience the charm of Zhangye’s "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall". Here, you can explore the Wetland Museum, enjoy the jade sculptures, and visit the Mongolian yurts, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Zhangye. In the afternoon, visit Zhangye Danxia Scenic Area and enjoy a stunning sunset. In the evening, you can stay in the Danxia Qicai (colorful) Town.

Day 5: Recognize the Greatest Pass

Take the high-speed train to Jiayu Pass, which is the strategic throat of the Hexi Corridor and an excellent place to learn about the history of northwest China. Walking along the Ming Great Wall, you can almost feel yourself transported back to the times of warfare and beacons. Inside the Great Wall Museum, you'll have the opportunity to learn even more about the rich history of the northwest.

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.

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