3-Day Zhangye Danxia Landform Tour from Lanzhou
Tour Overview
The 3-day trip to ZhangyeĀ is the best choice for tourists who want to experience the beautiful scenery of northwest China in a short period of time. Starting from Lanzhou, you will stroll along the scenic Yellow River BundĀ and learn about the story of China’s mother river and Zhongshan Bridge. Explore the night marketsĀ in Lanzhou at night, which are filled with various delicious food from lamb/beef skewers to local delicacies. Then, it’s very easy to take the high-speed railway from Lanzhou to Zhangye, conveniently connecting the two cities.
In Zhangye, explore the Dafo Temple, which houses the largest reclining Buddha in Asia and an important stop on the ancient Silk Road. The highlight of the Lanzhou Zhangye tour is Danxia National Geopark. The Rainbow Mountain Scenic Area shows bright colors of red, orange, yellow, especially at sunset. Professional tour guides, convenient transfer, and carefully planned routes are the ideal choice for cultural and nature enthusiasts.
Travel destinations: Lanzhou, Zhangye
Suitable for: Culture and Nature Lovers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Go for a walk along the Huanghe River Custom Tourist LineĀ and see Lanzhou’s landmarks – the Zhongshan Iron Bridge with a hundred years of history and the elegant Yellow River Mother Sculpture.
- Stroll through Lanzhou’s busy night markets, with stalls overflowing with local snacks and an energetic vibe of daily city life.
- Visit Zhangye’s Giant Buddha Temple to see the largest reclining Sakyamuni statue in Asia and also appreciate surrounding age-old murals and centuries of Buddhist culture.
- In Zhangye Danxia National Geological ParkĀ to marvel at the colorful rainbow-like rock layers. From the viewing decks to capture sunset, when the colors shine the brightest.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in LanzhouāTake a Leisure Stroll along the Lanzhou's Bund
Welcome to a 3-day Zhangye tour from Lanzhou. When you arrive in Lanzhou, an English speaking guide will pick you up at the airport or high-speed railway station exit. You will be sent to a comfortable hotel in the city center to rest.
Around the afternoon, follow your guide to visit the Huanghe River Custom Tourist Line. Taking the Iron Bridge as the central axis, it is the longest urban riverside road in China, known as the "Lanzhou Bund" by tourists. Taking a walk from east to west, you can see iconic buildings such as Zhongshan Bridge, Baita Mountain Park, Waterwheel Park, and the Yellow River Mother Sculpture.
In the evening, you can explore the night markets in Lanzhou on your own and taste authentic snacks (Zhengning Road Night Market is recommended).
Meal: Lunch
Accommodation: in Lanzhou
The night view of Zhongshan Bridge - Day 2: Lanzhou to Zhangye by High-speed TraināMarvel at the Asia's Largest Reclining Buddha
In the morning, your driver will escort you to the railway station for a 4.5-hour high-speed train from Lanzhou to Zhangye. When you arrive at Zhangye train station, you will be transferred to a local hotel for check-in.
In the afternoon, start your visit at Giant Buddha Temple, aka Dafo Temple. Built during the Western Xia Dynasty (1038-1227), this temple has stood for over 900 years along the Silk Road. Inside, youāll see the largest reclining statue of Sakyamuni Buddha in Asia, which gives the temple its name. In addition, your guide will show you around the detailed wood carvings, colorful paintings, lifelike statues, with rich stories behind.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Zhangye
The sleeping Buddha statue in Dafo Temple - Day 3: Zhangye Rainbow MountainsTake Pictures of the Colored Danxia Landscapes
Today, you will visit the most famous part of Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. The Danxia landform is the top attraction in Zhangye. In 2011, National Geographic News listed it as one of the ā10 Wonders of Nature in the World.ā The park has two main scenic areas, each with unique features. Youāll explore the Rainbow Mountain Scenic Area.
You can see colorful rock layers here from red and yellow to orange and green. They formed around 120 million years ago. The sightseeing bus will stop at four viewing platforms. The first, the largest one, gives a wide, full view of the landscape. On the second, you can observe the delicate texture of colorful hills up close. The last observation deck is the most stunning, especially at sunset when the hills shine in bright colors.
This is the end of your 3-day Lanzhou and Zhangye tour. Then you will be escorted to the Zhangye airport / train station for departure.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: N/A
A family visiting Zhangye Rainbow Mountains
Tour Price Per Person
The priceĀ varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
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