3 Days Zhangye Essence Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Zhangye Arrival

   Welcome to our well-designed 3-day Zhangye trip! Zhangye sits in the middle of the Hexi Corridor and was an important stop along the ancient Silk Road. When you arrive at Zhangye airport or train station, our local driver will meet you at the exit, holding a sign with your name or “China Xian Tour”. Then, you'll be taken to your hotel to check in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore by yourself.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: Zhangye

2. Day 2: Zhangye’s Danxia Landforms
   Witness Nature’s Wind-carved Art and Colorful Mountains

   Meet your private tour guide in the hotel lobby. You will spend a whole day at Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park. After breakfast, we first go to Binggou Danxia Scenic Area, which is known as the "Sculpture Museum of Nature". Within a 300 square kilometer area, there are wind eroded wonders such as stone walls and pillars. Morning is the best time to visit. You can capture clear rock wall textures in the morning light, especially the scenic spots such as "The Phantom of the Louvre" and " Divine Camel Welcome" are very three-dimensional under side lighting.

   

   At around 2:30 pm, we transfer to Rainbow Mountain (approximately a 15 minute drive). The characteristic of this scenic area is its vibrant colors. You will climb up to four observation decks and enjoy the mountains in colors such as red, yellow, and orange. Two hours before sunset, the light is at its best. At that time, you will arrive at the "Colorful Clouds Observation Deck", where you will capture the most magnificent scenery, like a flowing oil painting.

   Notes:

   • Drones are prohibited in the scenic area, but professional photography platforms are available.
   • You will take many steps, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.

   After the visit, we return to the hotel to rest.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Zhangye

   

3. Day 3: Zhangye Departure
   Marvel at Asia's Grandest Reclining Buddha, Climb Sacred Grottoes

   In the morning, we will visit the landmark of Zhangye City - Dafo Temple, which was a royal temple during the Western Xia Dynasty (1038-1227). It is famous for enshrining the largest indoor wooden clay sculpture reclining Buddha in Asia (34.5 meters long). The guide will take you to pay special attention to this Buddha, the original Western Xia architecture of the Great Buddha Hall, and the mural of the Ming Dynasty's Journey to the West. The entire temple blends the styles of Han and Tibetan art.

   

   After lunch, we drive for about 1.5 hours to the Mati Temple Grottoes. Here, not only can you appreciate the art of grottoes, but you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Qilian Mountains. The Thirty Three Heavens Grottoes are a highlight. You climb up to the top layer with both hands and feet to appreciate the exquisite Buddha statues. The nearby horseshoe print is not to be missed. According to legend, it was left by King Gelsall's mount. We finally visit the Thousand Buddha Cave located at the entrance of the scenic area, which is a must see part of Matisi Temple.

   After the visit, you will be taken to the railway station/airport for departure. The 3-day Zhangye trip comes to an end here.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: N/A