6-Day Classic Xining and Zhangye Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Xining Arrival
   Marvel at the Gelug Buddhism's Three Arts

   Welcome to our 6-day Xining and Zhangye tour by high-speed train. Upon arrival in Xining, your guide will pick you up and take you directly to visit Kumbum Monastery (Ta’er Monastery), one of the six major monasteries of Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism in China. The temple is famous for its the "three arts" of butter sculpture, murals, and barbola. Among them, butter sculpture is a type of oil extracted from butter, which is shaped into images such as Buddha statues, flowers, birds, beasts, and buildings, vivid and colorful.

   After the visit, we will take you to check in at a hotel in the city.

   Meal: Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xining

   

2. Day 2: Xining to Chaka Town
   Immerse in the Beauty of China's Largest Salt Lake

   After breakfast in the morning, we will depart from Xining and drive east along the Qinghai Tibet Highway for about 150 kilometers (2.5 hours), passing through famous attractions such as Sun Moon Mountain, and finally arriving at Qinghai Lake. This journey is a visual feast. The vast grasslands, azure skies, pure white clouds, and herds of cattle and sheep adorn the landscape, forming a vivid natural painting.

   Qinghai Lake covers an area of over 4500 square kilometers and is not only the largest inland lake in China, but also the largest saltwater lake. We mainly visit the Erlangjian Scenic Area, which is the best location to enjoy the panoramic view of Qinghai Lake. Strolling along the winding viewing boardwalk, you will experience the color changes of the lake water in the sunlight due to differences in salinity: from emerald green to sapphire blue. When the weather is clear, the distant snow-capped mountains reflect on the lake surface, which is very beautiful.

   After the tour, continue driving to Chaka Town for the night.

   

   Tips:

   • Few people in Qinghai Lake experience severe altitude sickness. But if you are entering the plateau for the first time, you must avoid strenuous exercise.
   • Due to the strong sunlight in Qinghai Lake, it is necessary to wear a hat, sunglasses, etc.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Chaka Town

3. Day 3: Chaka Salt Lake, Back to Xining
   Walk on the Salt Lake Where Earth Mirrors Heaven

   Today is all about relaxing and enjoying the beauty of Chaka Salt Lake!

   Known as the “Mirror of the Sky in China,” Chaka Salt Lake has become very popular in recent years, drawing more and more visitors. The word “Chaka” means “Salt Lake” in Tibetan. As its name shows, it is a natural salt lake in the Qaidam Basin and once had enough salt to supply the whole of China for 75 years. The clear white salt in the water makes the lake look like a giant mirror, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, flying birds, and people dressed in colorful clothes.

   One of the best things to do here is take photos with the sky and your reflection. Make sure to wear bright-colored clothes to stand out in your pictures!

   After that, we drive back to Xining for the night.

   Note: UV radiation is very strong here. When not taking portrait photos, try to cover your face, neck and arms as much as possible.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xining

   

4. Day 4: Xining to Zhangye by High-speed Train
   Visit Asia's Largest Wooden Buddha and Cliffside Grottoes

   This morning, take a high-speed train from Xining to Zhangye. When you arrive at Zhangye, our local English-speaking guide will meet you at the exit, and your exploration begins!

   Giant Buddha Temple is known for having the largest indoor sleeping Buddha in Asia. This temple complex was built during the Western Xia Dynasty (1098) and is home to valuable Buddhist scriptures and wall paintings. Its most famous feature is the huge reclining Buddha statue, which is 34.5 meters long and made of wood. The ears of the statue are so large that 4 adults could sit side by side in one.

   After that, drive for 1.5 hours to the Matisi Temple, also known as the Mati Temple Grottoes. It was built during the Northern Liang period (397–460 AD) and combines Buddhist culture, cave art, and mountain views. The main site, Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes, is carved into the side of a steep cliff, with 21 caves spread over five levels. To reach the upper levels, you’ll need to climb steep stairs with hands.

   After the tour, drive you back to the city center for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangye

   

5. Day 5: Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park
   Chase Sunset Hues across Heaven's Palette in Danxia

   Today, you will fully enjoy the best parts of Zhangye Danxia National Geopark. In the morning, drive about one hour west to visit Binggou Valley, which is known for its sandstone formations. The area is filled with tall cliffs, stone walls, columns, sharp peaks, and rolling hills. With a bit of imagination, you might see shapes that look like turtles, toads, eagle heads, or camels.

   After exploring Binggou Valley, head back to the city for lunch. In the afternoon, go to visit the famous Colorful Danxia Scenic Area. These rainbow-like hills were formed about 137 million years ago. On sunny days, the mountains look as a painted picture and are often called “a palette from the heaven.” There are 4 viewing platforms, where you can overlook the colorful mountains stretching into the distance, see the rock patterns up close, and take amazing photos - especially at sunset.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangye

   

6. Day 6: Zhangye Departure

   After breakfast, your 6 days Xining Zhangye tour ends here. Enjoy some free time on your own until your driver picks you up in the hotel lobby. Be escorted to Zhangye airport or train station for your departure.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A