Introduction to Zhang Ye

Zhangye, located in the northwest of Gansu Province, China, in the middle of the Hexi Corridor, the ancient name "Ganzhou", that is, the origin of the word "Gan" in Gansu Province, known as the "land of mulberry hemp", the land of milk and honey. It is rich in wheat, corn, rice, beans, oil, fruits, vegetables, and in industrial field, conclude coal, machinery, textile, brewing and other more than 10 departments. Local products include apple pear, Wujiang rice, red dates, hair, Silk Road spring wine and so on. Zhangye City covers an area of 40,874 square kilometers and has a population of 1.31 million. It has jurisdiction over six counties, namely Ganzhou District, Linze County, Gaotai County, Shandan County, Minle County and Sunan Yugur Autonomous County.

Zhangye senic spots

Giant Buddhist temple

Dafa Temple is China's national key cultural relic protection unit, because the temple has China's largest indoor nirvana reclining Buddha statue named. The temple was built in 1098 AD and was once a Buddhist resort. The indoor Reefer pan is 34.5 meters long, gold-coated and painted, and the shape is realistic, if you stare at it or try to call, as it is sometimes awake, sometimes sleeping. Ten disciples are behind the reclining Buddha, and eighteen arhats on both sides of the gallery.

Zhangye Colorful Danxia Lanform

Colorful Danxia is one of the iconic attractions in Zhangye, known as "the color palette overturned by God". The rocks here show a variety of colors, such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and so on, such as Bodhisattva fairies, such as lions and rabbits, such as palaces and castles, such as storey pavilions. The beautiful scenery of Danxia after the rain has attracted countless photography enthusiasts and tourists.

Horseshoe Temple

Horseshoe Temple, also called Puguang Temple, was built in Northern Liang during the Sixteen Kingdoms period of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, more than 1600 years ago. In the Northern Liang period, the Horseshoe Temple was originally a Chinese Buddhist temple, and later gradually became a Tibetan Buddhist temple, belonging to the Tibetan Buddhism of the Gelug school of Qinghai Dongkor Temple. At its peak, the number of monks reached more than 1000.

Hirayama Lake Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon of Pingshan Lake is famous for its deep canyons, peculiar peaks and stone forests. The landscape here is so diverse. It's amazing too see what nature has done. There are water parks, fishing parks, swimming areas, dining and entertainment areas and other facilities for tourists to enjoy.

Zhangye tourist routes recommended

D1: Zhangye - Horseshoe Temple - colorful Danxia

D2: Zhangye - Big Buddha Temple - Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon

D3: Lanzhou departure - Wuwei City to visit Leitai Han Tomb - Wuwei Temple - Tiantishan Grottoes - Zhangye City

D4: Zhangye City - Dafa Temple - Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot - Qilian Mountain Snow View - Jiayuguan

D5: Jiayuguan Pass - Jiayuguan City - Guazhou Desert sculpture Son of the Earth - Dunhuang

D6: Dunhuang - Mogao Grottoes - Crescent Spring of Singing Sand Mountain – Dunhuang

Zhangye travel precautions & Tips

Daily necessities:

Sunblock, facial cleanser, toner,a sun hat, sunglasses, daily medicine, vitamin, bandage,wind, oil, etc

Conclusion

Zhangye is a city with rich history, culture and natural scenery, whether it is ancient temples, magical Danxia landform or special food, visitors could experience its unique charm. I hope the guide could help you plan a full and beautiful Zhangye trip.