Zhangye

Introduction

Located in the heart of Gansu Province, Zhangye sits at a geographic crossroads bordering Inner Mongolia to the north and Qinghai to the south. You can explore its rich history within the central district of Ganzhou, an area that served as a vital outpost for western China and was once a city of the Western Xia.

Before you go

Before you visit Zhangye, you can reflect on its deep historical roots as a former garrison headquarters established by General Huo within the Hexi Corridor. You will find that the area, originally known as Ganzhou, was part of the Western Xia dynasty before falling under the control of Kublai Khan.

While exploring the region, you will encounter a diverse population that includes Han Chinese and members of the Yugu people, a minority group residing exclusively in Gansu.

Getting there

You can reach the city by air via Zhangye Ganzhou Airport, located south of the city center. This airport offers domestic flights to various destinations including Xi'an, Lanzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Urumqi, though many routes involve stops or have limited schedules during the winter months. Alternatively, you may find it more convenient to fly into the larger airports in Xining or Lanzhou and take a high-speed rail connection to Zhangye.

For those traveling by rail, the high-speed Zhangye West Railway Station provides D-train services to destinations such as Urumqi, Xining, Lanzhou, and Xi'an. If you prefer conventional trains, Zhangye Station serves daily routes to cities including Beijing, Chongqing, Chengdu, Urumqi, and Lanzhou. You can also reach the area by bus using the West, East, or South bus stations located within the city.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using taxis or DiDi, though taxis are generally the more affordable option. For exploring sites outside the city limits, you may book a private car through a travel agency or at your hotel reception.

Buses are available for cash payments, as foreign travelers cannot register bus cards on mobile apps without a Chinese ID. If you choose to travel on foot, be mindful that the sprawling layout means even nearby locations can take significant time to reach, and the extreme temperatures often make walking a difficult way to get around.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred level of comfort and service. For those seeking great value, you can find lovely rooms at the Tian Run Jin Zuo Hotel, which offers an older but well-regarded experience.

If you prefer mid-range options, the Jindu Hotel provides a central location, while the Holiday Inn Express offers clean and comfortable accommodations as part of a western chain. Note that the Holiday Inn Express is somewhat isolated from nearby amenities, though a bus stop is located directly in front of the property to transport you to the city center. For a more luxurious stay, you can choose between the Zhangye Hotel or the Huachen International Hotel.

Food & drink

Savor local flavors by sampling Gansu-style firecracker noodles or savory pork plates at Luopangzi Noodle Restaurant. While the service may be gruff and the noodles are an acquired taste, the pork is noted for its delicious flavor.

For a different culinary experience, you can enjoy grilled meats and vegetables on skewers at Xianhuo Barbecue. This spot offers friendly service and features a variety of items served on sticks.

What to see and do

Explore the cultural landmarks within the city, including the Dafo Temple, which houses a massive wooden reclining Buddha and is noted as the birthplace of Kublai Khan. You can also visit the Muto-ji Temple, where you can climb its multi-leveled wooden structure to overlook the city from the top railing. For a look at local history, visit the Zhangye Museum or the historic Drum Tower in the Ganzhou District, which features a large drum used for reporting time and warnings. Nearby, the Nanhu Park offers a botanical garden and cultural landscape.

Venturing outside the city limits reveals diverse geological wonders and natural sites:

• Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (Qicai Danxia) features a colorful landscape of multi-colored rock layers and mountains.
• Binggou Danxia offers a different view of red rock columns with white bands set within two valleys.
• Mati Si Temple features grottoes and temples carved into cliff faces, where you can navigate through vertical passageways or take a horse tour through the landscape.
• The Pingshanhu Grand Canyon provides another scenic destination outside the city center.
• For nature lovers, the Heihe Wetland Park offers a habitat for wild animals and bird-watching towers.

When to go

You can experience Zhangye's desert climate across distinct seasonal shifts, ranging from very warm summers to extremely dry, cold winters. If you prefer a warmer atmosphere, the summer months provide high temperatures and represent the only period of the year when you might encounter rainfall.

During the transitional seasons of spring and autumn, you will find drier conditions as the weather moves between the extremes of the year. The winter season is characterized by freezing temperatures and severe dryness, where snow remains extremely rare despite the cold.

Three days in Zhangye

Day one, you can begin your journey by arriving at the Zhangye Ganzhou Airport or via the Zhangye West Railway Station. You can then travel through the local area to find your accommodation and settle in for your first night.

Day two, you can explore the surrounding landscapes of Gansu Province. Whether you are traveling through the Hexi Corridor or exploring the nearby regions, you can experience the unique scenery of this part of China.

Day three, you can continue your travels toward neighboring areas such as Qinghai or Inner Mongolia before concluding your time in Zhangye.