Zhangye sits in the Hexi Corridor in central Gansu, an oasis city on the old Silk Road whose urban core is the Ganzhou district, watered by the Ruo or Hei River. The surrounding landscape is dry and open, with a cold desert climate: very warm summers, cold and very dry winters, and rainfall almost entirely between May and September.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple. The built-up centre is compact and walkable, while the main sight people come for, the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, lies about 30 kilometres west of the city centre in Linze and Sunan counties. Two railway stations serve the city, one to the north-east and the high-speed Zhangye West station to the south-west, and there is a small airport. This guide covers which parts of the city to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of traveller.
Best areas to stay in Zhangye
1. The city centre (Ganzhou)
The central district is the natural base for most visitors. It is where the city's accommodation is concentrated, from budget places through to the higher end, and it puts you within reach of the Dafo Temple, home to the long wooden reclining Buddha. Staying here means shops, food and transport are close at hand rather than a bus ride away.
This suits first-time visitors and anyone without their own transport, since the centre is the hub from which you arrange trips out to Danxia and other sites. If you want to be able to walk out in the evening, this is the area to choose.
2. Around the West Ring Road (W. Huancheng Rd)
Some of the mid-range accommodation sits out along West Ring Road, away from the core. This is a quieter, more spread-out part of the city, and the trade-off is convenience: there is not much within walking distance, so you rely on transport for meals and sightseeing.
It suits travellers with a car or those who do not mind using the local bus network. The number 4 bus stops immediately in front of the hotels on this road and runs to the city centre, which makes it workable as a base even though it feels isolated.
3. East Street
East Street is a central address with mid-range accommodation on it, so it shares the advantages of the city centre while being a specific, easy-to-find location. You are on a main street with the centre around you rather than on its edge.
It suits visitors who want a straightforward central base without needing to work out bus routes. If your priority is being close to the middle of things, an address on East Street puts you there.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Older, simpler hotels offering good value for money, with rooms that are comfortable but not new. Expect basic, functional places rather than polished ones.
- Mid-range: Comfortable hotels including Western chain options, with reliable standards and amenities. Some are central, while others sit further out and depend on bus connections.
- Splurge: The city's larger, more established hotels, offering the highest level of comfort available locally. These are the places to choose if you want more space and service.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the city centre (Ganzhou). It is where the widest range of accommodation is found, it keeps you close to the Dafo Temple and the everyday life of the city, and it is the most convenient starting point for trips out to the Danxia rock formations. If you would rather not depend on buses to reach the centre, staying central removes that problem entirely.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to the Danxia rock formations from the city?
The Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park lies about 30 kilometres west of the city centre, in Linze and Sunan counties. It is a day trip out from the city rather than something you walk to, so plan on arranging transport from wherever you base yourself.
Which railway station should I arrive at?
Zhangye has two. Zhangye Railway Station is on the Lanzhou–Xinjiang line to the north-east of the city, while Zhangye West Railway Station, on the high-speed Lanzhou–Ürümqi line, is on the south-west side. Check which one your train uses before choosing where to stay.
When is the best time of year to visit?
Summers are very warm and winters are cold and extremely dry, with snow being rare. Most of the year's small rainfall falls between May and September, so the warmer months are also the wetter ones.
Do I need to stay centrally if I do not have a car?
It helps. Some mid-range hotels sit out on West Ring Road where there is little within walking distance, though the number 4 bus stops in front of them and runs to the city centre. A central base avoids that dependence altogether.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.