Zhangye, in Gansu Province, is home to one of China's most surreal landscapes — the Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains. These striped rock formations look like a painting come to life.
Top Sights in Zhangye
Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains
A geological wonder — layers of mineral-rich sandstone create rainbow-colored striped mountains. Best viewed at sunrise or sunset.
Matisi (Horse Hoof) Temple
A unique cliff-side temple complex with grottoes, Buddha statues, and a legendary horse hoof print in stone.
Zhangye Great Buddha Temple
Home to China's largest indoor reclining Buddha (34.5m long), dating from the 11th century.
Binggou Danxia
A less-visited Danxia area with more vivid colors and fewer tourists.
Sunan Grasslands
Tibetan grasslands at the foot of the Qilian Mountains — yurts, horse riding, and fresh mountain air.
Qilian Mountains
A dramatic mountain range with snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows.
Best Time to Visit
June-September for the most vivid Danxia colors.
Transportation
Zhangye West Station has high-speed trains from Lanzhou (2h), Xian (5h), and Xining (2h).
Zhangye Cuisine
Gansu beef noodles, lamb skewers, Qingke barley wine, yak yogurt, and honeydew melons.
Ready to Explore Zhangye?
Browse our handpicked zhangye tours or customize your own.
View Zhangye ToursCustomize My Trip