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Zhangye

Zhangye, Gansu, China

Step into a Painter's Palette: Discover Zhangye, China Zhangye, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Gansu Province, beckons travelers with a captivating blend of natural wonders, ancient history, and cultural immersio…

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Zhangye.

Top Hotels in Zhangye

Top Flights to Zhangye

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Zhangye.

Tours

Visit Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park

Explore the stunning rainbow-colored mountains and unique rock formations at Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park.

Mati Temple Scenic Area

Visit the ancient cave temples at Mati Temple, known for its historic Buddhist art and stunning mountain scenery.

Zhangye Bell and Drum Tower

Experience the historical architecture of Zhangye's ancient Bell and Drum Tower located in the city center.

Ganzhou Ancient City

Explore the historic Ganzhou Ancient City, showcasing traditional architecture and vibrant local culture.

Shanxi Guild Hall

Visit the historic Shanxi Guild Hall, an architectural masterpiece known for its exquisite wood carvings and cultural exhibits.

Dafo Temple

Visit the Dafo Temple, renowned for its Giant Buddha statue and ancient art and culture.

Shopping

Zhangye Shopping District

Discover a variety of local shops and boutiques in the heart of Zhangye's shopping district, perfect for finding unique souvenirs and gifts.

Outdoor

Zhangye Wetland Park

Enjoy birdwatching and a peaceful stroll in Zhangye Wetland Park, a tranquil natural reserve and great escape from the city.

Pingshan Grand Canyon

Experience the awe of Pingshan Grand Canyon with its stunning natural rock formations and hiking trails.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Zhangye.

Currency

¥ | CNY | Chinese Yuan Renminbi

Population

Not Available.

Languages

Chinese, Tibetan

Average weather

Zhangye

Jan

-1°-13°

Feb

4°-9°

Mar

11°-2°

Apr

18°5°

May

23°9°

Jun

27°13°

Jul

30°16°

Aug

29°15°

Sep

23°9°

Oct

16°2°

Nov

7°-6°

Dec

0°-12°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Zhangye.

What people love

Zhangye, located in Gansu province, China, is a unique and beautiful destination with several pros for travelers:

Zhangye National Geopark: One of the main attractions in Zhangye is the Zhangye National Geopark, particularly the Rainbow Mountains. The colorful rock formations create a stunning and surreal landscape that is a must-see for nature lovers and photographers.
Cultural Experience: Zhangye has a rich history and cultural heritage, offering visitors a chance to explore ancient Buddhist temples, traditional Chinese architecture, and local customs.
Silk Road History: Zhangye was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road trading route, making it a historically significant destination. Travelers interested in history and archaeology can visit sites such as the Giant Buddha Temple and the Wooden Pagoda Temple to learn more about the region's past.
Adventure Activities: Zhangye is a great base for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and camping in the surrounding mountains and deserts. The nearby Matisi National Forest Park offers scenic trails and rock formations to explore.
Local Cuisine: Travelers can enjoy authentic Gansu cuisine in Zhangye, which includes hearty noodle dishes, lamb kebabs, and a variety of local specialties. Foodies will appreciate the opportunity to sample regional flavors and ingredients.

Overall, Zhangye offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and historical significance that make it a rewarding destination for travelers.

What to know

Traveling to Zhangye, located in Gansu, China, may have a few drawbacks:

Remote Location: Zhangye is not a major tourist destination and is relatively remote compared to other popular cities in China. This could mean limited transportation options and longer travel times to reach the city.
Language Barrier: English is not widely spoken in Zhangye, so communication may be challenging for travelers who do not speak Mandarin or a local dialect.
Limited Tourist Infrastructure: Zhangye may not have as developed tourist infrastructure as other more popular destinations in China. This could mean fewer accommodation options, restaurants, and tourist services available to visitors.
Weather Extremes: Gansu province, where Zhangye is located, experiences extreme weather conditions, with hot summers and cold winters. Travelers should be prepared for these climate variations when planning their trip.
Altitude Sickness: Zhangye is located at a high altitude, which may cause altitude sickness in some travelers. It is important to acclimatize slowly and stay hydrated to avoid health issues.

Overall, while Zhangye offers stunning natural attractions like the colorful Danxia Landform and the historic Giant Buddha Temple, travelers should be prepared for the challenges that come with visiting a less-visited destination in China.

Zhangye, located in the central part of Gansu Province in China, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It is situated along the Hexi Corridor, an important historical route that connected China with Central Asia and beyond via the Silk Road. Here is a detailed history of Zhangye:

Ancient History

Pre-Qin Era: The area around Zhangye was inhabited by various nomadic tribes. It became a part of the Chinese cultural sphere during the expansion of the state of Qin.
Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD): Zhangye gained prominence during the Han Dynasty as a key location along the Silk Road. Emperor Wu of Han established a military garrison here in 111 BC to protect trade routes and ensure the flow of goods between China and the West.

Medieval Period

Sui and Tang Dynasties (581–907 AD): The city continued to thrive as a commercial hub. Zhangye was known as Ganzhou during the Tang Dynasty. It was an essential part of the frontier defenses and a center for cultural exchanges.
Western Xia Period (1038–1227): The Tangut people controlled Zhangye during this time. The city became a significant religious and cultural center.

Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368)

Under the Mongol Empire, Zhangye saw significant development. Marco Polo is said to have visited the city during this period and noted its prosperity and importance.

Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368–1912)

Ming Dynasty: Zhangye continued to serve as a vital military and trade post. The Ming government fortified the city and used it as a base for operations against nomadic tribes.
Qing Dynasty: The city saw relative peace and continued to be a part of the Silk Road trade network. It remained an important administrative center.

Modern Era

Republic of China and People's Republic of China: With the decline of the Silk Road, Zhangye's strategic importance decreased. However, it retained cultural and historical significance.

Significant Historical Figures

Marco Polo: The Venetian explorer reportedly stayed in Zhangye for a year during his travels in the late 13th century.
Kublai Khan: As part of the Yuan Dynasty, he played a significant role in the development of Zhangye as a regional center.

Important Landmarks

Giant Buddha Temple (Dafo Temple): Known for housing the largest reclining wooden Buddha in China, this temple dates back to the Western Xia period and is a major historical and religious site.
Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park: Famous for its colorful rock formations, this site has become a popular tourist destination, showcasing the unique geological features of the region.
Muta Temple: Known for its wooden pagoda, this landmark is a significant example of Chinese architecture and craftsmanship.

Zhangye's rich history as a Silk Road city, its cultural exchanges, and its strategic military importance have all contributed to its historical significance in China.