Zhangye

Zhangye (张掖; Zhāngyè) is a city in Gansu Province with striking mountain scenery nearby.

Zhangye became the garrison headquarters after General Huo established control of the Hexi Corridor. Formerly known as Ganzhou, the town was part of the Western Xia dynasty until it was conquered by Kublai Khan in 1227.

Zhangye has a population of around 1.2 million (2010), of whom 260,000 are urban residents. In addition to Han Chinese, the city is also home to members of the minority Yugu people, who live only in Gansu.

• 38.8118100.65791 Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (张掖甘州机场, YZY  ^IATA). Opened in 2011, this airport 13 km south of the city has flights to/from Xi'an, Lanzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Urumqi and a few other domestic airports. However, many of these flights make stops en route, operate only on specific days, and do not operate over the winter.  (updated Jun 2026)

Zhangye has frequent high-speed rail connections from Lanzhou via Xining, both of which have much larger airports than Zhangye's. These airports are likely to be more convenient for many visitors.

• 38.9226100.42632 Zhangye West Railway Station (张掖西站) (in the southwest of town). This high-speed station has D-train service to destinations such as Urumqi (8.5-9.5 hr), Xining (2 hr), Lanzhou (3-3.5 hr), and Xi'an (6.5-7 hr).  

• 38.9733100.51773 Zhangye Station (张掖站) (6.5 km northeast of the city center). Slower conventional trains use this station daily to destinations as far off as Beijing, Chongqing, Chengdu, Urumqi and Lanzhou.  

• 38.9372100.44184 Zhangye Bus Station (张掖汽车站, West Bus Station), 381 West Ring Road, Ganzhou District (甘州区西环路381号), ☏ +86 936-8215022. Zhangye Qicai Danxia takes about 1.5 hr, Zhangye Binggou Danxia takes 1.5-2 hr.  (updated Jun 2026)
• 38.9353100.46845 Zhangye East Bus Station (张掖汽车东站), 122 East Ring Road (东环路122号), ☏ +86 936-8214073.  
• 38.9267100.45446 Zhangye South Bus Station (张掖汽车南站), 478 South Ring Road (南环路478号).  

Map of Zhangye

Bus fares are ¥1 - correct change only. As of 2026, you need a Chinese ID number to register a city bus card in Alipay, so foreigners are limited to cash payments.

Both DiDi and taxis are readily available. Taxis will likely be somewhat cheaper than DiDi.

You can book a private car via a travel agency or at the reception of most hotels, which is especially useful for touring the sites outside the city.

Zhangye is laid out in the sprawling fashion typical of Chinese cities outside of the south, so be aware that although something may only appear to be a few city blocks away, a single city block may take nearly 10 minutes to walk. The elongated distances combined with extreme temperatures on many days can make navigating Zhangye by foot quite arduous.

• 38.93100.4541671 Dafo Temple (大佛寺), ☏ +86 936 6933666. 8:30-18:00. Holds the largest wooden indoor reclining Buddha in China at 34.5 m (113 ft) long, 7.5 m (25 ft) high. This temple is the reputed birthplace for the Mongol emperor, Kublai Khan. ¥40; students ¥20.  (updated Jun 2026)
• 38.936944100.4555562 Zhangye Drum Tower (张掖鼓楼, Zhenyuan Building), Central Square of Ganzhou District. 08:00-18:00. Zhangye Drum Tower is an ancient building with a long history. It was built in the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty. The structure of the drum tower is magnificent, and there is a huge drum hanging upstairs, which used to be used to report the time and convey urgent information. It is a landmark building in Zhangye, showing the aesthetics and historical value of traditional Chinese architecture, and providing an excellent view of the city. Open but wrapped in a big ugly canvas for renovations as of June 2026. Free.  (updated Jun 2026)
• 38.930556100.4561113 Zhangye Shanxi Guild Hall (張掖山西會館), near Dafo Temple. 8:00-17:30. A guild hall built by Shanxi merchants living in Zhangye during the Qing Dynasty. Closed for renovations as of June 2026. Free.  (updated Jun 2026)
• 38.9285100.45114 Zhangye Museum (張掖市博物館). 8:30-18:00. Free.  (updated Mar 2025)
• Muto-ji Temple (木塔寺, Mutasi), Muta Lane, Ganzhou District. Summer 08:30-18:00, Winter 09:00-17:00. The Wooden Pagoda Temple is one of the Five Elements Pagodas in Zhangye. The existing wooden pagoda was rebuilt in 1926. The tower is 32.8 meters (108 ft) high, with nine levels on eight sides. Each level has a wood-carved dragon head, a pearl in the mouth, and a wind chime hanging below. The main body of the tower is a wooden structure, and the outer eaves are built in the style of a pavilion. The tower body is exquisitely carved, reflecting the exquisite skills of ancient architectural art. Tourists can climb along the stairs in the tower. Each floor is equipped with a cloister and a guardrail. You can overlook the city of Zhangye by the railing. ¥25. (updated Jun 2026)

• 38.9653100.04295 Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (Qicai Danxia) (张掖丹霞国家地质公园 (七彩丹霞), Rainbow Mountains) (40km west of Zhangye; take a bus from Zhangye Bus Station for ¥15 each way; first bus departs at 07:45; last bus returns from the North Gate Parking Lot at 18:30; note the return bus driver will refuse to leave until there is a critical mass of people regardless of what the sign says). 05:30-19:00 summer months. A unique geological landscape with layers of rocks of different colors and mountains in the background. It is one of the highlights of Gansu province. Be aware that despite seeming like it is in the middle of nowhere on a map, the site is heavily commercialized, filled with shops selling tourist snacks and knick-knacks, touts on megaphones, speakers and screens blaring Chinese pop music, unidirectional chutes built to herd the crowds, etc. You cannot walk in the park except on the 4 dedicated wooden structures and staircases. A frequent shuttle service will take you between each spot inside the park. It is possible to re-enter the park the next morning before 08:00 for only the cost of the park shuttle bus, if you register your fingerprints at a scanner at one of the stops. ¥108 (including mandatory ¥38 shuttle fee).  (updated Jun 2026)
• 39.032343100.3397696 Blackwater National site (黑水国遗址) (12.5 km northwest of Zhangye). Ancient cultural sites of the Neolithic period.  
• 38.773942101.0899977 Nanhu Park (南湖公园, South Lake Ecological Botanical Garden). Cultural landscape and botanical garden.  
• 38.4843100.41738 Mati Si Temple & mountain scenery (马蹄寺). 08:00-18:00. 65 km south of the city proper, in the Sunan Yugu (Tibetan) Autonomous Prefecture, lies Mati Temple, or Horse's Hoof Temple (Mati Si). Temples and grottoes are carved into the side of a cliff in several zones spread over several kilometres. Several of these can be visited and climbed through, in some cases through tight vertical passageways using small footholds and handholds. Most of the statues were heavily damaged in the 1960s, but the buildings and passageways are in good shape. Besides the temple you can do a 2-hr horse tour passing a fantastic landscape (horse ride ¥150-200) or hike. ¥73.  
• 38.97160799.8980299 Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (Binggou Danxia) (张掖丹霞国家地质公园 (冰沟丹霞)) (bus from Zhangye Bus Station). Less colourful than the more famous Qicai Danxia, this one features columns of red rock (with some white bands), in two valleys. There's a network of trails accessing viewpoints in and around two different valleys. ¥40 entry + ¥20 bus fee.  (updated Nov 2017)
• 39.16574100.8287410 Pingshanhu Grand Canyon (平山湖大峡谷) (bus from the East Bus Station). More rock-based scenery. About 60 km northeast of Zhangye, this area supposedly resembles the Grand Canyon in Arizona. ¥100 Entry + ¥30 bus.  (updated Dec 2017)

• Swim in Hei river
• 38.9465100.40751 Heihe Wetland Park (黑河湿地公园), Suburbs of Ganzhou District. 07:00-18:00. Heihe Wetland is located in Heihe Wetland Park on the outskirts of Ganzhou District. It is a typical wetland ecosystem in desert areas, with well-protected swamp wetlands, lake wetlands and river wetlands, with a total area of about 20,200 mu. It is rich in biodiversity and is an important habitat for birds and other wild animals. There are bird-watching towers and other facilities in the wetland, where visitors can watch birds, hike, and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. 30.  (updated Dec 2024)

Some specialties of the Zhangye region include:

• Jujube. Zhangye's jujube is of excellent quality because of the area's abundant sunshine and fertile soil. It is known as the "sweet gift of the Silk Road".
• Hexi wool products. The Hexi area surrounding Zhangye produces high-quality wool. Wool products include scarves, blankets and traditional craft-woven carpets.
• Licorice. Zhangye licorice is famous for its high content of glycyrrhizic acid and pure taste, which is widely used in food seasoning and medicinal tea. Zhangye's licorice is usually made into slices, powders or tea bags.

During the day, give Qing Ming Street a try and during the night, give Xiaochichang (Little Eat Market) a try.

• 38.9275100.45051 Old Ganzhou Flavor Restaurant (老甘州风味馆), North Street, Ganzhou District. 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Old Ganzhou Flavor Restaurant is a restaurant based on traditional Ganzhou flavor, serving authentic Zhangye rubbed care. Zhangye rubbed cariar is a traditional handmade noodle, which is kneaded into a small fish-shaped dough with flour and water, which is named after its shape like a small fish. Usually with delicious mutton soup or vegetable soup, the soup is rich and the noodles are chewy, which is deeply loved by local people. This dish not only reflects the dietary characteristics of the northwest region, but also shows the wisdom and skill of local residents. 20-30.  (updated Dec 2024)
• 38.9275100.45052 Zhangye Northwest Restaurant (张掖大西北餐厅), Central Street, Ganzhou District. 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Zhangye Daxi Restaurant is famous for its authentic northwestern cuisine, and kang pot lamb chops are one of its signature dishes. Kang pot lamb chops is a specialty of the northwest region. Fresh lamb chops are put into the traditional kang pot with potatoes, onions and other ingredients, add a variety of spices, and cook over low heat. The lamb chops are charred on the outside and tender on the inside, and the potatoes are soft and glutinous, and the aroma is overflowing. This dish fully reflects the unique cooking style and rich regional customs of the northwest people for mutton. 60-100.  (updated Dec 2024)
• 38.928100.4523 Majia Noodle Restaurant (马家面馆), East Street, Ganzhou District. 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Majia Noodle Restaurant is a long-established noodle restaurant with many years of history, famous for its handmade noodles. Located on East Street, Ganzhou District, the store retains the traditional production process. Lentil noodles are one of its characteristics, which is well received by diners. Lentil noodles are a kind of handmade flat noodles with special lentil sauce. The sauce is made of fresh lentils, minced garlic, chili, etc., which is delicious and rich in texture. This dish is especially popular in summer. It is refreshing and delicious. 15-25.  (updated Dec 2024)

• Green barley wine (青稞酒), Specialty store in Ganzhou District. Green barley wine is a traditional wine brewed from plateau green barley, which has a long history. It has a rich aroma, a slight wheat flavor, and a moderate alcohol content. It is a very popular drink in Tibet. Green barley wine is not only a good wine for daily drinking, but also often used in celebrations and sacrificial activities, symbolizing auspiciousness and reunion. As a representative of the culture of the northwest and Tibetan regions, green barley wine has a unique flavor and is an excellent choice for gifts or tasting local customs. Many green barley wines are also integrated with modern packaging design, which not only retains traditional characteristics, but also is easy to carry. 50-200. (updated Dec 2024)
• Licorice tea (甘草茶), Zhangye Traditional Chinese Medicine Market. Licorice tea is a healthy drink made from Zhangye's specialty licorice, which is popular for its sweet and soft taste and medicinal value. Licorice tea has the effect of moistening the throat, detoxifying and conditioning the stomach and intestines, which is especially suitable for drinking in a dry climate. Zhangye's licorice is of excellent quality, so the licorice tea made tastes more mellow. Licorice tea is not only a good product for family daily health care, but also a special gift for relatives and friends. When purchasing, you can choose the form of bag, bulk or tea bag, which is convenient for use in different scenarios. 10-30. (updated Dec 2024)
• Handmade yogurt (手工酸奶), Ranch in Ganzhou District. Handmade yogurt is a major feature of Zhangye pastoral area. It is made of fresh milk or sheep's milk fermented, with a thick texture and moderate sweet and sourness. Traditional handmade yogurt is usually combined with honey, nuts or raisins to increase flavor and nutritional value. Handmade yogurt retains the natural flavor of dairy products, does not contain additives, and is a representative of a healthy diet. As a local specialty food, it reflects the lifestyle and food culture of the people in the pastoral area. 15-20. (updated Dec 2024)

• 38.937524100.459431 Huayi Hotel (Huayi Binguan), East Street (East of Xiaochichang (Close to Dico's, next door to the China Construction Bank)), ☏ +86 936 8242118. No English sign or English spoken but easy to find - opposite the pedestrian street, about 100 m east of the Drum Tower. It has two stone lions on either side of a revolving door. Twin rooms for ¥128 with free (wired) internet, TV, a/c and private bathroom, 24-hr hot water.  
• Zhongguang Hotel (Zhongguang Zhaodaisuo), Second Floor establishment, Xianfu Street (On the south corner of Minsheng West Street), ☏ +86 936 5985449.  
• 38.955186100.4349782 Zhangye Qicai Danxia International Youth Hostel (张掖七彩丹霞国际青年旅舍), No.182 HuanChengXi Road GanZhou District, ☏ +86-936-8588918, [email protected]. Dorm ¥50.  (updated Jul 2015)

• Honghao Hotel (Honghao Binguan), 11 Xianfu Street, ☏ +86 936 8250588.  
• 38.936814100.45953 Jindu Hotel (Jindu Binguan), 19 East Street, ☏ +86 936 8245088, fax: +86 936 8245122.  
• 38.9591100.4348164 Holiday Inn Express (智选假日酒店), 184 W. Huancheng Rd. New, clean, comfortable, western chain hotel. It's kind of isolated and there is not much within walking distance. The #4 bus has a stop immediately in front of the hotel that can take you to the city center. About ¥130 or $20USD per night.  (updated Jul 2019)

• 38.968968100.4230275 Zhangye Hotel (张掖酒店), ☏ +86 936 8212601, fax: +86 936 8213806.  
• 38.938513100.4678276 Huachen International Hotel (华辰国际大酒店), ☏ +86 936 8257777, fax: +86 936 8277667.  

• Minle, in Zhangye Prefecture
• Mati Temple - in the Tibetan town of Mati, more caves carved into a cliff.
• Qilian mountains
• Zhangye Danxia Landscape - 1-1½ hr by bus from the West Station.