Zhangye is located in northwest-central of Gansu Province, People's Republic of China, bordering Inner Mongolia to the north and Qinghai to the south. Zhangye is connected with Jiuquan area to the west and adjacent to Wuwei City and Jinchang city to the east, which makes it the joint point that links the northern and southern routes of the Old Silk Road. Zhangye is about 323 kilometers away from Xining.
►By Bus/Coach
One can catch a bus/coach at Xining Long-distance Bus Station (near to Xining Train Station) to arrive at Zhangye. The journey takes about 7 hours and it costs about ¥77.5. But to be noticed that there are only 3 buses every day leaving for Zhangye from the station and the bus leaves at 7:40 am, 9:00 am, 11:10 am. And you are supposed to book the ticket one to two days in advance., or the tickets are sometimes sold out. Exact times can change on a weekly/monthly basis, so definitely book the day before and double check times.
Or you can catch a "Xijing-Jiuquan" Coach, which will go by Zhangye and you can drop off at Zhangye. This is workable too.
The bus will arrive at Zhangye South Bus Station (on Huaicheng South Road). Then you can take Bus No.1, 3, 4, 9, or 11 from the bus station to the centre of town (Drum Tower) and costs ¥1.5.
►By Renting a Car
You can book a private car via a travel agency. It often offers chartering car service with a experienced driver and a English-speaking tour guide. It would be more comfortable on the way and more flexible on departure time. But the cost is much higher than taking a long-distance bus or coach.
Zhangye Danxia Platform is about 40 kilometers away from the downtown Zhangye. One can pay a visit to the famous scenic spot by taking a taxi from Zhangye downtown. The expense is reasonable.
The best time to visit Zhangye is from June to September, when the rainfall is relatively concentrated. During this period, it is moist and cool that makes people feel more comfortable during the journey.
4 Days Zhangye Danxia Landform Tour Attractions: Giant Buddha Temple, Wooden Pagoda Temple, Mati Temple Grottoes, Danxia Landform Park |