Zhangye Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon Travel Guide

Scenic Area Overview Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon is located in Pingshan Lake Mongolian Township, Ganzhou District, Zhangye City, Gansu Province, about 56 kilometers from the city center. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The geological structure is mainly red-layer terrain, integrating Danxia, Yardang, and canyon wonders. It is known as a 'living geological history textbook' and was once called a natural wonder 'comparable to Zhangjiajie and as beautiful as the Grand Canyon' by 'China National Geography' magazine. The scenic area covers 100 square kilometers, with an altitude of 1500-2550 meters. The main colors are red, white, and ochre-red rock layers. The mountains have unique shapes, and the canyons are deep and steep, making it suitable for adventure and photography enthusiasts. Transportation Guide Self-driving/Charter: It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Zhangye city center. It is recommended to charter a car (cost about 500-700 yuan/day), especially when departing from places like Binggou Danxia, as the road conditions can be complex. Public Transportation: There is a shuttle bus from Zhangye West Bus Station (departing at 9:45, ticket price 14 yuan), but there is only one bus per day. The return time is 16:40, so plan accordingly. Tickets and Opening Hours Tickets: General tour (ticket + sightseeing bus) 130 yuan/person, the whole journey takes about 2.5-3 hours; In-depth tour (including adventure car, camel riding, etc.) 328 yuan/person, taking 3.5-4.5 hours. Opening Hours: Peak season (June-September) 07:30-18:30, off-season 08:30-17:30, the last entry time is 1 hour before closing. Core Attractions and Recommended Routes Viewing Platforms: The main viewing area is the No. 1 Viewing Platform, which includes four iconic landscapes: 'Nine Dragons Converge', 'General Stone', 'Turtle Asking the Beast', and 'Lovers Peak', the latter being famous for its resemblance to embracing lovers. Hiking Routes: General Tour: Recommended Route 3 'Lingzhi Valley', with magnificent red canyons along the way, ending with a climb of 388 spiral steps to the No. 4 Viewing Platform. In-depth Tour: Includes camel riding and adventure car experience, with a Western region style, suitable for visitors seeking unique experiences. Thrilling Challenge: 'One Line Sky' is narrow and steep, requiring a vertical climb of a 60-meter-high ladder (about 80 degrees incline). It is recommended for those with good physical strength. Practical Tips Equipment Recommendations: Wear non-slip shoes, bring sunscreen, sufficient water, and light food, as there are no supply points at the bottom of the valley. Safety Tips: Be cautious on the ladder section, and those with acrophobia or insufficient physical strength can choose to return the same way; be sure to exit the valley before dark to avoid getting lost. Photography Tips: The best lighting is at sunrise and sunset. It is recommended to take silhouette and rock layer detail photos at Lovers Peak and Lingzhi Valley. Accommodation and Dining Recommendations Accommodation: There is the Pingshan Lake Grassland Starry Sky Resort Camp (about 198 meters, 4.4 stars) near the scenic area, suitable for camping and stargazing; or choose hotels in Zhangye city and return the next day. Dining: Recommended Qilian Lamb Restaurant (Northwest cuisine) or Ganzhou Famous Eats, costing 60-95 yuan per person, where you can taste local hand-grabbed lamb and noodles. Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon is known for its primitive grandeur and adventurous fun, suitable for in-depth tourists with ample time. It is recommended to combine it with surrounding attractions like Zhangye Danxia for a 2-3 day Hexi Corridor trip!