[2025 Sunan Attraction] Travel Guide for Mati Temple Scenic Area (Updated Jul)

⛪️ Mati Temple Grottoes, located in Gansu, China, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and culture. As someone who loves exploring ancient sites, I found this complex of caves and temples to be absolutely stunning. The intricate carvings and sculptures inside the grottoes are a testament to the incredible skill and artistry of the people who created them so many centuries ago. 🤩 One of the highlights of my visit to Mati Temple Grottoes was the opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible walks inside the rocks of these ancient structures. The attention to detail and dedication of the original artists is truly remarkable, and it's heartening to know that these cultural treasures are being preserved for future generations to enjoy. We stayed at a local hotel nearby, which was really nice to wake up and just walk to the temple. There are plenty of beautiful surrounding walk, and I would highly recommend going and walking up the many steps to the viewing platform opposite the stupas! Winner views!!! ⛰️ Overall, I highly recommend a visit to Mati Temple Grottoes for anyone traveling to Gansu. The combination of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty makes for a truly unforgettable experience. #roadtrip #tripleblazer #ancientlandmark

Pictures speak louder than words ✌️ How to get there: rental car from Xining (3h), best a 4 wheel drive as the last 5km are not good What’s to see: Nature, temple, local culture and horseback riding Costs: hotels are local, below 200RMb/night. For the horses we paid around 200/each for half day Time needed: full weekend What to look for: Go remote with the horses Don’t forget to bring your drone for some of these beautiful aerial shots 🛸 IG: andykoh_m8 #germaninchina #travellifestyle #aroundtheworld

Mati Temple was built in the Jin Dynasty, and features a series of grottoes that blend into the cliff face! In total there are 7 small grotto groups that stretch over 30km, and legend has it that this temple was so named because a sacred horse left a footprint in the rock here - which you can also see inside the temple!). Aside from the grottoes, the area itself is super beautiful, with lush greenery surrounding the entire area. 📍Mati Temple, Gansu Province, China #leaveyourmark

Ma Ti So horse hoof temple 马蹄寺。 Very famous destination for travelling. The built in the rock temple is admirable pattern of ancient master piece and spirit! The temple is 1600 years old. The narrow corridors in tiny rock smells like a mysterious secret place. The artifacts also are not usual, especially, that Buddha stature with another Buddha in a belly. To get there it is important to catch one bus from south bus station in Zhangye. Note: the bus schedule are varied from time to time, usually there are three morning busses: 7-25, 8-25, 9-25; but when we have arrived to buy the ticket we were told there is only one at 9-15 because there are not enough tourists. Futher, please, precise the information from the driver, where and when he will pick passengers for return trip If this only one bus will be missed, well... you have to think over your returning. The temperature difference could shock! At the night there snow fall had happened, we came with very warm clothes, but after noon it became more than 20+ degrees Celsius and we took off all clothes, even T-shirts. The surrounding landscape is beautiful, just very very beautiful. #tripaway#triplocal

#thousandbuddhatemple was constructed during the Yuan dynasty in 1271-1368. This temple, also carved out of the cliff face and pockmarked with thousands of tiny holes like a Swiss cheese mountain #zhangye #silkroad #happynewyear

Northwest Travel | Zhangye Horseshoe Temple Caves Horseshoe Temple is a tourist area that combines the art of grottoes, the scenery of Qilian Mountain and the Yugu people. The entire Horseshoe Temple is very large. If you want to play the entire scenic spot, it is estimated that it will take a day. Because of the time, we only selected a few more famous points. The Horseshoe Temple is not the same as an ordinary temple. It has no majestic treasure hall. There is no Qionglou Yuyu. It only has a labyrinth of caves in the upper and lower layers. huge cave temple complex, multiple cave statues carved on the stone walls

As a bright pearl on the ancient "Silk Road", Gansu Zhangye has formed a beautiful picture with unique western characteristics with its long history, splendid culture, beautiful mountains and rivers, and simple ethnic customs. Many people come to Gansu. I definitely want to go to the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes to see it. I dont know that there is a temple in the Jin Dynasty in Zhangye. This is the Horseshoe Temple. It is a collection of grotto art, religious culture, ethnic customs and natural scenery. It has been around for more than 1600 years. History, the Horseshoe Temple is named after the legendary Tianma has a horseshoe print here. The legendary horseshoe imprint is now in the Horseshoe Hall of Puguang Temple and becomes the treasure of the town temple. It consists of Shengguo Temple, Puguang Temple, Thousand Buddha Cave, Upper, Middle and Lower Guanyin Caves and Jinta Temple, which are distributed in more than 100 square kilometers.

The Horseshoe Temple, also known as the "Puguang Temple", was built in the Northern Liang Dynasty. It has a history of more than 1,500 years. Because of the obvious horseshoe imprint on the bluestone plate of the horseshoe temple of the temple, it is said that it is King Saars mount was left behind, so he got his name. The original scale of the Horseshoe Temple includes the Jinta Temple, the Thousand Buddha Cave, the North and South Horseshoe Temple, the Upper and Lower Guanyin Caves and other grottoes and monasteries. There are more than 70 grottoes. It is another group of grottoes in Gansu, which is second only to Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, Tianshui Maiji Mountain and Yongjing Bingling Temple. The temple feels very peaceful because it is located in the suburbs. This is a "temple" that subverts the image of a traditional temple in your heart. It does not have a strict temple, no ancient trees, no monks. Although it was destroyed, it can be seen through the residual statues and murals that it is a place of fragrant pilgrimage.

—From Lanzhou to Dunhuang, Unlock the Vastness and Splendor of the Northwest✨ 🚗 Daily Itinerary **Day 1: Lanzhou → Wushaoling → Tiantishan Grottoes → Leitai Han Tomb → Western Xia Museum → Wuwei** ✔️ **Tiantishan Grottoes**: The origin of Chinese grottoes, showcasing the primitive style of Northern Liang Buddhist art! ✔️ **Leitai Han Tomb**: Discover the authentic "Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow" (replica) and uncover the burial culture of Han Dynasty nobility! ✔️ **Western Xia Museum**: Artifacts from the Heishui City ruins, decoding the mysterious legacy of the Western Xia Dynasty! 🍜 **Stay in Wuwei**: Visit the Liangzhou Market Night Market—must-tries include lamb with rolled dough and the "Three-Course Meal" (noodles, braised meat, and almond tea)! **Day 2: Wuwei → Shandan Horse Ranch → Giant Buddha Temple → Zhangye** ✔️ **Shandan Horse Ranch**: Asia's largest horse ranch, lush green in summer—witness thousands of galloping horses! (Horseback riding available.) ✔️ **Giant Buddha Temple**: Home to a 34.5-meter indoor reclining Buddha, the largest in Asia, and legends of the "Western Xia Yipintang"! 🌃 **Stay in Zhangye**: Visit the Ganzhou Night Market for stir-fried dishes and sao noodles—full of local flavor! **Day 3: Zhangye → Mati Temple → Rainbow Danxia → Zhangye** ✔️ **Mati Temple**: Cliffside grottoes exploring Yugur culture—don’t miss the "Thirty-Three Heavens" Buddhist caves! ✔️ **Rainbow Danxia**: Capture sunset views like an oil painting! Recommended spots: Viewing Platform 4 (Rainbow Fan) and 6 (famous for its "Mazi Noodle Shop" angle). 📸 **Tips**: Wear bright colors for better photos! The shuttle bus costs 10 RMB one-way—don’t miss the sunset! **Day 4: Zhangye → Pingshanhu Grand Canyon → Jiayuguan Fort → Jiayuguan** ✔️ **Pingshanhu Grand Canyon**: A paradise for hikers! Take the "One-Line Sky" route for thrilling cliffside paths! ✔️ **Jiayuguan Fort**: Climb the "Mighty Pass" for views of the Qilian Mountains and snap a photo with the Overhanging Great Wall! 🌙 **Stay in Jiayuguan**: Try grilled meat with sand onions at Datang Food Street and explore the Tang Dynasty-themed night market! **Day 5: Jiayuguan → Shuangta Reservoir → Yulin Grottoes → Desert Baby → Dunhuang** ✔️ **Yulin Grottoes**: The sister caves of Mogao! Cave 25’s "Western Xia Water-Moon Guanyin" is stunning—join a guided tour! ✔️ **Desert Baby**: A giant infant sculpture in the Gobi—a striking contrast of desolation and tenderness (free to photograph)! 🚗 **Tips**: Stop by Shuangta Reservoir for its serene blue waters! **Day 6: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Lake** ✔️ **Mogao Caves**: With a Class A ticket, visit 8 caves! Book 30 days in advance and listen to stories of flying apsaras from guides! ✔️ **Singing Sand Dunes**: Enter after 4 PM—ride camels, sandboard, and watch the sunset! Optional desert camping with bonfire under the stars (extra fee). 🍹 **Must-try**: Apricot juice and Li Guang apricots at Dunhuang’s Shazhou Night Market! **Day 7: Dunhuang → Yumen Pass → Yangguan Pass → Yadan Devil City** ✔️ **Yumen Pass**: The historic site of "Spring Breeze Never Crosses Yumen Pass"—explore Xiaofangpan City and Hecang Fortress! ✔️ **Yangguan Pass**: Dress in Hanfu for epic "West of Yangguan" photos and visit the museum’s artifacts! ✔️ **Yadan Devil City**: Witness the sunset "Fleet Sailing" spectacle—bring snacks and water! **Day 8: Dunhuang → Departure**

Horseshoe prints in the snow reflect a Zen heart, and the clouds of Qilian Mountains part to reveal Buddha's light. Location Mati Temple is located in Sunan County, Zhangye, Gansu Province, about 65 kilometers from the city center. Nestled at the foot of the Qilian Mountains, it is a perfect destination combining stone grotto art, Qilian scenery, and Yugur ethnic culture. 🌟 Highlights 1. Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes: A seven-layered series of Buddhist caves carved into the cliffs. Climbing the steep stairs feels like ascending to the heavens. Inside, murals and statues from the Northern Wei to Ming and Qing dynasties are preserved. 2. Horseshoe Mark: The legendary "heavenly horse hoof print" within the temple, said to be left by the steed of King Gesar, located in the Dizang Hall of the Thousand Buddha Caves. 3. Qilian Secret Realm: Snow-capped mountains and grasslands in summer, vibrant autumn foliage. Nearby attractions include Jinta Temple (special grottoes require reservation). 📌 Practical Information Tickets: Peak season (May–October) ¥74, off-season ¥55; Jinta Temple requires an additional ¥300 ticket for special grottoes (includes guided tour). Transportation: Recommended to hire a car or drive yourself (about 1.5 hours from Zhangye). Some sections are mountain roads. Accommodation: Stay at the Yugur ethnic tent lodges within the scenic area for stargazing at night and snow mountain views in the morning. 💡 Tips The grotto stairs are narrow; wear non-slip shoes, and those with a fear of heights should be cautious. Respect Tibetan Buddhist customs; photography is prohibited inside the grottoes. Combine with Zhangye Danxia and Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon for a 2–3 day itinerary for the best experience. Mati Temple is not only a sacred Buddhist site but also a stunning visual blend of nature and culture—a cliffside Buddhist kingdom waiting for you to explore.

| A millennium-old sacred site on the cliff. "Not looking at the snow on the Qilian Mountains, mistaking Zhangye for Jiangnan." Hidden in the folds of the Hexi Corridor lies a sacred site on a cliff—the Matisi Grottoes. During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Guo Yu inherited his master's will, set up an altar in a quiet valley to teach, and carved grottoes for cultivation on Matisi Mountain. They never imagined that this refuge would later become a witness to the convergence of Confucian and Buddhist civilizations, preserving the spiritual homeland of scholars through the turbulent times of the Five Liang regimes. ✨ Who built this sacred place of faith that has lasted for a thousand years on the cliff? When the Buddha niches coexist with the landscape, a thousand years of time become a silent footnote～ 📸 Zhangye・Matisi Temple・Hexi Corridor・Listening to the call of the Qilian Mountains Big reveal of hidden experiences at Jinta Temple: advance phone reservation is required, with a daily limit of 40 visitors. Those planning to go must arrange their time in advance. Contact staff to report your license plate number for smooth access. If you are coming from afar, it is highly recommended to visit Jinta Temple as well. The scenery along the way from Matisi Temple to Jinta Temple is a visual feast that you absolutely cannot miss. The mystical road to Jinta Temple: On the way to Jinta Temple, vast layers of spruce trees overlap, and the grasslands that are not yet fully green look like a natural velvet carpet casually spread out. Lambs grazing with their heads down create a charming contrast with the silent snow-capped mountains in the distance. Even local drivers can’t help but praise: "Coming here to escape the summer heat cools both the eyes and the heart～" 🚗 Travel Tips 👭 Girls traveling together by chartered car have more flexibility, can stop anytime for beautiful views, and take photos to their heart’s content. 🚙 You can ask staff to recommend a chartered driver. Experienced drivers can arrange the trip worry-free and help you manage your time well so you don’t miss the first afternoon guided tour at Jinta Temple. 💴 Cost Reference: Matisi Temple + Jinta Temple Special Grotto + Chartered Car ≈ 585 RMB, with Jinta Temple East and West Special Grottoes costing 300 RMB. Although the price is a bit high, as a cultural treasure, it is definitely worth seeing. ⚠️ Special Reminder: Only the East and West grottoes remain at Jinta Temple; the others have collapsed. It was officially opened to the public in 2023, with opening times yet to be determined. When you pass through the narrow passage into the grotto, sunlight filters through the colored windows, illuminating the half-relief V-shaped high-relief painted sculptures of flying apsaras, their robes seeming to flutter in the wind. This artistic miracle predates the Mogao Grottoes by 300 years. Seeing it once is enough to etch it into your memory. Local Cuisine - **Yugur Ethnic Flavor**: Hand-pulled lamb and roasted whole lamb are traditional Yugur dishes, with tender and nutritious lamb. - **Farmhouse Dishes**: Around Matisi Temple, farmhouse restaurants offer authentic local dishes such as stir-fried potato slices and stewed tofu, made with fresh ingredients and original flavors. - **Special Drinks**: Yugur milk tea warms the body and drives away cold, along with barley wine. There is also original yogurt, which is very sour but delicious. - **Other Delicacies**: Zhangye’s specialty noodles, Youmian Kaolaolao, have a chewy texture and are delicious with vinegar sauce or lamb soup. Niangpi is thin as cicada wings, refreshing and tasty. Lamb paomo is also a must-try local delicacy. Photos and text sourced from the internet; please notify for removal if there is any infringement. #ZhangyeTravel #MatisiGrottoes #HexiCorridor #JintaTempleSpecialGrotto #QilianMountainScenery

Stroll through the colorful Danxia landscapes of Zhangye and marvel at nature's masterpiece🌈; listen to the thousand-year-old Buddhist chants in the grottoes of Mati Temple🙏; and feel your spirits soar at the majestic grandeur of Jiayuguan Great Wall💪... / No matter what kind of trip you desire, local Trip.com guide Ren E can customize it for you✅! / 👭👬Traveling with friends? Choose👉 Economy 5-seater (accommodates 4), with models like Volkswagen Lavida or similar—low fuel consumption, moderate luggage space, perfect for a light and easy journey! 🤼‍♂️🤼‍♀️Team building? We offer 4 options👇 1️⃣Business 7-seater (accommodates 6), featuring models like Buick GL8 or similar—spacious and comfortable with ample luggage space, ideal for small group outings. 2️⃣9-seater minibus (accommodates 8), suggested models like SAIC Maxus V80 9-seater—moderate passenger capacity with larger luggage space, great for teams carrying more equipment. 3️⃣19-seater coach (accommodates 18), featuring models like Yutong 19-seater—perfect for medium-to-large groups, ensuring comfortable seating and sufficient luggage space for all. 4️⃣(Note: Original data only listed 3 vehicle types. For a 4th option, consider adding "luxury sedan" or "full-size bus" based on actual needs, describing their features and suitable scenarios.) 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Family trip? We recommend👉 Business 7-seater or 9-seater minibus (depending on family size), offering spacious interiors and ample luggage room for a joyful family adventure!🌟 💼📈Business meetings? We recommend👉 Business 7-seater (Buick GL8 or similar)—premium and professional, providing a comfortable mobile meeting space to facilitate successful negotiations.🚀 / 🚩Our Commitment 🕰 We meticulously design itineraries covering nine iconic attractions while offering flexible private customization for your unique journey. Enjoy our guide's attentive 24/7 service throughout—answering questions promptly to ensure a worry-free, delightful experience.👨‍💼

🌄In the flow of time, travel is a romantic encounter with the world. Each journey into the unknown adds a unique color to life. This May, I packed my bags and headed to Zhangye for an adventure full of surprises and excitement. Now, I'm sharing this carefully curated 3-day, 2-night travel guide to Zhangye in May with you!✨ 🗺3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival in Zhangye - Great Buddha Temple - Ganzhou Market Morning: After arriving in Zhangye, head to your hotel to check in and rest. The Great Buddha Temple is a must-see, home to the largest indoor reclining Buddha in Asia. Its solemnity inspires awe and allows you to experience the fusion of history and Buddhist culture. Noon: Enjoy local delicacies at a restaurant near the Great Buddha Temple. Afternoon: Head to Ganzhou Market, a lively place filled with various local snacks and handicrafts. Stroll around, eat, and experience the local life of Zhangye. Day 2: Rainbow Danxia - Binggou Danxia Morning: Head to the Rainbow Danxia scenic area and take a sightseeing bus to visit the four viewing platforms. Admire the wonders of nature. This is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, where every view is breathtaking. We recommend the No. 2 viewing platform for a panoramic view and the No. 4 viewing platform for the best sunset views. Noon: Have lunch at the restaurant in the scenic area, or bring your own snacks and water. Afternoon: Head to Binggou Danxia. Unlike the colorful Rainbow Danxia, this area is known for its majestic shapes, resembling a natural sculpture museum. Day 3: Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon - Return to the City Morning: Head to Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, hike deep into the valley, and experience the thrilling trails such as "A Thread of Sky" and "Cloud Ladder" to feel the awe-inspiring power of nature. Noon: Have lunch near the scenic area. Afternoon: Return to the city and prepare for your return trip, ending your pleasant journey in Zhangye. 🍱Must-Try Foods: - Beef Xiaofan: Noodles cut into the size of rice grains, served with delicious beef broth and tofu. The unique taste warms the stomach with every bite. We recommend "Wu Ji Beef Xiaofan." - Braised Pork Fried Pao: Noodles shaped like firecrackers, stir-fried with braised pork, green peppers, and other ingredients. The aroma is rich, and the texture is chewy. "Sun Ji Fried Pao" is worth a try. - Cuo Yu Zi: Handmade small fish-shaped noodles that can be mixed or served in soup. The stir-fried Cuo Yu at "Miao Shi Juan Zi Ji" is very unique. - Mutton Dianguanzi: Mutton stewed until tender and flavorful, with the noodles fully absorbing the mutton broth. The dish is fresh and delicious. This dish at "Tianyu Luerjia Hotel" is widely praised. - Sugar Oil Cake: Glutinous rice fried and wrapped in brown sugar. The outer skin is crispy, and the inside is soft and glutinous, sweet and delicious. You can buy it at street stalls. - Gray Bean Soup: Black beans cooked until soft, with brown sugar and red dates added. It's a sweet and refreshing local drink perfect for beating the summer heat. 🏠Accommodation Recommendations: - City Area: - High-End: Huachen International Hotel (4-star, No. 162, East Street), Runhu Holiday Hotel (4-star, No. 109, Renzong Road), with complete facilities and attentive service. - Cost-Effective: Quanji Hotel (West Railway Station Branch), Pinzun International Hotel (near West Railway Station), moderately priced and convenient for travel, approx. CNY 300–500/night. It is recommended to book 1 month in advance for holidays such as Labor Day. - Around Scenic Areas: - Rainbow Danxia: Homestays in Danxiakou Cultural Tourism Town (such as Danxia Mingzhu Inn), with excellent locations for watching the sunrise and sunset. - Shandan Army Horse Ranch: Huaixi Town Wooden Villas, where you can experience the romance of the stars on the prairie. 💡Travel Tips: - In Zhangye in May, the temperature is around 10–25℃, with a large temperature difference between day and night. Remember to bring warm clothes such as windproof jackets and thin sweaters🧥. - The ultraviolet rays in Zhangye are strong, so be sure to bring sunglasses🕶, sunscreen, hats, and other sun protection products. - The attractions in Zhangye are scattered, so it is recommended to choose a chartered car for convenient and fast travel. You can also take the scenic area shuttle bus. Check the bus schedule and times online in advance. - Some scenic spots are at high altitudes, so be careful to avoid strenuous exercise to prevent altitude sickness. 🎈Zhangye, a charming city, has magnificent natural scenery, profound historical culture, and mouth-watering food. Every landscape and every taste is intoxicating and unforgettable. I hope you can also set foot on this magical land, start your own wonderful journey, and gain many beautiful memories💕

This is also a point on the journey to conquer the silk road on my recent trip.

Escape the crowded tourist hotspots! Combining the latest travel trends and in-depth traveler reports, we've handpicked 10 niche destinations with stunning scenery. These destinations boast breathtaking natural wonders, vibrant local cultures, and unique experiences untouched by 99% of tourists. --- I. Natural Wonders: The Palette Dropped by God 1️⃣ Yunnan: Nanjiluo 📍 Weixi County, Diqing | 🌸 Highlights: 3,000 acres of alpine rhododendron blossoms in the depths of the Hengduan Mountains, and original Lisu villages 📌 Things to do: Hike through the misty forests at an altitude of 4,000m. The flower season peaks from May to June. Only 200 visitors are allowed per day, so book in advance. Brew a pot of roasted tea in a Tibetan tent camp in the early morning. When the sea of clouds rolls in, you'll feel like you're on Pandora from Avatar. 2️⃣ Guizhou: Jiabang Terraces 📍 Congjiang County, Qiandongnan | 🌾 Highlights: A more untamed agricultural epic than the Yuanyang Terraces 📌 Highlights: During the irrigation period in May, the terraces reflect the sky like mirrors. Hike through 25 km of original terraces, visit Miao villages, and experience the traditional farming of "rice and fish soup." The Dangniu Village viewing platform in the morning mist is a prime spot for photography. At night, you can stay in a stilted building and listen to the sounds of frogs and insects. 3️⃣ Inner Mongolia: Ulan Hada Volcano Cluster 📍 Ulanqab | 🌋 Highlights: Black lava volcanoes on the grasslands, starry skies, and the Milky Way 📌 Experience: A 5-hour drive from Beijing. Camp at Volcano No. 5 and photograph star trails and the Milky Way at night. When the grasslands turn green in June, the scene of herdsmen moving their livestock is like a flowing oil painting. --- II. Cultural Havens: Time Capsules Through the Millennia 4️⃣ Gansu: Zhangye Danxia 📍 Zhangye | 🎨 Highlights: World-class Danxia landforms, filming location for The Sun Also Rises 📌 Things to do: Capture the "Burning Red Cliff" spectacle at the No. 4 viewing platform of the colorful Danxia at sunset, and explore the Sunan Mati Temple Grottoes (a 1,300-year-old suspended Buddhist temple). 5️⃣ Shaanxi: Ganquan Yucha Grand Canyon 📍 Ganquan County, Yan'an | 🌀 Highlights: The Chinese version of Antelope Canyon, with red sandstone ripples and light 📌 Tips: The moss is greenest after rain in June. Avoid the peak crowds at 11am on weekends, and bring a polarizing filter to capture the magical light. --- III. Islands and Lakes: Isolated Blue Dreams 6️⃣ Fujian: Yushan Island 📍 Fuding, Ningde | 🌊 Highlights: A magical island where ten thousand acres of grassland coexist with a heavenly lake 📌 Experience: Wait for the sunrise by Tianhu Lake, hike along the island's boardwalk and encounter wild goat herds, and taste freshly caught seaweed soup and mussel sashimi in May. 7️⃣ Tibet: Mount Sepu 📍 Biru County, Nagqu | ❄️ Highlights: The king of the Bon religion's sacred mountains, a symphony of glaciers and holy lakes 📌 Hidden Gems: The flower sea at the foot of the mountain blooms in July. You can hike to the shore of Samutso Lake and observe the spectacle of glaciers calving up close. A 4x4 is required to traverse 50 km of unpaved roads. --- IV. Cultural Ancient Towns: Poetic Habitats Untouched by Commercialization 8️⃣ Yunnan: Jianshui Ancient City 📍 Honghe Prefecture | 🚂 Highlights: The last slow-paced living fossil in southern Yunnan 📌 Things to do: Take the century-old meter-gauge railway train (Lin'an Station - Tuanshan Station), check out the barbecue tofu featured in A Bite of China, and photograph the ink-wash-like reflections on the Double Dragon Bridge in the early morning. 9️⃣ Xinjiang: Xiata Ancient Trail 📍 Zhaosu County, Ili | 🏔️ Highlights: An epic hiking route that integrates snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and canyons 📌 Tips: Wildflowers are everywhere in May. Ride a horse through the Xiata River Valley, visit Kyrgyz herdsmen's homes, and experience horse milk wine with dried meat. 🔟 Qinghai: Kanbula 📍 Huangnan Prefecture | 🏞️ Highlights: A collision of Danxia peaks and the clear waters of the Yellow River 📌 Hidden Gems: Take a boat trip on the Lijiaxia Reservoir. The red rocks and blue waters are comparable to the Colorado River. Capture the spectacle of the "Plateau Flaming Mountains" with a drone. --- 🌟 Reverse Travel TIPS for 2025 - Transportation: Prioritize high-speed rail + car rental combinations (such as direct high-speed rail to Zhangye and Jianshui). For remote areas, it is recommended to follow a professional guide. - Accommodation: Choose Tibetan tents in Nanjiluo, Miao stilted buildings in Jiabang Terraces, and fishermen's B&Bs on Yushan Island. - Food: Jianshui steam pot chicken, Ganquan buckwheat noodles, Kanbula yak yogurt, Xiata horse meat Naren - Equipment: Prepare oxygen cylinders in high-altitude areas, and bring tripods and polarizing filters for Danxia/canyon photography

If you're looking for a natural getaway, Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon is a must-visit destination. **Best Travel Time** [Best Season to Visit] May to October (July and August offer the most beautiful grasslands but attract more tourists; September and October feature stunning autumn scenery with fewer visitors) Winter offers breathtaking snow views, but some areas may be closed. [Itinerary] Morning Session: 07:40 - Pick-up service 09:00 - Visit Matisi (Mati Temple) 12:30 - Return to the city Afternoon Session: 13:40 - Pick-up service 14:50 - Visit Matisi (Mati Temple) 19:30 - Return to the city [Attractions] Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes: This seven-tiered, twenty-one-cave grotto is carved into a hundred-meter cliff in the shape of a pagoda, a masterpiece of Chinese grotto architecture. Inside, you'll find precious statues and murals from the Northern Wei to Qing Dynasty. Climbing the nearly vertical passageways offers a unique experience. The grottoes house 19 niches, each with distinct scenery and cultural significance. Ascending from bottom to top, the journey is challenging yet rewarding, with stone steps and murals reflecting the passage of time and the legacy of Buddhist culture. At the summit, you can overlook the entire scenic area and the distant Qilian Mountains, immersing yourself in a breathtaking view that feels like a fairyland. Gesar King Palace: Located on a grassland within the Matisi scenic area, this site offers a panoramic view of the Qilian Mountains. It houses statues and relics of Gesar King, a figure in Tibetan Buddhism, along with a stupa. It's an excellent spot to learn about Tibetan culture while enjoying the grassland scenery and distant mountain views. Jinta Temple (Advance Booking Required): Highlights: Features rare "high-relief" flying apsara sculptures, comparable in artistic value to those in Dunhuang. Daily visitor limits apply (usually requires booking three days in advance). [Photography Tips] Sunrise Spot: Observation deck on the east side of Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes Starry Sky Spot: Matisi Square (clear views of the Milky Way during summer)

|The most comprehensive guide to a 6-day trip to Dunhuang from Xi'an. 🚩General route: Xi'an→🚝Zhangye (D1)→🚗Jiayuguan (D2)→🚗Guazhou (D3)→🚗Dunhuang (D4-5)→🚝Xi'an (D6) 🟩DAY1: Xi'an - Zhangye - Dafo Temple - Zhangye 🔸In the morning, take Xi'an to Zhangye West, and arrive in about 6 hours. 🔸Afternoon: Visit the Big Buddha Temple (about 2 hours). The 34.5-meter reclining Buddha in the Xixia Buddhist complex is a must-see. It must be explained! ! ‌ 🔸‌Evening‌: If you live in downtown Zhangye, you can go to Ganzhou Market or Drum Tower to taste fish noodles, fried cannonballs, etc. ———————— 🟩DAY2: Zhangye-Mati Temple-Colorful Danxia-Jiayuguan 🔸Drive along Zhangsu Highway and arrive at Mati Temple before 9 am. Tour route three is more cost-effective, including the first gate ticket, and visiting Thousand Buddha Caves - Special Cave - North Temple in sequence. 🔸At noon, taste the special food of Yugu people near Mati Temple, such as fat-wrapped liver, hand-pulled lamb, fried firecrackers, butter tea and fried noodles, etc. 🔸Depart for Danxia before 13:00. The colorful Danxia is known as "one of the seven most beautiful Danxia landforms in China." It is recommended to enter the park after 16:00, enter from the west entrance, and focus on visiting the No. 2 (Colorful Screen) and No. 4 Observation Deck (best for sunset). Wear bright-colored clothes (red/yellow) for better photos; 🔸 Leave after 20:30 and go to Jiayuguan to check in; recommend "Yanjing BBQ" (local time-honored brand, yellow noodles + BBQ), hand-pulled lamb can choose "Zhou Ji" or "Axia" ———————— 🟩‌D3: Jiayuguan→Jiayuguan Pass→The First Tower of the Great Wall→Guazhou‌ 🔸In the morning, head to Jiayuguan Pass: the western starting point of the Great Wall of Ming Dynasty, known as "the most majestic pass in the world". After the Guancheng was renovated, it was very photogenic to take photos here. 🔸At noon, visit the first tower of the Great Wall (about 1 hour) 🔸Depart for Guazhou at 14:00 (3 hours’ drive), where you can enjoy the Gobi scenery from afar; stay in Guazhou County. You can try the donkey meat yellow noodles. ———————— 🟩D4: Guazhou → Son of the Earth → Yadan Ghost City → Dunhuang 🔸Morning: 8:00 Visit the "Son of the Earth" sculpture (free, 0.5 hours) 🔸‌Noon‌: Drive to Dunhuang (2 hours), and make a brief stop at the Suoyang City Ruins. 🔸Afternoon: After arriving in Dunhuang at 14:00, head to Yadan Ghost City (Dunhuang West Line, 2h drive) and enter 2 hours before sunset. 🔸Then return to Dunhuang city to check in. Go to Shazhou Night Market to taste donkey meat yellow noodles, mutton stewed cakes, stuffed skin and other delicacies. ———————— 🟩D5: Dunhuang → Mogao Grottoes → Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Lake 🔸Morning: Mogao Grottoes (normal tickets must be booked 30 days in advance). It is recommended to choose the 8:00 show, watch the movie first and then visit the caves. You can choose to visit the special caves by yourself. 🔸Afternoon: Enter Mingsha Mountain after 16:00 to avoid the high temperature period; ride a camel to Crescent Lake (about 1 hour), and climb to the top of the sand mountain to watch the sunset. Overnight in Dunhuang. ———————— 🟩D6: Dunhuang 🚝Xi'an If you still have time, you can buy cultural and creative souvenirs or visit the Dunhuang Museum (free). Then return.

Mati Ecological and Cultural Tourism Area On the vast land of the northwest, at the foot of the Qilian Mountains, lies a dazzling gem - Mati Temple. It is like a treasure box sealed by time, hiding thousand-year-old grottoes and endless beautiful scenery, waiting for people to embark on this surprising treasure journey. Mati Temple, also known as Puguang Temple, was built during the Northern Liang period of the Sixteen Kingdoms in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and has a history of over 1600 years. It is a tourist destination that integrates grotto art, Qilian Mountain scenery, and ethnic customs. Entering the Mati Temple scenic area, the first thing that catches your eye is the orderly grotto group, which is embedded in the steep cliffs like a beehive, exuding a mysterious atmosphere. The Thousand Buddha Cave is one of the must-see attractions. Standing in front of the cave, looking up at the niches carved into the cliffs, one cannot help but admire the wisdom and perseverance of the ancients. Inside the cave, there is a central pillar, slender and tall, reaching the top of the cave. At the base of the central pillar, there are four layers of statues on each of the four sides. Each Buddha statue is vividly carved, as if telling stories of the past. The murals on the walls, though some are already mottled, still retain their bright colors. Upon close inspection, one can see images of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and the Eighteen Arhats, making one feel as if they have traveled through time to the flourishing era of Buddhism. The most awe-inspiring is the 'Thirty-Three Heavens' Buddha Cave. From a distance, it looks like a mysterious aerial pavilion embedded in the cliff. The 'Thirty-Three Heavens' grotto was carved during the Yuan Dynasty, 42 meters above the ground, with five layers and a total of 21 caves, structured smaller at the top and larger at the bottom, resembling a pagoda. As you climb the narrow stone steps, you feel both nervous and excited. Each layer of the cave has its own unique charm, with two types of cave structures: one with a gabled roof and the other with a four-sided sloping roof. Standing at the highest Guanyin Pavilion, overlooking the entire scenic area, you can see mountains, pines, and streams, feeling a sense of joy after conquering the climb, and being amazed by the ancient craftsmen's exquisite skills. Besides the astonishing grotto art, the natural scenery around Mati Temple is also picturesque. The streams in the scenic area are crystal clear, flowing gently, as if playing a beautiful natural symphony. On the grass by the stream, iris and cosmos flowers bloom freely, colorful and vibrant, like a sea of flowers. The distant mountains are undulating, the pines are lush and green, complementing the ancient grottoes, forming a stunning landscape painting. At Mati Temple, you can also experience rich ethnic customs. The melodious songs of the Yugur people, their traditional costumes with bright colors and exquisite patterns, showcase their unique ethnic culture.

The Qingming Festival holiday is here! This two-day tour of Zhangye will take you on a journey through the Danxia landforms and the magnificent scenery of the Northwest! This super practical guide covers everything from itinerary planning to food recommendations. Save it now and start your Zhangye adventure! -- **Recommended Spots**: ✨Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Nantai Village, Ni Jiaying Town, Linze County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province Opening hours: March 21 to April 27, 06:00–18:00 Suggested visit duration: 3–5 hrs Zhangye Colorful Danxia, nature's palette, where Danxia landforms and colorful hills interweave to create a dreamlike spectacle. 🏞️Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Pingshanhu Township, Ganzhou District, Zhangye City, Gansu Province Opening hours: 08:00–20:30 Suggested visit duration: 3–5 hrs Explore the Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, a maze-like canyon landscape with peculiar peaks and forests, as if you've stepped into a magical world. 🛕Mati Temple Scenic Spot ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Mati Tibetan Township, Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye City Opening hours: 08:30–18:00 Suggested visit duration: 2–3 hrs Experience the magical splendor of Mati Temple, where grottoes, Buddha statues, and Tibetan Buddhist temples blend seamlessly, showcasing a rich cultural heritage. -- Some tips: - Airport transportation: Zhangye Ganzhou Airport is easily accessible. Check flight schedules before departure. 🛫 - Photo spots: Colorful Danxia and Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon are incredibly beautiful and must-sees! 📸 - Food recommendations: Try the local beef noodle soup and Sun Ji Chao Pao (stir-fried meat and vegetables). They're delicious! 🍴 - March weather: There's a large temperature difference between day and night, so remember to bring a thick coat and moisturizer. 🧣🧴 -- Group tours in Zhangye are easy and fun! Don't wait any longer. Book a spontaneous trip now! 🎉🎉🚀

【20-Character Title🌟】 Zhangye Fantasy Tour 🏜️ | Danxia Feast + Carb Frenzy, Silk Road Taste Explosion! 🍜🐫 --- ### **🌄Zhangye Travel Guide** **1. Must-See Attractions🔥** - **Rainbow Danxia🌈**: God's paint palette overturned! 🎨 - **How to play**: Capture the "Burning Danxia" at sunset🌅, Viewing Platform 4 is the most stunning! Tickets are 75 yuan💰, the sightseeing bus is a must🚌 - **Tips**: Wear solid-colored clothing👗 for amazing photos! Bring sunscreen🌞 + sunglasses🕶️, UV index is MAX! - **Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon⛰️**: China's "Colorado"! - **In-depth tour**: 3-hour hike🚶♂️ to explore "A Thread of Sky", climbing the cloud ladder is super thrilling💪 (Tickets 130 yuan including off-road vehicle🚙) - **Lazy version**: Choose the regular tour (100 yuan), easily capture the panoramic view of the canyon📸 - **Mati Temple🏯**: Cliffside grottoes + snow-capped mountains in the same frame! - **Highlight**: Climb the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes using both hands and feet🧗♀️, enjoy a distant view of the Qilian Mountains🏔️ (Tickets 67 yuan) - **Hidden spot**: Take photos of Tibetan stupas🛕 + prayer flags🎏 on the grassland outside the temple - **Giant Buddha Temple🕌**: Stunning treasures of the Western Xia Dynasty! - Asia's largest indoor reclining Buddha😴 (34.5 meters long!), tickets 40 yuan, a must-see for history buffs📜 --- ### **🍜Zhangye Food Guide** **1. Carb Bomb Incoming💣** - **Cuo Yuzi Noodles🍜**: Chewy noodles shaped like small fish! - Local way to eat: Pair with stir-fried eggplant and chili peppers🌶️ + braised meat🥓, recommend "Sun Ji Chao Pao" 15 yuan/bowl, so delicious you'll lick the plate! - **Chao Bo La🔥**: Iron plate lamb offal feast! - Night market top pick🌟 (Ganzhou Market/Xinhua International), stir-fried lamb liver + tripe + onions, served with steamed buns and dipping sauce🍺, 30 yuan per person for a full meal! - **Lamb Dian Juan Zi🐑**: Meat lover's paradise! - Braised lamb + small steamed buns soaked in gravy💦, recommend "Lao Zhou Chao Bo La", 88 yuan/serving enough for 3 people! **2. Snacks & Desserts🍡** - **Hui Dou Tang🫘**: Zhangye's version of "red bean paste", thick and slightly sweet (5 yuan/bowl) - **Apricot Skin Tea🥤**: Sour and refreshing! Look for the "Liu Yingying" store, chilled + dried apricot meat is a perfect match❄️ - **You Gao🍘**: Glutinous rice filled with brown sugar and deep-fried, 1 yuan/piece at the morning market, best eaten hot! **3. Souvenir Recommendations🎁** - **Linze Jujube🌰**: Small pit, thick flesh, perfect for porridge or tea! (20 yuan/500g) - **Zhangye Ginger Beer🍺**: 0-alcohol ginger soda, a must-try for the curious! (8 yuan/bottle) - **Danxia-themed Fridge Magnets🗿**: Colorful sandstone design, 15 yuan/piece, full of commemorative value💖 --- ### **⚠️Important Notes** 1. No drones❌, no stepping on rock formations inside the Danxia Geopark, fines and warnings will be issued‼️ 2. Large temperature difference between day and night🌡️ (Summer: 15℃ in the morning and evening → 35℃ at noon), bring a light down jacket + sun protection clothing🧥 3. The food is quite strong🌶️, those with sensitive stomachs should bring medicine💊, no outside pork allowed in halal restaurants! 4. Taxis are cheap in the city area🚖 (starting price 5 yuan), but chartering a car/joining a tour is recommended for Danxia (200 yuan/day) --- A thousand years of the Silk Road at a glance👀, Zhangye - the madness of the Northwest, the god of carbs! 🎉🚀

Mati Temple｜Sanskrit sound of ancient temple on the cliff outside the thirty-three heavens In terms of Buddhist statues and murals, it cannot catch up with other famous caves, but you can climb the ancient paths left over from the cave-drilling period. Feel the remaining walls up close and marvel at the courage and wisdom of our predecessors. At first I was confused as to why people carved the caves in such a dangerous place. After reading the explanation, I realized that it was the place closest to the sky. After more than 1,600 years of sedimentation, this grotto, which was excavated by Guo Yu, a famous scholar of the Former Liang Dynasty, to lead his disciples to practice in seclusion and concentrate on learning in order to avoid the chaos of the world, still stands quietly. Together with the snow on the Qilian Mountains next to it that never melts all year round, it tells people the piety of the ancients who tried to stay close to their faith after the change of dynasties. The world is vast, and people are so insignificant.

The city of Zhangye is truly underrated, and we will definitely visit again. Besides the Rainbow Mountains, Mati Temple is often overlooked on typical tourist itineraries. Our first impression of Mati Temple was simply stunning! Don't miss it when you visit the Hexi Corridor! Experience the faith and wisdom of people who carved these caves out of the mountains 1,600 years ago. Dynasties change, but the Buddha remains. Attraction Introduction Mati Temple is one of the four great Hanging Temples, but compared to the Hanging Temple of Hengshan in Datong, Shanxi, I was even more amazed by Mati Temple. Mati Temple—officially known as the Mati Temple Grottoes, is a large complex containing several attractions, including the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes, Thousand Buddha Caves, and Golden Pagoda Temple. Basic Tour: Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes + Thousand Buddha Caves In-depth Tour Route: Thousand Buddha Caves - Prayer Bridge - Thousand Buddha Caves No. 1-4 Grottoes (Special Grottoes) - Mati Temple North Grottoes - Golden Pagoda Temple East and West Grottoes (Special Grottoes)

🌆 Zhangye Mati Temple is a temple integrating grotto art, Qilian Mountains scenery, and Tibetan customs. It is located in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Gansu Province, about 65 km from Zhangye City. It takes about an hour to drive from downtown Zhangye to Mati Temple. 📖 Mati Temple was first built during the Northern Liang Dynasty, more than 1,600 years ago. It is one of the three major Buddhist art treasures in the Hexi Corridor (along with the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang and the Yulin Grottoes in Anxi). The scenic area consists of several grotto clusters, including the Thousand Buddha Caves, Puguang Temple (Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes), Tibetan Buddha Hall, and Horseshoe Temple, integrating the cultural characteristics of Han Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism. 🐎 Legend has it that King Gesar's celestial horse left a horseshoe print here, hence the name "Mati Temple" (Horseshoe Temple). The horseshoe print is now preserved in the Horseshoe Temple and is the temple's most treasured relic. 🌟 Thousand Buddha Caves. Drive from the city center and park in the visitor center parking lot outside the scenic area. After purchasing tickets, continue driving for about 100 meters to reach the Thousand Buddha Caves. The Thousand Buddha Caves consist of more than 500 cliffside Buddhist pagoda niches, grand in scale, mostly excavated during the Yuan and Ming Dynasties. They are divided into three sections: south, middle, and north. The south and middle sections mainly consist of grottoes, while the north section is a relief stone pagoda forest, a place for monks to meditate or store relics. Climbing the Thousand Buddha Caves is relatively easy. 🌟 Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes. Continue driving to another parking lot. After parking, walk into the mountains for about 20 minutes to reach the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes. This is the landmark building of Mati Temple, consisting of 21 grottoes on 7 levels, excavated in the shape of a pagoda on a 100-meter-high red sandstone cliff. Reaching the top requires passing through narrow passages and hanging ladders, symbolizing the "path to liberation" in Buddhism. After reaching the top, you can overlook the scenery of the Qilian Mountains. People who are afraid of heights should be cautious, as the grottoes' tour route is entirely on the cliff. Although there are sufficient protective measures, it still looks quite high. ⏰ Visiting time: It is recommended to spend 3–4 hours visiting the main attractions, such as the Thousand Buddha Caves and the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes. Because the grottoes are built on cliffs, many of the escalators are narrow and only allow one-way traffic. Therefore, waiting times can be long during peak season. 👔 Clothing and equipment: In many places, you can wear whatever you like for sightseeing, as long as it looks good in photos. Here, however, you must be prepared for climbing. Because the escalators between the upper and lower levels of the grottoes are narrow and steep, it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes and carry a light backpack. 🎫 Tickets: Basic tickets include the Thousand Buddha Caves and the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes. There is an extra charge for driving into the scenic area. Like the Mogao Grottoes and Maijishan Grottoes, there are special grottoes available for viewing here, but the price is higher, and the tour takes longer. This depends on your budget, preferences, and travel time. Original content. Likes and follows are appreciated!

Traveling in the off-season is always a great way to discover hidden gems! This time, we took advantage of the free admission to some attractions in Gansu Province during the winter off-season and visited Matisi Temple in Zhangye. While others flocked to popular attractions to enjoy the peak season scenery, we had a unique and tranquil experience here!~ 💕Personal experience As soon as our chartered car entered the scenic area, we were enveloped by the cold air. Unlike the bustling crowds of the peak season, it was so quiet that we could only hear our footsteps and the occasional sound of the wind. Walking along the winding mountain road, the snow-covered mountains on both sides glistened in the sunlight, like a natural ink painting. The most impressive part of Matisi Temple is undoubtedly the spectacular grottoes, with the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes being the absolute highlight!~ From a distance, it looks like a pagoda embedded in the steep cliff, with seven floors, each with a Buddha niche. Climbing up the narrow and steep stone steps, we were cautious with every step, fearing that we might slip on the icy ground, yet full of anticipation. Inside the grottoes, the statues of Buddha were solemn and dignified, some with compassionate smiles, others with eyes slightly closed, as if in deep thought. The murals on the walls depicted a variety of subjects, including Buddhist stories and flying fairies. Despite the passage of time, the colors remained vibrant, and the delicate brushwork showcased the ancient painters' superb skills. Standing here, it felt like traveling through time and having a profound conversation with history. The Thousand Buddha Caves next door presented a different scene. The statues and murals inside had suffered severe damage, but fortunately, the grotto architecture itself still retained its former grandeur. The grottoes were carved into the red sandstone mountain, with a well-arranged layout that revealed the exquisite planning of the past. Inside the grottoes, the remnants of Buddha statue bases could be seen on the walls. Although the statues were incomplete, it was not difficult to imagine the once magnificent scene of a thousand Buddhas standing. The caisson on the grotto ceiling, though its patterns were blurred, still displayed the ancient people's extraordinary wisdom with its unique geometric shapes and intricate carving techniques! In addition to these grottoes, the natural scenery of Matisi Temple was also quite charming!~ Strolling along the mountain paths, taking deep breaths of fresh air, and enjoying the tranquility and beauty of nature. The distant snow-capped mountains undulated, contrasting with the blue sky and white clouds, creating a poetic picture. 🍲Food recommendations There were a few small restaurants in the scenic area, offering authentic local delicacies. A bowl of steaming lamb noodle soup, with tender lamb, smooth noodles, and delicious broth, warmed us up instantly. There were also local barley cakes, crispy and fragrant, with the aroma of wheat wafting into our noses. Don't miss them! ❗️Notes The temperature is low in winter, so be sure to bring warm clothes, scarves, gloves, and other warm gear. The mountain roads may be covered with snow and ice, so remember to wear non-slip shoes for safety. There are fewer tourists in the off-season, and some service facilities may not be open, so be prepared in advance. 🚖Transportation We chose to charter a car for convenience, departing from Zhangye city center. The round-trip fare was CNY 230, allowing us to control the pace of our itinerary freely. 💴Ticket information There was a discount on off-season tickets, with one CNY 39 ticket waived. We bought a Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes ticket for CNY 35 per person.

[Scenic] Tour route: Chengdu-Lanzhou-Wuwei-Zhangye-Dunhuang-Lanzhou-Chengdu 🕐️DAY 1 Lanzhou [HighSpeedRail] Transportation: Chengdu-Lanzhou (high-speed rail about 8 hours) 🛏【️Hotel Guide】 Near Lanzhou West Railway Station (very close to the core scenic spots) 📝Note tips: [Pushpin] The seats in the Chengdu-Lanzhou train are small, there are many tunnels on the way, and the signal is poor. Prepare activities to kill time in advance [Pushpin] Lanzhou-Lanzhou West If the time is right, you can choose the high-speed train, transfer directly at the station, save luggage security check, high comfort, 10 minutes by car 🍽Dining recommendations: As we arrived late, we casually had a bowl of beef noodles at "Ma Youbu Beef Noodles" outside Lanzhou West Station. The taste was okay, but the beef had to be ordered separately, otherwise there were only two small pieces. 🕐️DAY 2 Lanzhou ⛰【Attractions Guide】 [One] Waterwheel Expo Park Metro Line 1 Donggang direction Lanzhou West Station North Square Subway Station - Provincial Government Subway Station Exit A Walk [Two] Zhongshan Bridge, take bus No. 25, get on at Green Park outside Waterwheel Expo Park - Zhongshan Bridge Bus Station [Three] Baitashan Park is just across Zhongshan Bridge. [Four] Xiaoxihu Park Walking [Five] Gansu Provincial Museum Bus No. 32 West Lake Park Station - Provincial Museum Station [Six] Lanzhou Center West Station Night Market 📝Note tips: Gansu Provincial Museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is stopped at 16:30 on other days. Please make an appointment in advance through the mini program and enter by swiping your mainland China ID card. 🍽Dining recommendations: [Tableware] Asia Northwest Mom’s Specialty Dishes Stir-fried lamb meat is tender and juicy, and the vermicelli is chewy [Tableware] Looking back at Lanzhou’s famous snacks Spicy three kinds (potatoes, bean curd skin, vermicelli) Gray beans [Tableware] Fangha Gansu Specialty Tea Sweet embryo milk tea 🕐️DAY 3: Wuwei (stay at Wuwei Station) 🚄Lanzhou West-Wuwei East 1h54min [RoundNails] Sit on the left and you can see the Qilian Mountains Wuwei East-Wuwei Station (Bus No. 28, about 40 minutes) [Mountain] Check-in spots [One] Leitai Han Tomb (Ticket 45) [Two] Kumarajiva Temple [Three] Wuwei Museum 📝Note tips: No reservation is required, enter by swiping your mainland China ID card, there will be a public welfare explanation at 15:00 [Four] South Gate Tower 🍽Dining recommendations: [Tableware] Caiji Noodles Three Sets (Noodles + Braised Pork + Fu Tea) [Tableware] Dough 🕙DAY4 Zhangye (stay near Drum Tower) 🚉Transportation strategy: Wuwei-Zhangye Green leather hard seat 2h40min [Mountain] Check-in spots [One] Big Buddha Temple (Ticket 10 yuan) [Two] Hsi Lai Temple [Three] Zhangye Museum 📝Note tips: 15:00 public welfare lecture 🌟Highlights: [Four] Zhangye National Wetland Park 🚉Transportation strategy: Take bus No. 8 in the city to the terminal ❤Recommendation reason: On a winter afternoon, basking in the sunshine, walking quietly on the plank road, watching the snow-covered lake and the blue sky merge into one, feeling the reeds swaying in the wind, watching white swans, black swans and various water birds playing and frolicking on the lake, every scene is so beautiful that it seems unreal. 🍽Dining recommendations: [Tableware] Fried Bo La (Shandan specialty, fried offal with a barbecue flavor, with onions, green peppers, and steamed buns as side dishes. Large portion is 118, small portion is 98. The boss saw that I was alone and fried a single portion, 68) [Tableware] Qi Saozi Spicy Hot Pot Available in sweet and spicy flavors I eat sweet and spicy, the taste is good, but if you eat too much, you will feel sick and it will be too sweet 🕙DAY5 Ma Ti Temple, Colorful Danxia Day Tour (Group Fee 73 Yuan) 08:00 The driver will pick you up at the hotel and drive to Mati Temple in about 1 hour 📝Note tips: The first ticket is free in the off-season, and the ticket for the must-see attraction Thirty-three Days Grottoes is 35 yuan There are no sightseeing buses in the scenic area. Vehicles entering the scenic area must pay a parking fee of 10 yuan per vehicle. Thousand Buddha Caves [Pushpin] The passages in the cave are narrow and steep, and require a certain amount of physical strength. The Medicine Master Hall in the Thousand Buddha Caves is the most dangerous. [Pushpin] At noon, the driver took us to a place called "Bai Fu" for dinner. It was like a Northwestern specialty food city for tourists. There were many varieties of food, and the taste was quite satisfactory. Go to Qicai Danxia in the afternoon, the journey takes about 1 hour, and the ticket price is 92 yuan Enter from the north entrance, and the sightseeing bus will arrive at Qicai Xianyuan Terrace, Yunhai Terrace (the popular S-curve road), Jinxiu Terrace, and Hongxia Terrace (for watching the sunset and the Little Potala Palace) in turn. [1:00]DAY6 00:13 Zhangye-07:16 Dunhuang (green hard sleeper) After checking in at the hotel, take a taxi to Mogao Grottoes 📝Note tips: Book tickets in advance through the official account. The off-season ticket price is 140, and you can see 10 caves. First watch two movies at the visitor center, then take the scenic sightseeing bus to the caves to queue up in groups of 25 and follow the tour guide. Go to Mingsha Mountain in the afternoon. Tickets are free in the off-season. Camel ride costs 100 yuan. 🍽Dining recommendations: [Tableware] Chen Kee Mutton Restaurant The set meal is 88 yuan, including stewed mutton pancake, cold alfalfa, fried lotus root, milk and egg fermented glutinous rice soup Lots of variety, big portions, good taste DAY7 Dunhuang West Line One-Day Tour (Group Fee 76 Yuan) 08:00 Driver picks you up at the hotel [One] Silk Road Heritage City (Ticket price: 60 yuan) [×] 👎Least recommended: All the scenic spots are man-made, and there is no other meaning except taking photos and checking in. [Two] West Thousand Buddha Caves (Ticket 30) 4 caves to visit [Three] Yangguan (Ticket 50, Shuttle Bus 10) [Four] Yumen Pass (free ticket, shuttle bus 50) [Five] Yadan Ghost City (free ticket, shuttle bus 70) Tips: There are 3 ways to play in Yadan Ghost City 1. Ordinary shuttle bus Get off at each scenic spot and get on the bus to the next scenic spot at the designated spot. Do not go deep into the desert. 2. Beach surfing car 60/person, non-enclosed car, cold in winter 3.Off-road vehicle: 800/vehicle, 4 people per vehicle, form your own team. Both 2 and 3 go deeper into the desert. 3 goes longer in the desert than 2, but both eventually reach the same platform to watch the sunset. [Six] Watching the stars in Dunhuang Ancient City The travel agency is equipped with professional astronomical telescopes, and teachers will explain simple astronomical knowledge and teach you how to set the parameters for shooting the stars. DAY8 Dunhuang-Lanzhou Lanzhou - Chengdu 📝Note tips: You will rest and eat at a restaurant on the way at noon. The price is expensive and the taste is not good. It is recommended to prepare two meals for lunch and dinner. 💰️Total cost: 4150.2 yuan Transportation: 1551.5 yuan Accommodation: 767 yuan Play (tickets, tour fees, sightseeing bus, etc.): 903.7 yuan Food and Beverage: 661.5 yuan Other miscellaneous items (purchase of cultural and creative souvenirs, etc.): 266.5 yuan 💗Other tips:

Explore Danxia and historical sites on a 2-day tour of Zhangye! This super practical guide will take you to the magnificent scenery of the Northwest. Save it now! -------------------- 🚗Itinerary: Day 1: Pingshanhu Grand Canyon -> Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park Explore the spectacular Pingshanhu Grand Canyon and marvel at the wonders of nature. Then head to Danxia National Geological Park to see the colorful dream world at sunset. Day 2: Mati Temple Scenic Area Stroll through Mati Temple Scenic Area, experience the unique ecological environment and rich cultural heritage, and enjoy an unforgettable journey. -------------------- Must-see attractions: Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Nantai Village, Nijiaying Town, Linze County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province Opening hours: November 1, 2024–February 28, 2025, 7:30 am–5:00 pm Duration: 3–5 hours Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park is a paradise for photographers, with its colorful and spectacular Danxia landform and hills. Pingshanhu Grand Canyon ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Pingshanhu Township, Ganzhou District, Zhangye City, Gansu Province Opening hours: 8:00 am–8:30 pm Duration: 3–5 hours Explore Pingshanhu Grand Canyon, a maze-like canyon with unique peaks and forests. The scenery is breathtaking. Mati Temple Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Mati Tibetan Township, Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye City Opening hours: 8:30 am–6:00 pm Duration: 2–3 hours Mati Temple is hidden deep in the mountains, where grottoes and Tibetan Buddhist temples intertwine. History and faith blend here, allowing you to experience a different cultural charm. -------------------- Tips: - Photo spots: Danxia National Geological Park and Pingshanhu Grand Canyon are great for photos📸! - Specialty prices: Crispy dates, Linze red dates, and other specialties are affordable and make great gifts or souvenirs🎁. - Food recommendations: Be sure to try the local beef rice and cuoyu noodles. They're unforgettable🍜! - Airport transportation: Zhangye Ganzhou Airport is convenient. Plan your route in advance🚗. -------------------- Zhangye's scenery and charm are waiting for you to explore. Pack your bags and start your journey to Zhangye!

Zhangye Travel Guide | 3 Days in the Pearl of the Silk Road 🌟 Check Out the Rainbow Mountains + Food Guide 🌟 🔥 Must-See Attractions 1️⃣ Rainbow Mountains 🌈 Voted "China's Most Beautiful Danxia Landform" by National Geographic, the colorful rock formations are as beautiful as an oil painting! Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting. The park offers hot air balloon and helicopter rides for a breathtaking view of the landscape. 🎫 Tickets: Regular ticket CNY 93 (includes shuttle bus), in-depth tour CNY 368 (for 3 or more people, includes special protection area). 2️⃣ Mati Temple 🏯 A combination of grotto art and Qilian Mountain scenery, legend has it that a heavenly horse left its hoofprint here! Climbing the nearly vertical 33 Heavens Cave is a thrilling experience, so remember to wear sportswear! From June to September, there are Yugur song and dance performances. 🎫 Tickets: CNY 67, round-trip chartered car approx. CNY 260. 3️⃣ Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple 🕌 A Western Xia royal temple, home to the largest indoor reclining Buddha in Asia (34.5 meters long)! The temple houses precious cultural relics, a must-see for history lovers. 🎫 Tickets: CNY 40, CNY 10 taxi ride from downtown. 4️⃣ Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon ⛰️ Known as the "Chinese Colorado", hike through the canyon and explore the wonders of nature, passing through narrow paths and ladders. We recommend traveling light! 🎫 Tickets: CNY 130 (includes shuttle bus), approx. 3 hours to visit. 🍜 Food Map: Local Hidden Gems - Spicy Hot Pot: Zhangye spicy hot pot is famous for its spicy red oil! We recommend "Liu Yingying Spicy Hot Pot" and "Qi Sister-in-law Spicy Hot Pot", the wide noodles and bean curd are a must-try! - Sao Noodles: A must-try for breakfast! We recommend Yuanji in Dafosi Alley, the spinach noodles with pepper soup are very warming. - Beef Xiaofan: The noodles are as small as rice, the soup is fresh and the meat is tender! Jiao Datou Xiaofan at Nanguan Bus Station is very popular. - Cuoyuzi: Handmade noodles shaped like small fish, the old shop in Ganzhou Market is the most authentic! 📍 Food Landmarks: Ganzhou Market, Huayi Snack City, a one-stop shop for Northwest flavors! 📅 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary Day 1: Natural Wonders Tour Morning: In-depth tour of the Rainbow Mountains (take photos) → Afternoon: Explore Mati Temple (experience grotto culture) → Stay overnight in the city, visit Ganzhou Market for a late-night snack. Day 2: Culture + Style Experience Morning: Giant Buddha Temple → Afternoon: China Yugur Style Corridor (horseback riding on the grassland, watch ethnic song and dance) → Evening: Try fried bola (warm up by the fire). Day 3: Adventure Hike Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon or ride horses at Shandan Horse Ranch (the poplar forest is beautiful in autumn). 💡 Useful Tips - Best Season: June to September (the grasslands are green and the Rainbow Mountains are most colorful), poplar forests can be seen in October. - Transportation: Taxis are convenient for downtown attractions, we recommend chartering a car (CNY 200-300 per day) or joining a 1-day tour for attractions outside the city. - Accommodation: We recommend staying near Minzhu West Street/Ganzhou Market, convenient for food, cost-effective hotels are CNY 100-200 per person. - Note: The UV rays are strong! Be sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses; non-slip shoes are required for climbing at Mati Temple. Zhangye, a hidden gem in the Hexi Corridor, is waiting for you to discover its colorful Rainbow Mountains, rich history, and delicious food! ✨

In ancient times, even the well-traveled Xu Xiake was amazed by the Hanging Temple, exclaiming that it was "thrilling" and writing that he "looked up in awe and climbed up alone with courage." According to the Qing Dynasty's "Hunyuan Prefecture Annals," the Hanging Temple was even more dangerous and spectacular than it is now. Standing on the Hanging Temple at that time, the river below was rushing, and the bottom of the cliff was 90 meters deep, making it feel like being in an abyss. However, there is a thousand-year-old temple on a cliff in China, as famous as the Mogao Caves, and more thrilling than the Hanging Temple. Have you been there? Curious friends may ask, where is this thousand-year-old temple on a cliff? What different scenery is there? With these questions and curiosity, let's talk about the Maijishan Grottoes today. The Maijishan Grottoes, also known as Puguang Temple, is located in the Qilian Mountains in the Sunan Yugur Autonomous County. It is a large complex of grotto temples. There are many grottoes and Buddha statues carved on the rock wall from the Northern Liang period to the present, as well as high-level grotto temple buildings, which are very magical and spectacular. There are both Han Buddhist temples and Tibetan Buddhist halls here, with different styles in the same place, which is very unique.

🌈 Mati Temple Grottoes are located in Linsong Mountain, more than 80 km southeast of Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Gansu Province. The grottoes include Beisi Temple, Nansi Temple, Qianfodong Temple, Jinta Temple, and the Upper, Middle, and Lower Guanyin Caves. The distance between each of these sites ranges from several kilometers to more than 10 km. As the stone of the mountain cliffs is coarse red sandstone, which is not suitable for carving, most of the statues are made of clay. 👍 In 1996, the State Council announced that Mati Temple Grottoes were included in the fourth batch of national key cultural relics protection units. Mati Temple Grottoes were first built in the Jin Dynasty by Guo Yu from Dunhuang and his disciples. It was first used as Guo's retreat and lecture site. Later, people expanded it and added Buddha statues. At its peak, there were more than 300 monks. During the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, it was renamed Puguang Temple. The golden saddle and dragon robe in the temple were bestowed by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty.