Things to do in Gaotai

I brought my children here and visited the exhibition of the memorial hall with admiration. It is because of the revolutionary martyrs who sacrificed their lives that we have the happy life we ​​have today. Salute to them!

From the outside, apart from the loess city walls and ruins, there are no other colorful scenery and no participation; but if you love history, it is worth a visit. When you are investigating on the spot, you are in the yellow sand and clay, looking at the vast desolate space, combined with your understanding of historical events, you will feel a lot: the past and the present, prosperity and loneliness, the changes of time and space, the impermanence of the world, as well as the bizarre stories and moving legends buried under the loess; this is part of the history of the West and the history of human social development, which cannot be changed but is worth remembering.

Unfortunately, the weather wasn't cooperating when we went; it rained, and the fog was quite thick, so visibility wasn't great. But since we were already there, we went in anyway. Luckily, the rain stopped later, and we were still able to see the beautiful Rainbow Mountains. It was definitely worth the trip.

Crescent Lake is located 1 km west of Gaotai County, Zhangye, and is known as "Little Jiangnan". The entire lake is curved and shaped like a crescent, hence the name Crescent Lake. Crescent Lake Park covers a total area of ​​560 mu, with a water area of ​​186 mu. Curved, arched, and flat bridges are laid out in an interlaced manner, and pavilions, halls, and terraces complement each other. The path on the shore leads to a secluded place, with weeping willows and winding paths around; the reeds in the lake are swaying, duckweed is exposed, and boats are rowing, creating a Jiangnan scenery.

A very satisfying trip! The half-day tour of Binggou Danxia was just over 40 yuan per person for transportation, including door-to-door pick-up and drop-off – excellent value for money. Especially our driver, Mr. Zhao, was incredibly warm, attentive, and considerate – very professional, punctual, and responsible. Highly recommended!

Hexi characteristics, a wide variety of exhibits, rich and colorful

Jiayuguan Fortress is definitely worth a visit. As the "First Fortress Under Heaven," it exudes grandeur and a strong historical atmosphere. The fortress wall ruins are well-preserved, making for excellent photo opportunities. The shuttle bus service within the scenic area is well-organized, providing convenient transportation and saving you a lot of walking effort, with a smooth route. Standing atop the fortress and gazing at the vast Gobi Desert, the sense of immensity is overwhelming. It's a must-see spot when visiting the Hexi Corridor.

Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, located in Pingshan Lake Mongolian Township, Ganzhou District, Zhangye City, about 60 kilometers from the city center, is a national 4A-level scenic area, known as the "Silk Road Secret Realm." Sculpted by millions of years of water and wind, the entire landscape is torn apart by crisscrossing crimson ravines, majestic, desolate, and wild—a stark contrast to the soft and beautiful style of the Rainbow Mountains. Nine Dragons Converging at the Sea, Lovers' Peak, One Line Sky, and Heavenly Ladder—each a unique scenic wonder hidden deep within the canyon. Visitors can stroll along the trails to enjoy the scenery, explore the valley floor on foot, or participate in various adventure activities such as off-road vehicles and camel riding. The scenic area is vast, and exploring it completely requires considerable physical exertion. With significant temperature differences between day and night, be sure to bring plenty of water, sun protection, and a warm jacket. If you come to Zhangye and see the Rainbow Mountains, you might as well come here to experience the rugged and magnificent canyon scenery and appreciate the unique wilderness beauty of the Hexi Corridor.

Don't just visit Danxia when you come to Zhangye! The Giant Buddha Temple has a rich history, and the ancient mortise and tenon joint architecture of the Giant Buddha Hall is worth seeing. The environment is quiet and peaceful, suitable for a peaceful visit. 1-1.5 hours is just right.

I went during the National Day Golden Week holiday and stepped into the autumn of the Qilian Mountains. The golden grasslands, the melting snow from the glaciers, and the dense forests were breathtaking. I took photos every step of the way. The only regret was not being able to climb to Tianchi Lake. I will definitely come back next time.