Things to do in Gaotai
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Top 10 attractions in Gaotai
Memorial Hall of the West Route Army of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army
The Memorial Hall of the West Route Army of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army is located in Gaotai County, Zhangye City. It is a memorial hall in China that reflects the battle history of the West Route Army. The memorial hall has hero sculptures, monuments, and a cemetery for heroes, where you can pay tribute to the loyal souls of the martyrs. The exhibition hall displays the revolutionary history of the West Route Army in detail and comprehensively. The Attraction is a park-style building, which is both a memorial hall and a park, and also a cemetery for revolutionary martyrs. The park is very large, about 400 meters long and nearly 200 meters wide. There is an open square in the park. On the square, there are several main buildings, including hero sculptures, monuments, heroes cemetery and exhibition halls. They are basically distributed in a straight line on the central axis after entering the gate, and you can visit them one by one. In addition, there are many lawns and pine and cypress trees planted in the park for tourists to spread out. There are several martyrs' memorial pavilions between the lawns and the woods, and the environment is very beautiful. The Heroes Sculpture and Monument are the first buildings you see on the square after entering the gate. The sculpture is about two stories high and depicts seven Red Army soldiers facing each other in all directions. The seven soldiers have different postures. There is a commander based on the then army commander Dong Zhentang, a fighter wielding a broadsword, a wounded soldier who pulled a grenade and died with the enemy, local people who rescued the Red Army, a female medical worker who rescued the wounded, and a trumpeter who blew the charge horn, commemorating the spirit of the West Route Army who persisted in fighting under difficult circumstances. Behind the sculpture is a monument, about 30 meters high, with a memorial on the front and an inscription on the history of the West Route Army on the back. Behind the monument is the cemetery of fallen martyrs, where more than 3,000 Red Army soldiers who died here are buried. Most of these soldiers died in the tragic Gaotai defense battle, where they were outnumbered. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, their bodies were carefully found and cleaned up and buried here. When you come here, you may bow to the soldiers or observe a moment of silence to pay tribute to the heroic souls who sacrificed their lives for the revolutionary ideals. The exhibition hall located inside the park is the main part of the memorial. The building of the memorial is about 12 meters high and looks like a beacon tower. You can take photos outside. When you enter the hall, there are eight theme exhibition halls: Order Hall, Crossing the Yellow River to the West, Supporting Hedong, Bloody Battle of Lingao, Dividing the Forces in Shiwo, Rescue with All Efforts, Loyalty, and Illuminating the Past. The battle of the West Route Army was one of the most tragic and heroic battles in the history of our army. The many epic historical stories will surely move you and make you feel the loyalty and perseverance of the revolutionary martyrs to their beliefs.Gaotai · 901m from downtown
Gaotai Museum
Gaotai · 882m from downtown
Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple
The Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple is located in the urban area of Zhangye. It was first built during the Yong'an era of the Western Xia Dynasty and has a history of over 900 years. The temple is renowned for housing one of China's largest indoor clay reclining Buddha statues, along with other distinctive ancient structures such as the earthen pagoda and the Shanxi Guild Hall, which are open for visits. Exhibitions inside the temple help travelers understand Buddhist art and the history of the Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple. As one of Zhangye's iconic attractions, it is a must-see for visitors to the city. The current site of the temple is not large, with a depth of approx. 200 m and a width of approx. 100 m. Visitors can enter from the western square and explore on foot. The main buildings open for visits, from west to east, include the Giant Buddha Hall, the Hall of Ten Thousand Saints (now the Buddhist Art Exhibition Hall), the Scripture Hall (now the Buddhist Texts Exhibition Hall), the earthen pagoda, and the Shanxi Guild Hall. A complete tour takes approx. 1–2 hrs. The Giant Buddha Hall is the temple's most significant structure and the highlight for travelers. It features one of China's largest indoor clay reclining Buddha statues, depicting the Nirvana of Sakyamuni. The statue measures 34.5 m in length and 7.5 m in shoulder width—so massive that a single finger can accommodate a lying person, and one ear can seat 10 people side by side. The hall also houses statues of the Ten Great Disciples and the Eighteen Arhats, along with exquisite murals depicting Journey to the West and the Classic of Mountains and Seas. The Hall of Ten Thousand Saints and the Scripture Hall, located in the central area, now serve as exhibition spaces for Buddhist art and texts, displaying sculptures, grotto statues, scriptures, and other artifacts. Notable among these is a collection of over 6,000 Buddhist scriptures personally bestowed by Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty, many written in pure gold, which are the temple's prized treasures. The earthen pagoda, standing over 30 m tall, is east of the Giant Buddha Hall. Its two-tiered base features four small pagodas on each level, adorned with exquisite carvings and housing solemn Buddha statues. The Shanxi Guild Hall, situated northeast of the temple complex, was originally a merchant guild hall during the Qing Dynasty. This typical northwestern residential courtyard features ancient architecture with intricately carved beams and painted pillars, exuding rustic elegance.Zhangye · 74.1 km from Gaotai
Qilian Mountain Grassland
Qilian Mountain Grassland is located in the hinterland of the middle section of theQilian Mountainsin Haibei, Qinghai, spreading across an intermontane basin at an altitude of approx. 3,000 m. The Qilian Mountains are like a wet island extending into the arid region of the northwest, intercepting moisture and conserving ice and snow. Meltwater flows down along the valleys, nurturing continuous alpine meadows at the foothills. Grasslands and coniferous forest belts are distributed alternately, making it a rare and fertile pasture on the plateau. Every July and August, the meadows turn green, with the greenery spreading all the way to the foot of the mountains. Yaks, Tibetan sheep, and horses are scattered throughout, and the white tents of herders dot the gentle slopes; looking up, the distant snow-capped peaks remain covered in silver, and the scene of snow-capped mountains and green grasslands in one frame is what distinguishes this place from most other grasslands. The view along the way is expansive, making it perfect for stopping frequently to capture the snow-capped mountains and grasslands in a single photo.China · Qilian
Shengquan Bay Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake
Shengquan Bay Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake, located on the northern shore of Qinghai Lake, is a masterpiece of geological formation and glacial activity. With its magnificent and rugged cliffs reaching vertical heights of dozens of meters, it creates a striking contrast against the azure waters of Qinghai Lake, offering a unique landscape. As one of the core attractions of Qinghai Lake, Holy Spring Bay not only boasts captivating natural scenery but also serves as a vital habitat for diverse wildlife, holding significant ecological value. Nearby, visitors can explore rich historical and cultural relics, providing a multifaceted travel experience.China · Gangca
Wuwei Confucius Temple
Wuwei Confucian Temple is located in the southeast of Wuwei City and is also the location of Wuwei City Museum. This Confucian Temple was built in the Ming Dynasty, with a large scale and a high status in history. Today, you can come here to worship the first sage Confucius, visit the quaint historical buildings and courtyards, and visit the many cultural relics collected in the museum. The Confucian Temple is very large, with a depth of nearly 200 meters and a width of more than 100 meters. After entering, you can walk and play. Generally, it is advisable to play for 1-2 hours. There are many ancient buildings in the temple, such as Chongsheng Temple, Zunjing Pavilion, Zhuangyuan Bridge, Shanmen, etc. There are also some towering ancient trees in the courtyard. The whole scenic area is antique and suitable for visiting and taking pictures. When visiting the Confucian Temple, you can pay attention to the many plaques hanging on the building, some of which are written in ancient Uighur and Western Xia scripts, which are very special. The inscriptions in the temple are also worth noting. Some of the inscriptions have all the jinshi who have ever been out of Wuwei. You can go and see. In addition to the buildings and courtyards, the Confucian Temple is also the location of the Wuwei City Museum. There are exhibitions about the history of Wuwei. You can visit here and learn about the heyday of ancient Liangzhou in history. The Zhuangyuan Bridge in the Confucian Temple is covered with red banners with various gold prayer lists, and many parents with students at home will come here to offer incense and pray for blessings.China · Wuwei
Mt. Gangshika Scenic Area
Gangshika Snow Peak is located in Qinghai Province, with an altitude of 5254.5 meters. It is the main peak in the eastern section of the Qilian Mountains. Usually seen from a distance, it is pure white. Whenever the sun sets, the sunset glows, the top of the mountain is colorful, and the twilight rises. It is called "Dragon Peak Sunset" and is one of the eight major scenic spots in Menyuan.China · Menyuan
Qinghai Lake Heima River
Qinghai Lake Heima River is located in Qinghai Province, China, and is a tourist destination with beautiful natural scenery. The altitude here is over 3,000m, and the lakeshore is open and flat, with vast grasslands and pastures stretching out behind it. In midsummer, the sunrise usually occurs around 6:00 AM. As the sun slowly rises from the end of the lake, the water is dyed golden red. Prayer flags flutter in the morning breeze along the shore, and occasionally, water birds like bar-headed geese skim across the surface. Many people stay overnight specifically to wait for these few minutes of morning light over the lake. It is also an important stop for cycling around the lake, and the West Lake Road heading north from here stretches along the lakeshore, which is considered by many cycling enthusiasts to be a section with outstanding lake views on the route around the lake.Here, visitors can enjoy the magnificent lake and mountain scenery and experience the tranquility and beauty of nature.China · Gonghe
Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot - Viewing Platform
The Colorful Danxia Scenic Area-Observation Deck is an ideal place to appreciate the Danxia landform, attracting countless tourists with its unique perspective and magnificent scenery. Standing on the observation deck, tourists can experience the colorful and spectacular Danxia landform from different angles. The scenery here is like a colorful rainbow falling on the hills, especially in the afterglow of the setting sun, the colors are even more gorgeous, and it is also an ideal place to watch the sunset. The design of the observation deck fully considers the needs of tourists. The trail is flat and spacious, suitable for tourists of all ages to walk safely. Whether it is a family trip or a solo trip, tourists can find a comfortable viewing experience here. There are clear signboards in the scenic area to help tourists easily find the location of the observation deck, ensuring that tourists will not miss any wonderful viewing points. The observation deck is not only a place to appreciate natural beauty, but also an ideal place for people to relax and enjoy the gifts of nature.Linze · 50.9 km from Gaotai
Wuwei Kumarajiva Temple
Wuwei Kumarajiva Temple was first built during the Later Liang period. Legend has it that it was built by Lü Guang, the founding emperor of the Later Liang, to accommodate the eminent monk Kumarajiva from the Western Regions. It has a history of over 1,600 years and has become an important witness to Wuwei's long history and Silk Road culture. Stepping into the temple, the hustle and bustle of the city seem to fade away, and the simple, tranquil environment naturally encourages visitors to slow their pace. The ancient buildings within the temple are scattered about, featuring solemn and elegant traditional architectural styles. The pagoda's brick eaves are layered, appearing even more ancient under the sunlight. Standing beneath the pagoda and looking up, you can feel the historical weight conveyed by the architectural lines. Arriving at the front of the hall, you can see pilgrims coming and going amidst curling incense smoke, creating a sharp contrast between the quiet temple and the city streets.China · Wuwei
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Free things to do in Gaotai
Memorial Hall of the West Route Army of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army
Gaotai · 901m from downtownGaotai Museum
Gaotai · 882m from downtownZhangye Giant Buddha Temple
Zhangye · 74.1 km from GaotaiBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeQilian Mountain Grassland
China · QilianShengquan Bay Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake
China · GangcaWuwei Confucius Temple
China · WuweiBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeMt. Gangshika Scenic Area
China · MenyuanQinghai Lake Heima River
China · GongheZhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot - Viewing Platform
Linze · 50.9 km from GaotaiWuwei Kumarajiva Temple
China · Wuwei
What travelers say about Gaotai
望雁14 August 2023
4.0
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!
Memorial Hall of the West Route Army of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army
M54***7411 November 2022
5.0
Hexi characteristics, a wide variety of exhibits, rich and colorful
Gaotai Museum
柚子胡椒15 October 2026
5.0
The Western Xia Royal Temple is conveniently located in the city center. The most impressive part upon entering is the Great Buddha Hall, housing Asia's largest indoor clay reclining Buddha, a truly magnificent sight. The hall also contains precious murals. Besides the reclining Buddha, the ancient scriptures in the Sutra Repository and the wood carvings in the Shanxi Guild Hall are worth examining closely. Overall, it wasn't crowded, and the atmosphere was quiet and solemn.
Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple
boy***ao5 July 2025
5.0
From Zhangye, go directly to Zhuoer Mountain via Erga Highway via Sunan. The first picture is the scene of the road construction. In fact, the whole mountain collapsed. No wonder it took so long to repair.
The road is not difficult to drive, but there are falling rocks along the way. When you reach the top of the mountain, you can see the snow-capped mountains. The entire Qilian Mountains, except Zhuoer Mountain, seem to be immersed in white snow, which is quite amazing.
Finally, we went to Menyuan, took a few photos of rapeseed flowers, and then stayed in Xining.
After walking for 16 hours a day, I was really tired.
Qilian Mountain Grassland
Anonymous user22 August 2026
5.0
The cliff should be a fantastic attraction. We went on a sunny day, and the lake water was a vibrant blue. The sunlight reflecting off it created different colors depending on the direction from which it shone. Later, some clouds appeared, so we quickly left. However, as we walked, we noticed sunlight shining through the clouds, creating a Tyndall effect that actually made the lake even more beautiful – definitely worth the trip!
Shengquan Bay Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake
Summer狗宝18 October 2026
5.0
When visiting Wuwei, the Confucian Temple is definitely worth a visit. Known as the "Crown Jewel of Confucian Temples in Longyou," this ancient architectural complex is predominantly in the Ming Dynasty style. Ancient trees tower within the courtyard, offering a tranquil and secluded escape from the outside world.
A highlight is the plaque collection in the Wenchang Palace. Each ancient plaque encapsulates the cultural heritage of the Hexi Corridor and deserves careful appreciation. For those who appreciate ancient architecture and trees, and enjoy a quiet, immersive experience of history, this is a perfect place to stroll. In Liangzhou, this ancient Silk Road city, experiencing the Confucian spirit of Northwest China amidst red walls and ancient cypress trees is a truly healing journey. Highly recommended.
Wuwei Confucius Temple
M25***997 July 2026
5.0
This place is incredibly expensive, and the 20 RMB shuttle bus is such a great deal; I'd probably pay around 40 RMB myself. On the way up, you can see snow-capped mountains from around the world and their corresponding altitudes. The ride takes about 15 to 25 minutes.
Once you're up, you'll see 3-4 interconnected lakes, but there are 7-8 in total. The first 2-3 lakes have a very deep blue color, and the later lakes gradually change to a grayish-yellow hue. I recommend bringing a drone to capture distant views of the lakes, mountains, sky, clouds, grasslands, etc. If it's cold, the scenic area provides a small heated room to wait for the shuttle.
Overall, it's excellent value, beautiful scenery, and the service is excellent.
Mt. Gangshika Scenic Area
爱旅行的熊搭子20 April 2025
5.0
Heimahe is a scenic spot beside Qinghai Lake, with magnificent sunrises and sunsets, bright starry sky, rich Tibetan folk customs, and convenient transportation and accommodation. It is a good place for sightseeing, photography and experience.
Qinghai Lake Heima River
马得利12 October 2024
5.0
It's very beautiful. The scenic area is very large and there are shuttle buses. There are many shuttle buses and you don't need to wait. The weather was very good when we went there, so we were able to take a lot of beautiful photos. The Danxia landform can be seen from the air by hot air balloons and helicopters. The only regret is that you can't fly a drone. If you can use a drone, you will have more beautiful photos and videos.
Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot - Viewing Platform
Bolton Chen20 September 2026
5.0
This trip to Kumarajiva Temple was truly worthwhile. This ancient temple, over 1600 years old, is where the great Buddhist translator Kumarajiva resided and propagated Buddhism for 17 years. The Kumarajiva Pagoda within the temple houses his tongue relic. The octagonal, twelve-story pagoda has miraculously withstood major earthquakes. The main hall is magnificent, and the scripture repository and memorial hall exude a thousand years of Buddhist heritage. Standing beneath the pagoda, one can almost hear the camel bells of the Silk Road and the chanting of translators. Its profound cultural significance makes it well worth a tranquil visit. Parking is also convenient, and there's even a small courtyard that's free.
Wuwei Kumarajiva Temple
