The notebook of Zhangye et Danxia
Let the terrain write the route.
Colourful strata, large temple and agricultural oasis give relief to the Hexi corridor.
At your own pace
Identity summary
2 to 5 days
Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Recommended car
City · Desert · Heritage · Nature
Good accessibility
Sweet rhythm
General presentation
Zhangye et Danxia
Colourful strata, large temple and agricultural oasis give relief to the Hexi corridor.
To understand what Zhangye and Danxia are, you must look to the side of Geoparc Danxia of Zhangye, Temple of the Great Buddha and Caves of the Mati Temple. These places give you a view of a territory marked by urban life, desert areas, heritage and natural spaces and allow you to move from emblematic sites to more intimate stages.
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For a stay of 2 to 5 days, a quiet rhythm works well. Also to be anticipated: conditions to be checked according to the season. A car is usually the easiest way to connect the different sectors. The main sites are generally easy to access.
Strengths and constraints
Strengths
- Geoparc Danxia de Zhangye
- Temple of the Great Buddha
- Caves of the Mati Temple
Before you choose
- Car often useful
- Conditions to be checked by season
Places worth visiting
A selection to start dreaming and organizing the stay — not an exhaustive list of everything there is to see.
Place indismissible
Géoparc Danxia de Zhangye
Red, yellow and grey mineral layers draw spectacular hills. Distances, weather and access conditions must be checked before departure; water, warm clothing and time limits are still useful, even in summer.
Temple
Temple du Grand Bouddha
The temple houses a huge Buddha lying in wood and clay of the Xixia period. The place remains culturally sensitive and discovers with discretion, without hindering local practices; religious timetables, outfit and photographic rules are to be checked on the spot.
Cave
Grottes du temple Mati
Chapels dug in the cliff dominate a valley of the Qilian Mountains. The place remains culturally sensitive and discovers with discretion, without hindering local practices; religious timetables, outfit and photographic rules are to be checked on site.
Practical tips
This information helps know if the destination matches the planned trip before starting a fuller search.
To go further
More activities
Restaurants, walks, culture, leisure and outings to search without leaving the destination card.
The nearest destinations
The closest ideas on the map, to extend your trip.
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