11 Best Tours & Experiences In Zhangye

Zhangye offers a fascinating mix of natural beauty, ancient art, and cultural richness. Its colorful Danxia landforms, ancient Buddhist grottoes, and proximity to historic Silk Road sites make it a perfect destination for travelers craving authentic experiences. We especially love the 2-Day Zhangye Private Tour for its comprehensive coverage of highlights like Binggou Danxia and Mati Temple Grottoes — perfect if you want a balanced mix of scenic landscapes and spiritual history. Whether you’re an adventurous hiker or a history enthusiast, Zhangye’s tours deliver meaningful, memorable moments.

Quick Overview

This list covers a range of options, from half-day visits to multi-day adventures. Expect guided trips exploring the colorful rock formations of Zhangye Danxia Geopark, the ancient artistry of Mati Temple Grottoes, and special cultural experiences like lunch with a Uighur family. For a detailed, private experience, check out the 4-Day Silk Road Private Tour that combines history and landscape across three key cities. If time is tight, the Private Day Tour hits all the highlights in just nine hours, with authentic local flavors included.

1. 2-Day Zhangye Private Tour: Binggou Danxia, Zhangye Danxia Geo Park, Mati Temple Grottoes

This private tour is a great way to see Zhangye’s most iconic sites. Over two days, you’ll visit Binggou Danxia, known for its camel-shaped peaks, and the Zhangye Danxia Geo Park, famous for its rainbow-colored hills. The trip also includes exploring the Pingshanhu Grand Canyon and the Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes (Matisi Grottoes), with your hotel as the departure point for maximum convenience. The itinerary is designed for comfort and flexibility, with a knowledgeable guide taking you through each site at a relaxed pace.

What makes this tour stand out is its scope — it’s perfect if you want a thorough experience with personalized attention. The guided hike in Binggou Danxia offers stunning mountain views, and the visit to Mati Temple Grottoes adds a spiritual dimension, showcasing ancient Buddhist art. The 2-day price of $542.57 per person is reasonable considering the private transport, expert guide, and curated sites. Reviewers praise the tour’s professionalism and deep insights, with a 5.0/5 rating from three reviews.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting an in-depth, private experience blending natural wonders and cultural sites in just two days.

2. Private Day Tour: Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes and Zhangye Danxia Landform

For around $299, this private day tour combines the spiritual and geological marvels of Zhangye. Starting at 8:30 am, your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to the Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes, located at the foot of Qilian Snow Mountain. These grottoes, dating back to the 3rd century, feature remarkable Buddhist carvings and are important for understanding the region’s religious history. Afterward, you’ll visit the Zhangye Danxia Landform, where the colorful rock formations seem to ripple like waves — a quintessential picture of the area’s natural beauty.

What sets this tour apart is the intimate, personalized experience, with door-to-door transfers and a guide who can translate and explain the sites. The reviews reflect high satisfaction, with a 5/5 rating and comments praising the professional organization and excellent guide service.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a quick, meaningful encounter with Zhangye’s spiritual and geological highlights in a single day.

3. Private Tour of Zhangye Danxia Geopark

A half-day trip for those on a tighter schedule, this tour offers the chance to see the rainbow-colored rocks of Zhangye Danxia. After hotel pickup, your guide will chauffeur you to the northern foothills of the Qilian Mountains, where you’ll explore the park’s best viewpoints. The tour lasts about four hours, with the opportunity to photograph the stunning formations, learn about their geology, and enjoy the wide-open views without the crowds.

Guests have enjoyed the flexibility and the ability to avoid tourist congestion by visiting at a quiet time. The tour’s price of $318.00 includes admission and bottled water, making it a good value for a focused sightseeing experience.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers short on time but eager for quality photos and a taste of Zhangye’s famed landscapes.

4. 4 Day Silk Road Private Tour in Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang

This extensive four-day journey is tailored for those wanting a deep dive into Silk Road history. Starting in Zhangye, you’ll explore the Rainbow Mountains — a stunning display of geology and color. Moving on to Jiayuguan, you’ll visit the Great Wall at Jiayuguan Pass, the most westerly point of the Great Wall, and the Jiayuguan Fortress. The trip culminates in Dunhuang with a visit to the Mogao Caves, home to thousands of Buddhist murals and sculptures spanning over a millennium.

The tour’s personalized approach earns a 5.0/5 rating, and its carefully curated sites make it ideal for history lovers and those wanting a comprehensive Silk Road experience. The $1,000 per person price reflects its all-inclusive, private nature, including transport, entry fees, and guides.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers with multiple days, a curiosity for history, and a desire for a seamless, customizable itinerary.

5. Private Hiking Tour: Pingshanhu Grand Canyon and the Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes

For just under $235, this private hiking-focused tour offers a mix of natural exploration and cultural discovery. You’ll start with the Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes, famous for legends about a heavenly horse footprint. Then, you’ll hike the Pingshanhu Grand Canyon, where steep cliffs and scenic views make for an active day out.

Reviewed positively, with a 5/5 score, travelers appreciate the surprising caves and the impressive canyon walk. The mix of gentle cultural sites and a more strenuous hike makes it suitable for fit travelers who want a well-rounded day.

Bottom Line: Ideal if you’re looking to combine a little adventure with history and culture.

6. Zhangye: Mati Temple Grottoes & Giant Buddha Temple Tour

This guided tour explores Mati Temple Grottoes, dating back to the 5th century, and the Giant Buddha Temple, which houses a colossal reclining Buddha. Expect to see ancient wall paintings, carvings, and impressive statues that reflect the region’s religious art. The drive through the scenic Qilian Mountains adds to the experience.

While reviews are not specified, the focus on both spiritual and artistic sites makes this tour a compelling option for history and art lovers. It’s suited for those interested in ancient Buddhist culture and the Silk Road’s religious influence.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want to see significant Buddhist grottoes and appreciate artistry in a relaxed, guided setting.

7. Zhangye: Danxia Geopark & Giant Buddha Private Day Tour

This private day tour combines colorful Danxia landforms with a visit to the Giant Buddha Temple. For about $246, your guide takes you through the most photogenic spots of the park, with stops at 2-4 different viewpoints. The highlight is seeing the largest indoor sleeping Buddha in China, a striking sculpture that dwarfs visitors in size.

The private vehicle ensures a relaxed pace and personalized insight. It’s perfect for those who want a full day of sightseeing with comfort and focus, with reviews indicating a smooth experience.

Bottom Line: Excellent if you wish to combine landscapes and religious art in a single day with a private guide.

8. Zhangye: Danxia & Horseshoe Temple Day Trip with Guide

This full-day guided trip covers the Rainbow Mountains and the Horse-Hoof Temple Grottoes. It’s suitable for travelers seeking a relaxed, comprehensive experience with transportation included. The focus on local history and geological features makes it well-rounded.

Though specific reviews aren’t available, the itinerary’s balance of natural and cultural sites appeals to those who want a true taste of Zhangye in one day.

Bottom Line: A good choice for travelers wanting an all-in-one day outing with expert guidance.

9. Zhangye Highlight: Grand Canyon, Mati Temple & Grottoes Tour

This private tour brings together the dramatic landscapes of Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon with Mati Temple’s grottoes and the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes. The focus is on a personalized experience that combines natural beauty with cultural sites.

Ideal for those looking for a full-day, in-depth exploration, it offers flexibility and expert commentary. The combination of canyon vistas and ancient art makes it a well-rounded choice.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a detailed, personalized day blending nature and antiquity.

10. Zhangye: Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon & Danxia Day Trip

This full-day trip explores Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon and the Zhangye Danxia Landform. The trip includes scenic drives through lush pastures and grasslands, with stops that highlight the region’s geological evolution. It’s a good pick for those seeking a comprehensive look at natural beauty plus some leisure.

At around 11 hours, it’s ideal for travelers with a full day free, especially if you’re interested in combining landscape photography with learning about the region’s geology.

Bottom Line: Great if you want a relaxed, scenic day with a mix of geology and countryside views.

11. From Zhangye: 6-Day Private Photography Tour to Dunhuang

This immersive 6-day photography tour is designed for serious shutterbugs. Starting in Zhangye, you’ll shoot the Rainbow Mountains and capture the mural art at Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. Highlights include climbing sand dunes at Crescent Moon Spring and riding camels in the desert.

Rated 4.8/5, this tour is for travelers who want a comprehensive photographic record of the region’s most iconic sites. The personalized itinerary allows for ample photo stops and expert guidance.

Bottom Line: Best for dedicated photographers or those eager to document their trip in depth.

How to Choose the Right Tour

Picking the best tour in Zhangye depends on your interests, budget, and available time. If you want a comprehensive, private experience covering all the highlights, the 2-Day Zhangye Private Tour offers excellent value. For those with limited time, the Private Day Tour delivers key sights efficiently.

History lovers should consider the multi-day Silk Road tour, while budget travelers might prefer shorter, focused trips like the half-day Danxia Geopark. For photography enthusiasts, the 6-Day Dunhuang tour offers ample opportunity to capture the region’s stunning landscapes.

Booking early, especially in peak seasons (spring and fall), ensures you get preferred dates and guides. Consider your fitness level — some tours involve hiking or walking on uneven terrain — and be clear about what interests you most: natural beauty, ancient art, or Silk Road history.

Final Thoughts

Zhangye’s tours cover a wide range of experiences, from exploring colorful landforms and ancient grottoes to immersing in Silk Road culture. The options range from quick half-day visits to immersive multi-day adventures. If you’re looking for a balanced introduction, the 2-Day Zhangye Private Tour is hard to beat. History enthusiasts and photo buffs will appreciate the Silk Road tour, while those pressed for time might opt for the half-day Danxia trip.

Whatever your interests, early planning and booking help ensure you get the best experiences in this striking part of China.