01City Guide
Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Area
张掖七彩丹霞景区
All Ages
Admission
Standard admission: CNY 93-108. Trip.com lists the standard package from USD 15.93, including the sightseeing bus and insurance.
Typical Visit
3-5 hours
Quick Facts
Ticket
CNY 87 for standard admission with the sightseeing shuttle. A lower-priced option excludes the North Temple grotto area.
Hours
08:00-18:00; last entry 17:00.
Transport
No direct metro; about 65 km from Zhangye city centre by road.
Duration
3-5 hours
Best Time
May-October
Visitors
Visitors comfortable with steep, narrow cave passages
How to Visit
1
Allow at least half a day
When booking, make sure your ticket covers the North Temple Grottoes and the return sightseeing bus if those are part of your planned route.
Tip:The core caves and transport are not a simple short stop, so the ticket choice shapes the visit.
2
Travel from Zhangye by private car, hired driver, or day tour
The site is spread out. Start at the visitor centre and use the sightseeing bus rather than trying to walk the whole route.
Tip:Using the shuttle preserves time and energy for the cave areas.
3
Visit the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes first
Continue to the Mati Hall and Three Buddhas Hall after the main climb. The cave passages are narrow and steep, with chains to hold in places.
Tip:This is the most physically demanding part of the route, so do it before fatigue builds.
4
Choose the remaining stops by energy level
After the main grottoes, add the Thousand Buddha Cave, King Gesar Hall, or grassland area, using the shuttle between stops rather than backtracking on foot.
Tip:The relaxed grassland stops work well after the steep cave sections.
5
Reserve special-cave access when available
If you hope to visit Jinta Temple or other special caves, reserve any available access in advance.
Tip:Conservation limits, visitor caps, and weather can affect what is open.
Highlights
- The vertically arranged Thirty-Three Heavens Grottoes are the most distinctive and physically demanding part of the visit.
- Buddhist grottoes, temples, grassland, and views of the Qilian Mountains come together in one trip.
- The Thousand Buddha Cave and Medicine Buddha Hall offer a more immersive cave experience for visitors comfortable with steep passages.
- The open area around King Gesar Hall is a relaxed stop after the grottoes.
- It is one of the few Zhangye-area destinations that combines cave art, mountain scenery, and the landscapes of the Yugur region.
Insider Tips
✦Wear grippy walking shoes and long trousers. Narrow steps and uneven paths are unsuitable for heels, skirts, or bulky hand luggage.
✦It is usually colder and windier than Zhangye city, so bring a warm outer layer even in summer.
✦Visitors with a fear of heights, knee problems, or limited mobility can focus on the temples and grassland areas instead of forcing the steep cave climbs.
✦Special caves, guided visits, and horse riding may be separate items. Read what each booking includes and note the meeting time.
✦Do not touch statues or murals, and do not use flash photography inside the caves.
More Zhangye Attractions
02City Guide
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平山湖大峡谷
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Typical Visit
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04City Guide
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冰沟丹霞景区
All Ages
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CNY 80 (admission CNY 60 + compulsory sightseeing bus CNY 20); eligible concession admission is CNY 30 plus the sightseeing bus.
Typical Visit
3-5 hours
05City Guide
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张掖外星谷景区
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CNY 100 for the self-drive admission ticket.
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All Ages
Admission
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Typical Visit
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