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
Free mountain-range access; individual sites charge separately.
Hours
Mountain range open all day; individual attractions have their own hours.
Transport
No direct metro; explore by self-drive or hired car on selected mountain roads.
Duration
1-2 days
Best Time
June-September
Visitors
Independent travellers with suitable road transport
How to Visit
1
Choose one Zhangye-side section to explore
Treat the Qilian Mountains as a vast mountain system rather than a single attraction with one entrance or one route.
Tip:A focused route is more realistic than trying to cover the entire range.
2
Use Highway 227 and Biandukou as a road-trip spine
From Zhangye, a day by private car can focus on National Highway 227, Biandukou, and the mountain-and-grassland views along the way.
Tip:Do not try to complete a Qilian Mountains journey in one day.
3
Add an overnight stay for a longer route
If time allows, plan one or two days and stay near the route you are actually driving.
Tip:This avoids long returns on unfamiliar mountain roads after dark.
4
Stop only at safe viewpoints
Use formal parking areas or safe viewpoints for photos rather than road shoulders, bends, or pastoral tracks.
Tip:Mountain-road traffic and blind curves make informal stops risky.
5
Keep outdoor activities on open, maintained routes
Hiking, horse riding, and visits into protected landscapes should remain on open, maintained routes with adequate route information and communication.
Tip:Do not enter remote high-country areas without a guide and reliable communication.
Highlights
- Snow-fed water from the range supports the Hexi Corridor, creating changing scenes of peaks, grassland, valleys, and farming land.
- Highway 227 and Biandukou are good for seeing the scale of the mountains by road.
- The northern foothills provide the natural setting for places such as Mati Grottoes, Shandan Army Horse Farm, and nearby grasslands.
- Summer grassland, autumn colour, and winter or spring snow lines give the range different seasonal characters.
- This is best approached as a slow, route-based mountain journey rather than a single photo stop.
Insider Tips
✦Free entry and open-all-day wording describe the mountain range as a geographic area; individual scenic areas, protected zones, parking areas, and activities have their own rules and charges.
✦Strong sun, wind, and large temperature changes are normal at altitude. Keep water, a warm layer, sun protection, and basic supplies in the car.
✦Rain, snow, fog, ice, and falling rocks can affect mountain roads. Reduce or end the route when visibility drops.
✦Avoid night driving on remote roads. Download offline maps and start with sufficient fuel.
✦Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not chase, feed, or approach animals, and take all litter away with you.
More Zhangye Attractions
02City Guide
Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon
平山湖大峡谷
All Ages
Admission
From CNY 130 for the standard visit; deep-route packages are priced separately.
Typical Visit
4-6 hours
03City Guide
Mati Grottoes Scenic Area
马蹄寺景区
Adults Focused
Admission
CNY 87 for standard admission with the sightseeing shuttle. A lower-priced option excludes the North Temple grotto area.
Typical Visit
3-5 hours
04Historic Walk
Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple
张掖大佛寺
All Ages
Admission
CNY 40 for standard admission.
Typical Visit
1.5-2 hours
05City Guide
Binggou Danxia Scenic Area
冰沟丹霞景区
All Ages
Admission
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
06City Guide
Zhangye Alien Valley Scenic Area
张掖外星谷景区
Adults Focused
Admission
CNY 100 for the self-drive admission ticket.
Typical Visit
4-6 hours