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
Sightseeing shuttle: CNY 20. Horse riding and overnight stays are separate choices.
Hours
08:00-18:00.
Transport
No direct metro; self-drive or a hired car is the most practical option.
Duration
1-2 days
Best Time
July-August
Visitors
Best for visitors with their own transport or a hired driver
How to Visit
1
Allow a full day or stay overnight
This is a very large grassland destination. Stay nearby if you want to see morning grazing, evening horse herds, or the night sky.
Tip:A day trip can work, but an overnight stay reduces the pressure of long-distance driving.
2
Use a private car or hired driver
Once inside the area, confirm the accessible roads and shuttle arrangements before deciding how much of the ranch to cover.
Tip:The ranch is too spread out to treat as a compact walkable attraction.
3
Travel from the Third Ranch toward the First Ranch
With limited time, start around the more open Third Ranch, then travel toward the First Ranch for the more concentrated visitor facilities.
Tip:The two areas are far apart, so leave realistic road time between them.
4
Choose a managed horse-riding experience
Use an established operator with a clear route and accompanying staff. First-time riders should choose a short, led ride on level grassland.
Tip:A short supported ride is safer and more enjoyable than an unstructured ride on unfamiliar ground.
5
Leave room for horse-herd viewing
Arrange horse-herd viewing for early morning or late afternoon and keep the rest of the schedule flexible.
Tip:Grazing times and herd locations vary by day.
Highlights
- High grasslands, rapeseed fields, and the Qilian Mountains create broad, open driving scenery.
- The First Ranch has the most concentrated visitor services, including accommodation, meals, and riding activities.
- The Third Ranch is better for large-scale grassland views and scenic driving.
- Morning grazing or evening horse movements are the ranch's most memorable changing scenes.
- Luaniao Lake and its surrounding grassland are worthwhile stops in stable weather.
Insider Tips
✦Accommodation, drivers, and horse-riding slots can fill quickly in peak season, so reserve early if staying overnight.
✦The altitude is high and temperatures change quickly; bring wind protection, a warm layer, and strong sun protection even in summer.
✦Supplies and mobile signal can be limited deeper in the grassland. Carry water, snacks, offline maps, and a charged power bank.
✦Do not drive onto pasture, wetlands, or unmarked dirt tracks. Conditions can deteriorate sharply after rain.
✦Before riding, clarify the duration, route, whether the horse is led, helmet availability, and insurance coverage.
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