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
Outer square: free. Tower climb: CNY 25.
Hours
08:00-18:00; arrive before 16:30 if you plan to climb the tower.
Transport
No direct metro. The temple is beside Ancient Pagoda Square in central Zhangye.
Duration
20-30 minutes for the exterior; longer with a tower climb
Best Time
Afternoon for the tower exterior; spring and summer for swallows around the pagoda
Visitors
The exterior suits most visitors; the tower stairs are narrow and steep.
How to Visit
1
Start at the free outer square
Wooden Pagoda Temple is beside Ancient Pagoda Square. The outer square is free to enter all day, and you can view the nine-sided pagoda, photograph its full profile, or watch swallows around the tower in spring and summer.
Tip:The free square makes this a worthwhile short stop even if you do not climb the tower.
2
Decide whether to climb the pagoda
Buy the separate CNY 25 tower ticket only if you want to enter and climb it. The stairs are narrow and steep, so visitors with a fear of heights, limited mobility, or large luggage may prefer the exterior.
Tip:The climb is optional, and the exterior remains the better choice for visitors who are uncomfortable with steep enclosed stairs.
3
Arrive early enough for the tower climb
Tower visits run from 08:00 to 18:00. Aim to reach the ticket office before 16:30 so you have time to climb and descend without rushing.
Tip:Arriving before 16:30 gives more margin for ticketing and a safe, unhurried descent.
Highlights
- The octagonal, nine-storey brick-and-timber pagoda is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Zhangye's old city.
- Brackets, beams, columns, and layered eaves reward a close look at traditional timber construction.
- The tower-top view looks across the old city and toward the Qilian Mountains.
- In spring and summer, groups of swallows may circle the tower, adding a natural detail to the historic setting.
Insider Tips
✦The outer square is free, so it still works as a 20-30 minute stop on a city history walk if you do not want to climb.
✦The main value of climbing is the view over the old city and toward the Qilian Mountains. Do not force a ticket purchase in poor visibility or if the climbing route is closed.
✦Afternoon light is better for the rooflines and layered tower structure. Wear non-slip shoes and keep both hands free for the handrail.
✦Combine it with Zhangye Museum, Xilai Temple, or the Drum and Bell Tower for an easy central-city walk.
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05City Guide
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