Zhangye Danxia and Qilian Grassland Horse Ranch

See Zhangye's Danxia canyons, cross Biandu Pass to spend two nights in Qilian and visit Zhuoer Mountain, then return via the Qilian grasslands and the Shandan Horse Farm.

A summer self-drive route combining the city and its surroundings. The first three days cover Pingshan Lake, the two Danxia sites and the old town in Zhangye. On day four, drive through Minle and cross the Qilian Mountains over Biandu Pass to Qilian County, staying two nights to visit Zhuoer Mountain, Binggou Forest and Niuxin Mountain. On day six, follow the Ebao grasslands and the Shandan Horse Farm back to Zhangye. The last day is Mati Temple. The Qilian section sits at around 3,000 m above sea level with many mountain roads, so keep daily driving to about 300 km. Best suited to travelers with self-driving experience.

July is the best time for rapeseed flowers at Biandu Pass and for the grasslands. Avoid the Qilian mountain roads in winter, when they ice over.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive in Zhangye and Explore the Old Town

Zhangye（Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple、Muta Temple (Wooden Pagoda Temple)、Zhangye Drum Tower (Zhenyuan Tower)、Ganzhou Market (Night Food Market)）

About 40 minutes by car from the airport into the city. In the afternoon, walk through Dafo Temple, Muta Temple and the Drum Tower; in the evening, visit Ganzhou Market.

Stay: Zhangye City Center

Day 2 · Pingshan Lake Canyon and Wetlands

Zhangye（Pingshanhu Grand Canyon、Zhangye National Wetland Park）

Drive about 1.5 hours to the Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon. Return to the city in the afternoon, then take an evening walk in the wetland park.

Stay: Zhangye City Center

Day 3 · Binggou and Rainbow Danxia at Sunset

Zhangye（Binggou Danxia、Zhangye Danxia Landform）

Drive about 1 hour to Binggou Danxia. In the afternoon, head to Rainbow Danxia to watch the sunset, then return to the city in the evening.

Stay: Zhangye City Center

Day 4 · Over Biandu Pass to Qilian

Zhangye（Biandukou Pass） → Qilian（Arou Monastery、Zhuo'er Mountain）

Take G227 via Minle and climb Biandu Pass, then head west past Ebao to Arou Monastery. Drive up to Zhuoer Mountain in the evening. About 5 hours of driving, roughly 250 km in total.

Biandu Pass sits at about 3,500 m, so bring warm clothing and watch for altitude sickness. The road has many bends; keep your distance from trucks.

Stay: Qilian County Town (Babao Town)

Day 5 · Binggou Forest and Niuxin Mountain

Qilian（Binggou Forest、Niuxin Mountain (Amidongsuo)、Ladong Gorge）

Based in Qilian County, drive about 20 minutes in the morning to Binggou Forest, then visit Niuxin Mountain and Ladong Gorge in the afternoon. Each drive takes under half an hour.

Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms, so plan outdoor activities for the morning.

Stay: Qilian County Town (Babao Town)

Day 6 · Qilian Grassland and Shandan Horse Farm

Qilian（Ebao Ancient Town、Qilian Mountain Grassland） → Zhangye（Shandan Horse Ranch）

Drive east about 1.5 hours to Ebao and the Qilian Mountain grasslands, then pass through the Biandu Pass area to the Shandan Horse Farm. Return to Zhangye by evening; about 330 km for the day.

Some roads inside the horse farm are rough. Check current road conditions before leaving and be out of the mountains before dark.

Stay: Zhangye City Center

Day 7 · Mati Temple and Return Trip

Zhangye（Mati Temple (Matisi Grottoes)）

Drive about 1.5 hours to Mati Temple in the morning, return to Zhangye at midday, then drop off the car and head to Zhangye West Station.

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