Zhang Ye is without a doubt the best found treasure in Gan Su Province. Anyone traveling in the area should not miss out on going to Zhang Ye and seeing the Rainbow Mountains. This is one of the few cities that is a little less known by both Chinese citizens and foreigners alike. However, due to this landscape being used as the setting to make recent movies such as The Great Wall with Matt Damon and Mulan, Zhang Ye may become a more popular travel destination. This city is in no way shape or form commercialized it makes for a great and relaxing trip that will not easily be forgotten. Zhang Ye is highly recommended to visit.
The Big (Reclining) Buddha Temple 大佛寺
When in Zhang Ye, this temple is very worth it to go to for a few key reasons. The first being that because Zhang Ye isn’t the most popular travel destination (yet) there aren’t a lot of people that will be in this temple, making your experience in the temple nice and tranquil. Secondly, the temple is very central in this small city and doesn’t take much time to visit. Lastly, there is a huge reclining Buddha in this temple. I’m not sure how it compares on a global scale but it will leave you in awe. Anyone who has an interest in temples or Buddhism should definitely give this temple a look.
How to get there and how much time should be spent there?
The Big Buddha Temple is very central in the small city of Zhang Ye. It will take about 20 minutes to get there (maximum) and taking a cab would be the best and most convenient way to go. Being that Zhang Ye is a comparatively small city the cab fares will be cheaper than in other bigger cities.
I recommend spending approximately 2 hours in the Big (Reclining) Buddha Temple. The temple itself isn’t that big. So, 2 hours would be more than enough time to take your time and enjoy the scenery and sense of tranquility that the temple will bring you.
The Wooden Pagoda 木塔寺
The wooden pagoda area is one of those areas that doesn’t require spending a lot of time. However, the time that you do choose to spend there is well worth it. The wooden pagoda is just around the corner (walking distance) from the Big Reclining Buddha Temple. So, travelers could go to both places in one trip and kill two birds with one stone.
The one thing that I’ve learned about pagodas in general is that for the most part the outside looks much better than the inside. There are some exceptions but the majority of the interior of pagodas look like an endless stair case to the top. It is better to save yourself the time and effort of climbing all of those stairs and just view the pagoda from the outside.
The Horse’s Hoof Temple 马蹄寺
The Horse’s Hoof Temple is literally a temple that has been built into the side of a mountain in the shape of a Horse’s Hoof. The Horse’s Hoof Temple is probably the place that I regret not going to the most in all of China. I’ve had trusted friends that went to the Horse’s Hoof Temple and they said that it is a must do if in Zhang Ye. It is a bit outside of the city of Zhang Ye but well worth the journey.
The Horse’s Hoof Temple is about an hour to an hour and a half outside of Zhang Ye.
How to get there and how much time should be spent there?
The Horse’s Hoof Temple is a bout an hour an a half outside the city center. So, while a cab ride would be possible it would also be a bit more on the expensive side.
The best way to get there would be to take a van/mini-bus with other travelers. This could be set up by your hostel, hotel or wherever it is that your staying.
The Horse’s Hoof Temple should take at least half a day to explore. It is a very interesting and unique place though. There are some people that may want to spend the entire day there.
The Rainbow Mountains of Zhang Ye 张掖丹霞
This is the reason to go to Zhang Ye. These mountains are beautiful, colorful and very rare. There are few places in the world that you will see a similar sight to this. It is my understanding that do to rain, erosion, varying degrees of sunlight and the make up of the mountains themselves that cause this variation in color. It seems to be a perfect concoction for a beautiful scenery. This is without a doubt one of my favorite places in all of China.
At the time that I went to the Rainbow Mountains there were only 5 viewing platforms, however, there were more being constructed. The viewing platform that will give you the best view of the different colors is the 4th viewing platform. It is also the best place to watch the sunset. Not coincidentally, it is also the most popular and attracts the largest crowds.
Sunset seems to be the main attraction for the Rainbow Mountains. At the time that I went the park didn’t open until after sunrise. So, sunset was the next best thing.
It is important to all who go to the rainbow mountains that they know not to try to walk from one viewing platform to another. In the Rainbow Mountains of Zhang Ye there are some viewing platforms that can be walked from one to the other. However there are some that are a significant distance apart. Walking to a viewing platform that is far away will only succeed in wasting time and energy. It is best to take the bus from one viewing platform to another.
Side Note: As of the time that I am writing this blog the rainbow mountains of Zhang Ye is not the the most well known travelers destination. However, due to the development of the city, the viewing platforms that were under construction the last time I went and the appearance of the rainbow mountains in western blockbuster movies, I’d say it is only a matter of time before the rainbow mountains become a very popular travelers destination. Right now, the rainbow mountains are inexpensive and tranquil due to the lack of crowds of people there. All the same, I see this sight becoming very popular in the near future. So, do your best to visit this sight while its tranquility is still best preserved.
Helpful tip: the rainbow mountains are in the desert. If, you plan on spending the whole day there make sure you have enough water and snacks, cover up appropriately (to prevent sunburns) and bring some chapstick.
How to get there? How much time should be spent there?
The best way to get to the Rainbow Mountains is to take a van/mini-bus with other people that are interested to go. This way everyone will pay a portion and the driver will be satisfied and earn sufficient money. Your hostel or hotel can set up this accommodation, if you inquire about it. The trip to the rainbow mountains will take a little less than an hour to get there.
I would highly recommend that anyone going to the rainbow mountains allocate to spend at least one full day there. From morning until closing.
International Kev 