#gansu

24 hours in Zhangye 🌈⛰️

We made a Trip to Zhangye in Gansu province to see the spectacular rainbow mountains with our own eyes. We flew from Beijing Daxing airport and it took 2:45 hours to get to Zhangye. On arrival we found our hotel and it was just by a food market, we had lunch and breakfast here during our stay. We were five persons traveling together so we asked our hotel to arrange trips for us around Zhangye. They had a mini bus to take us around. First stop: 🌈 Rainbow mountains We had certain expectations and were not disappointed. You can actually see the colors in the mountains. Its reddish sandstone that has been eroded to create magnificent rock formations with gorgeous colors over billions of years. By entrance of the park we had to take a bus to the different viewing points. Second stop: Bingguo Danxia landform Bingguo is the lesser known Danxia in the shadow of Rainbow mountain with less colors, mainly red. However we found it extremely cool to do a 3 hour hike in this spectacular landscape. Third stop: Giant Buddha temple With the largest sleeping Buddha in China. We had a little stroll inside the temple to kill time before our train Dunhuang. #instagramworthydestinations #Rainbow mountains #china #gansu

Challenge Myself with a Sky Trek!

#Gansu May 2023. Checked a bucket list item in North West China Zhangye Geo National Park in Gansu province, part of the Asia techtonic plates land formation. Picture perfect majestic mountains and deep crevices to explore. Deeply satisfying valley trekking with the ONLY way out climbing 2x vertical sky stairs hidden at the end of each long narrow paths. Almost 3 hours of hiking back to the top of the mountains. The next day, we hiked another millions years old dried up glacier that left deep cuts of high mountain walls. 4 hours hike to the top and back down the other side to get a shuttle bus ride back out to civilization. I finally did it! #境外遊

Mati Temple - A Tibetan masterpiece

As I stood before the majestic Mati Si, also known as the Horse Hoof Temple, I couldn't help but marvel at its uniqueness. Nestled on the rocky walls of a mountain in Zhangye, this Tibetan masterpiece stood as a testament to human artistry and devotion. Unlike any other temple I had seen before, Mati Si seemed to defy gravity itself. The temple complex was intricately carved into the rugged cliffs, seemingly hanging on to the sheer rock face. It was a sight that left me in awe of the incredible human ingenuity and determination that went into creating such a remarkable structure. As I explored the temple, the relaxed atmosphere engulfed me, transporting me into a realm of tranquility. The soft whispers of the wind caressed my face, carrying with it a sense of serenity that seemed to be inherent to this sacred place. The gentle rustling of the leaves and the distant sound of chanting monks created a symphony of peace that resonated deep within my soul. Every step I took revealed intricate details etched into the rock walls. The vibrant colors of the frescoes depicted scenes from Tibetan Buddhism, telling stories of enlightenment, compassion, and spiritual journeys. The delicate sculptures of Buddhist deities seemed to come alive, their serene expressions radiating wisdom and tranquility. As I reached the highest point of the temple, a breathtaking panoramic view unfolded before my eyes. The vast expanse of the surrounding landscape stretched out endlessly, the mountains standing tall and proud in the distance. It was a moment of pure bliss, a feeling of being connected to something greater than myself. Mati Si was not just a temple; it was a place of pilgrimage, a sanctuary for those seeking solace and spiritual awakening. The combination of natural beauty and human craftsmanship made it a place of profound significance. It was a reminder that even amidst the chaos of the world, there are sanctuaries of peace and tranquility waiting to be discovered. As I reluctantly left Mati Si, I carried with me a deep sense of gratitude for having experienced such a remarkable place. The memory of the hanging temple, the gentle whispers of the wind, and the awe-inspiring beauty would forever be etched in my heart. Mati Si truly was a hidden gem, a Tibetan masterpiece that left an indelible mark on my soul. #gansu #trip #trip #China #chinatravel #chinalife #temple #matitemple #Mati si

Dry but not lonely!

In the heart of the vast and mystical region of Gansu, there lies a hidden gem that awaits the intrepid souls seeking adventure and wonder. Its name is Mingsha Mountain, a place where nature's grandeur collides with ancient legends, creating an atmosphere that is both awe-inspiring and exhilarating. As you set foot on the golden sands of Mingsha Mountain, a sense of anticipation fills the air. The towering sand dunes, reaching heights of up to 500 meters, beckon you to conquer their mighty slopes. With each step, the shifting grains beneath your feet create a symphony of sound, as if the very earth itself is whispering tales of past conquerors and explorers. The wind, a constant companion in this desert playground, adds an extra layer of excitement to your adventure. It dances through the air, sculpting the dunes into ever-changing forms, as if nature herself is playing an intricate game of hide-and-seek. With each gust, the sand swirls around you, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that is both beautiful and humbling. But Mingsha Mountain is not just a place for adrenaline-pumping activities. It is also a sanctuary for those seeking solace and tranquility. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant hues of orange and purple, the desert transforms into a place of serene beauty. The silence is deafening, broken only by the soft rustling of the wind and the occasional call of a desert creature. It is in these moments of stillness that you can truly connect with the ancient spirit of this mystical place. For the history buffs, Mingsha Mountain holds countless tales of the past. Legend has it that the sand dunes got their name from the sound they make when the wind blows through them, resembling the delicate tinkling of bells. And if you listen closely, you might just hear the echoes of those who came before, the whispers of explorers and traders who once traversed these sands on their fabled Silk Road journeys. As you leave Mingsha Mountain, your heart is filled with a sense of gratitude and wonder. You have witnessed the raw power and beauty of nature, and you have felt the indomitable spirit of those who dared to venture into the unknown. Mingsha Mountain, with its vast sand dunes and ancient legends, has left an indelible mark on your soul, reminding you of the boundless adventures that await those who are willing to seek them. #chinalife #gansu #adventure #trip #chinatravel #desert #gansu

Dunhuang, an enchanting desert

In the heart of China's vast Gobi Desert lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered - Dunhuang. Brace yourself for an exhilarating journey into the unknown, where ancient history meets breathtaking landscapes in a truly adventurous escapade. As you embark on your expedition to Dunhuang, the anticipation builds with each passing mile. The desolate beauty of the desert stretches out before you, a vast expanse of golden sand dunes that seem to whisper tales of forgotten civilizations. It is here, amidst this rugged terrain, that you will uncover the secrets of a bygone era. Arriving in Dunhuang, the air crackles with excitement. You find yourself standing at the entrance to the legendary Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses a treasure trove of Buddhist art spanning over a millennium. The ancient murals and statues tell stories of devotion, enlightenment, and the passage of time. The sheer magnitude of this spiritual sanctuary leaves you in awe, igniting a sense of wonder and curiosity that fuels your adventurous spirit. But Dunhuang has more to offer than just the caves. The Crescent Lake emerges from the desert like a shimmering oasis, a testament to nature's resilience and beauty. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding sand dunes, creating a surreal mirage that seems too enchanting to be real. As you navigate the winding paths and climb the towering dunes, a rush of adrenaline courses through your veins, reminding you of the thrill of exploration. For the truly daring, a camel trek into the depths of the desert is an experience not to be missed. Surrounded by nothing but the rhythmic sound of hooves and the vastness of the desert, you surrender to the untamed wilderness. The shifting sands beneath you seem to have a life of their own, constantly changing and shaping the landscape. It is in these moments, when you are at one with the desert, that you truly understand the power and allure of Dunhuang. As the sun begins its descent, painting the sky with hues of oranges and pinks, you find yourself at the Singing Sand Dunes. Aptly named, these massive dunes emit a haunting melody as the wind rushes through their grains. With each step, you create a symphony of sound that echoes through the desert, a harmonious reminder of the untamed spirit of this extraordinary land. Dunhuang, with its mystical caves, captivating oasis, and ever-shifting sands, is a destination that calls out to the adventurers at heart. It is a place where history and nature converge in an exhilarating dance, inviting you to step outside your comfort zone and embrace the unknown. So, pack your bags, ready your spirit, and let Dunhuang guide you on an unforgettable journey of discovery and daring. #China #trip #dunhuang #Dunhuangtravel #chinalife #adventure #gansu

Spectacular Gobi dessert wonders

Crecent moon pool Little lake surrounded my mountains of sand dunes that can be up to 300 meters high. The area is super nice and there are lots of activities to enjoy as camel ride, sand sliding etc. We spent a whole day doing different activities like hiking to the top of the sand dunes and driving ATV. You can also chill by the pavilions just by the lake. It’s worth it to buy the sand protective socks that they sell before you enter the area because the sand will get everywhere I think we paid 20rmb. To top the day off we had afternoon tea at the roof of The Silk Road Dunhuang hotel that has the most amazing view over the sandy mountains. Downtown Dunhuang also has a very nice night market that’s worth a trip for shopping and food. Mogao Caves Most people come to see the Mogao caves in Dunhuang. The stunning paintings inside caves. Wall murals with Buddhist history. It’s absolutely a must to go there. I have been two times actually. It’s a pity that you can not take pictures inside but it’s understandable. #gobidesert #Dunhuang #gansu #travel

Gorgeous Gansu!

Getting There - Easy flights into Lanzhou or Dunhuang ~ I chose to hire a car and road trip from DH to LZ... Highly recommend! Attractions - Gansu has so much to offer and is so different from anywhere I'd been before! Mogao Caves, Minghsan desert, Great Wall First Pass, Rainbow Mountains to name the main ones! But many other things in between... Now to explore the south of the province! Hotels - many, many to choose from of course! Yodo Silk Road hotel in Dunhuang was very close to Minghsan in a small self-contained 'resort' which was extremely convenient as it had restaurants and a convenience store (5 minute walk from Mingshan), Aboriginal Architecture Hotel in Jiayuguan was one of the nicest hotels I've ever stayed in! Muted colours, relaxing and very calm & quiet. Rainbow Hotel in Zhangye was also 5 minutes walk from the rainbow mountains entrance, extremely convenient! Lanzhou has an array of hotels, Atour and Courtyard Hotel both great stays and central to metro lines. Food & Restaurants - As a vegetarian I often 'miss out' on some of the local dishes, but I tried some delicious sweet & sour veg in Zhangye by the Rainbow Mountains and a jianbing-style pancake near the desert. Plenty of nuts, seeds and dried fruits to snack on 👌🏽#gansu #gansuroadtrip

China Most Beautiful Place

#freehotelstay 📸 🇫🇷 French passionate industrial photographer has traveled to China and Asia in the past ten years, capturing the beauty of untouched nature through his lens #西藏 #四川 #肖像 #佛教 #云南 #青海 #摄影 #china #gansu #yunnan #xinjiang #awesomepic #travel #passionpassport #2023travelwish

The Famous Mogao Grottoes 🇨🇳

#2023travelwish Welcome to Gansu! 🇨🇳 📍Location: 25 kilometers southeast of Dunhuang Attractions: The Mogao Grottoes (known alternately as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas) are hand-cut rock caves carved into cliffs. Interesting facts shared by my tour guide: There are 735 caves in total and only 60 are open to the public. When you visit this site, you will get to only see 8 caves. The caves open to the public change everyday. I’m 2023, I’d love to go back to one of my favorite cities in the world; Berlin 🇩🇪 #mogaogrottoes #gansu #dunhuang #historicculture #tripblazers

The Historical site of Yumen Pass 🇨🇳

#2023travelwish Welcome to the famous Yumen Pass Historical Site! “Built in Western Han Dynasty, Yumen pass is the one of the two passes to the western regions in ancient China and the only gateway for the North Silk Road Route.” 📍Location: 90 kilometers away from Dunhuang. How to get there: This site was part of a Silk Road organized trip, so I had a private driver. Have a good trip! For 2023, one of my dream destinations is Greece. #summervacation #awesomepic #historicculture #gansu #china

Dream or Reality? Zhagana in Gansu

Zhagana is in Gannan (Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture) in China's Gansu province. It’s a beautiful mountain village on the northeastern rim of the Tibetan plateau on over 3000 meters, foreigners can easily visit it. It has both Tibetan culture and stunning plateau landscape. 🏔️🖼️ ✈️ To be honest the best way is drive your own car. The only other option is go with a bus or travel agency. 🏨 Finding a hotel is easy, many cheap and luxury options on Trip. 🥾 It's good for hiking or horse riding on the higher level of the village. I recommend to stay minimum two nights. #bucketlistreboot #gansu #zhagana #china #chinatravel #asiatrip

Great Wall at Jiayuguan! ❤️

FYI: Go to Jiayuguan Pass first. The ticket you get there is also valid for this site. (55¥)✌️ 📍How to get there - If you don’t have a drive, taking a DiDi is the most convenient way to get to this site. ⭐️ Attraction - Great Wall of China 🇨🇳 This is my 3rd time seeing the Great Wall at different locations and this is my favorite one. Unlike Mutianyu in Beijing, this location is much quieter. Of course it isn’t as big, but it’s a great place to visit. ⏰ Recommended time - The stairs are quite steep and uneven so it might take you about 1.5 hours or so. 🥤 Food and drinks - Get a bottle of water/snacks before you start climbing the stairs. #gansu #passionpassport #china #greatwallofchina #jiayuguan #historicculture #historicallandmarks

First Pier of the Great Wall - Jiayuguan

FYI: Go to Jiayuguan Pass first. The ticket you get there is also valid for this site. (55¥)✌️ 📍How to get there - If you don’t have a driver, taking a DiDi is your best bet. ⭐️ Attraction - This is the location of the first pier of the Great Wall. There’s also a little museum that you can check out. You can also buy some souvenirs at the museum. ⏰ Recommended time - About 1-1.5 hours. 🥤 Food and drinks - This is a small site, so there’s not that much you can buy. There are few things available but that’s about it. Have fun! 😊 #passionpassport #gansu #china #historicallandmarks #historicculture #jiayuguan #summervacation

Jiayuguan’s City Wall ❤️

If visiting Jiayuguan, you must visit this scenic spot. FYI: If you’re planning on visiting this site, first pier and the hanging Great Wall, visit this site first. Why? Your ticket is valid for all 3 spots. (55¥) ✌️ 📍How to get there - I had a driver, but DiDi is always the easiest and convenient option. ⏰ Recommended time - About 2 hours. 🥤Food and drinks - There are some shops where you can buy some snacks and cold beverages. ⭐️ Attraction- Jiayuguan’s city wall #passionpassport #gansu #china #summervacation #chinalife #travelinspiration #scenicspotguide #citywall #jiayuguan #historicculture #historicallandmarks

Welcome to Colorful Danxia in Zhangye 🌈

When visiting Zhangye, the Colorful Danxia scenic spot is a must! 📍How to get there - During my trip in Gansu, I hired a private driver. I’m not sure if you can take a bus from the city if Zhangye (I assume you can). The easiest way to get there is taking a DiDi. ⏰ Recommended time - About 2.5-3 hours. ⭐️Attraction- Beautiful colorful mountains. Before going there, I honestly wasn’t expecting much. The photos I saw were obviously photoshopped, so my expectations weren’t very high. To my surprise, the mountains are actually naturally colorful. It’s beautiful!! There’s also a bus taking you from one spot to the other so you don’t have to walk too much. 🥤Food and drinks - Quite a few options. #passionpassport #gansu #mountainview #china #naturalwonders

Breathtaking view at Zhangye’s Grand Canyon

When visiting Zhangye, the Pingshanhu Grand Canyon is a must! The canyon is absolutely stunning! It does get very hot and if you’re there on a sunny day, bring sunscreen!! 📍How to get there: I hired a driver and I suggest you do the same. It is located quite far from Zhangye city and I’m not sure if you can take a bus from the city. ⏰Recommended time: About 3.5-4.5 hours. There are a lot of stairs, depending on how fit you are, going up the stairs when leaving the canyon could potentially take you about 45mins. *Bring A LOT of water and some snacks! While exploring the site, I came across only 1 little shop about 1.5 hours into the hike. The shop wasn’t selling any food and the drinks weren’t cold. When reaching observation deck 4, there’s another shop selling some snacks and drinks but you reach that shop only at the end of your hike. #passionpassport #gansu #canyon #naturalwonders #china #summervacation #zhangye

Zhangye’s Buddhist Temple

If in Zhangye, I’m sure you’re here for the Mati temple, the Grand Canyon, and the Rainbow mountain but this place is also nice. If you have a bit of time (all you need is about one hour), go and visit the Big Buddha Temple! How to get there - During my time in Zhangye, I had a private driver. There’s most likely a bus that could drop you off near the temple but taking a DiDi is always convenient. Attraction - There are a few temples and some beautiful flowers. Have a nice little stroll and enjoy the beauty of this scenic spot. 😊 Cost - If I remember correctly, the ticket was about 40-50¥. #zhangye #gansu #temple #urbanexplorer #summervacation #thisischina

Zhangye’s Stunning Mati Temple

Mati Temple is one of the most famous scenic spots in Zhangye. The temple is located over 50km from Zhangye city making it difficult and very long to get there by bus. If you can, hire a driver for your journey. Opening Hours: 08:30-18:00 Tickets: 73 RMB/person 📍Address: Sunan Yugu Nationality autonomous county, Zhangye, Gansu ⏰Recommended time: 2-3.5 hours. There are quite a few stairs so it depends on how fast you can go. I recommend just taking your time and taking in the beautiful landscape as well as the grottoes. #grottoes #zhangye #gansu #summervacation #china #thisischina #beautiful

Wooden Pagoda Temple - Zhangye

Location - The wooden pagoda temple is located pretty much in the city center of Zhangye. It isn’t too far from the Giant Buddha temple so I’d suggest visiting both scenic sites the same day. Attraction - If you go there during the day, you can go up the pagoda and enjoy the view. The view itself isn’t that phenomenal but if you have time to do it, why not?! If you go there at night, you cannot go up, so if you have time, go during the day and at night. Cost - 25¥ *FYI, the stairs are very steep. Be careful! 😊 #gansu #zhangye #china #beautiful #travelinspiration #pagoda #thisischina #exploreasia #summervacation #urbanexplorer

Unbelievable Rainbow Mountains - Zhangye

The Rainbow Mountains, or Zhangye Danxia, are a must see in China. On a cloudless day, the colours of the mountains is breathtaking. The landscape formations are truly beautiful and at first don't seem real. During your journey through the park, the best really is saved for last where the iconic photographs of the landscape can be captured. To preserve the mountains and prevent erosion, you are very much limited to the boardwalks and paths which are clearly laid out and transport through the park is done by buses with multiple drop off points. Getting There - Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park is about a 30-minute car ride from the city of Zhangye in Gansu Province. It’s also possible to get to the park by bus from Zhangye. Getting to Zhangye City - The most convenient way to get to Zhangye is by air or by train. Trains are available from most major cities including Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Lanzhou and Beijing. Direct flights to Zhangye are possible from Xi'an and Lanzhou. Attractions - Whilst in the geopark there are multiple stops from start to finish. If camel rides and hot air balloons interest you, rides on both are available although they are not a necessity to fully experience the landscape. Accommodation - A variety of accommodation is available outside of the park ranging from hotels to camping. - Camping: Kaoshan Tent Zhangye - Hostel: The Silk Road Travelers Hostel - Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Zhangye Shopping - At the tourism centre there a several shops where souvenirs can be bought. #rainbowmountains #zhangye #gansu #张掖丹霞 #甘肃 #china #mountainview #createwithtrip #naturewonders

Dunhuang desert oasis adventure

Dunhuang is located in the northwestern province of Gansu. The Crescent Lake is also known as the Crescent Moon Spring, or Yueya Spring. It's history dates back over 2000 years. The oasis is surrounded by towering dunes which offer spectacular views after a challenging ascent. It is strongly advised to avoid being in the dunes in the middle of the day and early afternoon during the summer as it can get very hot. Regardless of the time you visit pack water, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Prepare to get SANDY! Getting There - The Crescent Lake is around 6km from Dunhuang city and is easily accessible by taxi or bus. Attractions and activities: - explore the oasis buildings - camel rides and ‘dune surfing’ - Other fun activities include gliding, motorcycling, karting, SUVs and helicopter rides Shopping - There a is a large street market at the entrance where souvenirs and other items can be purchased. #dunhuang #gansu #gansuroadtrip #crescentmoonlake #敦煌 #china #createwithtrip #culturetrip

First Time at the Great Wall

Who says you have to go to Beijing if you want to see the Great Wall of China? Head over to Jiayuguan in Gansu province to visit the western end of the Great Wall! It is a peaceful experience with much fewer tourists than you’ll find in Beijing 😌 I would say that the best time to visit is in the early morning when you can catch the tail end of the sunrise 🌅 Plus you will be able to avoid the hottest part of the day…believe me when I tell you you’ll work up a sweat after climbing all those stairs 🥵 I was lucky enough to have perfectly clear skies on my trip which made it all that more breathtaking Check out the last photo - not a cloud in sight! #thisischina #jiayuguan #greatwall #tripblazers #queenb_travels #gansu

Lanzhou's Must Visit Night Market

#timetotravel We just stumbled upon this market because we were trying to find some stuff that I forgot to pack. As we walked along the road we couldn't help but buy some local food as well because they look so delicious. This busy street is packed with different stalls with different stuff they are selling. You can literally find anything that you need and want here from food to clothea to even painting your nails and toya for your kids. This is highly touristy so prepare to be rubbing your elbows with fellow tourist but hey it is fun! #chinatravel #mytripvlog #tripblazers #market #gansu

Blue sky on grassland near Labrang Monastery

Beautiful day out on the grassland, blue skies, soaring birds and marmots everywhere. Such a great escape from the city! #labrangmonastery #grassland #Blue skies #Prayer flags #xiahe #gansu

airing giant thangka during Monlam festival

this happens every year, 15th day of Lunar New Year. definitely worth seeing.#snowlandart #xiahe #labrangmonastery #tibetan festival #buddhistfestival #gansu

Went to Yongjing, Gansu for 2 days. The main reason to go here is the Bingling Si (Bingling Temple) We took the boat across the reservoir to see the temple, but that was a mistake. I highly recommend skipping the boat transport and just hire a car to drive you there. The boat system is not good unless you have a large group/family. And the boat captain determines how much time you have at the temple. The temple had construction as of August 2020 so you are limited to what you can do and see there. I felt frustrated and disappointed as this was not told to us by anyone. If I would have known, I would have skipped this and chose to spend my time seeing something else. Yongjing is a nice small city. We walked around the old town and explored the area. We asked our hotel and taxi driver for the biggest and best shopping mall. They both recommended the same place. We wanted to go there because we assumed we could find a nice restaurant to try, but no. The “big” mall was mostly empty. the first floor had some shops open, but about 70% of the mall was empty or closed. We continued walking around the streets looking for a place to eat. The most popular restaurant according the dianping app, closes at 4:00pm. So we just tried some random Sichuan style restaurant and it was amazing! 👍🏼 After that, we dropped some stuff at our hotel and asked the hotel about any interesting areas or parks. The hotel lady recommended we cross the bridge and check out the massive flower park. Crossing the bridge we could see a lot of the area was flooded. The heavy rains have caused the river water to rise and it covered a lot of the land. However, we continued across and saw very large displays of flowers. Some of the flower areas were also flooded and roped off, but you can still see a lot of wonderful flower displays. #gansu #yongjing #lanzhou #xiahe #china #sichuan #buddha #temple #flowers #peaceful #binglingsi