City’s History in Brief in Zhangye, China
1. Giant Buddha Temple (Datonggulin),
An impressive sandstone Buddha sculpted into a cliff face, dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
- Carved into Cliffs: One of the few Buddhist sculptures carved directly into cliffs.
- Tang Dynasty Origins: Among the oldest existing Buddhist carvings in China.
- Sandstone Material: Made of unique red sandstone, contrasting the surrounding desert landscape.
2. Zhangye Danxia Landform
Vibrant rainbow-colored mountains with incredible rock formations, formed over 24 million years.
- 24 Million Year Formation: One of the few places where Danxia Landform can be seen.
- Vibrant Colors: Features a stunning array of colors from reds, yellows, to greens.
- Natural Rock Formations: Ever-changing and unique rock formations created by erosion.
3. Broken Hill (Xiahe)
Tibetan Buddhist monastery complex, located in a lush valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
- Tibetan Culture: One of the most important cultural centers for Tibetans in China.
- Snow-capped Mountains: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop.
- Monastery Complex: Consists of several monasteries and temples dating back centuries.
4. Wenshu Pagoda
An iconic seven-story pagoda built during the Tang Dynasty, standing over 50 meters tall.
- Tang Dynasty Architecture: Well-preserved example of Tang Dynasty architecture.
- Seven-story Structure: One of the few remaining seven-story pagodas in China.
- Buddhist Cultural Site: Significant Buddhist cultural site in Zhangye.
5. Zhangye City Museum
A museum showcasing local history and artifacts, with exhibits dating back to the Stone Age.
- Local History Exhibits: Provides a comprehensive overview of Zhangye's local history.
- Stone Age Artifacts: Displays numerous Stone Age artifacts found in the area.
- Interactive Displays: Includes interactive displays for a more engaging experience.
6. Tian-long Pagoda
A seven-story pagoda built during the Ming Dynasty, featuring intricate wood carvings.
- Ming Dynasty Architecture: Well-preserved example of Ming Dynasty architecture.
- Intricate Wood Carvings: Features beautiful and intricate wood carvings.
- Buddhist Cultural Site: Significant Buddhist cultural site in Zhangye.
7. Wolong Temple
An ancient temple complex with stunning murals dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
- Tang Dynasty Murals: One of the few temples featuring well-preserved Tang Dynasty murals.
- Ancient Temple Complex: Comprises several temples and halls, offering a glimpse into ancient architecture.
- Buddhist Cultural Site: Significant Buddhist cultural site in Zhangye.
8. Zhangye Mausoleum of Princess Tongxian
The tomb of a princess from the Western Han Dynasty, featuring intricate murals.
- Western Han Dynasty Artifacts: Showcases artifacts from the Western Han Dynasty.
- Intricate Murals: Features stunning murals depicting life during the Han Dynasty.
- Princess Tongxian's Legacy: An important historical figure and her burial site.
9. Huanghe (Yellow) River Source Park
A park showcasing the source of the Huanghe (Yellow) River, with walking trails and viewing platforms.
- Source of the Huanghe (Yellow) River: The actual source of one of China's most important rivers.
- Walking Trails and Viewing Platforms: Offers scenic walking trails and viewing platforms for visitors.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by picturesque mountains and rolling hills.
10. Matisi Grottoes
A series of caves with over 7,000 Buddhist statues dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
- Tang Dynasty Artifacts: Showcases numerous artifacts from the Tang Dynasty.
- 7,000 Buddhist Statues: Features over 7,000 Buddhist statues in various caves.
- Buddhist Cultural Site: Significant Buddhist cultural site in Zhangye.
11. Zhangye Danxia Geopark
A large protected area featuring stunning rainbow-colored mountains and unique rock formations.
- Protected Area: Part of a larger protected area for conservation efforts.
- Rainbow-colored Mountains: Features the unique and breathtaking rainbow-colored mountains.
- Unique Rock Formations: Includes ever-changing and unique rock formations created by erosion.
12. Qilian Snow Mountains National Park
A national park featuring snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and rich wildlife.
- Snow-capped Mountains: Features stunning snow-capped mountains.
- Alpine Lakes: Includes numerous beautiful alpine lakes.
- Rich Wildlife: Home to a variety of rare and endangered wildlife species.
13. Qianfo Temple (Thousand Buddha Temple)
A temple complex with over 1,000 Buddha statues and stunning murals.
- Over 1,000 Buddha Statues: Features more than 1,000 Buddha statues within the temple complex.
- Stunning Murals: Includes stunning murals depicting various Buddhist stories and themes.
- Buddhist Cultural Site: Significant Buddhist cultural site in Zhangye.
14. Wushengqiao Scenic Area
A scenic area featuring unique suspension bridges and stunning landscapes.
- Unique Suspension Bridges: Offers several unique and picturesque suspension bridges.
- Stunning Landscapes: Showcases breathtaking landscapes with towering cliffs and lush valleys.
- Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and photography.
15. Ganjia Temple
An ancient temple complex with intricate wood carvings and stunning murals.
- Intricate Wood Carvings: Features beautiful and intricate wood carvings.
- Stunning Murals: Includes stunning murals depicting various Buddhist stories and themes.
- Ancient Temple Complex: Comprises several temples and halls, offering a glimpse into ancient architecture.