Movie & TV Filming Locations in Zhangye, China
1. Giant Buddha of Linze
A colossal statue of Maitreya Buddha located in Linze. It serves as a filming location for several movies and TV series due to its stunning architecture.
- Impressive Scale: The statue is over 108 meters tall, making it one of the largest Buddha statues in China.
- Architectural Wonders: The surrounding structures like the monastery and the terracotta warriors add to its charm.
- Natural Backdrop: It is nestled at the foot of Danxia Landform, offering a breathtaking natural landscape for filming.
2. Qilian Mountains
A mountain range in Zhangye that has been used as a backdrop for numerous movies and TV series. Its unique geological formations make it stand out.
- Rare Flora and Fauna: The mountains are home to several endangered species like the Snow Leopard and Tibetan Antelope.
- Hiking Trails: There are numerous hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the landscape.
- Sacred Sites: The mountains also house Buddhist monasteries and Tibetan villages, adding to their mystique.
3. Zhangye National Geopark
A geological park showcasing the unique Danxia landform. Its colorful layers have been used in various films and TV series.
- Colorful Layers: The layers of red, purple, and green rock create a surreal landscape that is ideal for filming.
- Unique Formations: Formations like the Great Wall of Danxia, Yardan National Geopark, and Brook Rapids are popular filming spots.
- Educational Experience: The park offers guided tours and exhibitions to educate visitors about the geological processes that formed these landforms.
4. Danxia Landform at Boshang Town
A smaller Danxia landform area within Boshang Town offering unique and less crowded filming locations.
- Less Crowded: Since it's a smaller area, it is usually less crowded than the national geopark.
- Unique Formations: The formations here are just as stunning and unique as those in the national geopark.
- Local Culture: Visitors can also experience the local culture of Boshang Town and its traditional Hui architecture.
5. Zhangye Danxia Grand Canyon
A grand canyon within the Danxia landform offering breathtaking views and unique filming locations.
- Grand Scale: The canyon is over a kilometer wide and hundreds of meters deep, offering dramatic landscapes for filming.
- Unique Rock Formations: The rock formations within the canyon are unlike any other in the Danxia landform.
- Adventure Activities: Activities like hiking, rappelling, and hot air balloon rides are available for adventure seekers.
6. Matisi Grottoes
A series of caves adorned with Buddhist murals and sculptures. They have been used as filming locations for several movies and TV series.
- Buddhist Art: The caves contain over 600 sculptures and 450 murals, showcasing Buddhist art dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
- Natural Beauty: The caves are located within a scenic area of cliffs and waterfalls, enhancing their beauty.
- Historical Significance: The Matisi Grottoes are an important historical and cultural site in Zhangye.
7. Qilian Grassland
A vast grassland located at the foot of the Qilian Mountains. It has been used as a filming location for several period dramas.
- Nomadic Culture: The grassland is still home to nomadic herders, offering a glimpse into their traditional lifestyle.
- Wildlife: The grassland is home to several species of wildlife like the Mongolian Gazelle and the Tibetan Fox.
- Seasonal Beauty: The grassland transforms with the seasons, from lush green in summer to snow-covered in winter.
8. Qilian Monastery
A Tibetan Buddhist monastery located at the foot of the Qilian Mountains. It has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV series.
- Historical Importance: The monastery was founded in the early 17th century and is an important cultural and religious site.
- Architectural Beauty: The monastery's architecture combines Tibetan, Han, and Mongolian styles, making it a unique attraction.
- Monastic Life: Visitors can observe the monks' daily life and learn about Tibetan Buddhism.
9. Broken Bridge of Yardan National Geopark
A natural bridge formed by erosion in the Yardan National Geopark. It has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV series.
- Natural Wonder: The bridge is a testament to the power of erosion and a wonder of nature.
- Hiking Trails: There are numerous hiking trails in the geopark that offer stunning views of the landscape.
- Unique Geological Formations: The geopark is home to numerous unique geological formations like sand dunes, wind-carved pillars, and yardang landforms.
10. Binggou Danxia Scenic Area
A scenic area in Zhangye known for its unique ice formations. It has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV series.
- Ice Formations: The area is famous for its ice pillars and icicles, which are especially stunning in winter.
- Hiking Trails: There are several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the landscape.
- Cultural Activities: Visitors can participate in traditional activities like yak riding and archery.
11. Yang Ma Village
A village located near the Danxia landform. It has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV series.
- Traditional Architecture: The village is known for its traditional Hui architecture, with buildings adorned with intricate wood carvings.
- Local Culture: Visitors can learn about the local Hui culture and try traditional Hui dishes.
- Natural Beauty: The village is nestled amidst stunning natural beauty, with views of the Danxia landform in the distance.
12. Qilian Hot Springs
Hot springs located near the Qilian Mountains. They have been used as a filming location for several period dramas.
- Healing Waters: The hot springs are said to have healing properties and are believed to cure various ailments.
- Relaxation: Visitors can relax in the hot springs after a long day of exploration.
- Scenic Surroundings: The hot springs are surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, offering a serene environment.
13. Qilian Wild Camel National Nature Reserve
A nature reserve dedicated to the protection of the wild Bactrian camels. It has been used as a filming location for several documentaries.
- Wildlife Conservation: The reserve is an important step in conserving the endangered wild Bactrian camels.
- Scenic Landscape: The reserve is located within a stunning landscape of grasslands, mountains, and sand dunes.
- Wildlife Spotting: Visitors can spot other wildlife like the Mongolian Gazelle, Tibetan Antelope, and Snow Leopard.
14. Binggou Village
A village located near the Binggou Danxia Scenic Area. It has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV series.
- Traditional Architecture: The village is known for its traditional Hui architecture, with buildings adorned with intricate wood carvings.
- Local Culture: Visitors can learn about the local Hui culture and try traditional Hui dishes.
- Natural Beauty: The village is nestled amidst stunning natural beauty, with views of the Binggou Danxia Scenic Area in the distance.
15. Qilian Tianshenge
A scenic area in the Qilian Mountains known for its unique rock formations. It has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV series.
- Unique Rock Formations: The area is famous for its unique rock formations, including the 'Heavenly Pillar' and the 'Celestial Bridge.'
- Hiking Trails: There are several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the landscape.
- Natural Beauty: The area is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with snow-capped mountains and lush grasslands.