Zhangye is a fascinating destination for travelers eager to explore China’s diverse landscape and history. Its spectacular rock formations, ancient grottoes, and Silk Road sites make it a prime spot for guided tours that go beyond just sightseeing. What makes Zhangye particularly appealing is the opportunity to experience authentic local culture—whether it’s sharing a Uighur meal or learning about Tibetan Buddhism. For instance, the Private Day Tour: Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes and Zhangye Danxia Landform offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and spiritual insight in a single day. Its private guide ensures you access the region’s highlights comfortably and intimately, with a special focus on the multi-colored Danxia formations that paint the landscape in vibrant hues.
If you’re short on time but want to see the most iconic terrain, the Private Tour of Zhangye Danxia Geopark is a quick 4-hour experience that delivers stunning photos and a good overview of this famous rainbow mountain. For those planning a longer journey, the 4 Day Silk Road Private Tour in Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang combines natural wonders with cultural sites like Mogao Caves and ancient fortresses. Finally, for the photography enthusiast, the From Zhangye: 6-Day Private Photography Tour to Dunhuang takes you through several iconic stops, capturing the full visual palette of the region.
1. Private Day Tour: Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes and Zhangye Danxia Landform
At number 1, this private day tour offers a full immersive experience, combining spiritual sites with breathtaking landscapes. The tour begins with a pickup from your Zhangye hotel and includes visits to the Horse Hoof Temple (also called Mati Si), located amidst the scenic Qilian Snow Mountain. This site features ancient Tibetan Buddhist grottoes carved into the cliffs, with intricate rock carvings that date back to the 3rd century. The private guide’s expertise helps you understand the religious art and its significance.
After exploring the grottoes, you’ll enjoy a lunch with a Uighur family in their tent, an authentic cultural experience that’s hard to match. Sharing a meal with locals gives you a taste of regional cuisine and traditions. The afternoon is dedicated to the Zhangye Danxia Landform, often called China’s colorful “Rainbow Mountains.” The formations here are famous for their vivid stripes and wave-like shapes, perfect for photos—especially with a guide who can take you to the best vantage points.
This tour’s strength is its personalized approach and door-to-door private transfers, making it comfortable and hassle-free. The reviews highlight its quality, with a 5.0 rating and comments praising the guide’s English skills and local insights. It’s ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day with flexible pacing in a small group or private setting.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a perfect mix of spiritual insight and stunning scenery, ideal for those who want a deep, personal connection to Zhangye’s highlights.
2. Private Tour of Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Number 2 on the list is a half-day visit to the famous Zhangye Danxia Geopark, known for its vivid, rainbow-colored rock formations. Starting with a hotel pickup, you’ll head directly to the northern foothills of the Qilian Mountains in a private vehicle. Your guide will take you to the most photogenic spots within the park, where you can marvel at the strata of red, yellow, and green that seem to have been painted onto the mountains over millions of years.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on quality photography and personalized attention. The limited time (around 2 hours) allows you to avoid the biggest crowds, with the guide helping you find the best angles and viewpoints. The park’s unique window lattice and palace-style formations are best appreciated with a knowledgeable guide explaining how these landscapes formed.
Guests have praised the tour’s small-group approach, with one reviewer noting, “We were able to get off the beaten path and take photos without the crowds.” The inclusion of bottled water makes the experience comfortable, especially in the warm months.
Bottom Line: For travelers short on time but eager to capture the iconic rainbow mountains, this tour packs a lot into a concise visit and offers excellent value, especially for photography lovers.
3. 4 Day Silk Road Private Tour in Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang
This comprehensive four-day itinerary explores the heart of China’s Silk Road through natural marvels and historic sites. Its journey starts with the Zhangye Danxia Geopark, famously called Rainbow Mountain, where you’ll see colorful rock formations and learn about their mineral composition. From there, the tour moves to Jiayuguan Fortress, the westernmost point of the Great Wall, where the steep, hanging sections of the wall impress even seasoned travelers.
Day two involves visiting the Great Wall at Jiayuguan Pass, a spectacular stretch of ancient fortifications built during the Qin Dynasty. The third day is all about Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves, decorated with murals and sculptures that tell stories from over a thousand years. The tour concludes with visits to desert landmarks like the Singing Sand Mountains and the Crescent Moon Spring, blending natural beauty with historical intrigue.
This private tour provides an in-depth look at one of China’s most storied regions, with expert guides sharing insights at each stop. The price reflects a full experience, tailored for travelers who want to connect with China’s past and landscape over several days.
Bottom Line: Best suited for history and culture enthusiasts with a few days to spare, this tour offers a balanced mix of natural wonders and archaeological sites.
$1,000.00 per person
4. From Zhangye: 6-Day Private Photography Tour to Dunhuang
Number 4 on our list is a dedicated photography tour designed for those eager to capture the region’s most photogenic sights. Over six days, you’ll visit Zhangye’s Rainbow Mountains, the Mogao Caves, and the Singing Sand Mountains, along with lesser-known spots like the Devil City—a surreal landscape of eroded rocks perfect for creative shots.
The tour emphasizes timing and scenery, with early mornings and golden hours to get the best light. You’ll also get to climb the dunes to see the Crescent Moon Spring or ride camels in the desert—each opportunity perfect for memorable photos. Your guide, experienced in photography, will help you set up shots and share tips for capturing the region’s vivid colors and unique shapes.
While it is a pricey option, the value lies in its focus—carefully curated locations, expert guidance, and plenty of time to shoot without feeling rushed. Reviewers mention how this tour helps them photograph the full spectrum of colors and textures that make this region famous.
Bottom Line: This is the tour for serious shutterbugs wanting a tailored, immersive experience in some of China’s most iconic landscapes.
$1,099 per person
5. Zhangye: Mati Temple Grottoes & Giant Buddha Temple Tour
Number 5 offers a focused cultural and religious experience, combining two significant sites. You start with the Mati Temple Grottoes, dating back to the 5th century, where colorful murals and carvings reflect centuries of Buddhist faith. Then, you’ll visit the Giant Buddha Temple, home to the largest indoor sleeping Buddha in China, a massive reclining statue that’s both awe-inspiring and serene.
This guided tour is ideal for those interested in spiritual art and Silk Road history, with your guide providing context about the region’s role as a hub for trade and faith. The scenic drive through the Qilian Mountains adds a beautiful backdrop to your day, and the detailed murals within the grottoes reveal the spiritual devotion of past centuries.
Reviews are limited but positive, emphasizing the artistic richness and the chance to experience ancient religious art firsthand. It’s a good choice if you want a cultural deep dive without the lengthy travel.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in Buddhist art and religious history, offering a meaningful cultural experience close to Zhangye.
$257 per person
6. Zhangye: Danxia Geopark & Giant Buddha Private Day Tour
Rounding out our list, this private day tour combines two of Zhangye’s top attractions. You start with the colorful landscapes at the Danxia Geopark, where the striking rock formations provide endless photo opportunities—and are best appreciated on a private tour that can navigate the best viewpoints.
Next, you’ll visit the Giant Buddha Temple, home to China’s largest indoor sleeping Buddha, an experience that leaves a lasting impression. The tour includes a comfortable private vehicle and stops at several scenic platforms, making it easy to take in the sights without the crowds.
Reviewers note that the tour’s flexibility and the expert guidance make it a worthwhile option. It’s well suited for travelers who want a compact, high-quality experience without sacrificing depth or comfort.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want a combination of natural beauty and cultural sites in one well-organized day.
$246 per person
How to Choose the Right Zhangye Tour
Choosing between these tours depends on your interests and schedule. If you’re passionate about natural landscapes and culture, the Private Day Tour with Horse Hoof Temple and Danxia Landform offers a deep dive. For travelers with limited time but a love for sharable, iconic scenery, the Danxia Geopark half-day provides a quick, quality experience.
History and archaeology enthusiasts will appreciate the 4-Day Silk Road tour, which covers significant sites along the ancient trade route. Meanwhile, those eager to capture stunning photos should consider the 6-Day Photography Tour, which offers focused access to prime photo spots with expert guidance.
If your interests lean towards religious art and cultural sites, the Mati Temple Grottoes & Giant Buddha Temple Tour provides a meaningful experience.
Consider your budget, time constraints, and specific interests when selecting a tour. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best dates and avoid disappointment.
To sum it up, Zhangye offers a broad spectrum of tour options—from quick sightseeing to immersive cultural journeys. For first-timers, the private day tours strike a good balance between comfort and discovery. If you have more time and want to explore thoroughly, the multi-day Silk Road experience is unbeatable. For photography buffs, the dedicated photo tour guarantees you’ll come home with spectacular images. No matter your choice, early booking ensures you’ll secure a spot on these popular excursions.