[2025 Zhangye Attraction] Travel Guide for Muta Temple (Updated Mar)

Zhangye, this city, no one will ask you whether you love it or not, only people will ask you why you love it. The colorful colors, brilliant ethnic groups, inclusive religions, ancient history, galloping horses, young heroes, there are many reasons to fall in love with Zhangye, and it seems that no reason is needed. Zhangye is located in the transition zone from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the Inner Mongolia Plateau, and has gathered all the natural landscapes that people can imagine, such as glaciers, snow mountains, forests, grasslands, rivers, lakes, Danxia, wetlands, deserts, Gobi, mountains, and canyons. It can be called a world geomorphological landscape garden. Zhangye was originally a place where ethnic minorities lived. In history, it was a necessary place for the Western Regions to enter the Central Plains. It was also a strategic point for a strong dynasty to achieve unification and strength. Various ethnic groups blend here, and the ethnic culture is brilliant and colorful. As a 4,000-year-old civilization ancient city, Zhangye's history is old enough. The ancient history adds a bit of heaviness to this city. Rich historical relics have also become our carrier to look back at the past. 🚙Transportation The scenic spots in Zhangye are far apart, public transportation is not convenient, it is recommended to drive or charter. 📜Itinerary details D1️⃣: Zhangye Museum➡️Xilai Temple➡️Dafo Temple➡️Muta Temple ✅Zhangye Museum (2h) The first stop is at the Zhangye Museum, overlooking the 4,000-year-old civilization ancient city and entering the important town of the ancient Silk Road. Follow the footsteps of the commentator, step by step into the museum, in the exquisite cultural relics such as bronzes, pottery, coins, porcelain, etc., look back at the 4,000-year-old civilization ancient city, the important town of the ancient Silk Road. ✅Xilai Temple (1h) Feel the incense after the reconstruction in the Xilai Temple, which was built in the Sui and Tang Dynasties. ✅Dafo Temple (2h) Check in the only religious hall of the Western Xia minority in China, the largest indoor reclining Buddha Nirvana statue in China, and the murals of Journey to the West, which are 200 years earlier than the book. ✅Muta Temple (1h) Take a walk outside the Muta Temple in the evening and see the life of the locals outside the ancient building. D2️⃣: Biandukou➡️Binhe Jiuliang ✅Biandukou (3h) Many people rush to Qinghai to see a field of rapeseed flowers, but in Zhangye Biandukou, under the Qilian Mountains, the rapeseed flowers bloom, also blooming the colors of Zhangye. Biandukou has travel photography, hot air balloons and other projects to check in. ✅Binhe Jiuliang (3h) Come to the birthplace of Binhe Jiuliang, in the strong aroma of wine, from the Shen Zhou Qu Workshop to the brewing workshop, from the 10,000-ton wine cellar to the 10,000-acre sorghum raw material base, step by step to trace the roots, go into the past and present of Binhe Jiuliang, and explore this time-brewed Long legend. D3️⃣: Colorful Danxia ✅Colorful Danxia (sunrise and sunset, rest at noon) The colorful Danxia has long become the business card of Zhangye and the dreamland of many good “color” followers at home and abroad. When the colorful Danxia meets the hot air balloon, it is even more romantic in the summer of Zhangye. D4️⃣: Gaotai Site➡️Zhengyi Gorge➡️Camel City Site ✅Gaotai Site (1h) Not far from the Camel City site, history lovers check in, if time is tight, you can ignore it. ✅Zhengyi Gorge (3h) You can see the wild gorge of the Great Wall, desolate and wild. ✅Camel City Site (2h) Must check in, once the ancient capital of Beiliang, the military city of the Tang Dynasty, now only the broken walls remain, stubbornly standing in the desert alkali, desolate and solemn, telling the prosperity of the past with the wind and sand. The ruins are silent and persistent, this stubbornness that spans 1,800 years, makes people tearful. D5⃣️: Sunan Matisi➡️Kangle Grassland➡️Wenshu Temple➡️Sunan County ✅Matisi (3h) Mainly visit Matisi North Temple, Thousand Buddha Cave. Matisi North Temple is the most peculiar, most strictly arranged, and largest grotto in the Matisi Grottoes. Must check in Thirty-three days, Tibetan Buddha Hall. ✅Kangle Grassland (3h) The grassland in summer is close to the sky and not far from the snow mountain, which is very similar to the appearance of the dream far away. Here you can take a large travel photo of the Yugur style. ✅Wenshu Temple (2h) The ancient grotto group under the main peak of Qilian Mountain, for thousands of years, Tibetan Buddhism, Han Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese religious sects have intersected and integrated here. D6️⃣: Yanzhi Mountain➡️Shandan Horse Farm ✅Yanzhi Mountain (3h) Shandan Yanzhi Mountain, the waist of the Hexi Corridor, the throat of the Ganliang Ancient Road, has always been a must for the military. Huo Qubing defeated the Huns here, laying the foundation for Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty to "expand the Western Regions and open up the Silk Road". Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty held a "World Expo" here, which became the prototype of the modern World Expo. ✅Shandan Horse Farm (3h) Must check in, although the distance is relatively far, but it is currently the largest and oldest horse farm in the world.

📍Location: Ganzhou District, Zhangye City, Gansu Province 🚗Transportation: City bus + walking, easily accessible to major attractions in Zhangye Hey, everyone! Tired of the same old travel routine? Want a spontaneous, efficient, and fun-filled day trip? Come with me to Zhangye City! In just one day, we'll speed through five major attractions, savor authentic local cuisine, and guarantee your social media posts will be flooded with likes! 👍️Must-See Attractions: Danxia Landform, Giant Buddha Temple, Wooden Pagoda Temple, Ganquan Park, Zhangye Drum Tower 8:00 AM - Danxia Landform Our journey begins at Zhangye's iconic landmark, the Danxia Landform! The undulating mountains, bursting with vibrant colors, resemble an artist's palette. It's best to arrive early for optimal lighting conditions, perfect for capturing stunning photos! Wear comfortable shoes, as the scenic area is quite large and requires some walking. Purchase your e-tickets in advance on Trip.com to avoid long queues. 11:00 AM - Giant Buddha Temple After the Danxia Landform, we'll head straight to the Giant Buddha Temple. Built during the Western Xia Dynasty, this temple houses a magnificent 35-meter-tall reclining Buddha statue. Immerse yourself in the rich Buddhist culture and admire the exquisite murals and sculptures. Remember to maintain silence and respect local religious customs. 12:30 PM - Zhangye Cuisine near Wooden Pagoda Temple Feeling hungry after all that sightseeing? Don't worry, the area around the Wooden Pagoda Temple is a foodie's paradise! Zhangye's specialty snacks, such as Cuo Yuzi (rubbed fish roe), Sao Mian (noodles with meat sauce), and Juanzi Ji (rolled chicken), are all readily available. I highly recommend trying the local Cuo Yuzi; its smooth texture and unique flavor will leave you wanting more! 1:30 PM - Wooden Pagoda Temple With our bellies full, we'll continue to the Wooden Pagoda Temple. Built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, it's one of Zhangye's oldest Buddhist temples. The towering wooden pagoda is an impressive sight. Here, you can admire the beautiful ancient architecture, Buddhist relics, and sense the weight of history. 3:00 PM - Leisurely Stroll in Ganquan Park Need a break? Relax and unwind in Ganquan Park! With its lush greenery and clear lake, it's a popular spot for locals to unwind. Take a leisurely stroll along the lake or rest on the lawn, enjoying the tranquility. 5:00 PM - Sunset at Zhangye Drum Tower Our final stop is the Zhangye Drum Tower. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it's an iconic landmark of Zhangye's ancient city. Witness a breathtaking sunset over the old city and feel the passage of time. Don't forget to take a photo in front of the Drum Tower to complete your perfect day trip! 🎟️Ticket Information: • Danxia Landform: Moderately priced; purchasing e-tickets in advance on Trip.com is recommended to save time. • Giant Buddha Temple: Admission is included in the guided tour fee. Opt for a guided tour to learn more about the historical background. • Wooden Pagoda Temple: Affordable tickets; purchasing on-site is recommended. • Ganquan Park: Free admission. • Zhangye Drum Tower: Exterior viewing is free; an additional ticket is required to climb the tower. 💗Other Tips: • Clothing Suggestions: Zhangye City has a moderate climate, but there's a significant temperature difference between day and night. Comfortable athletic shoes and outdoor clothing are recommended. • Food Recommendations: Besides the mentioned Zhangye snacks, try the local Yang Rou Pao Mo (mutton soup with bread) and Lv Rou Huang Mian (donkey meat noodles). You'll be amazed by the flavors! • Avoiding Tourist Traps: Be discerning about product quality and prices when shopping in scenic areas. Some souvenirs, while unique, may be overpriced. Compare prices before making a purchase. • Transportation Advice: Zhangye City has a well-established public transportation system. Taking the bus to various attractions is both eco-friendly and budget-friendly!

In the center square of Zhangye, there is a wooden pagoda, which was built in the Northern Zhou Dynasty. It has a delicate structure, beautiful shape, and unique style. It is one of the Ganzhou Eight Scenic Spots - Wooden Pagoda and Sparse Bell, which reflects the unique architectural art characteristics of our country's pavilions and is very worth watching‼️ The Wooden Pagoda Temple, originally named Wanshou Temple, was rebuilt in the second year of Sui Kaihuang (582 AD), and has been repaired in all dynasties since the Tang Dynasty. According to records, after Sakyamuni Nirvana was cremated, 8400 relics were obtained. King Ashoka placed the bottle and built the pagoda. Each relic built a pagoda. A total of 16 pagodas were built in our country. Zhangye Wooden Pagoda is one of them. The original wooden pagoda was destroyed by strong winds in the late Qing Dynasty. The existing wooden pagoda was rebuilt in the 15th year of the Republic of China (1926 AD). 🌈Highlights: ✅The wooden pagoda is a pavilion-style building. The pagoda body is made of bricks. The outer eaves are made of wood. It has eight sides and nine levels. It is 32.8 meters high. It sits on a square base with a height of 1.5 meters and a side length of 20.3 meters. The doors and windows of the pagoda body are different, and the door sides are all engraved with couplets, and the window edges are brick carvings. ✅Each layer is carved with imitation wood structure brackets and twelve zodiac signs, which are vivid and exquisite. There are stairs in the pagoda. When you climb to the top of the pagoda, you can not only overlook the city, but also welcome the rising sun in the east, look at the clear snow in Qilian in the south, look at the winding weak water in the west, and look at the ancient pastures in Juyan in the north. ✅The wind is clear and the sun is shining, the clouds pass over the pagoda, the birds fly around, the bell sounds rhyme, making people linger. Behind the wooden pagoda is the Sutra Depository, also known as the "Black Tower". It is five rooms wide and three rooms deep. It has two layers of double eaves and a hipped roof. There are corridors around it. It is magnificent and complements the wooden pagoda. The scenic spot is under maintenance and cannot enter, but it does not affect the appreciation of the ancient pagoda. The pagoda is beautiful and there are few people, so you can avoid the crowd. It is a good place to check in for National Day travel‼️

In the center of the old city of Zhangye, at the Civic Square, there stands a tall pagoda. Beneath the pagoda, there is an ancient temple called Wanshou Temple. Because the ancient pagoda is very prominent, it has become a landmark building in Zhangye, so locals are accustomed to calling the ancient temple 'Wooden Pagoda Temple'. 【Basic Introduction】 Wooden Pagoda Temple (Wanshou Temple) is located on Nanjie Street, Zhangye County, originally within the campus of Zhangye Middle School, now known as Ancient Pagoda Square. The temple and pagoda were initially built in the Northern Zhou Dynasty or even earlier, and have been rebuilt during the Sui, Tang, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The pagoda is over 30 meters high, with eight sides and nine levels. Each level has wooden dragon heads with pearls in their mouths and wind chimes hanging below. The main structure of the pagoda is wooden, with pavilion-style eaves. The inner walls of the pagoda are made of hollow bricks, with doors, windows, floors, corridors, and a central core on each level. The windows are decorated with floral carvings, and the door lintels are embedded with brick carvings. 【Main Highlights】 The first level of the pagoda has 'Ascend to Ultimate Bliss' on the east and 'Enter Samadhi' on the west. The second level has 'True Enlightenment of the Western Heaven' on the east and 'Precious Golden Rope' on the west. The entire pagoda is constructed without a single nail or rivet, relying entirely on dougong (bracket sets), beams, columns, and interlocking structures, making it a complete and sturdy wooden structure. There are stairs for climbing, and each level has corridors and railings for viewing the distant scenery. The walls inside the Wooden Pagoda Temple now house the Zhangye Folk Custom Museum. 🌄 【Other Information】 Tickets: 5 yuan. Wooden Pagoda Temple (Wanshou Temple) is very close to the main tourist attractions in the main urban area of Zhangye, such as the Zhangye Museum, Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple, and Xilai Temple, all within walking distance. The temple is located in the commercial center of the old city of Zhangye, with shopping malls nearby, making it convenient for shopping and dining.

The summer in Zhangye is enchanting with the lights just coming on and a cool breeze, perfect for cycling or light walking in the city. The city is not large, and shared bikes are very convenient. Cycling and walking route: Zhenyuan Tower - Muta Temple - Antique Ming and Qing Street - Ganquan Park, about 3KM in total. Zhenyuan Tower and Muta Temple are good for a quick photo and check-in. Ming and Qing Street is also a food street, gathering delicious snacks from all over, with Shandan stir-fry recommended for a late-night snack, tasting very good. !Key recommendation: Ganquan Park Ganquan Park, known as Zhangye's 'royal garden', has a history of over a hundred years. With water as the main feature, the garden style blends mountains and water with winding paths, which I find very appealing. Last night was my first visit to Ganquan Park, and I was deeply attracted by the crystal-clear fish pond and the unparalleled night view of the garden. This morning, I set the alarm clock early and re-entered the park at 6:30 am. Most of the photos in my notes were taken this morning! The scenery changes with every step, it's beautiful and not crowded, plus the reflection of the blue sky and white clouds. Children's playground: There is also a playground in Ganquan Park, located on the right side of the main entrance to the park. The castle gate is also very beautiful (see picture), and the facilities are rich. If you have time, you can take children there to play. For friends traveling to Zhangye, in addition to definitely going to see the 'colorless mountains at a glance' of the Rainbow Danxia, experiencing the local lifestyle in the city for a day is also a unique flavor.