[2025 Zhangye Attraction] Travel Guide for Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon - Observation Deck No. 1 (Updated Jun)

If you’re heading along the Silk Road, don’t miss the Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon near Zhangye – it’s honestly one of the most stunning landscapes I’ve ever seen. Think deep red sandstone cliffs, winding gorges, and rock formations that look like they’ve been sculpted by nature itself. It’s incredibly pretty – like, proper jaw-dropping. The colours, textures, and layers change with the light, and the views are next-level. You don’t need to be a hiker or geology buff to fall in love with it – just bring your camera and take it all in. There’s also a real sense of stillness and vastness here – not crowded, not overdone, just raw natural beauty. It’s sometimes called “China’s Antelope Canyon” and you can see why, but honestly? It has a magic all its own. Bonus: you can also explore some local Mongolian culture while you’re here – dancing, food, crafts… it all adds to the experience. Absolutely worth the detour if you’re exploring Gansu or anywhere along the Silk Road. #PingshanLakeGrandCanyon #SilkRoadAdventure #StunningLandscapes #HiddenGemsChina #TravelGoals #NatureWonders #ZhangyeViews #ChinaOffTheBeatenPath #BreathtakingViews #TravelInspo #ExploreMore #SilkRoadScenery #WanderlustChina #NaturalBeauty #DesertDreams #silkroad

🔥 Must-See Attractions (with off-the-beaten-path tips) 1. Canyon Hiking - Highlight: Navigate the red rock crevices, squeeze through narrow passages, and post photos with the caption: "Just finished wrestling with tectonic plates, barely survived!" - 🎫Ticket: CNY 130 (includes sightseeing bus, worth it! You can pretend you're on the set of *The Martian*). - 📸Hidden photo spot: At sunset, stand at the top of the "Cloud Ladder" for a sci-fi movie-like view of the canyon (not for those with a fear of heights, we won't rescue you if your legs go weak). 2. Camel Peak Viewing Platform - Highlight: From afar, it looks like a meeting of petrified camels; up close, the weathered rocks are more abstract than abstract art. - 🎫Ticket: Included in the general admission ticket (free! But you'll be panting like a dog when you reach the top, so bring your best oxygen tank acting skills). - Mystical experience: Shout into the valley and the echo will be so loud you'll think you've awakened an ancient beast. --- 🍜 Food Guide (Northwest Hardcore Edition) ✅ Must-try: - Zhangye Rolled Chicken: Noodles rolled like mosquito coils + large plate of chicken (CNY 40/person, carb bomb bliss); - Cuo Yu Mian (Rubbed Fish Noodles): Small fish-shaped noodles (CNY 10/bowl, dip in chili sauce and eat 'em up one by one); - Beef Xiao Fan (Beef with Tiny Noodles): Beef cubes + mini noodle cubes (CNY 8/bowl, a local breakfast staple). ❌ Proceed with caution: - "Camel Milk Ice Cream" at the entrance (CNY 15/each, tastes ≈ sandstorm mixed with sugar); - "Sand Onion Buns" (your breath could scare away camels after eating these). 🚗 Transportation Tips (Not recommended without a car) 1. Main transportation: - High-speed rail to Zhangye West Station, taxi CNY 150/trip (driver will blast *Loess Plateau* at rock concert volume); - Hardcore travelers can take the local bus (fewer departures than shooting stars, bring playing cards to kill time). 2. Canyon transportation: - Sightseeing bus to the entrance, the rest is on foot (wear hiking boots, the sandstone is slippery enough to invent a new Martian moonwalk). 🏡 Accommodation Options - Canyon farmhouse: CNY 80/night, warm炕(kang), weak Wi-Fi, comes with a free midnight dog barking alarm clock; - Zhangye city hotel: CNY 120/night, similar to a budget hotel, but you can get Beef Xiao Fan downstairs. 💡 Survival Guide 1. Sun protection: The UV rays are so strong you can get sunburned in 1 hour, apply sunscreen like you're plastering a wall; 2. Wind protection: Wrap your head in a scarf like an Arab, otherwise, you'll get two ounces of sand with every bite of food; 3. Photography: Wear solid colors! Red rocks + white clothes = winning photo, camouflage ≈ invisibility cloak; 4. Be civilized: Don't carve "I was here" on the rock walls, or the auntie squad will give you the death stare. --- Pingshan Lake motto: "Since you're here, you can't leave without enough Martian photos!" (Friendly tip: Tag your photos as "China's Colorado" on social media to annoy Americans) Disclaimer: - This guide has not received any advertising fees from Cuo Yu Mian restaurants, but the owner is welcome to exchange Rolled Chicken for稿费(gao fei, manuscript fee); - If this guide causes Pingshan Lake to become overcrowded, I will delete this post and start selling Beef Xiao Fan (serious face).

In-Depth Travel Route Reference: 1. Scenic Viewing Platforms Take the scenic shuttle bus, which takes about half an hour to reach viewing platforms 1, 2, and 3. These platforms are connected, with platform 2 requiring a short walk, while platforms 1 and 3 only require a few steps up. 2. Canyon Bottom Adventure - Take the Adventure Vehicle: Near viewing platform 3, take the adventure vehicle, which travels along the sandy terrain and passes by viewing platform 5. - Ride a Camel: After getting off the vehicle, walk a short distance and then ride a camel through the canyon bottom desert for about 10 minutes. - Take a Camel Cart: After the camel ride, continue walking forward to the camel cart boarding point for another 10-minute experience. 3. Return Hike - Lingzhi Valley: We chose the Lingzhi Valley route, where you can admire the unique rock formations that resemble lingzhi mushrooms. This section is about 1.5 kilometers long with stunning scenery! - Viewing Platform 4: After exiting Lingzhi Valley, climb up the spiral staircase, which has two sections (refer to P6-7). Once you reach the top, you will arrive at viewing platform 4, where you can overlook the entire canyon. - Take the Shuttle Bus Back: From viewing platform 4, take the shuttle bus back to the scenic area entrance, which takes about half an hour. For those planning to visit soon, feel free to message me or click the link below to consult customer service! Zhangye, Gansu

❤️Day 0 Fly from Guangzhou to Lanzhou in the evening 🧡Day 1 Lanzhou Airport—Lanzhou West (2-hour transfer)—Dunhuang ❤️Day 2 Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring—Visit the night market for cultural and creative products ❤️Day 3 Carpool for a one-day tour of the western line, Qianfo Cave—Yangguan Pass—Yadan National Geological Park—Yumen Pass ❤️Day 4 Dunhuang—Zhangye, visit the Wetland Park ❤️Day 5 Join a half-day tour of Mati Temple 🧡Day 6 Join a one-day tour of Pingshanhu Grand Canyon and Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park 🧡Day 7 Zhangye—Lanzhou 💛Day 8 Provincial Museum (the crowd is growing!) ❤️Day 9 Lanzhou—Guangzhou ❤️Off-season travel offers discounts on tickets and activities, cheap accommodation, and fewer people, making for an amazing experience at attractions There are also some places I wanted to visit when I was planning the trip, but they were closed when I got there, even though they were supposed to be open. 💖Dunhuang: Taxis are convenient, you can just hail a taxi on the street, and the fare in the city is basically the starting price of CNY 6. For a one-day tour, you can charter a taxi. ❤️Accommodation: Le Méridien International Hotel ❤️Food: Zhenpinxiang—Populus euphratica stewed cake, beacon lamb chops, and sand onion scrambled eggs; Fangha—Sweet fermented milk tea and sweet fermented green tea (I tried four other kinds, but they were all disappointing) 🧡Zhangye: Low prices and lots of delicious food! I also happened to visit Pingshanhu and Zhangye Danxia on the first day of the lunar month, so I didn't have to pay for tickets. It was great! ❤️Food: Baifu—Milk and egg rice wine, grilled lamb skewers, yogurt with blueberry jam, and fried latiaozi; Ma Xiaoying Fresh Beef Casserole—Molten rice crust and potatoes, and boiled beef with chili oil; Dongfanggong Beef Noodles, the chili is very fragrant; Fat Sheep Time Hot Pot—The group-buy set meal, beef and mutton rolls are good, and Qinghai white beer is delicious ❤️Lanzhou: The beef noodles I had on the first day of the transfer were amazing, and I highly recommend Lanzhou sour milk and bitter rose yogurt.

Ping Shan Lake Grand Canyon is definitely worth a visit. At the entrance, staff will explain the routes for regular and in-depth tours. You need to scan your ID card to enter. First, take the sightseeing bus to the high observation deck. After getting off, staff will introduce how to explore the high observation deck. After finishing the high observation deck tour, in-depth tour visitors will return to the sightseeing bus drop-off point and take the adventure vehicle to the bottom of the canyon. Then, ride a camel or a camel cart to go deeper into the canyon, followed by a hike to get up close with the canyon. (Due to deep snow, the narrow path is currently closed.) Head towards Lingzhi Valley (it's best not to wear white shoes and pants as they can easily get stained red). Climb the 'chain' stairs to the exit of the scenic area (you can bring some snacks to replenish your energy before climbing the stairs). After walking out of the canyon, the sunset over the mountains is breathtaking. The setting sun, the vast snow canyon, the interplay of light and shadow, and the splendid afterglow create a visual feast in the winter Grand Canyon. Recommended itinerary: Qinghai-Gansu five-day small loop (Mati Temple route) Day 1: Xining --83km 1h30min -- Riyue Mountain 62km 1h -- Qinghai Lake 152km 2h30min -- Chaka Salt Lake 10km 8min -- Chaka Town (overnight) Day 2: Chaka 167km 2h40min -- Huanhu West Road 55km 1h -- Gangcha Grassland 227km 3h23min -- Binggou Forest Sea 206km 3h25min -- Zhuo'er Mountain 5km 10min -- Qilian (overnight) Day 3: Qilian -- 105km 1h36min -- Biandukou 70km 1h20min -- Mati Temple 77km 1h30min -- Danxia Landform 30km 35min -- Zhangye (overnight) Day 4: Zhangye City 60km 1h20min -- Ping Shan Lake Grand Canyon 60km 1h10min -- Xixia National Temple 2km 5min -- Zhangye (overnight)

Zhangye is not only the pearl of the Silk Road, but also secretly hides a stunning canyon comparable to Colorado - Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, waiting for brave explorers to unveil its mystery! 🔍 📍[Adventure Coordinates]: Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon in Zhangye City, a forgotten place of natural miracles! 🚗【Departure Tips】: Set sail from Zhengzhou, land in the west of Lanzhou, rent a car and drive yourself, freely roam the vast world of Zhangye, every corner is not to be missed! 🛣️ 🎒[Line Revealed]: 1. 🚀Basic exploration: shuttle between No. 1-4 Observation Deck, from the magnificence of Kowloon to the tenderness of Lovers Peak, to the fantasy of turtles asking beasts, and finally feel the uncanny craftsmanship of nature in the sky, every step It's all a surprise! 📸 2. 🦙In-depth adventure: More than that, take an expedition vehicle and drive straight to Huanglong. The stone forest at the bottom of the valley is waiting for your shots. Camel riding, experiencing the sound of camel bells and the laughter on the camel car on the Silk Road, is the deepest attachment to the Northwest. 🐪 💰[Fare Guide]: Rack-price tickets + scenic bus are 130 yuan, and online booking is more discounted. The in-depth tour is 328 yuan, including all heart-racing items, and is extremely cost-effective! 💸 ☀️[Sunscreen Tips]: The sunshine in Zhangye is generous, remember to apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and take adequate protection to enjoy it without getting hurt. 🕶️ 🌅[Sunset Adventure]: Observation Deck No. 4 is the best spot to watch the sunset. The canyon illuminated by the sunset is so beautiful that it is fascinating. You might as well start at 4pm to perfectly capture the romance of the sunset. 🖼️ 🏨[Dreamland Recommendation]: Stay overnight next to the Bell and Drum Tower. You can enjoy comfort and convenience for about 300 yuan. The delicacies of Ganzhou alleys are waiting for you to try, the coolness of apricot skin tea, the spicyness of fried rice, and the authentic beef rice. The journey of your taste buds is equally exciting! 🍜 In this forgotten canyon, every inch of land tells the story of the earth for hundreds of millions of years, and every light and shadow is nature's most affectionate confession. At the end of the journey, what I take away is not only the photos, but also the infinite love and awe for life. 🌟