Things to do in Shandan

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Zhangye

Shandan Army Horse Breeding Farm

Shandan Army Horse Breeding Farm is located south of Shandan County in Zhangye, covering a vast grassland on the northern side of the Qilian Mountains. The farm boasts expansive terrain, with endless stretches of grasslands and rapeseed fields spanning dozens of kilometers, offering breathtaking and majestic scenery. Historically serving as an imperial horse breeding ground, it has now become the world's largest horse farm, where visitors can experience galloping across the open plains. Additionally, the farm offers unique local delicacies such as wild mushrooms, specialty lake fish, yogurt, and honey, all worth trying. The attraction is divided into several areas, including the main farm and sections one to five. Section three features the most spectacular natural scenery, while section one concentrates most visitor facilities like hotels and restaurants. The distance between these two sections is about a 2-hour drive. A typical itinerary involves entering through section three on the first day to enjoy its stunning landscapes before heading to section one for overnight stay, followed by horseback riding the next day before departing toward Shandan County. Due to its high altitude, the farm has short summers, making July and August the ideal months to visit when the grasslands and rapeseed fields are lush and green. Visitors usually access the farm via National Highway 227, which connects Xining to Zhangye.Turn into the ranch at BiandukouUpon arrival, you'll first reach the Third Ranch, which boasts the most stunning scenery in the military horse farm. Dozens of kilometers of grasslands and fields stretch along both sides of the road. When summer arrives and the rapeseed flowers bloom, the area transforms into a golden sea, offering breathtaking photo opportunities. Follow the signs toward the First Ranch while enjoying the views along the way—it takes about 2 hours to reach. The First Ranch serves as the main tourist destination of the entire horse farm. The highlight activity here is horseback riding. Upon arrival, you can arrange your experience directly through the guesthouse at the First Ranch. There are two options for horseback riding: one involves riding to the Kulong Gorge attraction, but the scenery there isn't particularly remarkable, and the rough terrain means you'll be led slowly by a handler, making it less recommended. The better option is learning to ride on the grasslands near the First Ranch. This experience differs from typical touristy horseback activities—Shandan military horses are generally gentle and obedient, and the vast, flat grasslands allow visitors to trot or even gallop after some basic instruction. Another must-see is the daily morning horse release ceremony. Around 6 AM near the First Ranch headquarters, professional herders drive hundreds of military horses out to graze, creating a spectacular scene reminiscent of a thundering cavalry charge—perfect for stunning photographs. Additionally, about 2 km from the ranch headquarters lies a reservoir where you can enjoy peaceful evening walks by the lakeside. Accommodation and dining options are limited, primarily concentrated at the First Ranch. The Danma Sihai Resort Hotel by the reservoir offers comfortable rooms (around CNY 300 per standard room) with beautiful grassland and lakeside views. The Shandan Horseman Hotel near the ranch headquarters provides standard rooms for CNY 150–200. During peak season and holidays, local accommodations fill quickly. The horse farm offers affordable dining. Try the large Fushenglong Restaurant near the ranch headquarters—don't miss the wild mushrooms and local lake fish specialties. Braised lamb and hand-grabbed lamb are also must-try dishes. You'll frequently see beekeepers along the roads—buy some honey and pair it with highland yogurt from local shops for a unique, delicious treat!

Yanzhi Mountain Forest Park

Yanzhi Mountain is also known as Yanzhi Mountain and Yanzhi Mountain. The Yanzhi Mountain Attraction covers an area of ​​257 hectares. The highest point, Zhongshan Temple, is 2,938 meters above sea level. It is known as the "sweet and cool throat". The Yanzhi Mountain Attraction has rich experience projects. The accommodation conditions of the tourist service center hotel are excellent, and the food corridor has local special snacks such as wild mushroom noodles, Shandan rice wine, Shandan fried bola, and horse farm yogurt. There are archery, horse riding and other experience projects in the Attraction. There are bonfire parties, barbecues, tent camping and other activities in the evening. Yanzhi Mountain has built a study tour base and a team building base, with its own designed "Yanzhi-Reading Ten Thousand Books and Traveling Ten Thousand Miles" brand courses and brand team building activities, and is equipped with professional instructors.

Biandukou Ecological Leisure Tourist Area

Biandukou Ecological Leisure Tourism Attraction, referred to as Biandukou Scenic Attraction, is located in the southeast of Minle County, in the hinterland of Qilian Mountain, about 2,800 meters above sea level, with a high temperature of no more than 30℃ in summer and a low temperature of minus 20℃ in winter. The Attraction and Souvenir natural scenery are blessed by nature, with beautiful and bright landscapes such as thousands of hectares of rapeseed flowers, plateau pastures, Dadouba Valley, stone Buddha rock paintings, Niangniang Tomb, Black Wind Cave, and Zhuge Monument. The cultural landscape is intoxicating, and the international self-driving camping site, capsule hotel, motel, barbecue cabin, grassland camping base, ecological horse trail and other entertainment facilities and equipment are complete, and the service quality is excellent, which can meet the tourists' life needs of eating, living, traveling, shopping and entertainment.

Shandan Royal Horse Farm Scenic Area - No. 1 Farm

Qilian Mountains

Shandan Military Horse Farm

The Shandan Army Horse Breeding Farm is located in the middle of the Hexi Corridor, on the Damaying Grassland at the northern foot of Lenglongling in the Qilian Mountains. It spans the provinces of Gansu and Qinghai, borders three cities (prefectures) and six counties, and covers a total area of 3.2954 million mu. It was originally the world's second-largest army horse breeding farm, and after the dissolution of the former Soviet Union's Don Horse Farm, it became the largest. With its flat terrain and lush pastures, the Shandan Army Horse Breeding Farm is an ideal place for horses to breed and grow. Its history dates back to 121 BC, when it was founded by Huo Qubing, a General of Agile Cavalry of the Western Han Dynasty. Since its establishment in September 1949, the Shandan Army Horse Breeding Farm has been under military management. It is one of the largest army horse breeding bases in China and Asia, and also serves as a major grain, oil, and meat production base for the military.

No. 14 of Best Things to Do in Gansu-Qinghai Area

Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon

Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon is located in Zhangye, Gansu Province, just 56 km from the city center. This national 4A-level attraction offers a diverse experience combining canyon exploration, geological research, ethnic culture, and off-road adventures. Here you'll find landscapes as spectacular as Zhangjiajie and as awe-inspiring as Colorado—a rare geological treasure and a new Silk Road discovery for travelers. Along the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon unveils an extraordinary journey for travelers with its pristine grandeur and profound valleys. This natural masterpiece serves as a sacred site for spiritual exploration, inviting you to give your weary soul a liberating stage.

Shandan Big Buddha Temple

It is located about 5 kilometers west of the county seat of Shandan County, backed by mountains. It is an ancient temple built in the Northern Wei Dynasty. The temple is one of the largest in the country. The indoor clay sculpture of the seated Buddha is famous. Historically, the monasteries had a high status. Zhu Qizhen, Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty, once wrote the name of the monastery. Most of the monasteries today were renovated in the 1990s. There are several main buildings in the monastery, such as the mountain gate, the Mahavira Hall, the Five Hundred Arhat Hall, and the Dizang Bodhisattva Hall, as well as the squares and buildings in the courtyard such as the Nine Dragons Mu Prince, the Buddhist Culture Corridor, the Seven-hole Archway, and the Footprints of the Buddha. Visit them one by one. The more important landscapes mainly include the Daxiong Hall and the Wubai Luohan Hall. The Daxiong Palace is a loft-style high-rise all-wooden building. The whole body is very beautiful in red, and you can take photos from the outside to visit. The building enshrines the famous Buddha of the whole monastery, namely the seated statue of Sakyamuni. It is 35 meters high. The hands, feet, chest and face of the seated Buddha are covered with pure gold. After climbing to the top of the building, you can also see the scenery of the reservoir in the distance, and the field of vision is very wide.

Xiagou Ancient City

No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Northwestern District of China

Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot

Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot is located in Linze and Sunan counties at the northern foot of Qilian Mountain. The attraction is 40 km east of Zhangye city and 20 km north of Linze county. Covering a total area of 50 sq km with 4 sq km accessible to visitors, it's currently recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark and a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The attraction features seven viewing spots, including Colorful Cloud Sea, Colorful Fairyland, Colorful Splendor, Colorful Rainbow Glow, Crouching Tiger Gorge, Colorful Ao River, and Wanxiang Earth Forest Valley, along with over 30 scenic views such as Dragon Playing with Fire (colorful hills), Monkey Gazing at the Sea, Turtle Asking the Sky, Golden Toad Seeking the Way, Giant Scallop, Colorful Screen, Sleeping Beauty, and Crouching Tiger. It is a highly integrated area of colorful hills and Danxia landforms. The colorful hills amaze visitors with their vibrant hues, intricate layered patterns, majestic scale, and breathtaking vistas. The Danxia landform area of Wanxiang Earth Forest Valley features towering peaks resembling a forest, with a harmonious yet dramatic arrangement of sparse and dense formations. These extraordinary shapes, carved by nature's artistry, combine grandeur, peril, wonder, elegance, and serenity in one spectacular landscape. After being promoted to a national 5A-level attraction and global geopark, Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot aims to become an international travel destination. By deeply exploring and optimizing regional cultural resources, the scenic spot will leverage its unique tourism assets and cultural heritage to transform into a western China-based international resort with scientific research appeal. Centered around colorful hills and Danxia landforms, it highlights the aesthetic and scientific value of geological resources while prioritizing their protection and development. The composite attraction primarily offers geological sightseeing and recreation, complemented by cultural experiences, folk customs, and leisure vacations.