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There's nothing within to see within the city. All the major sightseeing places are 55 to 180 km away. So better to book through hostel. P.S Be aware that bed is hard surface. Bearable for a 2 to 3 bites stay. Qicai Danxia Rainbow formation worth going if u are short on time.

I really enjoyed looking at the Danxia Geopark. The bad thing I had to deal with was 2 dishonest taxi drivers that were dealing dishonestly with me, one not taking me to my lodging when I requested and taking me to a landmark that I was not ready to go to yet because I just arrived in Zhangye by train and was tired and needed to go to my lodging. The other dishonest one I had to deal with was when I visited to Geopark and was ready to go back to into the city and it was past the time that their were not buses running back to town. The only way was the taxi for 100 yuan. The taxi driver only took me part of the way and lied to me his car broke down and had his fellow co-worker already parked behind him ready to take me in his taxi but I still had to pay the one who took me partway 100 yuan which I definitely feel did not deserve it!!!!!! I still had to also pay the other guy 30 yuan who took me the rest of the way back. I was afraid that if I argued my case that they would leave me stranded on the freeway.

We staid only one day in Zhangye to visit the Zhangye-Danxia-Geopark. The park is definitely worth a visit. We recommend to see the park when the sun is out to be able to appreciate the colors. Also, like most attractions in China, the park gets very, very busy during the day. If possible, come early in the morning.

Take lots of cash and prepare to do quite a bit of walking. The Rainbow Mountains were gorgeous. It was 75 Yuan entry and takes around 2 to 3 hours. The National Park is extremely well designed, built and maintained. A bus takes you to 4 different viewing spots with massive walkways around each area. Go on a clear day if you can for the best colours. Binggou Danxia was 60 Yuan entry and takes about 2 to 3 hours as well. Its is a 20 minute drive from the West Gate entry to Rainbow Mountains. Similar concept - a bus takes you to different spots, then you walk. The landscape is very different to Rainbow Mountains but definitely worth visiting as well. Here there are interesting landforms, but not the colour. The park is not well maintained and some paths were closed. Make sure you take a hat and walking shoes.

Danxia - beautiful colourful mountains. The park visit takes 2 to 4 hour depending on the speed. Travel between viewing spots only by park bus. The best during sunset and sunrise (opens in summer at 5:30). Pays off to wait for the sun if it is cloudy. You may also include Binggou Danxia (rocky scenery), some 20 km west – some 3-4 hours including drive and walks.

The main attraction of Zhangye is the Danxia landform. It is located in the middle of the Hexi corridor in Gansu province. Danxia is a red sandstone and as a result of weathering through million of years strange shapes were formed. The isolated peaks and mountains are colourful with stripes of red, white, and green. It is indeed one of the geographic wonders of the world.