Zhangye Photography Tours

The most colorful Danxia in China.

Although Zhangye photography tours are not as popular as Guilin and Zhangjiajie, which is actually a positive thing for photographers, since the beautiful Zhangye Danxia landform is not on most people's top list. This landform is considered one of China's six most spectacular natural wonders, along with Jiuzhaigou (in Sichuan province), Huanglong (also in Sichuan), Yeliu Geo Park (in Taiwan), The Penghu or Pescadores Islands (in Taiwan), and Tuomuer Glacier (in Xinjiang).

If you are looking to enrich your portfolio with fresh and unique works, then coming to Zhangye is a great idea. The Zhangye Danxia Landform looks like a painting, and due to the inconvenient public transportation, it has become a paradise for photographers who are seeking to capture award-winning photographs.

"Worth every penny ... these guys go above and beyond and provide excellent service."

Kwun Phite, Singapore

Zhangye & Dunhuang Photography Tours

Zhangye has been our hidden photography destination,
we are thinking of organizing a photography workshop in 2023,
combining more unique photography locations, like Dunhuang and part of Silk Road, the dates are to be confirmed.

Day 1 Lanzhou
Lanzhou arrival

Day 2 Lanzhou - Zhangye
A short photography tour in Lanzhou, and train to Zhangye

Day 3 Zhangye
Giant Buddha Temple and Danxia Landform

Day 4 Zhangye - Jiayuguan
More rainbow mountains photography, train to Jiayuguan

Day 5 Jiayuguan
Jiayuguan Fort, Great Wall Museum and snowcapped Qilian Mountains

Day 6 Jiayuguan - Dunhuang
Train from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang, Mogao Grottoes

Day 7 Dunhuang
Echoing Sand Mountains and Crescent Lake

Day 8 Dunhuang
Yardang National Geopark, Yumenguan Pass & Ruin of Great Wall of Han Dynasty

Day 9 Departure
Dunhuang departure

Tailor-make your Tour

Top Things to Know

When is the best time to visit Zhangye?

The best time to visit Zhangye is from June to September, as the plateau climate makes the summer season cool and pleasant, making it an ideal time for a summer vacation. During these months, visitors can witness the most spectacular sunrise and sunset views and capture the stunning rainbow mountains after a rainfall, which is the most photogenic moment.

It is advisable to avoid visiting Zhangye from November to March due to its extremely dry, cold, and windy winter weather.

For photography enthusiasts, the late afternoon is the perfect time to capture the breathtaking beauty of Zhangye Danxia landform. The rainbow mountains display an ever-changing array of colors, including yellow, red, and blue, creating mesmerizing rock formations.

How to Get to Zhangye?

Zhangye is situated in the northwest of China, approximately 1100 km away from Xi'an. A small airport in Zhangye, which provides connections to major cities such as Shanghai, Xi'an, and Lanzhou.

Additionally, due to the expansion of China's high-speed train network, Zhangye is now linked to many other large cities such as Xi'an, Lanzhou, and Xining.

Xian - Zhangye | 3 trains per day, first train starts at 07:42, and last starts at 13:40, it takes 6.5 hours.
Lanzhou - Zhangye | over 10 trains per day, first train starts at 07:25, and last starts at 18:27, it takes 3.5 hours
Xining - Zhangye | over 10 trains per day, first train starts at 08:43, and last starts at 20:03, it takes almost 2 hours

Camera and Lenses Suggestions for Zhangye Photography Tour

1 main body, wide/medium zoom covers 24 – 70, tele photo lens covers 70 – 200.

Additionally, it is recommended to carry a spare battery, a shutter release cable, a GND filter, a CPL filter, microfiber lens cloths, and a spare SD/CF card.

To ensure the safety of your images, it is advisable to bring a hard drive to back up your photos every day if you do not have enough memory cards.