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Lanzhou to Zhangye Distance: About 510 km
How far is Zhangye from Lanzhou? Zhangye is about 510 kilometers from Lanzhou. The high-speed train passes through scenic spots like Wushaoling and the Shandan Army Horse Breeding Farm, with continuous views of the Qilian Mountains.
Along the base of the mountains, vast grasslands stretch out, dotted with sheep, horses, and striking red Danxia landforms that resemble fiery sunsets.
Scenic Spots to See on the Way from Lanzhou to Zhangye
Wushao Ling Mountain (乌鞘岭): With a peak elevation of 3,562 meters, Wushaoling stretches for about 17 kilometers. It has long been a strategic passage on the ancient Silk Road in China, vital for controlling the Hexi Corridor.
Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers (门源油菜花): Known as the northern gateway to Qinghai, Menyuan offers views of Gangshika Snow Peak (5,254 meters), the highest peak in the eastern Qilian Mountains. The train passes through Menyuan's famous rapeseed fields, which bloom from early July to early August, considered among the most beautiful in China.
Qilian Mountains (祁连山脉): With elevations between 4,000 and 6,000 meters, the Qilian Mountain range stretches 850 kilometers. The high-speed train journey offers stunning views of these majestic peaks.
Shandan Army Horse Breeding Farm (山丹军马场): Located on the northern slopes of the Qilian Mountains, Shandan is Asia's largest horse ranch, spanning 2,190 square kilometers. Established in 121 BC by General Huo Qubing (霍去病) of the Western Han Dynasty, it is the world’s oldest imperial horse farm. In summer, its meadows are lush with blooming rapeseed and wildflowers.
1. Lanzhou to Zhangye Train - 3 Hours, Highly Recommended
Time Required: About 3 hours
Price: ¥149.5 per adult (one-way ticket)
Departure: Lanzhou West Railway Station (兰州西站)
Arrival: Zhangye West Railway Station (张掖西站)
The high-speed train from Lanzhou to Zhangye takes around 3 hours, covering approximately 510 kilometers.
The train departs from Lanzhou West Railway Station in Gansu, passes through Xining in Qinghai, and arrives at Zhangye West Railway Station. Stops include Haidong (海东), Xining (西宁), Datong West (大通西), Menyuan (门源), Shandan Horse Ranch (山丹马场), and Minle (民乐). Depending on the specific stops, travel times may vary. Trains run between 07:15 and 17:21.
This route is part of the Lanzhou-Urumqi High-Speed Railway (兰新高铁), the longest high-speed rail line built in a single phase globally, and is renowned as one of China’s most beautiful train journeys.
The scenic views along the route make the journey worth it! From Lanzhou to Xining, you’ll see Danxia landforms, and from Xining to Menyuan, rapeseed fields bloom between July and early August. From Xining to Zhangye, the train winds through the vast Qilian Mountains, with snow-capped peaks towering over the lush grasslands below, dotted with sheep and galloping horses.
Lanzhou to Zhangye High-Speed Train Schedule & Price
Check out the table below to get the departure, arrival, duration, seat type and price of the high-speed train from Lanzhou to Zhangye.
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2. Flights from Lanzhou to Zhangye - Fast, but Not Recommended
Time Required: About 2.5 hours
Departure: Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (兰州中川国际机场, IATA: LHW)
Arrival: Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (张掖甘州机场, IATA: YZY)
The flight between Lanzhou and Zhangye covers about 550 kilometers and takes just over 1 hour. There are 1-3 flights daily between Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport and Zhangye Ganzhou Airport.
However, Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport is about 70 kilometers from the city center, requiring an additional 1 hour by car. Zhangye Ganzhou Airport is located around 30 kilometers from downtown Zhangye, adding another 30 minutes by car. This brings the total travel time to about 2.5 hours.
Although flying is the fastest option, it’s not recommended since you’ll miss the breathtaking scenery along the train route.
Lanzhou to Zhangye Flight Timetable
| Airline | Flight No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chengdu Airlines | EU2271 | Lanzhou Airport (LHW) | Zhangye Airport (YZY) | 10:45 - 11:40 | Every Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun |
| Juneyao Air | HO1103 | Lanzhou Airport (LHW) | Zhangye Airport (YZY) | 11:45 - 12:45 | Every Tue, Thu, Sat |
| Long Air | GJ8621 | Lanzhou Airport (LHW) | Zhangye Airport (YZY) | 16:55 - 18:05 | Every Mon, Wes, Fri |
Note: Flight schedule information is for reference only, in the event of a discrepancy the actual flight information will prevail.
3. Lanzhou to Zhangye Bus – 7 Hours, Cancelled in Winter
Time Required: About 7 hours
Price: ¥120-130 per adult (one-way ticket)
Departure: Lanzhou Passenger Transport Center (兰州客运中心站)
Arrival: Zhangye Bus Station (张掖汽车站)
Buses also run between Lanzhou and Zhangye, departing from the Lanzhou Passenger Transport Center and arriving at Zhangye Bus Station after around 7 hours. Departure times are between 07:00 and 20:00.
However, the buses are sleeper coaches with basic amenities, and the road can be quite bumpy. During the winter, bus services may be canceled due to bad weather. Therefore, the high-speed train or plane remain more comfortable and reliable options.
Lanzhou to Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Zhangye Danxia Geological Park is located between Linze County and Sunan County of Zhangye City. To get to Zhangye Danxia Geological Park from Lanzhou, first take a train, plane or bus to Zhangye City, and then transfer from Zhangye City to Zhangye National Geological Park.
- Zhangye West Railway Station (张掖西站) to Danxia Geopark: 35 km, 40min drive
- Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (张掖甘州机场) to Danxia Geopark: 60 km, 1h drive
- Zhangye Bus Station (张掖汽车站) to Danxia Geopark: 35 km, 40min drive
Tips for Traveling from Lanzhou to Zhangye
- Window seats on both sides of the train offer beautiful views. Seats A and B provide views of rapeseed fields (July to early August), grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and livestock, while seats D and F offer more views of the snow-covered mountains.
- The connecting areas of the train are great spots for photos, using the train window as a natural frame.
- Arrive at the train station 30 minutes before departure to check in. If flying, arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight.
- Temperatures can vary greatly between day and night, so bring a light jacket regardless of the season.
- Gansu’s dry climate requires moisturizing products—pack lip balm, lotion, and hand cream to avoid dry skin.
- Sun protection is crucial. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from the strong sun.
How to Plan a Tour from Lanzhou to Zhangye
Lanzhou (1-2 Days)
Start your journey in Lanzhou with a day to explore its iconic sights, including Zhongshan Bridge, White Pagoda Park, the Yellow River Mother Statue, and Waterwheel Park.
For a second day, venture to Liujiaxia Reservoir (刘家峡水库) and take a speedboat ride to the UNESCO-listed Bingling Temple Grottoes (炳灵寺石窟), where ancient Buddhist carvings are set into dramatic cliffs.
Zhangye (1-2 Days)
In Zhangye, spend a day visiting the Dafo Temple (大佛寺) to see the impressive reclining Buddha statue and the colorful Danxia landforms at Zhangye National Geopark. With an extra day, you can explore the scenic Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon.
Extend Your Trip to Jiayuguan, Dunhuang & Xinjiang for a Silk Road Adventure
Jiayuguan (1 Day):
During your Jiayuguan tour, visit the historic Jiayuguan Pass (嘉峪关关城), marking the Great Wall’s western end, and the nearby Overhanging Great Wall (悬臂长城), both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Dunhuang (2-3 Days):
Plan 2-3 days to discover Dunhuang’s rich heritage, including the Mogao Grottoes (莫高窟), the enchanting Singing Sand Dunes (鸣沙山), Crescent Moon Spring (月牙泉), and the unique landscapes of Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark.
Xinjiang (5-13 Days):
Extend your journey into Xinjiang, where you can explore for 5-13 days across stunning landscapes like the Turpan Basin, Pamir Plateau, Baisha Lake, Taklamakan Desert, and Karakul Lake. Don’t miss cultural treasures like Kashgar’s Ancient City, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Jiaohe Ancient City Ruins, the Karez System, Emin Minaret, and Tashkurgan Fort.
Suggested Classic Gansu Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lanzhou
Free time to explore Lanzhou city on your own.
Day 2: Lanzhou to Zhangye by High-Speed Train
Visit the Liujiaxia Reservoir (刘家峡水库) and take a speedboat to the Bingling Temple Grottoes (炳灵寺石窟, World Heritage Site). In the afternoon, board a high-speed train from Lanzhou to Zhangye.
Day 3: Zhangye to Jiayuguan
Visit the Dafo Temple (大佛寺, Big Buddha Temple) and explore the Zhangye Danxia Geological Park (张掖丹霞地质公园), famous for its colorful landforms. Transfer to Jiayuguan from Zhangye.
Day 4: Jiayuguan to Dunhuang
Visit Jiayuguan Pass (嘉峪关关城, part of the Great Wall of China) and the Overhanging Great Wall. Optional: Explore the Great Wall Museum. Travel to Dunhuang in the afternoon.
Day 5: Dunhuang Full-Day Exploration
Visit the Mogao Grottoes (莫高窟, World Heritage Site), a treasure trove of Buddhist art. Explore the Singing Sand Dunes (鸣沙山) and Crescent Spring (月牙泉).
Day 6: Dunhuang Departure
Travel from Lanzhou to Zhangye with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)
When traveling from Lanzhou to Zhangye, the high-speed train is undoubtedly the best option for its efficiency, comfort, and scenic value. Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) and your trip can be stress-free, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of Northwest China.
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