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Zhangye to Jiayuguan Distance: About 230 Kilometers
The direct distance between Zhangye and Jiayuguan is approximately 230 kilometers. However, travelers often stop at the Zhangye National Geopark, located about 40 kilometers from downtown Zhangye, to admire the stunning Danxia landforms before continuing the 220-kilometer drive to Jiayuguan.
Therefore, even though there are various transportation options to travel from Zhangye to Jiayuguan, driving is recommended for greater flexibility, allowing you to stop and explore along the way.
Scenic Spots on the Way from Zhangye to Jiayuguan
No matter which mode of transport you choose, you will experience the expansive and magnificent landscapes of Northwest China, including the Qilian Mountains, grasslands, rolling sand dunes, the Gobi Desert, and the unique Danxia formations.
Zhangye Danxia National Geopark (张掖国家地质公园/张掖丹霞地质公园): Covering 322 square kilometers, this park is one of the largest and best-preserved Danxia landform regions in China, with rich, colorful hills that have earned it a place as one of the most beautiful landforms in the country.
Qilian Mountains & Grasslands (祁连山脉&草原): Zhangye lies at the northern foothills of the Qilian Mountains, and the route from Zhangye to Jiayuguan showcases the breathtaking, snow-capped mountain range, towering majestically against the sky. At the base of the mountains are lush grasslands dotted with grazing cattle and sheep.
Badain Jaran Desert (巴丹吉林沙漠): Known for its vast, undulating sand dunes and hidden lakes, this desert covers 47,000 square kilometers and is the third-largest desert in China. You may even catch a glimpse of camel caravans traversing its sands.
1. Zhangye to Jiayuguan by Private Car (with a Side Trip to Zhangye Danxia)
Zhangye City to Zhangye National Geopark: About 50 km (1 hour’s drive)
Zhangye National Geopark to Jiayuguan City: About 220 km (2.5-3.5 hours)
Driving from Zhangye to Jiayuguan is the best and most flexible option. If you don’t make any stops, the 230-kilometer journey can be completed in about 3 hours. However, it’s highly recommended to stop at Zhangye National Geopark (about 40 kilometers and 1 hour from Zhangye) to witness the most beautiful Danxia landforms in China.
Make a Stop at Zhangye National Geopark
These colorful hills in Zhangye Danxia Geopark look like vibrant silk ribbons draped across the Hexi Corridor, with striking shapes and a vast scale, making this a geological wonder of the world. Afterward, continue driving to Jiayuguan (220 kilometers, 3-3.5 hours).
Along the way, you’ll see the majestic Qilian Mountains, Qilian Mountain Grassland, the rolling dunes of the Badain Jaran Desert, and the stunning Danxia formations. The journey may be long, but your eyes will never be bored!
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT), and we will plan the best route for you, allowing you to enjoy the trip without worrying about transportation, accommodation, or tickets. A professional guide will accompany you. You can also explore Zhangye City, including the Dafo Temple (Giant Buddha Temple) to experience the Buddhism culture, before visiting the Zhangye Danxia Geopark!
2. Zhangye to Jiayuguan by High Speed Train: 1.5 Hours (Fastest Option)
Time Required: About 1.5 hours
Price: ¥65.5 per adult for a one-way ticket
Departure: Zhangye West Railway Station (张掖西站)
Arrival: Jiayuguan South Railway Station (嘉峪关南站)
The high-speed train from Zhangye to Jiayuguan covers the 230-kilometer distance in about 1.5 hours, taking the least time and passing through a section of the Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway. This 2,423-kilometer-long railway starts in Lanzhou, passes through Xining and the Hexi Corridor, including Zhangye and Jiayuguan, before reaching Xinjiang. The railway is known as one of the world’s most scenic high-speed train routes.
From Zhangye West Railway Station (张掖西站), the train may stop at Linze South Station (临泽南站), Gaotai South Station (高台南站), and Jiuquan South Station (酒泉南站), before reaching Jiayuguan South Railway Station (嘉峪关南站). The exact stops vary depending on the train.
The route passes by a stunning variety of landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, the Gobi, and the colorful Danxia landforms. Much of the journey features vast desert-like terrain, reminiscent of Mars’ barren landscapes, and has even been compared to the iconic Route 66 in the U.S.
Zhangye to Jiayuguan Train Schedule & Price
There are approximately 11-12 trains running daily between Zhangye and Jiayuguan. The table below provides details on specific train numbers, times, and prices.
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3. Zhangye to Jiayuguan by Bus: 4 Hours (Most Time-Consuming)
Time Required: About 4 hours
Price: ¥51 per adult for a one-way ticket
Departure: Zhangye Xiguan Station (张掖汽车西站/西关车站)
Arrival: Jiayuguan Bus Station (嘉峪关长途汽车站)
There are approximately 10 daily buses from Zhangye Xiguan Station (张掖汽车西站/西关车站) to Jiayuguan Bus Station (嘉峪关长途汽车站), with the earliest departure at 9:30 a.m. and the latest at 6:00 p.m., running roughly every half hour. The bus route takes about 4 hours, following Danxia East Road, the Lianhuo Expressway, and Xinhua South Road.
| Departure Station | Departure Time | Price (RMB) | Arrival Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zhangye Xiguan Station | 09:30-18:00 | 51 | Jiayuguan Bus Station |
Note: Bus schedules, departure times, and ticket prices may vary, so it’s recommended to check the details on the day of travel.
Insider Tips for Traveling from Zhangye to Jiayuguan
- Choose a window seat (A or F) for the best views of the spectacular and expansive scenery.
- If you don’t have a window seat, you can still go to the train carriage connections for great views and photos.
- Gansu has large temperature variations between morning and night. Many scenic areas are in remote, desert regions, so bring a long-sleeved jacket to avoid catching a cold.
- It’s very dry. Make sure to bring moisturizers, lip balm, hand cream, or face masks to avoid dry and cracked skin.
- The sunlight is strong, so apply sunscreen, and bring sunglasses and a hat for sun protection.
How to Plan a Zhangye to Jiayuguan Tour
Zhangye (1-2 Days)
Spend one day exploring Zhangye's highlights, including the impressive reclining Buddha statue at Dafo Temple (大佛寺) and the stunning, colorful landscapes of Zhangye National Geopark. If time allows, add a second day to visit the scenic Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon.
Jiayuguan (1 Day)
In Jiayuguan, dedicate a day to exploring its historic sites: Jiayuguan Pass (嘉峪关关城) and the Jiayuguan Great Wall (悬臂长城), both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Extended Your Trip to Lanzhou, Dunhuang & Xinjiang for a Silk Road Adventure
Lanzhou (1-2 Days)
Spend a day in downtown Lanzhou, visiting major landmarks like Zhongshan Bridge, White Pagoda Park, the Yellow River Mother Statue, and Waterwheel Park. For an extra day, head to Liujiaxia Reservoir (刘家峡水库) and take a speedboat to the UNESCO-listed Bingling Temple Grottoes (炳灵寺石窟).
Dunhuang (2-3 Days)
Plan 2-3 days in Dunhuang to experience cultural treasures and natural wonders, such as the UNESCO-listed Mogao Grottoes (莫高窟), the Singing Sand Dunes (鸣沙山), Crescent Moon Spring (月牙泉), and Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark.
Xinjiang (5-13 Days)
Stay 5-13 days in Xinjiang to explore its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Highlights include the Turpan Basin, Pamir Plateau, Baisha Lake, Taklamakan Desert, and Karakul Lake. Discover cultural sites like Kashgar’s Ancient City, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Jiaohe Ancient City Ruins, the Karez System, Emin Minaret, and Tashkurgan Fort.
Suggested Silk Road Tour Itinerary from Gansu to Xinjiang
Start your Gansu and Xinjiang Silk Road tour from Lanzhou and see the itinerary below:
Day 1: Arrival in Lanzhou - Airport pick-up, hotel check-in, free time
Day 2: Lanzhou to Zhangye by high-speed train - Visit Liujiaxia Reservoir (speedboat), Bingling Temple Grottoes (World Heritage)
Day 3: Zhangye to Jiayuguan - Dafo Temple (Big Buddha Temple), Zhangye National Geopark
Day 4: Jiayuguan to Dunhuang - Jiayuguan Pass (Great Wall of China), Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Spring, Shazhou Night Market (optional)
Day 5: Dunhuang to Turpan by high-speed train - Mogao Grottoes (World Heritage), train transfers
Day 6: Turpan to Urumqi - Jiaohe Ancient City Ruins (World Heritage), Karez Irrigation System, Emin Minaret
Day 7: Urumqi - Heavenly Lake of Tianshan (World Heritage), Xinjiang Regional Museum (closed Mondays)
Day 8: Departure from Urumqi - Hotel check-out and airport transfer
Travel from Zhangye to Jiayuguan with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)
Traveling from Zhangye to Jiayuguan offers an incredible journey through some of China’s most stunning landscapes, from the vibrant Zhangye Danxia landforms to the majestic Qilian Mountains and the vast Badain Jaran Desert.
With Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT), you can experience the best of this iconic route without the stress of planning. Our expert guides, carefully planned itineraries, and worry-free services ensure you enjoy every moment, from the awe-inspiring natural beauty to the rich cultural history. Let AOT take care of the details, so you can focus on creating lasting memories of your journey through China’s Northwest China.
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