Wuwei & Zhangye Journey

Day 2: 
You are advised to start the day by taking bus no.101 to the Confucian Temple (Wenmiao Temple), located at No. 43 Chongwen Street, Liangzhao District. Occupying an area of around 30,000 square yards (25,083 square meters), it is a majestic building complex in the royal garden style where people pay homage to Confucius, a great ideologist in ancient China. The Wuwei Museum is situated in the courtyard of the temple, with over 40,000 historical items showcasing the history and customs of the city. Then take bus no.101 to Leitai Tombs of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 – 220). It is famous for the Bronze Galloping Horse sculpture, also called Horse on a Swallow, unearthed in 1969. There is also an old temple worshipping the god of thunder.

Continue this hiking tour to Haizang Temple, which is one mile (1,609 meters) west of Leitai Tombs and can be accessed by a 30 minutes' walk or short taxi ride. Covering an area of 14,000 square yards (11,706 square meters), it is a noted Tibetan Buddhist shrine along the Silk Road. This 1,700-year-old temple is a place to admire the religious culture and buildings. Shadowed by towering pines and cypress trees with the faint sound of monks chanting sutras, you will definitely feel peaceful here.

Day 3: 
On the third morning, take a taxi for a fare of CNY50~60 to Wuwei Desert Park, which is 15 miles (24 kilometers) east of the city. Occupying an area of around three square miles (eight square kilometers), it is the largest desert park in China, with a picturesque landscape of desert, prairie, and garden scenery. Afterward, go back to the city and take a train at Wuwei Railway Station to Zhangye. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and the ticket for a hard seat costs CNY 40.5. Upon arrival, take bus no.1 to downtown city and check into a local hotel.

Recommended Hotels in Zhangye:
Youdian Hotel (3-star)
Address: No.54 Beihuan Road
Telephone number: 0936-8557888

Zhangye Hotel (4-star)
Address: No.56 Xianfu Street
Telephone number: 0936-8212601

Day 4: 
The fourth day's hiking itinerary will lead travelers to the Bell and Drum Tower, the Giant Buddha Temple, and the Wooden Pagoda Temple. All of them are located in the downtown area and can be easily reached by bus. The Bell and Drum Tower was built in 1507 and was regarded as the largest tower along the Hexi Corridor, an old access to the western regions from central China. It can be reached by bus 1, 3, or 8. After that, walk south along South Street and you will find the Giant Buddha Temple on your right. It houses the largest reclining Buddha sculpture in China; one ear of the Buddha is big enough to hold eight people sitting side by side. Then, take a walk westwards for 650 yards (594 meters) and you will get to the Wooden Pagoda Temple. The pagoda has more than 1,000 years of history waiting to be discovered by you. The temple is now the Zhangye Folk-custom Museum.

In the late afternoon, rent a minibus for about CNY 150 to Mati Temple Scenic Area, 40 miles (65 kilometers) from Zhangye. You are advised to spend the night in a characteristic local tent.