Graduation Trip Bucket List! Exploring the Rainbow Mountains

Detailed Itinerary 📍 Day 1: Arrival in Zhangye, Acclimatization Transport: Fly/take high-speed rail to Zhangye (direct to Ganzhou Airport or transfer via Lanzhou by train). 30-minute drive from the airport to downtown. Accommodation: Stay in Zhangye city (recommended: Huachen Hotel or Tianwei International Hotel, 4-star, convenient location). Activities: Evening stroll at Giant Buddha Temple (Asia’s largest indoor reclining clay Buddha), savor local delicacies: Cuoyu noodles, Saozi noodles, and stir-fried "firecracker" noodles. 📍 Day 2: Full-Day Rainbow Danxia Tour (North Gate Route) Transport: Charter a car to the North Gate (40 km, 1 hour, ~¥150) or take a bus (West Bus Station → North Plaza, ¥15). Tickets: ¥75 (includes shuttle bus). Get a stamp for re-entry the next day (only pay ¥20 for the shuttle). Route (North Gate): 2# Immortal Terrace: Helicopter ride (~¥880/person) for a bird’s-eye view. 1# Sea of Clouds Platform: Largest viewpoint, ideal for sunrise shots, featuring "Giant Scallop" and "Monks Worshipping Buddha" formations. 5# Splendid Terrace: Walk the ridge trail to see colorful "pork belly" layers. 4# Rainbow Glow Terrace (key stop): Arrive 2 hours before sunset for golden "Blazing Mountains" reflections and hot air balloon rides (¥200/person). Stay: Danxiakou Town (boutique B&Bs, evening "Return to Zhangye" sand show). 📍 Day 3: Re-Entry + In-Depth Exploration Sunrise: Re-enter at 6:30 AM to 1# Sea of Clouds Platform* for sunrise. Morning: Join a premium tour (¥328/person) to restricted areas like Aohe Terraces and Wanxiang Earth Forest. Afternoon: Folk activities in Danxiakou (rock painting, Hexi paper-cutting). Stay: Rainbow Town photography-themed B&B (10-minute walk to North Gate). 📍 Day 4: Binggou Danxia + Geology Study Transport: Charter to Binggou Danxia (12 km from Rainbow Mountains, ¥40 ticket). Highlights: Unique "palace-style" rock formations vs. Rainbow’s colors. Route: Small Xitian → Big Xitian, hike to see "Louvre Phantom" and "Xuanwu Gate" rocks. Afternoon: Visit Geology Park Museum (free) to learn about Danxia formation. 📍 Day 5: Zhangye Cultural Heritage Sights: Matisi Temple (65 km from city): Cliffside grottoes with Qilian Mountain views. Zhangye National Wetland Park: Sunset birdwatching to beat the heat. Food: Try "Chao Bolan" (fried lamb offal with pancakes) and apricot tea at Ganzhou Night Market. 📍 Day 6: Pingshan Lake Canyon Adventure Transport: 1.5-hour drive (¥130 ticket incl. shuttle). Activities: Standard Route: Off-road to the canyon floor, hike "One-Line Sky." Adventure Route: Ladder climbs and rappelling (book guides in advance). 📍 Day 7: Departure or Extensions Option 1: 1.5-hour train to Jiayuguan ("First Pass Under Heaven"). Option 2: 2-hour train to Dunhuang (connect to Mogao Caves). 📌 Pro Tips 1. Weather & Gear: Summer temps: 25-32°C, but extreme UV! Pack SPF 50+, sunglasses, and hats. Rain enhances colors but bring waterproof gear and grippy shoes. 2. Crowd Avoidance: Best times: 6:30–9:00 AM or after 5:00 PM. Secure sunset spots at 4# Terrace 1 hour early. 3. Don’ts: Register drones (signal blackouts occur). No stepping on rocks (fragile mineral layers)—fines apply. 4. Top Stays: Nearby: Danxiakou Inn (cultural vibe) or photo-themed hotels (easy access). Downtown: Tianwei (pool) or Fulai Hot Spring Hotel.