Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1The bus is included with your ticket and is the only way to travel between scenic points within the Danxia area. Walking outside designated areas is not permitted. (2:09)
- Tip 2Consider a hot air balloon ride for a unique perspective of the Danxia Mountains. Helicopter rides are also available, but significantly more expensive. (2:43)
- Tip 3Download Dianping to find discounted tickets for attractions. Sometimes a Chinese ID is required, but not always. (4:37)
- Tip 4If you have a driver, buy a parking pass to allow them to take you closer to the entrance of MatiSi. (5:10)
- Tip 5Allow a full day to explore both the Danxia Mountains and MatiSi. Trying to do both in one day is very rushed. (9:44)
James And Keli, the adventurous English teaching couple, take us on a whirlwind tour of Zhangye, China, in their latest vlog. From the breathtaking sunrise over the Danxia Mountains, a vibrant spectacle of color, to the ancient Buddhist grottoes of MatiSi, carved into the mountainside, their journey is filled with stunning visuals and fascinating cultural insights. Learn about their experiences navigating ticket lines, exploring the various grottoes, and even encountering a unique 'party' along the way! This isn't just a travelogue; it's an immersive experience.
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This vlog follows James And Keli's day trip to Zhangye, Gansu province, China, where they explored the Danxia landform and the MatiSi grottoes. Their adventure began at 5:30 AM to catch the sunrise over the Danxia Mountains, a truly spectacular sight. The vibrant colors of the mountains were best appreciated at sunrise, though they did have to wait in line for tickets and a shuttle. The vlog highlights the unique experience of riding a hot air balloon for a different perspective of the landscape. They also discuss the cost of the hot air balloon and helicopter rides. They mention that only four of the six sites in the Danxia area were open during their visit.
After the Danxia Mountains, they headed to MatiSi, a Buddhist temple carved into a mountainside. They share tips on purchasing discounted tickets online using Dianping, a Chinese app. They also describe their experience exploring the grottoes, noting the difference between the more modern, restored areas and the older, more original sections. They describe the Standing Buddha Hall, the largest grotto in China, and the history of the site, dating back to the Yuan Dynasty.
The vlog concludes with James And Keli reflecting on their busy day, recommending visitors spend a full day exploring both sites rather than trying to rush through them as they did. They share a moment enjoying mooncakes, a traditional Chinese treat, and briefly mention an unexpected 'party' at the end of their visit. The video showcases the beauty of Zhangye and provides practical travel tips, making it an informative and engaging watch.