Pingshan Grand Canyon
Hefeng County, Enshi City, China
The Pingshan Grand Canyon, located in Gansu province in the Gobi Desert, is something to behold. You can see different shades of red and yellow rock representing the different periods in which the canyon developed. There’s a stone forest, gullies, and mazes to explore, plus the annual Obo Festival, which celebrates Mongolian sporting culture, including archery, wrestling, and horse racing.
Tours generally arrive at the canyon from Zhangye, the nearest big city. If you go independently, head out early to get there in time to do some hiking, and bring a guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the well-known rock formations, with names like “Lovers Peak” and “Nine Dragons at Sea.” You can also kayak or join a boat trip in the canyon, to take your time floating through the awesome natural structures.
Make sure to bring a sun hat, a long-sleeved layer, and plenty of water, since you’re in a desert.
Wear proper shoes for hiking, since you’ll be on uneven terrain, and make sure to break them in before your first hike.
Pack some snacks, since there’s not a lot to choose from, and you’ll need to keep your energy up.
Bring warm clothes, since the temperatures drop later in the day.
It takes about 1 hour to drive out to Pingshan Grand Canyon from Zhangye City. It’s worth it to book a private car and driver, unless you want to navigate the streets and freeways on your own. A driver will take you to the canyon, wait for you to explore, and then take you onward to your next stop. Alternatively, book a tour that includes transportation.
June to October is the best time to visit Pingshan Grand Canyon and lake, promising the most welcoming weather for travelers. The desert gets cold at night, even during the summer months, so keep that in mind when packing. Winters get cold, so avoid visiting at that time, when the bitter winds chill your bones.
Combine a visit to the Pingshan Grand Canyon with a stop at Dafo Temple, which is close by in Zhangye. This temple has the largest sleeping Buddha in all of China, so it’s worth a look. There are loads of other statues and architectural details to admire, too, and the grounds are peaceful with trees, ornamental gates, and stupas.
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