Pingshanhu Grand Canyon n Matisi Scenic area

5 Jul 18

 

Driving 50km north of Zhangye through minor roads is a newly opened Pingshanhu Grand Canyon. This park claimed itself as one of the 5 greatest canyons in the world. Truly the views are awesome. The photos below speak for themselves.

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The park transport took us on a 15 minutes ride to the starting point. It was falling in love with the beautiful scenery at first sight. The viewing of the spectacular landscape and unique rock formation started from here.

After being mesmerized by the scenery from the mountain top, we started our descent for the bottom of the canyon. We cautiously walked down on steps cut out from the mountains. Occasionally we have to jump a few feet and also have to descend on series of metal ladders to reach the valleys. It was challenging as the ladders are narrow and steep. Probably we descended 1 to 2 thousands feet.

We were rewarded with breath taking views. The canyon is a pleasant 2 or 3 km of walking on the valley floor. Since we are on private tour, we have the luxury of taking our time to enjoy this beautiful canyon as compared to other tourists scurrying through with limited time.

Climbing down means we have the arduous task of climbing up thousands of steps, back to the pick up point. Back its alright as the way back was on a different track.

All in we spent four exhausting hours at this canyon.

Below the Canyon floor, are dried up river bed that look more like gravel roads in dry condition.

Driving 60 km drive south of Zhangye through farmland is Matixiang Scenic area. Populated mainly by the Zhang tribes, many Buddhist temples are built and carved out on the mountain sides. These temples were built more than a thousand years ago.

Matixiang sits on the northside of Qilian Mountain range. Below is the elegant gateway to the various attractions in this area.

Cave Temples 

 

 

 

 

We stayed on a hilltop hotel operated by local. Tomorrow, we planned to trek up the mountain to view the mountain caves temples. Tonight the temperature has dipped to 11C. With no heating in the room, the alternative to was to wear layers of clothes.

Matixiang is a small tribal village

. It's a tourist spot for sure.