Shandan County Travel
Shandan County, Zhangye, Gansu - A blend of grassland culture and red memories. Visit Asia's largest military horse ranch, climb Yanzhi Mountain Forest Park, and pay tribute to international friend Rewi Alley. This 2-day 1-night in-depth tour includes grassland scenery, forest ecology, red education, and Hexi cuisine experience.
2-Day 1-Night In-depth Tour of Shandan County
Gallop through grassland horse ranches, explore Yanzhi Mountain forests, pursue red memories, taste Shandan cuisine, and experience the perfect combination of grassland culture and eco-tourism
Arrive in Shandan, check into the hotel and then head to Shandan Military Horse Ranch to experience the magnificent grassland scenery of Asia's largest military horse ranch. In the afternoon, visit Yanzhi Mountain Forest Park to explore the primeval forest at the northern foot of the Qilian Mountains.
- Shandan Hotel
- Military Horse Ranch Guest House
- Budget Hotels in the County
- Shandan Mutton
- Chaobala (Stir-fried Offal)
- Mutton Noodle Soup
- Strong sunlight on the grassland, pay attention to sun protection
- Follow professional guidance when horse riding
- Large temperature difference in the forest park, bring warm clothes
In the morning, visit Ai Li Memorial Hall to learn about the touching deeds of this international friend. In the afternoon, buy Shandan specialties, taste local food, and end the pleasant trip to Shandan.
- About 50 km from the county seat to the military horse ranch
- Chartered cars or tourist special lines are available between attractions
- Shandan Mutton
- Grassland Mushrooms
- Wild Medicinal Materials from Qilian Mountains
- Handmade Horse Gear
- Military Horse Ranch: ¥60
- Yanzhi Mountain: ¥50
- Ai Li Memorial Hall: Free
Must-Try Foods in Shandan County
Shandan Mutton
A specialty of Shandan, the meat is tender with no muttony smell due to grassland grazing. It can be stewed, braised or roasted, and is the most representative food of the local area.
Chaobala
A specialty noodle dish of Shandan, handmade wide noodles stir-fried with mutton and vegetables, with chewy texture and delicious taste.
Mutton Noodle Soup
A traditional local food, handmade noodles cooked with mutton, with delicious soup, it is the favorite home-style food of Shandan people.
- Summer (June-August): The most beautiful season for grasslands, cool climate
- Autumn (September-October): Forests with colorful layers, pleasant scenery
- Avoid the severe cold period in winter
- Shandan Mutton
- Chaobala
- Mutton Noodle Soup
- Grassland Mushrooms
- Yogurt
- Tickets: About ¥110
- Accommodation: ¥100-180 per night
- Catering: ¥40-70 per day
- Transportation: About ¥120
- Total: ¥500-800
- What is the most famous attraction in Shandan County? → Shandan Military Horse Ranch
- Best time to visit the Military Horse Ranch? → June-August when the grassland is greenest
- Opening hours of Ai Li Memorial Hall? → Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-17:00
- What are the special souvenirs of Shandan? → Shandan dried mutton, grassland mushrooms, handmade horse gear