Sunan Yugur Autonomous County Travel

Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye, Gansu - a perfect combination of grotto art and grassland customs. Visit the millennium-old Matisi Temple Grottoes, roam the Qilian Mountain Grassland, and experience the unique Yugur ethnic culture. This 2-day 1-night in-depth tour includes grotto art, grassland scenery, ethnic minority culture, and characteristic food experience.

1600+
Years of Grotto History
1
China's Only Yugur Autonomous County
2
National-Level Scenic Areas
20+
Specialty Foods
Panoramic View of Matisi Temple Grottoes in Sunan
Matisi Temple Grottoes - Art Treasure
A Buddhist art treasure at the foot of the Qilian Mountains, integrating grotto art, Qilian Mountain scenery and Yugur ethnic customs

2-Day 1-Night In-depth Tour of Sunan Yugur Autonomous County

Explore millennium-old grottoes, gallop across the Qilian grasslands, experience Yugur customs, taste characteristic foods, and feel the unique charm of grotto art and ethnic minority culture

Tour Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Matisi Temple, Qilian Mountain Grassland, Yugur Ethnic Folk Village
Suitable For
Culture lovers, natural scenery enthusiasts, folk custom researchers
Per Capita Budget
¥550-¥850
01
Grotto Exploration
Matisi Temple · Qilian Mountain Grassland
Itinerary Highlights

Arrive in Sunan, check into the hotel and then head to Matisi Temple to visit this millennium-old grotto art treasure. In the afternoon, visit the Qilian Mountain Grassland and experience the magnificent scenery of grassland pastoral songs.

Attraction Arrangement
Matisi Temple
A Buddhist grotto complex built in the Northern Liang period, named after the legend that a celestial horse drank water and left its hoof print here. It integrates grotto art, Qilian Mountain scenery and Yugur ethnic customs.
Qilian Mountain Grassland
One of China's six most beautiful grasslands. In summer, the grass is green and lush, wild flowers are everywhere, and flocks of cattle and sheep roam around, making it an ideal place to experience grassland scenery.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Sunan Hotel
  • Grassland Yurts
  • Homestays near Matisi Temple
Food Recommendations
  • Hand-grasped Mutton
  • Butter Tea
  • Yak Jerky
Travel Tips
  • Photography is prohibited inside the grottoes
  • Temperature difference on the grassland is large, bring warm clothes
  • Respect ethnic minority customs
02
Yugur Customs
Yugur Ethnic Folk Village · Specialty Shopping
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, visit the Yugur Ethnic Folk Village to experience the unique Yugur ethnic culture. In the afternoon, buy local specialties of Sunan, taste local food, and end the pleasant trip to Sunan.

Attraction Arrangement
Yugur Ethnic Folk Village
A living museum displaying the traditional culture of the Yugur ethnic group. You can enjoy Yugur singing and dancing, visit traditional tents, and experience ethnic handicraft making.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • About 30 km from the county seat to Matisi Temple
  • You can charter a car or take a tourist special line between attractions
Specialty Recommendations
  • Yak Jerky
  • Butter
  • Yugur Embroidery
  • Qilian Yellow Mushrooms
Ticket Information
  • Matisi Temple: ¥70
  • Qilian Mountain Grassland: Free
  • Folk Village: ¥50

Must-Try Foods in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County

Hand-grasped Mutton

A specialty food of Sunan, using mutton from free-range sheep on the Qilian Mountain Grassland. The meat is tender and free of mutton smell, and it is the highest etiquette for the Yugur people to receive guests.

Butter Tea

A traditional drink of the Yugur ethnic group, boiled with butter, tea leaves and salt. It is rich in nutrition and an excellent product for keeping out the cold and warming up in plateau areas.

Yak Jerky

A specialty of the Qilian Mountains, made from plateau yak meat. The meat is firm and has a unique flavor, making it an ideal travel snack and souvenir.

Sunan Yugur Autonomous County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Summer (June-August): The most beautiful season for grasslands, with cool climate
  • Autumn (September-October): Clear sky and thin clouds, suitable for photography
  • Avoid the severe cold period in winter
Must-Try Foods
  • Hand-grasped Mutton
  • Butter Tea
  • Yak Jerky
  • Yugur Steamed Buns
  • Yogurt
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥120
  • Accommodation: ¥120-200 per night
  • Catering: ¥50-80 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥120
  • Total: ¥550-850
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What are the most famous attractions in Sunan County? → Matisi Temple and Qilian Mountain Grassland
  • Best time to visit Matisi Temple? → June-October
  • Opening hours of the Folk Village? → 09:00-17:00
  • What are the special souvenirs in Sunan? → Yak Jerky, Yugur Embroidery, Qilian Yellow Mushrooms