A castle's basics still stand amid red cliffs and rocks at Binggou area of Zhangye.[Photo by Xue Chaohua/China Daily]

The Mati Temple Scenic Area is also a well-known scenic spot in Zhangye, which integrates grottoes, cave art, Qilian Mountain scenery and the unique customs and culture of the local Yugur minority group. The scenic spot 65 kilometers south of the city boasts more than 70 caves and shrines.

The Yugur ethnic group, which is unique in Gansu province, has lived at the foot of snowcapped Qilian Mountain in the south of Zhangye for generations.

Visitors to Mati Temple and the Yugur Folk Customs Valley can enjoy the special culture and traditional lifestyle of the Yugur people; sample their milk tea, traditionally cooked mutton and alley wine; and admire their colorful costumes and lively dancing. The ethnic group follows Tibetan Buddhism and their own primitive religion.

Kang Qing, publicity and information chief of Zhangye, said the best time to visit Zhangye is from June to September "when the weather is more comfortable". The rest of the year is usually dry and windy. "It is also best to visit in the morning and at dusk, especially at sunset, when the gorgeous colors change continuously in the sunlight," Kang said.

Try to plan your Zhangye tour in advance to avoid national holidays, which are peak domestic travel periods.