Things To Do
in Zaojiao
Zaojiao is a quiet town set among rolling valleys and limestone mountains in Gansu Province, China. The area blends rural charm with hints of Silk Road history visible in old towns and local crafts. Visitors are greeted by friendly residents, smoky street grills, and sweeping views at dawn and dusk.
While off the beaten path, Zaojiao offers rewarding hikes, vibrant markets, and a taste of northwestern Chinese hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Zaojiao’s quaint train station and wander through narrow cobblestone alleys lined with centuries-old wooden houses. Inhale the scent of incense drifting from local temples as artisans craft lacquerware in time-honored workshops. Feel the hum of daily life as vendors prepare traditional street snacks for the bustling market.
Sit down at a riverside tea house to sample locally grown green tea while watching fishermen cast bamboo nets below. Stroll across the iconic stone arch bridge, capturing photographs of tiered roofs mirrored on the water’s surface. Pop into family-run galleries to admire hand-painted scrolls and learn about regional folklore.
As dusk falls, dine on spicy braised fish and freshly steamed buns in a lantern-lit courtyard. Witness a classical Chinese instrumental performance echoing off ancient gate towers. End the night with a leisurely stroll along lantern-draped promenades beside the gently flowing creek.
Rise early to the vibrant Zaojiao Morning Market, where stalls overflow with heirloom vegetables, fragrant herbs and lacquered trinkets. Chat with friendly farmers about their pesticide-free produce and sample soybean desserts. Capture the lively bartering scenes as locals gather to stock up on daily essentials.
Board a shuttle to the rolling tea plantations just outside town, where terraces of emerald bushes climb the hillside. Learn plucking techniques from experienced tea masters and roll your own leaves in a hands-on workshop. Sip fresh oolong while gazing at mist drifting through the terraced rows.
Return to town for a home-style dinner hosted by a local family, sampling pickled vegetables and fragrant rice wine. Take part in a moonlit tea-leaf reading ceremony to glimpse your fortune. Wander through incense-lit corridors of a nearby Daoist shrine before retiring to a traditional guesthouse.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥟Street snack/dumplings | $1-3 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.5-1 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $25-60 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (5-10 km) | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming local culture and scenery
- Access to scenic nature and affordable travel in a less-touristy area
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure compared to big cities
- Language barriers can be more pronounced for non-Mandarin speakers
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "请问厕所在哪儿？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "可以用微信/支付宝吗？" - Can I pay with WeChat/Alipay?
- "帮我拍照" - Please take my photo
Places to Visit in Zaojiao
Visit one of these nice places.
A high vantage point above the town that offers dramatic light over valleys and limestone ridges.
Historic gate with soft evening light and atmospheric streets for street photography.
Cascading light on pale rock formations; best in late afternoon.
Food in Zaojiao
Zaojiao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant beef broth with tender sliced beef and hand-pulled noodles; widely available in town noodle shops.
Must-Try!
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively hub for fresh produce, noodles, steamed dumplings, and grilled skewers; best for sampling daily life.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A light nod or handshake is common; address people respectfully using titles like laoban (boss) or furen (madam) when appropriate.
Share dishes when possible; wait for elders or hosts to start eating; avoid sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl.
Speak softly in public, respect religious sites, and avoid sensitive political topics with strangers.
Ask permission before photographing individuals or small markets; avoid flash in crowded spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Zaojiao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most service situations in Zaojiao, though small tips may be appreciated at higher-end tourist venues.
Cash is widely accepted; mobile payments through WeChat Pay and Alipay are ubiquitous in shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with fresh greenery; may have chilly mornings; carry lightweight layers and a light rain jacket.
Warm to hot days with occasional rain showers; bring sun protection and plenty of water; early mornings and evenings are ideal for outdoor activities.
Clear skies and comfortable temperatures; great for hiking and photography; some windy days.
Cold and dry to chilly with possible snow; layers, a warm jacket, and sturdy footwear are essential.
Zaojiao at Night
Hiking in Zaojiao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Spectacular limestone formations with panoramic views; suitable for day hikes from Zaojiao.
Shaded, easy-to-moderate hike along a scenic gorge with picnic spots.
Airports
How to reach Zaojiao by plane.
Major gateway to Gansu; roughly a 3- to 5-hour drive from Zaojiao depending on road conditions and transfers.
Regional airport serving western Gansu; more limited schedules and longer transfer by road.
Regional airport serving Zhangye and surrounding districts; useful for regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnicity, with a mix of rural families, traders, and students.
A regional minority with halal dietary practices influencing local cuisine and markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Common in schools and community centers; easy to find in many towns.
Popular at courts and gymnasiums; pickup games occur evenings and weekends.
Local clubs and informal matches are common in parks and schoolyards.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zaojiao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Zaojiao, vegetarian options include vegetable dumplings, bean dishes, and seasonal vegetables; ask for no meat stock and check for egg-based sauces.