Explore Zhangye Danxia National Geopark: China’s Colorful Rainbow Mountains and Geological Wonder
Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, one of the world’s top ten amazing geographical wonders and a must-visit attraction for a Silk Road travel, is situated in Zhangye City, Gansu Province. The extraordinary work of nature and its unique favoritism are fully embodied in the colorful Danxia scenic area to such an extent it seems that God dropped a palette of colors right here. On July 7, 2020, at the 209th session of the Executive Board of UNESCO, which was hosted in Paris, Zhangye National Geopark was officially designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
√ Related reading: Top 8 Attractions along the Silk Road
Zhangye Danxia National Geopark Facts
- Location: Nijiaying Nantaizi village, Linze County, Zhangye City 734200, China
- Chinese Name: 张掖丹霞地质公园 (how to pronounce: Zhāngyè Guójiā Dìzhìgōngyuán))
- Best Time to Visit: Summer & autumn
- Recommended Visiting Time: about 3 hours
- Opening Hours: 6:00-18:00 in April, September, October; 5:30-19:00 from May to August; and 7:00-17:00 for other months
- Tickets: 54yuan/person
- Area: about 510 square kilometers
- Altitude: 1,461 m (4,793 ft)
How was Zhangye Danxia formed
Danxia landforms are created from rock layers. Red sandstone, weathered and eroded by water, forms isolated peaks and steep rocks. This occurs in horizontal or gently dipping red strata from the Jurassic to Tertiary periods. Zhangye Danxia, part of the Qilian Mountains, is composed of red conglomerate, sandstone, and mudstone. It features interbedded layers, steep cliffs, vertical joints, and vibrant colors, reflecting a semi-arid climate. The natural beauty of Zhangye Danxia is an essential part of a Silk Road trip, offering a vibrant contrast to the ancient Silk Road history.
Are the Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye Danxia in China Real？
Zhangye Danxia National Geological park is also referred to by some as Zhangye Rainbow Mountains, quite similar to the Rainbow Mountain in Peru. Both are stunningly beautiful.
How Did Zhangye Danxia Get Its Color
Sandstone and siltstone are the most prevalent sedimentary rocks found in the Zhangye Danxia landform. Long-term erosion of various rocks and mineral deposits is what gives them their distinctive colours. Bright reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and blues are among the striking visual effects produced by a range of coloured sandstones and minerals, including iron and trace minerals.
Main Platforms and Spots in the Zhangye National Geopark
There are five viewing platforms in the vast Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. Visitors must use the shuttle buses to get between these platforms. Shuttle buses for sightseeing go in the following order: 2, 1, 5, and 4 (Platform 3 is presently undergoing repairs). The order 1, 5, 4, and 2 is for guests coming in through the west gate.
All visitors can take a sightseeing bus to the next platform after visiting any of the viewing platforms. Platform 1 is the biggest of them all. Platforms 3 and 4 have the most exquisite colours, while Platform 2 is the highest and provides a broad perspective of the entire Danxia landform in Zhangye .
Which Platform Suits You the Best
The hot air balloon experience area is at Viewing Platform 4, and the helicopter experience area is at Viewing Platform 2. Platform 4 is without a doubt the platform with the most vibrant colours, the most distinct layers, and the best sunset view. As a result, at sunset, this platform is always packed. To guarantee a good spot, visitors who intend to watch the sunset here are advised to arrive early.
How to Visit: Routes & Entrances for Zhangye Danxia National Geopark
Travelling from Zhangye City along S313 towards Sunan (Danxia) leads to the three entrances of the Zhangye National Geopark: East, North, and West.
- East Entrance: Located near Ganjun Town. When traveling from Zhangye City along S313 towards Sunan (Danxia) and reaching Ganjun Town, turn left according to the traffic signs and continue for a few kilometers to arrive.
- North Entrance: Turn left at the “Danxia Port Folk Village” intersection, as indicated by the traffic signs, and continue for a few kilometres to reach Sunan (Danxia), which is located along S313 from Zhangye City. Visitors are advised to enter through this entrance since it is the largest of the three and offers the most extensive service facilities.
- West Entrance: Situated close to Nangu Village. To get to Nangu Village, follow the road signs and turn left as you travel from Zhangye City along S313 towards Sunan (Danxia). Along the loop depicted in the figure, the sightseeing buses at the East, North, and West entrances run nonstop and anticlockwise.
Setting the North entrance in Zhangye Qicai Danxia Scenic Spot as an example, the sightseeing bus will sequentially go through the following viewing platforms: Before heading back to the North entrance, proceed to Platforms 2 (Colourful Fairy Edges Platform), 1 (Colourful Cloud Sea Platform), 5 (Colourful Brocade Platform), and 4 (Colourful Rainbow Cloud Platform). All visitors can board a sightseeing bus to go to the next platform after seeing any viewing platforms.
Best Time to Visit Zhangye Danxia & Weather Tips
The best time to view the colorful Danxia landform in Zhangye Danxia National Geopark during a Silk Road trip in China is June to September, especially after it has cleared up following a rain. The colors appear most vibrant and layered at this time. The moisture from the rain enhances the brilliance of the Danxia landform. Coming here before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. promises the best scenery and most memorable experience of Zhangye National Geopark tours.
How to Get to Zhangye Danxia National Geopark
Where Is Zhangye Danxia National Geopark: About 40 kilometres east of Zhangye City is the Ni Family Camp Township in Linze County, Gansu Province.
Get to Zhangye Danxia National Geopark by Public Transportation: Both the train and the aeroplane can take you to Zhangye, and it’s easy to get to other beautiful places. Every day, buses travel directly to Danxia Park from Zhangye West Bus Station; each ticket costs 10 yuan. You can get off the buses at Linze County or Sunan County, and they leave every hour.
Driving: If you are driving or renting a car for your Zhangye tour, follow the Sunan Road for about 50 kilometers after exiting the highway in Zhangye to reach Nijiaying Nantaizi Village in Linze County.
Nearby attractions
Matisi Temple: This tourist destination is extremely enchating for a Silk Road Trip of a Lifetime, combining the distinctive traditions of the Yugur ethnic group, the landscape of the Qilian Mountains, and grotto art.
Giant Buddha Temple: The largest and best-preserved Western Xia royal temple in China. It is a famous structure in the historic and cultural city of “Golden Zhangye,” which symbolises the perseverance and knowledge of the Zhangye people.
Helpful Zhangye Danxia National Geopark Travel Tips
- Since the Danxia landform displays the most layers in the afternoon, this is the ideal time of day to take pictures at Zhangye Danxia Geological Park. While Viewing Platform 2 is good for panoramic photos, Viewing Platform 4 is the best place to see sunsets and sunrises.
- The picturesque area has sightseeing buses. Bus travel is an option for visitors. You should avoid walking directly on the ground and stick to the artificial boardwalks.
- Since the picturesque location is remote from the city, it is best to pack some refreshments and water.
- The weather could be dry and dreary. It is best to avoid visiting at noon during the summer and to take proper sun protection measures for a Zhangye Danxia tour.
