zhangye danxia landform geological park china

silk road，Zhangye National Geopark

zhangye danxia landform geological park china  

  Imagine rolling waves of stone painted in vermilion, lemon and emerald rising from the desert floor. Welcome to Zhangye National Geopark—better known as the Rainbow Mountains of China—a UNESCO-level landscape that tops many “must-see before you die” lists. In this guide you’ll find everything you need to plan a smooth, unforgettable trip, including the best viewpoints, how to get there, sample itineraries and insider photography tips.

1. Where Exactly Is Zhangye National Geopark?  

The geopark sits in Linze and Sunan counties, 32 km west of Zhangye City, Gansu Province—a strategic stop on the ancient Silk Road. Covering 322 km², it is divided into:

• Colorful Danxia (Linze) – the most accessible section, famous for its rainbow ridges.  

• Binggou Danxia – 15 km farther north; dramatic “ice-castle” pillars and fewer crowds.  

• Daleibagou & Nine Springs zones – newly opened, wilder terrain for 4×4 enthusiasts.

2. How Were the Rainbow Mountains Formed?  

[IMAGE 2 – Close-up of striped sandstone layers]  

Over 24 million years, sandstone and mineral deposits were compressed, folded and tilted by tectonic plates. Wind, rain and frost sculpted the soft layers into knife-edge ridges and isolated towers. Iron oxide paints the rocks red, while chlorite and other trace minerals add greens, yellows and blues.

3. Best Time to Visit & Weather Snapshot  

• Peak season: June–September (15–30 °C, long daylight).  

• Photography sweet spots: Sunrise (6:00–7:30) and sunset (18:30–20:00) when oblique light ignites the colours.  

• Avoid: Winter can drop below ‑15 °C; colours look dull under snow.

4. Tickets, Hours & Shuttle System (Updated July 2025)  

[IMAGE 3 – Entrance Gate Sign]

| Item | Price (¥) | Notes |

| Entrance | 55 | Valid for same-day re-entry |

| Shuttle | 20 | Hop-on, hop-off; 4 stops in Colorful Danxia |

| Binggou Shuttle | 35 | Separate ticket |

Hours: 05:30–19:30 (last entry 18:00)  

Online pre-booking is available via WeChat mini-program or Trip.com to skip queues.

5. The Four Signature Viewpoints (Colorful Danxia)  

[IMAGE 4 – Panorama from Viewpoint 4]

1. Viewpoint 1 – Colorful Immortal Tower 

  Quick warm-up; 10-min climb on wooden boardwalk.

2. Viewpoint 2 – Colorful Sea of Clouds (closed for maintenance as of July 2025)  

  Check notice boards; drone pilots love the elevated ledge.

3. Viewpoint 3 – Colorful Embroidered Platform 

  Look for the “Seven-Color Fan” formation—perfect for wide-angle lenses.

4. Viewpoint 4 – Colorful Clouds Platform

 Iconic postcard view; arrive 40 min before sunset for tripod space.

Pro Tip: The shuttle runs one-way clockwise; you cannot backtrack without re-entering.

6. Adding Binggou Danxia (Half-Day Extension)  

[IMAGE 5 – Binggou’s “Ice Castle” pillars]  

Binggou’s palette is subtler—ochre and charcoal—but the shapes steal the show: natural amphitheatres, camel caravans frozen in stone. Only one circular boardwalk (2 km, 1.5 hrs) so it’s less rushed. Combine with Colorful Danxia in a full-day tour.

7. Sample 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Sunset Shoot  

• 12:00 Arrive Zhangye West Station; taxi to hotel (¥30).  

• 14:00 West Bus Station bus to Colorful Danxia (¥15, 50 min).  

• 15:30–19:30 Explore viewpoints 1–4; sunset at #4.  

• 20:30 Dinner in Linze County—try hand-pulled noodles with yak meat.

Day 2 – Binggou + Cultural Add-On  

• 05:30 Taxi to Binggou (¥80 split) for sunrise.  

• 09:30 Return to Zhangye city; visit Giant Buddha Temple (55-m reclining Buddha).  

• 13:30 High-speed train to Dunhuang or Jiayuguan for Silk Road continuation.

8. How to Get to Zhangye National Geopark

By Air  

• Zhangye Ganzhou Airport receives direct flights from Xi’an, Lanzhou, Dunhuang. Taxi to park: ¥180 (45 min).

By Train  

• High-speed rail connects Lanzhou West —— Zhangye West in 3 h. From the station, take bus Zhangye-Linze (¥15) or Didi (¥90).

DIY Transfer Table

| Origin | Mode | Duration | Cost (¥) |

| Beijing | Flight to Lanzhou + HSR | 6 h | 900 |

| Shanghai | Direct flight Zhangye | 3.5 h | 1 300 |

| Chengdu | HSR via Xi’an | 7 h | 600 |

9. Where to Stay (Booking links you can hyperlink)

Budget: Linze Youth Hostel – dorms ¥60, walking distance to park shuttle.  

Mid-range: Huachen International Hotel, Zhangye – rooftop views of the Qilian peaks.  

Luxury: Mercure Zhangye Danxia – pool & oxygen rooms, 10 min drive to gate.

10. Packing Checklist & Field Tips

• Clothing: Layers + windbreaker; desert swings 15 °C in a day.  

• Footwear: Trail shoes with grip—boardwalks can be icy in early spring.  

• Photo kit: Polarizer to cut glare, ND filter for long-exposure clouds.  

• Cash: Small vendors still prefer WeChat Pay; carry ¥100 in notes.  

• Altitude: 1 800 m; mild headache possible—hydrate.

11. Beyond the Rocks – Yugur Culture  

[IMAGE 6 – Yugur dancers in traditional costume]  

Sunan County is home to the Yugu, one of China’s smallest ethnic minorities. Visit a Yugu yurt camp next to Nine Springs zone: sample air-dried beef, listen to the horse-head fiddle and learn why their ancestors migrated from Mongolia’s Orkhon River 600 years ago.

12. Responsible Travel & Safety

Wooden walkways protect fragile crust; stepping off triggers fines up to ¥500.  

Drones: Register at gate (¥50 fee); ceiling 120 m, no-fly zone near military posts.  

Emergency: Dial 110 or WeChat “Zhangye Geopark Service” mini-app for live chat in English.

13. Quick FAQ

Q: Can wheelchair users see the colours?  

A: Yes. Viewpoints 1 & 4 have **ramp access** and wheelchair-friendly toilets.

Q: Are drones allowed?  

A: Yes, with registration (see above). Sunset slots fill fast—come early.

Q: Is one day enough?  

A: Colorful Danxia alone needs 3–4 h. Add Binggou or city sights for a full day.

14. Useful External Links to Hyperlink (Anchor Text Ideas)

• Zhangye National Geopark official site – “UNESCO Global Geopark status”  

• Silk Road history – “ancient Silk Road”  

• Danxia landform – “how Danxia topography forms”  

• Gansu travel – “Gansu Province”  

• Yugur ethnic minority – “Yugu culture experience”

15. Conclusion & Call-to-Action  

Few places on Earth compress so much colour, culture and geology into a single frame. Whether you chase golden-hour reds at Viewpoint 4 or sip salty milk tea with Yugur nomads, Zhangye National Geopark delivers a sensory punch you’ll replay for decades. Ready to plan? Save this guide, share it with your travel squad and start booking your Rainbow Mountains adventure today!

[IMAGE 7 – Wide sunset banner with text overlay “Book Your Zhangye Trip Now”