Zhangye Danxia Geopark Travel Guide: China’s Rainbow Mountains

Few natural landscapes in the world look as surreal—or as Instagram-worthy—as Zhangye Danxia Geopark, home to China’s famous Rainbow Mountains. Located in the arid reaches of Gansu Province, this UNESCO-listed site features layered sandstone formations in vivid shades of red, orange, yellow, and even purple, formed over millions of 

years.
 

Walking through this geological masterpiece is like stepping into a painting—one crafted not by human hands, but by wind, rain, and time.

📌 Quick Facts

Location: Near Zhangye City, Gansu Province, Northwest China

Geological Type: Danxia landform (colored sandstone and conglomerate)

Size: ~510 square kilometers

UNESCO Global Geopark: Since 2010

Best Time to Visit: June to September for vibrant colors and clear skies

🧭 How to Get to Zhangye Danxia Geopark

🚆 By Train

From Lanzhou: High-speed train to Zhangye West Station (approx. 4–5 hrs)

From Xining or Jiayuguan: Regional trains or buses available

✈️ By Air

Zhangye Ganzhou Airport connects to major cities like Xi’an and Lanzhou

🚗 To the Geopark

From Zhangye City: ~40-minute drive or shuttle bus

Tours and taxis are available for day trips

🎨 Why Is Zhangye Danxia So Colorful?

The kaleidoscope of colors comes from red sandstone and mineral deposits, laid down over 24 million years and shaped by tectonic plate movement, erosion, and weathering.

Layers of iron oxide, trace minerals, and sediments create the banded colors—red from hematite, yellow from limonite, and greenish hues from chlorite.

It’s a rare geological process found in very few places on Earth.

📍 Top Viewpoints Inside the Geopark

Zhangye Danxia Geopark is well-developed for tourism, with five scenic platforms, each offering a unique view of the landscape.

1. Viewing Platform 1 – Color Palette Hills

Closest to the entrance

Great for first impressions and sunset photography

2. Platform 2 – “Seven-Color Fan”

Fan-shaped ridges resembling a painter’s palette

Stunning layered color contrasts

3. Platform 3 – Best for Sunset

Offers a sweeping view of undulating hills

Popular with photographers—get there early

4. Platform 4 – Panoramic Landscape

The highest viewpoint with expansive views

Windier but less crowded

5. Platform 5 – Hidden Gem

Less visited, peaceful and good for slow exploration

Great for close-ups of rock textures and details

📅 Best Time to Visit Zhangye Danxia

☀️ Summer (June–September)

Best visibility and color vibrancy

Ideal for photography

Be prepared for hot daytime temperatures

🍁 Autumn (September–October)

Cooler temperatures

Slightly fewer tourists

Colors still striking, especially after rain

⚠️ Avoid:

Winter: Cold, snowy, and many trails are closed

Rainy days: Dulls the colors and can make walkways slippery

📸 Photography Tips

Golden Hour: Aim for early morning or sunset

Polarizing filter: Helps reduce haze and enhance saturation

Tripod: Useful for panorama and low-light shots

Drones: Only allowed in certain zones with permission

Pro Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vast, layered landscapes.

🎟️ Entry Info & Fees

Entrance Fee: ~75–100 RMB (varies by season)

Sightseeing Bus: Required (~20–30 RMB)

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (in summer)

Note: Buy tickets at the main entrance or through official tourism apps for convenience.

🥾 Walking & Tour Routes

Short Visit (2–3 hours)

Take the sightseeing bus to Platforms 1–4

Spend 20–30 minutes at each platform

Full-Day Hike (6–8 hours)

Visit all platforms on foot for detailed exploration

Pack water, sunscreen, and snacks

Expect strong sun exposure and dry winds

Guided Tours

Available in English and Mandarin

Offers geological background and cultural context

🏨 Where to Stay

In Zhangye City:

Zhangye Holiday Hotel (3-star, budget-friendly)

Zhangye Diamond Hotel (modern and central)

Qilian Pearl Boutique Hotel (comfortable with local charm)

Near the Geopark:

Danxia International Youth Hostel (great for backpackers)

Local guesthouses in Sunan County (rustic and welcoming)

🧠 Cultural Insights

Though Zhangye Danxia is primarily a geological site, the surrounding region has a rich cultural blend:

Hui Muslim communities nearby

Buddhist temples in Zhangye City (notably Giant Buddha Temple)

Influence from Silk Road heritage, as Zhangye was a key stop

🛍️ What to Buy

Danxia-themed postcards and paintings

Handmade Silk Road souvenirs

Local dried fruits and nuts

Minority crafts from the Qilian area

🥘 What to Eat

Local Cuisine Highlights:

Niang Pi Zi (凉皮子): Cold wheat noodles with chili oil

Zhangye Lamb Skewers: Grilled with cumin and spices

Qinghai Yogurt: Tangy and refreshing

Stuffed Buns (Baozi): Filled with lamb or vegetables

Most eateries near the park serve Halal food, especially in Muslim-run stalls.

✅ Suggested 2-Day Itinerary

📅 Day 1: Arrival & Danxia Sunset

Arrive in Zhangye by train or flight

Check into hotel or guesthouse

Visit Danxia Platforms 1–4 before sunset

Return to Zhangye for dinner

📅 Day 2: Morning Light & City Culture

Early morning revisit for golden hour shots

Explore Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye

Optional: Continue to Binggou Danxia for more rugged formations

🌄 Beyond the Rainbow Mountains: Binggou Danxia

While the main Zhangye Danxia site is famous for color, the nearby Binggou Danxia Scenic Area (~30 km away) offers:

Towering red-rock formations

Natural arches and cliff spires

Quieter trails and unique geological features

Combo Tickets are often available for both sites.

🙌 Final Thoughts

Zhangye Danxia Geopark is more than just a pretty picture—it’s a natural marvel that combines art, science, and awe-inspiring beauty. With well-developed tourist infrastructure, diverse photo opportunities, and convenient access from Zhangye City, it’s an ideal destination for nature lovers, geologists, and travel photographers alike.

If you’re planning a deeper exploration of China’s Silk Road corridor or Gansu Province, make sure Zhangye’s Rainbow Mountains are at the top of your list.