Zhangye Danxia

The Zhangye National Geopark, located in Gansu Province, is world-renowned for its surreal Danxia landforms. These majestic 'Rainbow Mountains' are the result of deposits of sandstone and other minerals over 24 million years. Tectonic movements and millions of years of wind and rain erosion have carved this landscape into brilliant, undulating layers of red, yellow, orange, and green rock formations. It is a dream destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors explore the park via a network of boardwalks and viewing platforms that offer wide-open panoramic vistas, particularly remarkable at sunrise or sunset when the colors are most vivid. The surrounding area of Zhangye also has historical sites like the Giant Buddha Temple, which houses the largest indoor reclining Buddha in China. Local cuisine features hearty northwestern flavors, including rolled noodles and spicy mutton dishes. Zhangye is accessible by high-speed train along the Lanzhou-Xinjiang railway. The best time to visit is from June to September when the weather is comfortable, and occasional light rain can make the colors of the mountains pop even more vibrantly. Winter can be very cold and windy.

Nearby cities

Taiyuan

The capital of Shanxi province, a major center for heavy industry and coal mining.

Ürümqi

Ürümqi, the capital of Xinjiang, is a major hub on the Silk Road, blending diverse cultures and stunning landscapes.

Datong

A city in Shanxi province, known for its rich coal reserves and historical sites.

Kanas Lake

Kanas Lake is a pristine alpine lake in the Altay Mountains, famous for its changing colors and mysterious lake monster legends.

Mount Wutai

Mount Wutai is one of the Four Sacred Mountains of Chinese Buddhism, renowned for its ancient temples and flat-topped peaks.

Qinghai Lake

The largest inland and saltwater lake in China, surrounded by stunning mountains and bright yellow rapeseed flowers.

History & landmarks

Kashgar

Kashgar is China's westernmost frontier city, known for its vibrant Uyghur culture and historic Old City.

Dunhuang

Dunhuang is an ancient oasis city on the Silk Road, famous for the Mogao Caves and vast desert landscapes.

More places

Pingyao Ancient City

An exceptionally well-preserved Han Chinese walled city that offers a glimpse into life during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Yungang Grottoes

Ancient Chinese Buddhist temple grottoes near the city of Datong in the province of Shanxi.

Datong Coal Industry

One of the largest coal enterprises in China, based in Datong, Shanxi province, known for its high-quality steam coal mining.

Hanging Monastery

A monastery built into a cliff near Mount Heng in Shanxi province.

Hexi Corridor

A historical route in Gansu province which was part of the Northern Silk Road.