Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park is located in Linze County and Sunan County of Zhangye City, Gansu Province. It is China's only composite area of Danxia landform and colorful hills landscape. In 2020, it was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, hailed as"one of the seven most beautiful Danxia landforms in China"。
The colorful Danxia was formed during the Cretaceous period about 2 million years ago. Through long-term weathering, erosion, and water action, layers of sandstone in different colors are stacked upon each other — red, yellow, orange, green, white, blue-grey, and dark grey. These multiple colors interweave like a massive colorful scroll spread across the land, known as"Earth's Color Palette"。
The scenic area features four main viewing platforms: Platform 1 offers close-up views of the colorful hills; Platform 2 is most famous for"Rainbow Fairy Terrace"with the richest color layers; Platform 3 is the best spot for photographing sunsets; Platform 4 (Colorful Cloud Sea Terrace) offers the most panoramic views, overlooking the entire Danxia landscape.
At sunrise or sunset, when sunlight strikes the colorful mountains at an angle, the colors become even more saturated and the layers more distinct — the entire scenic area looks like an overturned paint palette, making it a sacred destination for photography enthusiasts.
Practical Information
Admission: 74 CNY/person (includes shuttle bus).
Opening Hours: Peak season (June-August) 07:00-18:00; sunset time is the most spectacular.
Best Time: June-September for the richest colors; arrive 1.5 hours before sunset for the best experience.
Transportation: Approximately 40 km from Zhangye city center, about 1 hour by car.
Recommended by Tuodada Travel
Both the Hexi Corridor 6-Day Tour (Day 2) and Gansu-Qinghai 8-Day Loop (Day 7) by Tuodada Travel include the Danxia Scenic Area. Admission and shuttle bus are included, with ample time for sunset viewing. Hotline: 0937-8839685 / 133-0937-2188 / 133-0937-3667.
