Zhangye National Geopark | (Official GANP Page)

About

Zhangye National Geopark is located in the northern part of China about midway along the border with Mongolia. It rests in the foothills of the Qilian Mountains. The national park encompasses an area of 124 square miles (322 sq km).

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The national park, originally named Zhangye Danxia Geopark, is renowned for the stunning display of colors across hills and rock formations. The Chinese media designated the region as one of the most amazing landscapes across China.

Linze Danxia Scenic Area is the most popular and most developed area of the park. Binggou is a second area located on the Liyuan River. Although it is visited less, it offers additional views of amazing landscapes. A third area is known as Sunan Danxia Scenic Area.

The rock formations and rolling hills almost look as if they were painted. The landscapes are surreal. It would be fair to say that Zhangye National Geopark is the most colorful national park in the world.

The colorful landscapes were created by sandstone and minerals being layered atop each other over the years with the tectonic plates shifting creating angled painted layers across the rock formation and sandstone rolling hills.

Rain, wind, and time have further sculpted the rock formations and rolling hills into various displays of pillars and ravines. The erosion and tectonic plates have worked together to create amazing patterns to be viewed by all.

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The multi-colored rock formations and naturally painted foothills that blanket the area are the most picturesque landscapes. It is hard not to gaze upon the landscapes and wonder if someone actually added colored sand.

Zhangye National Geopark Trails

The park features a series of boardwalks that allow visitors to meander around the colorful sandstone landscapes. The boardwalks are level and make it accessible to wheelchair and other physically challenged travelers to still experience the splendor.

Danxia Landscape Area

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: Varies, but most paths are less than 1 kilometer with minimal elevation gain.

Description: This area offers a series of short, easy walks from various parking lots to viewing platforms.

Visitors will experience the stunning, multicolored Danxia landforms, with vibrant layers of reds, yellows, and oranges.

The trails are mostly paved and accessible, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the layered formations, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Binggou Danxia Area

Rating: Easy to Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: Up to 2 kilometers round trip with some gentle slopes.

Description: Binggou Danxia offers a slightly more rugged terrain compared to the main Danxia Landscape Area, with trails leading to unique rock formations and sculptures shaped by erosion over millions of years. The area is less crowded, offering a peaceful exploration of its extraordinary landscapes.

Sunan Danxia Scenic Area

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: Trails can vary, up to 3 kilometers round trip with moderate elevation gain.

Description: This part of the geopark features some of the most vibrant colors and patterns. Trails here lead through varied terrain, offering close-up views of the intricate layers and colors of the Danxia formations.

The area is great for those looking for a more immersive experience in the park’s natural beauty.

Colorful Clouds Viewing Platform

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: Short walk, less than 1 kilometer from the nearest parking area with minimal elevation gain.

Description: This platform is one of the most popular spots in the park for photography, offering expansive views of the Danxia landscape.

The trail is short and easy, suitable for all visitors, leading to a viewpoint that showcases the dramatic colors and patterns of the rock formations, especially striking at sunset.

Qicai Mountain (Seven-Color Mountain)

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 1 to 2 kilometers round trip, with minimal elevation gain.

Description: Qicai Mountain features trails that wind through some of the most vividly colored sections of the park. Easy to navigate, these paths allow visitors to appreciate the unique geological phenomenon of layered sandstone and minerals which create a rainbow of colors. The area is a highlight for its scenic beauty and geological interest, accessible to visitors of all abilities.

Sources

China Discovery, Zhangye Danxia Landform Geographical Park Rainbow Mountain in China, https://www.chinadiscovery.com/gansu/zhangye/danxia-landform-geographical-park.html, retrieved December 2019.
China Highlights, Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park – Rainbow Mountains, https://www.chinahighlights.com/zhangye/attraction/danxia-landform-geological-park.htm,, retrieved December 2019.
Forbes, The Rainbow Mountains of China Earth’s Paint Palette, https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2016/03/02/rainbow-mountains-china-earths-paint-palette/#23071f0e3e5e, retrieved December 2019.
Lonely Planet, Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/zhangye/attractions/zhangye-danxia-national-geopark/a/poi-sig/1535881/355967, retrieved December 2019.
Travel China Guide, Zhangye Danxia National Park, https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/gansu/zhangye/danxia-landform-geopark.htm, retrieved December 2019.