Zhangye National Geopark

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).

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.

Photos

Zhangye National Geopark Photo Gallery

Highlights

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.