Zhangye Danxia: Nature’s Palette and Geological Epic

In the territory of Zhangye City in the middle of the Hexi Corridor, there is a geological wonder named one of the “Seven Most Beautiful Danxia in China” by ‘National Geographic of China’-Zhangye Colorful Danxia. This landform, which is famous for its “color as Wudan, as bright as Mingxia”, is a masterpiece of crustal movement and weathering erosion over hundreds of millions of years. On the rock formations with vertical and horizontal ravines, red, yellow, orange, green, blue, blue, purple and other colors are intertwined and spread out, like a palette overturned by nature. Not only is it a palette overturned by nature, but it is not only a palette overturned by nature, it is not only a palette overturned by nature, it is not only a palette overturned by nature, but also a palette overturned by nature.It is a “living fossil” in the eyes of geologists, and it is also a “must-see holy place in the Northwest” in the hearts of photography enthusiasts and travelers. ​

1. Core overview: Geological miracles carved over hundreds of millions of years​

Zhangye Colorful Danxia belongs to a typical “colorful hilly” landform, which was formed in the Jurassic to Tertiary period about 205 million years ago. At that time, it was a vast sedimentary area of lakes and rivers. During the sedimentary process of a large number of sandstones, conglomerates and mudstones, they showed different colors due to differences in the minerals they contained (such as iron oxide, manganese, etc.). Subsequently, under the influence of the Himalayan orogeny, the uplift of the earth’s crust exposed the rock formations. After long-term wind erosion, water erosion and gravity collapse, a unique landscape with vertical and horizontal ravines and staggered layers was finally formed. ​

The total area of the scenic area is about 510 square kilometers, and the core tourist area covers an area of 12 square kilometers. It is mainly composed of red gravel, sandstone and mudstone, with rock formations ranging in thickness from tens of centimeters to tens of meters. The richness of its colors and the grandeur of its landform are second to none in China. Especially in the early morning, evening or after rain, the Danxia landform exposed to sunlight will show colorful visual effects due to changes in light angle. It is known as a “rare geopark in the world.” ​

2. Geographical location: the geographic coordinates of the Hexi Corridor​

Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Area is located in Nantai Village, Nijiaying Town, Linze County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province. The geographical coordinates are between 100°19′-100°27′ east longitude and 38°50′-38°56′ north latitude. It is located in the northern foot of Qilian Mountain, the hinterland of the Hexi Corridor, about 40 kilometers east of Zhangye City and west of Linze County.About 20 kilometers, it is bordered by the edge of the Batan-Jilin Desert to the north and the Qilian Mountain Grassland to the south. It is an important landscape node connecting the Hexi Corridor and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. ​

From the perspective of regional transportation, the scenic area is close to Provincial Highway 213 (Zhangsu Highway), about 50 kilometers from Zhangye Ganzhou Airport, about 45 kilometers from Zhangye Railway Station, and about 50 kilometers from Zhangye High-speed Rail West Railway Station. The surrounding transportation network is convenient. It is the Northwest Ring Road (Lanzhou-Zhangye-Jiayuguan-Dunhuang) and Ganzhou Airport.An important connection point of the Qinghuan Line (Xining-Zhangye-Qilian-Qinghai Lake). ​

3. Transportation guide: Easy to reach in multiple ways​

(1) External arrival method​

1. Airplane travel：​

• You can fly to Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (IATA Code: YZY)first. The airport is about 50 kilometers away from the scenic area. The flight time is about 1 hour from Lanzhou, about 2 hours from Xi’an, and about 3.5 hours from Beijing. ​

• Airport transportation: There is a taxi (about 120-150 yuan /car, which takes 1 hour) or an online taxi directly to the scenic area outside the airport; you can also take the airport bus (15 yuan/person, 30 minutes) to Zhangye City, and then transfer to the scenic area through train or tourist dedicated line. ​

2. Train / high-speed rail travel：​

• High-speed rail: Zhangye West High-speed Rail Station is the main high-speed rail station, about 50 kilometers away from the scenic area, about 2.5 hours from Lanzhou West, about 3.5 hours from Xining, and about 6 hours from Xi’an. ​

• Ordinary train: Zhangye Station is about 45 kilometers away from the scenic area. The train frequency covers major cities in the northwest. The fare is lower but it takes a long time (for example, Lanzhou to Zhangye takes about 5-6 hours). ​

• Station transportation: There are through trains to scenic spots outside the West High-speed Rail Station and Zhangye Station (25 yuan/person, every 1 hour, it takes 1.5 hours); you can also take a taxi (about 100-120 yuan at West High-speed Rail Station, about 90-110 yuan at Zhangye Station) or carpool (30-40 yuan /person). ​

3. Travel by car：​

• Recommended route: Starting from Zhangye City, follow Danxia Avenue to Provincial Highway 213 (Zhangsu Highway) and drive westward. The whole journey is about 40 kilometers and takes 50 minutes. The road conditions are good, and there are clear scenic signs along the way. ​

• Parking lot: There are multiple large parking lots outside the scenic area. The fee for cars is 10 yuan /time and for buses is 20 yuan / time. During the peak season (June-October), it is recommended to arrive 30 minutes in advance to avoid tight parking spaces. ​

4. Charter a car / travel with a group：​

• Chartered car: Chartered car (5-seater car) in Zhangye city to and from the scenic area is about 200-250 yuan /day, which can flexibly control the tour time and is suitable for 3-4 people traveling together; if you go to Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Temple and other surrounding attractions, the average daily cost is about 400-600 yuan. ​

• Follow-up group: Local travel agencies have Zhangye Colorful Danxia tour products, including round-trip transportation, tickets and tour guide services. The per capita cost is 150-250 yuan. It is suitable for tourists who do not want to plan by themselves. Some groups will also include Danxia sunset observation. ​Or participate in our Qinggan Loop Group

(2) Internal tour transportation​

1. Scenic sightseeing car：​

• Must-take transportation: The scenic area implements a ”sightseeing bus + walking’ tour mode. The sightseeing ticket price is 20 yuan /person (including the whole journey, no child discount). It can be cycled and stop at 4 core observation decks (Colorful Fairy Edge Terrace, colorful Yunhai Terrace, colorful Splendid Terrace, colorful Hongxia Terrace)., The drive between each observation deck is about 5-10 minutes. ​

• Operating hours: peak season (April-October) 7:30-19:00 (the last bus departs from the last observation deck at 19:00), low season (November-March) 8:30-17:00, it is necessary to arrange the rhythm of the tour reasonably to avoid missing the last bus. ​

2. Walking plank road：​

• There is a walking plank road between the observation decks, with a total length of about 3 kilometers. The plank road is gentle and has no steep slopes, making it difficult to visit. There are rest pavilions and viewing platforms along the way. You can enjoy the texture and color changes of the Danxia rock formation up close. The whole journey takes about 1.5-2 hours on foot. ​

4. Tickets and open information: a clear and transparent ticket purchase guide​

(1) Ticket price​

• Adult ticket: peak season (April 1st-October 31st)74 yuan / person(including tickets 54 yuan + sightseeing car 20 yuan),Off-season (November 1st-March 31st of the following year) 40 yuan / person (including tickets 20 yuan + sightseeing car 20 yuan). ​

• Discount ticket：​

• Student ticket: With a valid student ID card, 37 yuan / person in peak season (ticket 27 yuan + sightseeing car 20 yuan), 20 yuan / person in low season (ticket 0 yuan + sightseeing car 20 yuan)；​

• Senior ticket: 60-69 years old with ID card, 37 yuan/person in peak season, 20 yuan/person in low season; 70 years old and above with ID card are free of tickets, only need to purchase a sightseeing car for 20 yuan/person；​

• Special groups of people: persons with disabilities, active-duty military personnel, and retired military personnel are free of tickets with valid documents, and only need to purchase a sightseeing car for 20 yuan / person. ​

• Ticket purchase method: You can purchase tickets online through the scenic area’s official WeChat account “Zhangye Colorful Danxia Tourist Scenic Area” (real name is required, and ID card is swiped to enter the park), or you can purchase tickets on-site at the scenic area ticket window (cash and scan code payment are supported). During peak season, it is recommended to purchase tickets online 1 day in advance to avoidLine up on the spot. ​

(2) Opening hours and best viewing time​

• Opening hours: peak season 7:30-19:00 (admission deadline 18:00), off-season 8:30-17:00 (admission deadline 16:00), holidays (such as May 1st and National Day) may be opened 30 minutes in advance, subject to the announcement of the scenic area for details. ​

• Best viewing time：​

• 1-2 hours after sunrise (7:30-9:30): The light is soft, and the colors of Danxia are fresh and bright, suitable for shooting close-up details；​

• 1-2 hours before sunset (17:00-19:00, summer): The setting sun shines obliquely, and the rock formations show warm colors such as golden red and orange. The layering of light and shadow is the strongest. It is the prime time for shooting panoramic views of Danxia.；​

• 1-2 hours after the rain: After the rain washes away, the color of the rock formations is more vivid, and the clouds and mists in the ravines are like a wonderland (Note that the plank road is slippery after the rain). ​

5. Must-visit attractions and featured experiences​

(1) Highlights of the four core observation Deck​

1. Colorful fairy Platform：​

• Features: The observation deck on the easternmost side of the scenic area has a wide view and can overlook the “colorful Feixia” landscape. Rock formations are spread out among the ravines like ribbons. The snow peaks of Qilian Mountain in the distance form the background, forming a classic picture of “Snow Mountain + Danxia”, which is suitable for shooting panoramic views. ​

• Check-in points: ‘Xianyuan Pavilion” and “Lovers Peak’. Legend has it that taking pictures here can reap a beautiful marriage. It is a popular choice for couples and tourists. ​

2. Colorful Yunhaitai：​

• Features: The highest altitude observation deck (about 1820 meters), with a circular plank road, can enjoy a 360° view of the Danxia landform and the sea of clouds (the probability is high in the early morning), and the texture of the rock formations is undulating like waves. It is known as the “staff of the Earth”. ​

• Check-in point: ‘Yunhaitai Glass Plank Road” (a separate charge of 20 yuan / person), standing on transparent glass, with a 100-meter-deep Danxia ravine under your feet, you can experience the thrills and thrills while taking photos from a unique perspective. ​

3. Colorful splendid platform：​

• Features: It is known for its “rich colors”. The rock formations show red, yellow, green, white and other colors, like an unfolding splendid picture scroll, which is suitable for close observation of the layered structure and mineral distribution of the rock formations. ​

• Check-in point: “Silk Sky Road”, the texture of the rock formations is like a winding road, echoing the Silk Road culture of the Hexi Corridor. It is an excellent location for shooting the combination of humanities and nature. ​

4. Colorful Xiadai：​

• Features: The observation deck on the westernmost side of the scenic area is the best place to watch the Danxia sunset. It has a large viewing platform and a rest area. At sunset, the entire Danxia landform is dyed golden red, and the “colorful rainbow” landscape is vividly displayed here. Vividly. ​

• Check-in point: ‘Sunset Viewing Spot”, equipped with a professional photography stand (free to use, on a first-come, first-served basis), suitable for time-lapse photography and sunset portraits. ​

(2) Featured experience projects​

1. Helicopter / hot air balloon sightseeing：​

• Helicopter: Take off from the scenic helipad, there are two routes of 3 kilometers (about 5 minutes, 298 yuan /person) and 6 kilometers (about 10 minutes, 498 yuan /person). It can overlook the magnificent panoramic view of Danxia’s landform from a high altitude, with a unique perspective, suitable for tourists who pursue a high-end experience. ​

• Hot air balloon: It only operates during the peak season (June-August), with a flight time of about 15 minutes and 380 yuan per person. During the slow lift-off, you can look up at the Danxia ravines and the grassland in the distance, and experience the romance of “walking in the air”. ​

2. Danxia Night Tour (live Performance of ‘Alain Lagda’)：​

• Time: 20:00-21:00 every night during peak season (admission is required 1 hour in advance), and the fare is 198 yuan/person (including scenic tickets + sightseeing cars + performances). ​

• Features: Through light projection, real-world interpretation, etc., it tells the legend of the formation of Danxia’s landform and the story of Silk Road culture. Danxia at night shows a dream effect that is completely different from the daytime under the light. It is an immersive cultural experience project. ​

3. Photography style：​

• Recommended route: Colorful Unkai Terrace (shooting Unkai) → colorful Splendid Terrace (shooting details) → colorful rainbow Terrace (shooting sunset), it is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens (shooting panoramic views), a telephoto lens (shooting textures), and a tripod (shooting delay, night view), in the scenic areaThe use of drones is prohibited (you need to apply to the scenic area in advance). ​

6. Practical precautions: travel to Danxia safely and comfortably​

1. Sun protection and wear recommendations：​

• Sunscreen: The scenic area is located on a plateau with extremely strong ultraviolet rays. You need to wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with SPF50+ or more. Ice sleeves can be worn on exposed areas to avoid sunburn.；​

• Wear: It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes (plank roads are rocky, avoid high heels), long-sleeved trousers that penetrate the air in summer (anti-mosquito + sunscreen), and winter down jackets, scarves, and gloves (the minimum temperature can reach -15℃). The color can be white, blue and other light colors, andDanxia’s colors are in contrast, and the photos are even more beautiful. ​

2. Safety and environmental protection guidelines：​

• Safety: It is strictly forbidden to climb over the guardrail of the plank road into undeveloped areas (loose rock formations are prone to collapse), and the plank road is slippery on rainy days, so you need to slow down; helicopter and hot air balloon experiences need to follow the instructions of the staff, and those with heart disease, high blood pressure and other diseases are prohibited from participating.；​

• Environmental protection: littering is prohibited in the scenic area, and there are sorting trash cans, which can carry garbage to designated locations; it is forbidden to paint or smear rock formations to protect geological relics, and violators will face fines. ​

3. Diet and replenishment tips：​

• There are 3 tourist service centers in the scenic area, which provide drinking water (5 yuan/bottle), snacks (such as biscuits, fruits), and light meals (such as beef noodles and fried rice, 25-35 yuan per person). The price is slightly higher than in urban areas. You can bring your own small amount of dry food (such as chocolate and energy bars) in advance.；​

• There are many farmhouses outside the scenic area (Nantai Village), where you can taste Zhangye’s special delicacies, such as beef rice (15 yuan /bowl), fried rice (18 yuan /bowl), and Zhangye stuffed skin (8 yuan /serving). The per capita consumption is 30-50 yuan, which is cost-effective. ​

4. Other practical tips：​

• Signal and network: The main observation deck in the scenic area has a 4G signal, and the signal in some areas is weak. Offline maps can be downloaded in advance.；​

• Accommodation recommendation: If you want to watch the sunrise, you can choose to stay in Nantai Village near the scenic area (the bed and breakfast is 80-150 yuan per person /night, advance reservation is required during peak season), or return to Zhangye City (there are many hotel options, 150-300 yuan per person /night, convenient transportation)；​

• Peak-avoiding travel: There are more tourists during the peak season (July-August). It is recommended to go on weekdays or enter the park within 1 hour after opening the door to avoid the peak flow of people and enhance the tour experience. ​