Zhangye Danxia (officially Zhangye Rainbow Mountains or 七彩丹霞, Qīcǎi Dānxiá) is a spectacular geological landscape of colorful layered hills in Gansu Province, China.
Basic Info
Location: Linze & Sunan counties, ~40 km west of Zhangye City
Status: UNESCO Global Geopark, National 5A Tourist Attraction
Area: ~50 km² (core scenic zone)
Formation: ~135–65 million years old (Cretaceous period)
Nicknames: “God’s palette spilled on Earth”, “Rainbow Mountains of China”
Why It’s Unique
Vivid Colors: Layers of red, orange, yellow, green, white, and gray from mineral deposits
Landform: Rare combo of Danxia (red sandstone) + colorful hills
Scale & Texture: Striped, rolling, and sharply eroded ridges
Main Viewpoints
Qīcǎi Yúnhǎi (七彩云海) – Panoramic overview
Qīcǎi Jǐnxiù (七彩锦绣) – Intense color bands
Qīcǎi Hóngxiá (七彩虹霞) – Best for sunset
Wòhǔ Xiá (卧虎峡) & Wànxiàng Tǔlíng (万象土林谷)
Best Time to Visit
Season: June–September (rain cleans dust; colors brighter)
Time of day: Sunrise & sunset (golden light makes colors pop)
Weather: Best after rain or on clear days
How to Visit
Entrance: West Gate (main)
Transport: Shuttle bus between platforms
Duration: 2–3 hours (quick) or half-day (leisure)
Activities: Hot-air balloon rides (seasonal)
