Danxia Geopark

Introducing Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Situated in the eastern foothills of the Qilian Mountains in Gansu Province, the Zhangye Danxia Geopark, also known as Zhangye National Geopark, is a marvel of nature. Spanning an area of 322 square kilometers, the park is famous for its vibrant rock formations, which have been recognized by Chinese media as one of China’s most stunning landforms. In 2010, the site earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The park’s terrain is marked by steep red cliffs and multicolored ridges of weathered strata, often extending as far as the eye can see. These formations, varying from smooth to jagged, contrast beautifully against the green or gray plains, creating a grand and magnificent sight. The hues of the rocks in the park shift with the sunlight and weather conditions, providing enchanting views at sunrise and sunset.

Zhangye Danxia Geopark Fast Facts
• AKA: Zhangye National Geopark
• Chinese Name: Zhāngyè Guójiā Dìzhìgōngyuán 张掖丹霞国家地质公园
• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 4 to 5 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Adventure
• Opening Hours: 5:30-19:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY93 (including shuttle bus fee)
• Address: 40 km (25 miles) Northwest of Zhangye, Gansu Province

Watch this video showcasing Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Kind Notice: This video is not available in China (YouTube is blocked).

What is Danxia Landforms
“Danxia landform” is a term used to describe a distinct type of petrographic geomorphology that can be seen in various regions across southeast, southwest, and northwest China. These landscapes are characterized by a red bed and steep cliffs.

The formation of Danxia landforms involves red-colored sandstones and conglomerates, predominantly from the Cretaceous period. They bear a resemblance to karst topography, which typically forms in areas with underlying limestones. However, due to the composition of Danxia landforms being sandstones and conglomerates, they are often referred to as “pseudo-karst” landforms.

The creation of these landforms is attributed to both endogenous forces, including uplift, and exogenous forces, such as weathering and erosion. They consist of an uplifted continental crust that has undergone faulting and erosion, resulting in the exposure of large scarps of layered rock, which are red in color.

How Was Zhangye Danxia Formed?
The Zhangye Danxia landform came into existence through a sequence of intricate geological events spanning millions of years. Here’s a simplified explanation of its formation:

Sedimentation: Initially, the area was predominantly flat, composed of layers of sandstone and siltstone from the Cretaceous period.

Tectonic Activity: The collision between the Eurasian and Indian plates triggered orogenic processes in the region. This led to the formation of fold mountains, exposing the previously buried sedimentary rock layers.

Erosion and Weathering: The top layers of siliciclastic rocks were further eroded, unveiling the internal sediment layers. The erosion of red sandstone resulted in the formation of isolated peaks and steep stratified outcrops.

Mineral Deposition: The landscape’s colors are attributed to various minerals such as hematite (red), limonite (brown), geothite and iron sulfide (yellow), and chlorite (green). These minerals are cemented into the sandstone pores by precipitated groundwater.

The unique geological structure, coupled with enduring desert conditions, freeze-thaw peeling, and wind and water erosion, contributed to its current appearance. The outcome is a visually captivating landscape of vibrant, rocky outcrops that contrast sharply against the region’s green or dull gray plains.

Reasons to Visit the Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Spectacular Landscapes: The park is celebrated for its vibrant rock formations and steep red cliffs, recognized as some of China’s most stunning landforms.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 2010, the park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, underscoring its importance on a global scale.

Photography: The hues of the park’s rocks transform with the sunlight and weather conditions, providing enchanting vistas at dawn and twilight. It’s an idyllic spot for photography enthusiasts.

What to Expect at Zhangye Danxia Geopark

Zhangye Danxia is recognized for its uniquely colored rocks that are smooth, sharp, and rise several hundred meters high. In 2005, a group of journalists from 34 leading media outlets selected Zhangye Danxia as one of China’s most stunning Danxia landform regions. In 2009, the Chinese National Geography magazine included Zhangye Danxia in its list of the “six most beautiful landforms” in China. The area has since emerged as a prime tourist destination in Zhangye.

In order to make the exploration of the Danxia landforms easier, a series of sightseeing platforms, boardwalks, and access roads have been established. There are five sightseeing platforms in total, constructed atop some of the higher hills. Visitors are required to ascend a series of rising, winding stone steps to reach the top of these platforms. Given that the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geopark spans a vast area of mountains and valleys, the distance between these platforms exceeds more than 20 kilometers. Due to the extreme heat, dry conditions, and intense sunlight, it is not advisable to traverse the entire distance on foot. Visitors have the option to use the sightseeing bus for transportation between different platforms.

No. 1 Sightseeing Platform, Colorful Sea of Clouds
The No. 1 Sightseeing Platform, the most expansive platform in the park, offers the most comprehensive views of the Danxia landscape. Its most distinctive attribute is the ability to observe a multitude of remarkable shapes in the mountains, exhibiting hues of red, yellow, and white – resembling a colossal scallop, monkeys gazing at the sea, and Buddha statues congregating. It also serves as an excellent spot to witness the sunset.

No. 2 Sightseeing Platform, Colorful Meeting Fairy
Descending from the No. 1 platform towards the broadways site, you will embark on a sightseeing bus journey to the No. 2 Platform, a trip that lasts approximately 20 minutes. The No. 2 platform is situated in a level area within a valley. This location offers a more intimate view of the Danxia Landform – a striking mountain range devoid of vegetation, yet adorned with beautiful, elongated, and colorful creases on the mountain layers.

No. 3 Sightseeing Platform, Colorful Screen
Reaching the No. 3 Sightseeing Platform doesn’t require a bus ride this time. It’s conveniently located atop a nearby mountain, just a few hundred meters away. Simply follow the path next to the main roads and ascend the steps to reach the platform. The main attraction here is the expansive Danxia mountain, the largest in the park, displaying vivid red hues, right before your eyes. It also serves as an excellent spot to witness the sunrise.

No. 4 Sightseeing Platform, Colorful Clouds
From the base of the No. 3 platform, a brief bus journey will take you to the No. 4 Sightseeing Platform, reputed to be the most picturesque in the park. However, reaching the summit of the No. 4 Platform still requires climbing several hundred meters of steps. This spot is the prime location for sunset viewing. In the late afternoon, the golden rays of the setting sun illuminate the Danxia mountains, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Given the platform’s narrowness, it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a good vantage point.

No. 5 Sightseeing Platform, Colorful Embroidered
The No.5 Sightseeing platform is is yet another excellent location to witness the breathtaking sunrise and sunset in their full spectrum of colors. This spot is also known for being the filming location of the renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou’s movie, “A Woman, A Gun And A Noodle Shop”, also referred to as “A Simple Noodle Story”. This film is Zhang’s unique interpretation of the Coen brothers’ film, “Blood Simple”. A short walk of a few hundred meters from this location offers a camel riding experience and a visit to the Mazi Noodle Shop, an intriguing ancient-style building constructed specifically for Zhang’s film.

How to Get to Zhangye Danxia Geopark
• Zhangye Danxia Geopark is located approx. 40 km (25 miles) from Zhangye.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free private transfer to Zhangye Danxia Geopark.

Additional Travel Advice on Zhangye Danxia Geopark
• Zhangye Danxia Geopark features three entrances: the North Gate, West Gate, and East Gate. The West and East Gates tend to have less visitor traffic, with shuttle buses leaving every hour. The North Gate is the preferred entrance due to its frequent shuttle bus service.

Bus Routes
• North entrance route: north entrance - platform 2 - platform 1 - platform 3 - platform 4 - north entrance
• East entrance route: east entrance - platform 2 - platform 1 - platform 3 - platform 4 - east entrance
• West entrance route: west entrance - platform 1 - platform 3 - platform 4 - platform 2 - west entrance