Pingshan Grand Canyon

Introducing Pingshan Grand Canyon
Pingshan Grand Canyon is a national tourist attraction located 56 kilometers from Zhangye City. Pingshan Grand Canyon, a true gem amongst the region’s landscapes, boasts a one-of-a-kind mix of Danxia, Yadan, and canyon formations. From the canyon floor to its towering cliffs, distinct layers of rock strata are laid bare, showcasing geological periods stretching all the way from the Cambrian to the Cenozoic era. These vibrantly colored layers are like pages in a history book, containing representative fossils from each period, earning the canyon the nickname “Nature’s own museum of geological wonders.”

Interestingly, despite its Chinese name, “Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon,” there’s no lake in sight. The reason behind this name remains a mystery. Some theorize that the area was once a vast lake millions of years ago, pointing to the prominent “water-eroded gullies” as evidence. Others believe the name reflects a yearning for water in this dry region, much like the nomadic villages scattered throughout the canyon that weave the element of water into their names. Whatever its true origin, “Pingshan Lake” has become a memorable and evocative name for this extraordinary landform, attracting those who marvel at the earth’s history and those who seek out the Gobi’s hidden beauty.

Pingshan Grand Canyon Fast Facts
• AKA: Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon
• Chinese Name: Píng Shān Hú Dà Xiá Gǔ 平山湖大峡谷
• Best Time to Visit: March to May; September to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 4 to 5 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Hiking
• Opening Hours: 7:30 – 20:30
• Entrance Fee: CNY130(Shuttle bus fee included)
• Address: Approx. 57 kilometers (35.4 miles) northeast of Zhangye, Gansu Province

What to Expect at Pingshan Grand Canyon
Explore the colossal Pingshan Grand Canyon, a natural wonder spanning 150 square kilometers (58 sqaure miles). Four sightseeing platforms offer breathtaking views and an unforgettable journey through the canyon’s heart.

No. 1 & 2 Sightseeing Platforms
Perched atop the canyon rim, Sightseeing Platforms One and Two are linked by a breezy boardwalk, unveiling a panorama that steals the breath away. The canyon itself is a masterpiece sculpted in time, its fiery red sandstone whispering tales of 180 to 240 million years past. Hues of crimson and burnt ochre dance across the stone, their vibrancy softened by the patina of ages. Rock formations, some like towering cones and others like the columns of a forgotten temple, rise in fantastical shapes, each a riddle posed by nature.

Beyond the famed “Nine Dragons Converging into the Sea” and the stoic presence of General Stone, a delicate masterpiece emerges: Lover’s Embrace. Rising from the undulating expanse of red sandstone, this slender spire, reaching perhaps fifty feet skyward, takes on the unmistakable form of two lovers entwined. Their russet stone embrace, a silent promise whispered to the horizon, stands in stark contrast to the rough, weathered texture of the surrounding landscape. They stand as if frozen in a timeless moment, their love story etched into the very fabric of the earth, a testament to enduring affection for all who behold it.

No. 3 & 4 Sightseeing Platforms
While Platforms 1 and 2 offer panoramic views, for a truly immersive experience, venture further to Platforms 3 and 4. Here, the polished walkways yield to the raw beauty of the canyon’s heart. You’ll find yourself enveloped by walls of rust and ochre, sculpted by time and adorned with tenacious flora. The path winds through the canyon, expanding into open expanses before playfully narrowing, inviting you to squeeze through its rocky embrace. This captivating dance of contrasts leaves you breathless and humbled by the sheer power and artistry of nature.

How to Get to Pingshan Grand Canyon
• The Pingshan Grand Canyon is located approx. 57 kilometers (35.4 miles) northeast of Zhangye.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the Pingshan Grand Canyon.