Shuimo Danxia National Geopark in Lanzhou

Shuimo Danxia Scenic Area (兰州水墨丹霞旅游景区) also named Lanzhou Shuimo Danxia National Geopark (兰州水墨丹霞国家地质公园) is a remarkable natural and cultural landscape located in Yongdeng County (永登县) in Lanzhou City (兰州市), Gansu Province. It is situated at the confluence of several towns, with the main scenic area found in Shuping Town (树屏镇) and Kushui Town (苦水镇). Spanning an impressive 400 square kilometers, the core area dedicated to tourism covers 20 square kilometers, making it the largest discovered Danxia landform in China. The area is renowned for its dramatic, colorful rock formations, cliffs, valleys, and unique geological features, earning it the title of a geological wonder.

The Shuimo Danxia Landform formed over 150 million years ago, during the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods. It is part of the Himalayan orogeny and consists of red sandstone layers preserved through geological processes such as weathering and erosion. Its stunning landscapes, combined with the rich history of the region, have made it an attractive tourist destination.

Location

The Shuimo Danxia Scenic Area is located in Xinghua Village (杏花村), Shuping Town (树屏镇), Yongdeng County (永登县), in Lanzhou City (兰州市), Gansu Province. The park stretches across the Yellow River Basin and the Silk Road Hexi Corridor (丝绸之路河西走廊), offering visitors an expansive, vibrant landscape that is accessible from the city of Lanzhou and other surrounding regions. The area is also conveniently close to major transportation hubs, including Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (兰州中川国际机场), which is only 30 kilometers away.

History

Development Timeline

  1. July 2017: The government of Lanzhou approved the overall development plan for the Shuimo Danxia Scenic Area with a total investment of 70 billion CNY. The initial phase of the project was allocated a budget of 15.8 billion CNY.

  2. July 2018: The project was officially initiated with a finalized plan for the development of the scenic area.

  3. April 2019: Construction of the park began.

  4. September 2020: A test operation was held, and the scenic area officially began welcoming visitors.

  5. October 1, 2021: The park officially opened to the public.

  6. December 2023: The scenic area completed key infrastructural projects, such as the Danxia Plank Road, Shuttle Service, and several cultural and viewing platforms. Ruyi Bridge (如意桥) and Symphony Bridge (交响桥) were still undergoing construction.

Main Attractions

Nine-Colored Danqing (九色丹青)

At an elevation of 1748 meters, this viewpoint is renowned for its spectacular color display. The rock formations here contain over 30 different minerals, including stone blue, stone green, cinnabar, and chalk. The landscape’s vibrant hues create a stunning visual effect, often likened to a grand painting.

Silk Road Sunset Glow (丝路霞光)

One of the most famous spots in the park, the Silk Road Sunset Glow viewpoint sits at 1861 meters above sea level. The rocks here shimmer with a brilliant array of reds, yellows, and oranges, making it the best place for capturing the sunset. Visitors can experience the remarkable “sunset glow,” where the mountains are bathed in the warm light of the setting sun, creating a picturesque scene.

Silk Road Eagle Viewpoint (丝路雄鹰)

The Silk Road Eagle Viewpoint is located at 1841 meters. It offers visitors a breathtaking view of the entire Danxia landscape. The platform provides a close-up of the colorful mountain ridges and allows visitors to observe the unique geological features up close.

Danxia Elegance (丹秀映天)

This viewpoint, located at 1897 meters, offers a panoramic view of the region’s mountain ridges. The contrasting colors of the Danxia formations and the steep cliffs make this area visually captivating. The view here is often described as being “heavenly” due to the striking beauty of the landscape.

Dan Peak Viewpoint (丹顶揽胜)

As the highest viewpoint in the park, standing at 1959 meters, Dan Peak Viewpoint provides a sweeping, 360-degree view of the scenic area. Visitors can gaze over the colorful hills and deep valleys below, with the surrounding cliffs and peaks forming a dramatic backdrop.

Cui Peak Blue Sky (翠峰澜天)

At 1909 meters, this viewpoint is a watershed for the Danxia landscape, where the sunlit slopes reveal colorful hills on one side and the shaded mountains offer a lush, green contrast on the other. The striking visual contrast is often described as a “green barrier” from east to west.

Sha Jing Tribe Cultural Square (沙井部落)

This cultural area explores the ancient Sha Jing culture, with relics from local tombs that date back thousands of years. Visitors can learn about the region’s eagle totem and the sacred rituals practiced by the ancient inhabitants. The site is a fusion of archaeology and landscape, making it a cultural highlight within the scenic area.

Danxia Plank Road (丹霞栈道)

This 2,550-meter-long plank road winds through the mountains, offering a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. The path rises gently, following the natural contours of the land. As visitors walk along the road, they experience the beauty of the Danxia landforms from various perspectives. The plank road is an excellent way to get an up-close view of the geology and scenery.

Cultural Activities

“Dancing Horse Danxia” (舞马丹霞)

“Dancing Horse Danxia” is a new cultural performance that blends Silk Road history with the stunning landscape of Shuimo Danxia. This performance, which debuted in July 2023, features equestrian arts, traditional Chinese dance, and interactive elements. It narrates the rich horse culture of the Silk Road, where horses were integral to the movement of goods and culture.

Cultural Significance

The Shuimo Danxia Scenic Area is not only known for its remarkable geological formations but also for its rich cultural heritage. The area boasts historical and cultural treasures, including Sha Jing Culture (沙井文化), frontier culture (边塞文化), religious culture, and nomadic traditions.

Achievements and Honors

  • In December 2023, the Shuimo Danxia Scenic Area was officially awarded the status of a National AAAA-level Scenic Area, recognized for its tourism potential, geological significance, and cultural richness.

Tourism Information

Opening Times

  • Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)

  • Weekends: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)

Ticket Prices

  • Adult: 60 CNY

  • Children/Students/Seniors: 40 CNY

Transportation

By Car:

  • Route 1: Take Beibinhe Road (北滨河路) or North Ring Road (北环路) to S101 Line, then to Lanzhou Freight West Station (兰州货运西站), and continue to Xinghua Village (杏花村) and the scenic entrance.

  • Route 2: From Lanzhou New District, take Zhongchuan Avenue (中川大道) to Shuping Town and then to the scenic entrance.

  • Route 3: From Lanzhou New District, take the Airport Highway (机场高速), exit at S13 Airport Highway, and follow the signs to the scenic area.

By Bus:

  • N125 Bus connects to the Shuimo Danxia shuttle bus that brings visitors directly to the scenic area.

Direct Shuttle Services:

  • Route 1: From Haiguan Subway Station (海关地铁B出口), direct shuttle to the scenic area.

  • Route 2: From Lanzhou Passenger Center, direct shuttle to the scenic area.

  • Route 3: From Nanbinhe Road, direct shuttle service to the scenic area.

The Shuimo Danxia Scenic Area is a must-visit for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a unique adventure in one of China’s most spectacular natural landscapes. With its breathtaking views, rich cultural heritage, and well-developed tourism infrastructure, it offers an unforgettable experience for all visitors.