Zhangye Danxia Landform Travel Tips

Zhangye Danxia Landform, located in Zhangye (张掖), Gansu Province, is a stunning display of nature’s artistry. Known for its multi-colored layers of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, this landscape will completely redefine your understanding of rainbows. At sunset, the mountains are bathed in fiery hues, creating a scene often referred to as the “Five-Color Five-Flower Meat” (五彩五花肉), which looks like a colorful meat dish in the fading sun. For the best experience, it is highly recommended to visit after 3:00 PM. Wear solid colors for the best photos, especially on Platform 4, where the unique perspective will allow for some stunning photos that will get tons of likes on social media. But remember—the sun here is fierce, so be sure to wear sunscreen.

Transportation: Choose Your Mode of Travel

Zhangye Danxia is 40 km away from the city center. You can get there using three main transportation options:

Budget Travelers:

If you’re on a budget, take a bus from Zhangye West Bus Station (市区汽车西站). The fare is 15 yuan per person, and the buses run frequently from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM every hour, with additional buses at 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM.

Convenient and Comfortable:

If you prefer comfort, you can take a taxi to Zhangye Danxia, costing around 100 yuan for a one-way trip. If you’re traveling with others, you can also carpool, which is more cost-effective and also gives you the chance to listen to your driver’s wildlife guide-style commentary on Gansu’s intense UV rays.

For Self-Driving Enthusiasts:

For those who prefer the flexibility of driving, set your GPS to Qicai Danxia North/West Entrance (七彩丹霞北/西入口). There’s ample parking, but make sure to apply sunscreen generously, as the sun here is notoriously harsh.

Ticket Information: A 74 Yuan “Mars Entrance Ticket”

• General Ticket Price: 74 yuan, which includes the sightseeing bus.

• Discounts:

  • Half price for students.

  • Free entry for seniors 70 years and above (though they still need to pay the sightseeing bus fare).

• Best Time to Enter: If you want to experience the “Five-Color Five-Flower Meat” at its finest, it’s recommended to enter after 3:00 PM to see the colors at their most vibrant in the evening sunlight.

Route and Scenic Platforms: Unlock 4 Major Viewing Platforms

The site has three main entrances: North, West, and East, but the views are quite similar. The North Entrance is usually the most convenient. Here’s the route you’ll follow to visit the four major scenic platforms:

Qicai Xianyuan Platform (七彩仙缘台):

When you first arrive, don’t be too excited. The colors here are soft, like a beauty filter. Take a couple of photos and quickly move on.

Qicai Yunhai Platform (七彩云海台):

The highest point, which requires climbing 666 steps. Once you reach the top, the view is totally worth the effort. The mountains look like giant waves, making you feel like you’re entering a scene from Journey to the West.

Qicai Jinxiutai Platform (七彩锦绣台):

The mountain has smooth, neat stripes, almost like it has been ironed flat. For perfectionists, this is the ultimate spot. Wear solid color clothes to stand out and turn your photos into high-fashion looks.

Qicai Hongxia Platform (七彩虹霞台) (Main Highlight):

This is the ultimate spot for the famous “Knife Mountain and Fire Sea” look, especially at sunset when the hills look like they are on fire. For those who are fans of Zhang Yimou, you can also visit the ruins of the “Mazi Noodle Restaurant” from his film A Simple Noodle Story nearby. Afterward, you can share your thoughts on Zhang Yimou’s film aesthetic.

Photography Tips: How to Get the Most Likes on Social Media

Best Time for Photos:

• Post-rain sunny weather > Sunset > Cloudy days > Noon (sunlight at noon can make the landscape look flat and dull).

What to Wear:

• Avoid floral dresses. Stick to white, black, or denim to complement the vibrant background.

Hidden Photo Spots:

• Platform 4 offers a side view with fewer people, giving a great opportunity for alien perspective shots when lying on the ground.

• Platform 5 is perfect for close-up shots where the mountain textures are so clear, they resemble a geology textbook.

Fun Facts You Won’t Hear from a Guide

1. No Stealing Danxia Soil:
   In 2024, two tourists were caught trying to steal Danxia soil to plant succulents. They were caught on the spot by security, and while the fine was small, the embarrassment was huge.

2. Extreme Temperature Differences:
   You might experience sunburn during the day, while in the evening, it can get chilly. Be sure to carry a jacket.

3. Avoid Overly Ambitious Routes:
   Unless you are a geology expert, the “Huwei Gorge + Wanxiang Earth Forest” route might make you question your life decisions. The regular route is stunning enough.

Accommodation Recommendations

Option 1: Stay Near Zhangye Danxia

If you arrive before 5:00 PM, staying near Qicai Town (七彩镇) is ideal. You can take a bus from Zhangye City to Liyuan New Village, which is only 10 yuan. This area allows you to experience the beauty of Danxia without wasting time.

Option 2: Stay in Zhangye City

For those staying in the city, visit the Ping Shan Lake Grand Canyon (平山湖大峡谷) and Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple (张掖大佛寺) before heading to Zhangye Danxia for the sunset.

Nearby Attractions

Best Time to Visit Zhangye Danxia

The colors are best appreciated during sunset or sunrise. After a rain, the colors are particularly saturated, making it perfect for photography.

Ping Shan Lake Grand Canyon and Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple

In addition to Zhangye Danxia, the Ping Shan Lake Grand Canyon is one of the Five Major Canyons in the world, and Zhangye Danxia is renowned for its colorful hills, often referred to as “China’s most beautiful”.

Accommodation Near Zhangye Danxia

Shenghua Cultural Hotel and Local Experiences

Stay at the Shenghua Cultural Hotel, which is located near Qicai Yuexue Street and the Danxia Geological Museum. This location offers various amenities including dining, shopping, and entertainment, providing a comprehensive travel experience.

Qicai Yuexue Street and Activities

Every evening, Qicai Yuexue Street hosts bonfire nights and live performances, making it a great place to experience local culture. It’s only 500 meters from Zhangye Danxia, so you can easily visit after sightseeing.

Zhangye Danxia is a natural wonder that every nature lover and photographer should experience. Whether you’re admiring the vivid colors at sunset, exploring the geological formations, or enjoying the local culture, your visit will leave you with unforgettable memories. Plan your trip carefully and follow these travel tips to get the most out of your adventure!

Zhangye “Danxia+” Signature One-Day Tour Routes

Are you always feeling like there’s not enough time during your holidays? Want to go on a trip but worry it’ll feel rushed? Zhangye offers the perfect solution with its “Danxia+” one-day tour routes. These curated experiences allow you to explore Zhangye’s stunning beauty in a single day, leaving you awestruck at every turn!

Journey Highlights:

Route 1: Discover the Stunning Danxia Landscape
Start your adventure from Mati Culture Ecological Tourism Area (马蹄文化生态旅游区), where history and nature blend seamlessly. Then head to Shensha Wo Sun Island (神沙窝太阳岛) to experience the unique allure of the desert. The highlight of the day will be visiting the Zhangye Danxia Scenic Area (张掖丹霞景区), where the colorful landscape looks like nature itself knocked over a paint palette. Every photo you take here is like a masterpiece! End the day by immersing yourself in Zhangye’s history with a live performance of “Return to Zhangye” (《回道张掖》) at Danxiakou Cultural Tourism Town (丹霞口文旅小镇). This stunning historical drama is an absolute must-see!

Route 2: A Journey Through Nature’s Wonders
Start the day at Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon (平山湖大峡谷), where the deep canyons and unique peak formations will leave you in awe. Afterward, head to the Zhangye Danxia Scenic Area for more breathtaking views. Finally, enjoy a fun evening at Danxiakou Cultural Tourism Town, where you can catch a show and indulge in local delicacies. It’s the ultimate Zhangye experience in one day!

Route 3: Encounter Grasslands and Snowy Mountains
Begin your tour at Dafosi Temple (大佛寺), where the serene Buddha statues carry a millennium of Buddhist culture. Then, journey to the vast Kangle Grassland (康乐草原), where the expansive plains and towering snowy mountains create a picturesque scene. As evening falls, head to Zhangye Danxia Scenic Area to enjoy the stunning sunset, followed by the Alan Lagda Dream Valley Light Show (阿兰拉格达梦幻山谷光影演艺), where lights and Danxia’s beauty combine for an unforgettable visual experience.

Route 4 and 5: Explore Alien Landscapes
Start at Dafosi Temple and visit the Binggou Danxia (冰沟丹霞) for its uniquely shaped formations. Then venture to Alien Valley (外星谷), a place that feels like stepping into another world. Finish your adventure at the Zhangye Danxia Scenic Area, where the surreal landscape will leave you marveling at nature’s wonders.

Route 6 and 7: Hidden Gems and Diverse Landscapes
Travel from Dafosi Temple to the Zhangye Danxia Scenic Area, then visit the Sunan Qilian Mountain Deer Cultural Ecological Tourism Area (肃南祁连山鹿文化生态旅游景区) and the Balse Ecological Tourism Area (巴尔斯生态旅游景区). In the Deer Cultural Area, you can observe adorable deer, while the Balse area offers magnificent snowy mountains and glaciers—a hidden treasure perfect for escaping the crowds and enjoying peaceful vistas.

Route 8: A Full Circle of Danxia and Grasslands
Start at Binggou Danxia and continue to Kangle Grassland, then head to Zhangye Danxia Scenic Area. This route offers a diverse visual experience, including unique Danxia landforms, expansive grasslands, and an unforgettable light show performance.

Why Choose These Routes?

Each of these eight routes offers something unique, whether you’re passionate about history, culture, or the natural world. There’s a perfect itinerary for everyone, making it easier to experience the best of Zhangye in just one day.

Pick a route, pack your bags, and come to Zhangye for an unforgettable adventure—this city will surely captivate you!