Zhangye Danxia Geopark: Things to Do, Routes & Best Time

If you're looking for a place that feels like a painting come to life, Zhangye National Geopark should be at the top of your list. The rainbow mountains in this park create one of China's most eye-catching natural landscapes.

In this guide, you'll find everything you need to plan your visit, including what to see, how to get there, the best time to go, and practical travel tips for exploring Zhangye Danxia with ease.

Rainbow mountains in Zhangye Danxia Geopark

About Zhangye Danxia National Geopark

• Entrance Fee: 103 to 388 RMB (approximately 14.8 to 55.9 USD)
• Opening Hours:
  March to October: 6 AM - 6 PM
  November to February: 7 AM - 5 PM
• Travel Time: 2 to 4 hours

Zhangye Danxia National Geopark is famous for its rainbow-colored mountains. They are real rock formations created by layers of sandstone and minerals. The different mineral contents (like iron and other elements) give the rocks their red, yellow, orange, and greenish colors.

Best Time to Visit

Snowy view of Zhangye Danxia Geopark

The best time to visit is from May to October, when the scenery is at its most beautiful and the colors of the hills are most distinct. Even if it rains, don't worry. The rain can actually make the colors appear even more vibrant. If you prefer fewer crowds, winter is a great time to visit. You can also enjoy beautiful views of snow-covered ridges during this season.

When visiting the park, we recommend avoiding the midday hours, when the sun is strongest and the weather is hottest, and there are no trees around for shade.

The best time for photography is sunset, when you can see golden sunlight shining on the mountains. From October to February, sunset is around 6:00 pm, while from March to September, it is around 7:30 pm.

What to Do in Zhangye Danxia Geopark

Enjoy the View of Rainbow Mountains

Zhangye Danxia Geopark in Gansu

There are four main viewing platforms for you to admire the rainbow mountains. It's easy to get around these platforms, as they are connected by scenic shuttle buses. Below is a brief summary of the highlights of each platform:

• Platform 1: It's the best spot for panoramic photos of the Danxia landscape.
• Platform 2: You can overlook layers of rolling Danxia hills. However, you'll need to climb a fair number of stairs to reach the top, so if you have mobility issues, it's better to skip this one.
• Platform 3: This is the largest viewing platform, where you can see the Danxia formations up close and really appreciate the textures and layered patterns of the rock.
• Platform 4: This is considered the best viewing platform, especially for sunset. There are also snacks and tea available, so you can relax and enjoy the view.

There are also other viewing platforms that can only be accessed with an in-depth tour ticket. They offer more photo spots and are usually less crowded.

Try Adventurous Activities

Hot air balloon ride over Zhangye Danxia

Besides sightseeing and camel riding, Zhangye Danxia Geopark also offers some thrilling activities, such as hot air balloon rides, helicopter flights, and paragliding. Tickets for these activities are sold on-site, and they are highly weather-dependent. If it rains, they may be temporarily suspended.

Top Routes for Visiting Zhangye Danxia Geopark

Essential Route

The essential tour includes four main viewing platforms and focuses on the most iconic, colorful scenery of the site. You can simply follow the shuttle bus route and visit each viewing platform one by one along the way. It's a relaxed way to take in the classic panoramic views and enjoy the best photo spots of the rainbow hills. This route will take about 2 hours to finish.

In-Depth Route

The in-depth route is better suited for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. It goes beyond the four viewing platforms and takes you to VIP-exclusive scenic spots, such as Wohu Gorge, Colorful Aohe Platform, and the Earth Forest Scenic Area. So you can explore more, enjoy better views, and really take your time soaking in the landscape.

Unlike the Essential Tour, the In-Depth Tour includes private vehicle transfers. Because it covers additional scenic spots, it takes longer to complete, usually around 3 to 4 hours.

Night Tour

If you want to see a different view of this scenic area, consider visiting at night. For a night tour to Zhangye Danxia Geopark, we recommend you enter the site after 7 p.m. At that time, you can see the Zhangye Danxia landscape transformed under different lighting effects. You'll also enjoy performances that combine Gansu folk culture with immersive lighting effects. The entire experience lasts about 2 hours.

How to Get to Zhangye Danxia Geopark

Hike in Zhangye Danxia Geopark

Zhangye has an airport with direct flights from many cities in China. If you are departing from cities such as Beijing, Xi'an, or Chongqing, the flight takes less than 3 hours. If you are traveling from southern Chinese cities like Shanghai or Guangzhou, the flight usually takes 5 to 6 hours.

If you are coming from Lanzhou, Jiayuguan, or Dunhuang, we recommend taking a train, which takes about 2 to 4 hours.

After arriving in Zhangye, it takes about 1 hour by car from either the railway station or the airport to Zhangye Danxia Geopark.

Travel Tips

• Protect yourself from the sun. There are no places to hide from the sun in Zhangye Danxia Geopark. We suggest you wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to avoid sunburn.
• Bring essential items. Pack water, snacks, and a power bank, as there are limited shops inside the scenic area. A camera or smartphone with enough storage is important for photography.
• Comfortable walking shoes are also necessary, as you will walk between viewing platforms.
• Travel in an eco-friendly way. The rainbow mountains are fragile and strictly protected. Please take all your trash with you and avoid using disposable plastic bottles whenever possible.
• Each shuttle bus stop inside the scenic area has restrooms. To reduce waiting time, Zhangye Danxia Geopark has also set up additional women-only restrooms.

Plan Your Zhangye Tour With Us

Zhangye National Geopark is full of vivid colors, amazing viewpoints, and little surprises around every corner. Travel with us, and we'll help you see the best spots, try fun activities, and capture memories without any stress - just relax, enjoy the scenery, and have an unforgettable adventure. Simply contact us or email trip@odynovotours.com for your exclusive itinerary with tickets, transfers, and hotels included.