Zhangye Danxia Landform in Gansu, China

The Zhangye Danxia landform is also known as the eye candy of Zhangye. Many artists admire this masterpiece as it appears like a perfect painting on canvas. This 400-square-kilometer attraction is located in in Linze and Sunan counties in Gansu Province in central north China.

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Features

Magnificence

It is composed of lots of precipitous cliffs, most of which are several hundred meters high. All of these cliffs are smooth and sharp, standing in the plains and riversides, looking grand and magnificent, vigorous and virile. Even the low pinnacles look powerful.
Uniqueness

Across the Danxia landform zone, a kaleidoscope of numerous red rocky outcrops resemble weird and wonderful shapes like castles, cones, towers, as well as humans, creatures, birds and beasts. They are as vivid and organized as the Millennium Castle and, especially with their peaks peeping through the mist and clouds, produce mirage-like scenery of fantastic mountains and pavilions.
Precipitousness

The mountains there are always perpendicular or have very steep slopes which people regard in awe and many appear unclimbable.
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Formation

The formation of Zhangye Danxai Landform dates back to 6 million years ago. The Danxia geological structure was formed by the erosion of red sandstone, forming the isolated peaks and steep outcrops. Its special geological structure, combined with long-term weathering, freeze-thaw peeling, and wind and water erosion gave rise to its present appearance.It is mainly horizontal and low diagonal red strata, mainly belonging to the Jurassic and Tertiary eras. Danxia is the generic term for various kinds of landforms formed from vertical joint development in thick red sandstone and conglomerates.Zhangye Qianlian Shan Danxia is mainly composed of red gravel, sandstone and mudstone. It is typical of an arid or semi-arid climate and is a singular outcrop with cross layers, steep walls, vertical joints, and gorgeous colors.
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If you have the time, you can hike some of the way instead of taking the sightseeing cars, but remember that the last sightseeing car back from the fourth viewing platform is at 20:30. However, it may be earlier according to the season and the weather. If you are on a tour with us your tour guide will make sure you have transport.Location: Nantaizi Village, Nijiaying County, Zhangye PrefectureOpening times: 5:30am–8:30pm in summer, 8am–6pm in winter.
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Best Times to Visit the Zhangye Danxia Landforms

It is best to visit Binggou Danxia Scenic Area in the morning and during sunset, especially sunset, when the colors change continuously, showing yellow and red layers covered by a light gray layer. They are well defined with circuitous lines and, if it rains the day before, this color will be more gorgeous. Try not to go when it is cloudy or raining as only when there is sunshine will these mountains show you their gorgeous colors.

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