Zhangye National Geopark Overview
Zhangye National Geopark, also known as Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, is located in the Gansu Province of northwestern China. The park is famed for its extraordinary landscapes known as Danxia landforms, which are a unique type of petrographic geomorphology found in China. Covering an area of approximately 510 square kilometers (about 197 square miles), Zhangye National Geopark is a magnificent showcase of nature’s artistry, distinguished by its colorful rock formations that seem to paint the mountains in vibrant hues.
Situated in the foothills of the Qilian Mountains, the geopark’s landscape has been sculpted over millions of years, primarily through the depositing of sandstone and other minerals, followed by extensive erosion by wind and water. The result is a series of towering peaks, rugged cliffs, and deep ravines, all characterized by their striking layers of reds, yellows, oranges, and greens. This vivid palette has earned the area the nickname “Rainbow Mountains.”
The park is divided into several scenic areas, with the most famous being the Linze and Binggou areas. These regions offer visitors a chance to marvel at the Danxia landforms’ intricate patterns and surreal beauty through a series of viewing platforms and walking trails designed to provide the best vistas without harming the delicate environment.
Zhangye National Geopark has gained international fame for its unique geological features, attracting geologists, photographers, and nature lovers from around the world. Its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List further underscores its global significance and the need to preserve its natural beauty for future generations.
Exploring Zhangye National Geopark offers an unforgettable journey through one of nature’s most extraordinary galleries, where the earth itself seems to tell a story of time, transformation, and the sheer power of natural forces.
Park Map
Zhangye National Geopark Trails
Sources
- China Discovery, Zhangye Danxia Landform Geographical Park Rainbow Mountain in China, https://www.chinadiscovery.com/gansu/zhangye/danxia-landform-geographical-park.html, retrieved April 2024.
- China Highlights, Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park – Rainbow Mountains, https://www.chinahighlights.com/zhangye/attraction/danxia-landform-geological-park.htm, retrieved April 2024.
- Forbes, The Rainbow Mountains of China Earth’s Paint Palette, https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2016/03/02/rainbow-mountains-china-earths-paint-palette/#23071f0e3e5e, retrieved April 2024.
- Lonely Planet, Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/zhangye/attractions/zhangye-danxia-national-geopark/a/poi-sig/1535881/355967, retrieved April 2024.
- Travel China Guide, Zhangye Danxia National Park, https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/gansu/zhangye/danxia-landform-geopark.htm, retrieved April 2024.