China is definitely a country full of surprises! It is home to numerous natural wonders, some of which are less known than others. Zhangye Danxia Geological Park is relatively unknown to Westerners, yet it boasts a unique landscape with breathtaking views. Have you ever seen rainbow-colored mountains? That’s exactly what awaits you when you visit this natural site, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Colorful Mountains
Upon arriving near Zhangye Danxia Geological Park in Gansu Province, northern China, you won’t be able to miss the extraordinary colors of its mountains. Depending on the time of day and the season of your visit, you may see different hues than other visitors. The colors change with the light and weather conditions.
Each year, thousands of tourists, most of them Chinese, visit this park and are awed by the beauty of this natural phenomenon. While the site is often compared to the Vinicunca mountains in Peru, it remains unique because of its distinct color patterns.
A Site Over 20 Million Years Old
These mountains have looked this way for over 20 million years. This incredible natural phenomenon is the result of rock erosion and the deposition of numerous layers of sandstone and minerals over millennia. Some visitors even refer to this site as a “miracle of nature.” The park’s excellent preservation is another impressive aspect of Zhangye Danxia. Visitors have only been coming here in large numbers for a few years, so it raises questions about how the site will evolve in the future with climate change and mass tourism.
Visit Zhangye Danxia on Video
In this video, you can fly over and discover the mountains of Zhangye Danxia to see how magical this place is. You will also hear testimonies from tourists and a local resident. After watching, you might feel inspired to visit this extraordinary rainbow landscape yourself.
RAINBOW MOUNTAINS of CHINA: Why You Need To Visit Zhangye
Article updated on 23 October 2024
