Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Zhangye Danxia Geopark
4.5
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- SusanMilwaukee, Wisconsin9 contributionsGorgeous placeBeautiful place! I’d recommend going, if you get the chance. Bring extra water, and bring an umbrella or wide brimmed hat. I’d also recommend going in the early evening (or early morning) if possible, as it’ll be a little cooler and the light will look better.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 June 2024
- SaintPat1976Southampton, United Kingdom150 contributionsWell worth getting up early for sunriseWent at sunrise. Great to see sun come up and then get stronger and bring out deeper colours in the rocks. Bought tickets at 5.30am at park entrance which included bus option. Lots of space for views and photos.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 July 2024
- xcschlrMilwaukee, Wisconsin848 contributionsStrikingly colorful mountainsThis is another geopark in Gansu province where visitors must ride the eco buses of the park to go to the scenic spots, but there is no time limit on how long a visitor can stay in each spot, as buses arrive and leave periodically to drop off and pick up visitors. Each spot has its unique character in terms of color combination and shape, and all provide stunning views. We arrived after 7:00 pm and got to see the beautiful sunset behind the colorful mountains. The place left us with such a wonderful memory of beauty in nature.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 August 2024
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4.5
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Stephen C
Singapore, Singapore1,141 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
This is a UNESCO Geopark. Like most of the national parks, you will gather at a central point and take a bus into the park.
There are four stops in all. You should make it a point to alight and walk around at each of the stops as they offer different views of the park.
The biggest stop is the second one. There is the largest platform from which you can walk around and have a true panoramic view of the surrounding area.
The fourth stop offers the best photo opportunities. It brings you closest to the multi colored rocks and this is a must visit stop for all visitors. Just be warned that there will be plenty of tourists and they’ll be crowding around looking for a photo opportunity as well.
While some say that the best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset, we found the view in the afternoon to be good as well.
There are four stops in all. You should make it a point to alight and walk around at each of the stops as they offer different views of the park.
The biggest stop is the second one. There is the largest platform from which you can walk around and have a true panoramic view of the surrounding area.
The fourth stop offers the best photo opportunities. It brings you closest to the multi colored rocks and this is a must visit stop for all visitors. Just be warned that there will be plenty of tourists and they’ll be crowding around looking for a photo opportunity as well.
While some say that the best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset, we found the view in the afternoon to be good as well.
Written 12 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldGlutton
London, UK24,085 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
Zhangye Danxia Geopark is also known as the Rainbow Mountain in in China .The eco bus took us into some scenic spots where we view the splendid Danxia landscape from the timber board platforms and hiking on the well-paved stop paths from one sightseeing platform to another .
Basically the higher you climb , the better view you get. Thus do prepared for some good hike on the walkways and steps to the Sightseeing Platform. But for those who prefer not to walk, there is hot air balloon and helicopter for the tour !!
Each spot has its unique color combination and shape, all providing stunning views. Especially when the sun hits the mountain, they really do have rainbow pattern. Have your camera ready for a true panoramic view of the surrounding area, but just be warned that there be plenty of tourists crowding around for a photo opportunity as well.
It is impressive and breathtaking how the colors of the mountains are beyond description and amazingly some natural rocks formation do tell a story too.
Plenty of Sigboards around on the rock formations which is self explanatory !!
The geological formation is unique & typical of sedimentary deposition process. 100+ million years ago, this area was a lake or low lying basin. Thru' the seasons, alluvial deposit siltstone (greyish deposit), mudstone (lighter brownish conglomerate with pebbles) & sandy lateritic reddish loose sandstone (due presence of iron oxide- Fe2O3 & FeO2) to become the present site. Over the geological time, tectonic forces push the lake bed upwards from West to East tilting the interbedded deposit layers. With weathering by wind & rain, the interbed layerings of different hue of colours appear...to form this Rainbow Mountain !!
Another example of how nature can surprise !!!
Basically the higher you climb , the better view you get. Thus do prepared for some good hike on the walkways and steps to the Sightseeing Platform. But for those who prefer not to walk, there is hot air balloon and helicopter for the tour !!
Each spot has its unique color combination and shape, all providing stunning views. Especially when the sun hits the mountain, they really do have rainbow pattern. Have your camera ready for a true panoramic view of the surrounding area, but just be warned that there be plenty of tourists crowding around for a photo opportunity as well.
It is impressive and breathtaking how the colors of the mountains are beyond description and amazingly some natural rocks formation do tell a story too.
Plenty of Sigboards around on the rock formations which is self explanatory !!
The geological formation is unique & typical of sedimentary deposition process. 100+ million years ago, this area was a lake or low lying basin. Thru' the seasons, alluvial deposit siltstone (greyish deposit), mudstone (lighter brownish conglomerate with pebbles) & sandy lateritic reddish loose sandstone (due presence of iron oxide- Fe2O3 & FeO2) to become the present site. Over the geological time, tectonic forces push the lake bed upwards from West to East tilting the interbedded deposit layers. With weathering by wind & rain, the interbed layerings of different hue of colours appear...to form this Rainbow Mountain !!
Another example of how nature can surprise !!!
Written 3 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Art M
Bangkok, Thailand194 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
One of the main goals of Trip Silk Road this time. I've seen a lot of pictures, both photoshopped pictures and real pictures. When I saw the real thing, I was stunned. It's much more beautiful than I thought.
Tip1: You should come between noon and afternoon. The morning light doesn't hit the spot. In the afternoon sun, the pattern can be clearly seen.
Tip2: Most websites recommend coming in August. Because after a lot of rain, the colors will be clear. But really, if you come in the second half of October, The color is clear every day. Because at night the dew will come down hard.
Tip3: During the high period, namely Jun - Sep, there will be buses running from the bus station next to Zhang Ye West Station. But if you come in other months You will have to pick up the bus at the bus station in the city.
Tip4: Taxi is very cheap, starting at 5Y if going in a group. No need to wait for the bus.
Tip5: The return bus from Danxia into the city is only at 6 p.m.
Tip1: You should come between noon and afternoon. The morning light doesn't hit the spot. In the afternoon sun, the pattern can be clearly seen.
Tip2: Most websites recommend coming in August. Because after a lot of rain, the colors will be clear. But really, if you come in the second half of October, The color is clear every day. Because at night the dew will come down hard.
Tip3: During the high period, namely Jun - Sep, there will be buses running from the bus station next to Zhang Ye West Station. But if you come in other months You will have to pick up the bus at the bus station in the city.
Tip4: Taxi is very cheap, starting at 5Y if going in a group. No need to wait for the bus.
Tip5: The return bus from Danxia into the city is only at 6 p.m.
Written 26 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan
Milwaukee, WI9 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Beautiful place! I’d recommend going, if you get the chance. Bring extra water, and bring an umbrella or wide brimmed hat. I’d also recommend going in the early evening (or early morning) if possible, as it’ll be a little cooler and the light will look better.
Written 28 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kim buay p
Singapore, Singapore13,011 contributions
Sept 2021
I did a guided live-stream tour with Jenny's China Tour on Heygo. The location seems to be quite remote. So I was very happy with this live-stream tour especially since travelling is so restricted nowadays. The guide spoke good English and explained how these layered coloured mountains come about. The tour was about 35-40 mins long. We could take wonderful postcard shots of the views.
Written 14 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SaintPat1976
Southampton, UK150 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Went at sunrise. Great to see sun come up and then get stronger and bring out deeper colours in the rocks. Bought tickets at 5.30am at park entrance which included bus option. Lots of space for views and photos.
Written 10 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
xcschlr
Milwaukee, WI848 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
This is another geopark in Gansu province where visitors must ride the eco buses of the park to go to the scenic spots, but there is no time limit on how long a visitor can stay in each spot, as buses arrive and leave periodically to drop off and pick up visitors. Each spot has its unique character in terms of color combination and shape, and all provide stunning views. We arrived after 7:00 pm and got to see the beautiful sunset behind the colorful mountains. The place left us with such a wonderful memory of beauty in nature.
Written 27 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madison C
Sydney, Australia5 contributions
Sept 2020
After approx. an hour from Zhangye you finally get your ticket to this wonder of the world, there would be buses that will take you close to four platforms offering the best viewing of that particular area, basically the higher you climb the better view you get, so you have to be prepared for some good hike so it's a little challenging, it's impressive and breathtaking how the colors of the mountains are beyond description and amazing - I have never seen something like that before.
Definitely a place worthy of visiting.
Definitely a place worthy of visiting.
Written 26 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HKHomers
Hong Kong, China22 contributions
Aug 2023
Again this whole Chinese Mass tourism setup, highly regulated, tightly organized. Good or bad? In this case good; contrary to e.g. Yellowstone USA it is great being allowed to hop on/hop off along a fixed route getting the best views.
Some areas underwhelmed e.g. looking into the sun, but other areas were fantastic with the right sunlight enhancing the multi-colored rocks experience.
Overall it's a must-see, famous in China.
Some areas underwhelmed e.g. looking into the sun, but other areas were fantastic with the right sunlight enhancing the multi-colored rocks experience.
Overall it's a must-see, famous in China.
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Best food best hotel
Hong Kong, China6,080 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
It took me many hours to get here. The real appearance is completely different from the photos. I think the experience is just average. The whole mountain is surrounded by fences. The photos taken are also very average. When I came in the morning, I couldn't see any colorful Danxia at all. The photos were taken with the defog function and color, so I could see the so-called colorful colors. I was a little disappointed.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is language an issue? I don't speak or understand Mandarin. Only Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Should I use a tour company, or can I just go there?
Written 2 April 2024
Hi, I saw some review that the ticket is good for 2 days. Can we enter the Geopark twice with the cheaper one ticket for No.1-4 spots for sunset today and sunrise tomorrow morning? Do we need to do anything specially to get the 2 days ticket except paying bus ticket on the next day?
Thanks a lot.
Written 14 August 2023
Меня интересует, есть ли на входах в парк камера хранения багажа. Мы из парка едем в аэропорт. Если есть, то на каком входе?
Written 16 August 2019
Will it be possible to visit in December? Between Dec 25-27? We don't mind the cold. And will be taking the high speed train from Xian. Thanks
Written 12 July 2019
Hi reis73. It is likely to be freezing (below zero) and windy in December so it’s not recommended but it should be possible. I was there in April and it was cold. You could ask them on their Facebook page - Danxia-Landform-Park-Zhangye-Gansu-China
Written 13 July 2019
Best time to visit with regards to weather and crowds of people.
Written 11 September 2018
Best time is early as it opens but also late before the sun goes down. The colors become incredible.
Written 12 September 2018
What is the best month to go there, not too hot, not too wet or cold? How much time should we prepare to spend there? Are the shuttle buses operating there all year round?
Written 11 September 2018
Recommended is during summer times but will be full crowded with local tourists. For cooling weather will be Apr-May or Sept-Oct months. No idea about shuttle bus service but recommend engage local taxi for returns trip. Need at least 3-4 hours to enjoy and walk around the park.
Written 12 September 2018
itzsa
Haifa, Israel
Hello. How do I get from the airport (Zhangye Ganzhou Airport - YZY) to zhangye itself, or better to the Danxia Geopark?
Are there any shuttle buses? Trains?
Thank you.
Written 29 August 2018
Hi, I have no idea about shuttle bus from Ganzhou airport. But there is no train service within Zhangye town centre, you need take cab to Danxia Geopark about 1 hour journey.
Written 30 August 2018
Visto i colore c'è della ferrite nella loro composizione?
Written 13 August 2018
Could you please tell me the name of the hotel close to the park & whether you recommend it?
Thanks
Written 8 July 2018
i dont recall there being a hotel remotely near the place.. its really out of the way. Like the others, i stayed in the city of Zhangye and tripped out from there.
Written 28 July 2018
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