Rainbow Mountains China (Zhangye Danxia National Geopark)
Maybe you’ve seen a rainbow, but have you ever seen a mountain in rainbow colors?
Do you want to see Rainbow Mountains on your trip to China? The most famous Rainbow Mountains in China is Zhangye Danxia National Geopark. It’s located in the northwest of China, in Zhangye City, Gansu Province. The mountains and valleys here show off seven colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. And as the light changes, the colors shift too, creating stunning, colorful views. People often say it’s as if God accidentally spilled a paint palette over the Danxia, creating Rainbow Mountains China. Don’t worry, these colors aren’t man-made. They’re mainly from the Cretaceous “Red Beds,” which are made up of thick layers of gravel and sandstone. Over time, geological movements, water, and wind have shaped them into what we see today.
This article will walk you through the travel route to Rainbow Mountains China, showing the view from each lookout point. We’ll also share how to explore the area and other nearby attractions worth checking out. At the end, you’ll find some helpful FAQs and ticket info.
Table of Contents
Main Attractions of Zhangye Danxia National Geopark
Colorful Cloud Sea Platform (Viewpoint 1) (七彩云海台)
The Colorful Cloud Sea Platform is the main viewpoint of Rainbow Mountains in China. It’s the largest viewing platform in Zhangye Danxia Geopark China, situated on a high peak with a long wooden boardwalk. Once you reach the top, you’ll have an incredible view of the surrounding China Rainbow Mountains, with the opportunity to admire their stunning beauty from all angles. Be sure to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full, breathtaking landscape of the Zhangye Danxia Geopark.
Colorful Fairyland Platform (Viewpoint 2) (七彩仙缘台)
Located in the western part of the park, the Colorful Fairyland Platform is the best spot to watch the sunrise. You can take pictures leaning on the railing with the rolling hills in the background, and the photos turn out absolutely gorgeous. There are also exciting activities like hot air balloon rides and helicopter tours, where you can take in the awe-inspiring views of Rainbow Mountain from above.
Colorful Splendor Platform (Viewpoint 3) (七彩锦绣台)
The Colorful Splendor Platform is located in the northern part of Zhangye Danxia National Geopark and is the best spot to watch both the sunrise and sunset. During these times, the platform gets crowded with visitors. It’s a good idea to arrive early to grab a good spot. The platform is set on a ridge, and walking along the boardwalk feels like strolling through a rainbow gallery. The red and yellow mountains look like luxurious silk, creating a truly breathtaking visual effect. Plus, since there are fewer people here, you can enjoy more freedom to take photos and fully appreciate the beauty of China Rainbow Mountains.
Colorful Rainbow Platform (Viewpoint 4, Most Popular) (七彩虹霞台)
The Colorful Rainbow Platform is the highest viewpoint in the park and is considered the most beautiful of all four. From here, you can see the Danxia Mountain in shades of purple, yellow, and blue, as if you’re standing inside a giant painting. It’s an unforgettable spot for panoramic views of the vibrant landscape.
Colorful Aohe Platform (七彩敖河台)
The Colorful Splendor Platform is located in the northern part of Zhangye Danxia National Geopark and is the best spot to watch both the sunrise and sunset. During these times, the platform gets crowded with visitors. It’s a good idea to arrive early to grab a good spot. The platform is set on a ridge, and walking along the boardwalk feels like strolling through a rainbow gallery. The red and yellow mountains look like luxurious silk, creating a truly breathtaking visual effect. Plus, since there are fewer people here, you can enjoy more freedom to take photos and fully appreciate the beauty of China Rainbow Mountains.
Sleeping Tiger Gorge (卧虎峡)
Sleeping Tiger Gorge is known for its clear mountain textures, with red and yellow hues that resemble a tiger lying on its side. It’s been called “the Grand Canyon of China” by China National Geographic. The mountain in the middle is higher, with the sides sloping down. The left side features a taller section with red and yellow, and black-and-white stripes that look just like the markings on a tiger’s face. The whole shape is incredibly lifelike.
Wondrous Earth Forest Valley (万象土林谷)
Wondrous Earth Forest Valley is located within the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park China and is limited to 200 visitors per day, making it a more exclusive experience. This area sits on higher ground, once the edge of an ancient lake. You can walk along the wooden boardwalk at the valley’s base and enjoy the stunning mud waterfalls with unique and bizarre shapes. While the colors here aren’t as bright as those of Rainbow Mountain, the natural landscape is still awe-inspiring.
Surrounding Attractions of Zhangye Danxia National Geopark
Binggou Danxia (冰沟丹霞)
Binggou Danxia is only 10 kilometers away from Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, but it’s often overlooked by most tourists. The Danxia landforms here date back to the same period as the Himalayas. The mountain-building process of the Himalayas caused the uplift of the Earth’s crust, and as the slopes retreated through collapse, the remaining red sandstone was shaped by long-term weathering and erosion, creating isolated, strange rock formations.
Kangle Grassland (康乐草原)
Kangle Grassland is about 20 kilometers from Rainbow Mountains China. Covering an area of 6.6 million acres, the grassland has about 111,000 acres of forest. It’s famous for the beautiful blend of snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, and blue skies. Here, you can enjoy activities like horseback riding and archery, immersing yourself in the unique culture of the local Yugur people. Every year, in July and August, Kangle Grassland hosts a grand grassland festival with horse races, wrestling, archery, and various cultural performances, drawing many visitors.
Pingshanhu Grand Canyon (平山湖大峡谷)
Pingshanhu Grand Canyon is about 98.8 kilometers from Zhangye Danxia Geopark China. This natural canyon was formed over millions of years through tectonic uplift, wind erosion, water erosion, and chemical weathering. There are plenty of activities to enjoy here, including hiking, camel riding, camel cart tours, and off-road vehicle rides. For those looking for a more in-depth experience, you can take a 3-hour journey by off-road vehicle, camel cart, or camel, exploring the canyon’s unique rock formations and beautiful landscapes.
Mati Temple (马蹄寺)
Mati Temple is about 100 kilometers from Rainbow Mountains China. Its history dates back to the Northern Wei Dynasty, making it 300 years older than the famous Mogao Caves. It originally started as a private school and gradually became a sacred site for Buddhist followers. Mati Temple has many caves, preserving over 500 ancient statues and more than 1,200 square meters of murals. To fully appreciate the exquisite Buddhist statues, you’ll need to walk along narrow boardwalks that lead you through this historical treasure.
Biandukou (扁都口)
Biandukou is about 207 kilometers from Zhangye Danxia Geopark Gansu China. This area is known for its vast fields of rapeseed flowers and highland pastures. From July to September each year, hundreds of thousands of acres of rapeseed bloom, creating a sea of golden yellow. In Biandukou, you can enjoy a variety of activities like horseback riding, barbecuing, and camping.
Ways to Explore Rainbow Mountains China
Hot Air Balloon (热气球)
The hot air balloon experience at Rainbow Mountain offers different options depending on the service. The basic 200 CNY (about 28 USD) option provides a 10-minute flight, but the view is relatively limited. For a more immersive experience, you can choose the 1,280 CNY (about 176 USD) option, which allows for a more mobile ride with richer views. Hot air balloon rides are available after 6:00 PM every day, but may be canceled if the weather is not ideal.
Powered Paragliding (动力滑翔伞)
The powered paragliding experience at Rainbow Mountains costs 480 CNY (about 66 USD), with a professional pilot operating the glider. The flight lasts for about 5 minutes. If you’d like a 360-degree video of your flight, there’s an additional charge of 199 CNY (about 27 USD). From the air, you’ll get a unique view of Rainbow Mountains China, truly appreciating the amazing work of nature. The flight is smooth and stable, so even those who are prone to motion sickness can enjoy a comfortable experience.
Helicopter Ride (直升机)
The helicopter tour at Rainbow Mountain costs 880 CNY (about 120 USD) per person per flight. The available helicopter models include the Bell 407 and the Agusta A109. From several hundred meters above, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the entire park. The peaks below rise and fall, with the rocks ranging from deep reds to greens, grays, and purples—it’s a colorful masterpiece only nature could create. The flight lasts about 8-10 minutes, and the pilot will provide a brief introduction to the scenery along the way. It’s recommended to sit on the left side for the best views. While the helicopter may have a strong fuel smell, the overall experience is definitely worth it.
Performances at Zhangye Danxia National Geopark
Iron Flower Performance (打铁花)
The Iron Flower performance originated during China’s Northern Song Dynasty and is a traditional intangible cultural heritage of the Han Chinese. At Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, the Iron Flower show usually takes place at night. Molten iron, heated to over 1,600°C (about 2,912°F), is thrown into the air, instantly blooming into thousands of sparks that shimmer like a river of stars. This performance requires not only exceptional skill from the performers but also precise control over the heat, force, and rhythm, delivering a breathtaking visual spectacle for the audience.
Stage Play "Alang Lagda" (舞台剧《阿兰拉格达》)
“Alang Lagda” is a stage play adapted from a local Yugur myth. It tells the story of the ancestors of the colorful tribe migrating to the Rainbow Mountain under the guidance of the magical Rainbow Deer. The performance incorporates various high-tech elements, such as quicksand devices, CNC-controlled water curtains, and bird-shaped lift platforms, creating dramatic visual effects like sandstorms and earthquakes that really captivate the audience.
FAQ About Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park
1. Where is Zhangye Danxia National Geopark?
Zhangye Danxia National Geopark is located in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, China. In 2024, the park welcomed over 3 million visitors, showcasing its strong appeal.
2. Are the Rainbow Mountains in China real?
Yes, the Rainbow Mountains in Zhangye Danxia Geopark China are real. The site is a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage location. On July 7, 2020, during the 209th session of the UNESCO Executive Board, the Gansu Zhangye Geopark was officially approved as a UNESCO Global Geopark, making it China’s 41st Global Geopark.
3. What caused the Rainbow Mountains in China?
The Rainbow Mountains China were formed over millions of years. Long ago, the area was part of the seabed. As tectonic plates shifted, mountains were formed and rose above sea level. Over time, sandstone and other mineral deposits formed colorful layers. After millions of years and the erosion caused by water, the red, purple, yellow, green, and gray layers we see today took shape.
4. How high is Rainbow Mountains China?
The average elevation of Rainbow Mountain in Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park is 1,850 meters (about 6,070 feet).
How to Get to Zhangye Danxia Geopark China
By High-Speed Train: You can take a high-speed train to Lanzhou or Zhangye train station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to the Danxia Scenic Area.
By Air: You can fly into Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport or Zhangye Airport, and then take a bus or taxi to the China Rainbow Mountain Scenic Area.
By Public Transport: If you prefer public transportation, you can catch a shuttle bus to Zhangye Danxia National Geopark from the bus or train station in downtown Zhangye. Shuttles typically run every hour, with tickets costing around 10 CNY (about 1.40 USD).
Hours & Fees
Hours
April 28 to August 31: Opening time is 5:30 AM, closing time is 7:00 PM.
September 1 to October 31: Opening time is 6:30 AM, closing time is 6:00 PM.
November 1 to February 28: Opening time is 7:30 AM, closing time is 5:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is from June to September. During this period, the weather is pleasant, the sky is clear and blue, rainfall is minimal, and the colors of the landscape are at their most vibrant.
Fees
Standard Tour: 93 CNY (about 13 USD) per person, including the sightseeing bus fee.
Deep Tour: 328 CNY (about 45 USD) per person, including the sightseeing bus fee.
Practical Tips
The best time to view Rainbow Mountain is in the early morning or late evening. Sunset is particularly stunning, as the lighting and scenery are at their best.
The Danxia landform is very fragile; even a single footprint could take hundreds of years to recover. Many areas in the park are fenced off, so please respect the rules and help protect the landscape.
There are three entrances to the park: East Gate, West Gate, and North Gate. The North Gate is the official entrance to Zhangye Danxia National Geopark.
The park has dedicated sightseeing buses, and self-driving or private vehicles are not allowed inside.
The sun at Rainbow Mountains China can be intense, so make sure to take proper sun protection measures. Bring a hat, sunscreen jacket, and sunglasses, and reapply sunscreen during your visit.
Since the Danxia landscape is mainly red and yellow, wearing yellow, red, blue, or white clothing will make your photos look even better!
