Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park

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Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park

Park

Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park is a geopark of rainbow-colored rock formations in Sunan and Linze counties near Zhangye in Gansu. Travelers come for the vivid layered cliffs, sculpted shapes and accessible viewpoints.

Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park LanzhouDunhuangZhangyeJiuquanJiayuguan CityWuwei, GansuPingliangBaiyinZhangye Danxia National Geological Park

Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park essentials

Address: Sunan and Linze counties, Zhangye, Gansu, China

The park protects a large area of Danxia landforms - steep, multicolored sandstone cliffs and ridges formed by 24 million years of sedimentation, tilting and erosion. It covers about 322 square kilometers across the northern foothills of the Qilian Mountains.

The site includes several distinct scenic zones: the core Linze Danxia Scenic Area close to Zhangye, the more rugged Binggou area on the north bank of the Liyuan River, and the Sunan Danxia area to the south. Binggou has notable elevation variation and a different, more folded terrain than Linze.

Zhangye Danxia rose in profile during the 2000s as a highly photogenic landscape; it became a quasi-national geopark in 2012, was formally designated a national geopark in 2016 and was named a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2019. Visitor facilities such as boardwalks, viewing platforms and access roads make much of the core area easy to explore, though some parts remain remote.

  • Linze Danxia Scenic Area: The most developed and visited zone, with a series of viewpoints and boardwalks highlighting layered, rainbow-hued cliffs.
  • Binggou (Ice Gully) Scenic Area: A wilder, more folded landscape with deeper gullies and an elevation range that produces different light and shadow effects.
  • Viewing platforms and boardwalks: Easy, short walks take you to multiple platforms designed for photography without climbing steep slopes.
  • Sculpted towers and ravines: Wind and rain have carved pillars, ridges and narrow ravines that reward close viewing and composition.
  • Sunrise and sunset colors: Light at the ends of the day intensifies contrasts and color banding on the rock faces, favored by photographers.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park#

The park lies in a cold, dry climate with most precipitation in summer, so spring and autumn generally offer the most stable conditions and clear light for viewing and photography.

Autumn (best)
September - November · -10°C - 21°C (14°F - 70°F)
Stable skies, clear air and moderate conditions make autumn the most reliable season for vivid colors and easy access to viewpoints.
Spring (good)
March - May · -8°C - 21°C (18°F - 70°F)
Cool, often clear days with less tourist pressure than autumn; winds can be stronger in some years so bring layers.
Summer (warm, wetter)
June - August · 9°C - 27°C (48°F - 81°F)
Warmest period with the highest rainfall - occasional showers can affect visibility and travel, but summer also brings greener contrasts on the terrain.

Weather & Climate near Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park#

Climate

Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -19°C to 27°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 80 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JuneAugustJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
38°
Warmest Month
-22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable -19° - -2° -15° 2 mm partly cloudy 45% 2.2 m/s 0.4 low 9.7h
February Acceptable -15° - 2° -11° 2 mm partly cloudy 40% 2.6 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.6h
March Very Good -8° - 8° -4° 6 mm partly cloudy 33% 3.0 m/s 1.0 high 11.8h
April Good -1° - 15° 5° 7 mm partly cloudy 30% 3.5 m/s 1.5 very high 13.1h
May Very Good 5° - 21° 13° 21 mm partly cloudy 33% 3.1 m/s 1.9 very high 14.1h
June Excellent 9° - 25° 17° 40 mm partly cloudy 37% 2.9 m/s 2.0 extreme 14.6h
July Very Good 12° - 27° 19° 60 mm partly cloudy 43% 2.6 m/s 2.1 extreme 14.4h
August Very Good 10° - 26° 18° 58 mm partly cloudy 46% 2.6 m/s 1.9 very high 13.5h
September Very Good 5° - 21° 13° 33 mm partly cloudy 46% 2.5 m/s 1.4 high 12.3h
October Very Good -3° - 14° 4° 9 mm some cloud 39% 2.4 m/s 0.9 moderate 11.1h
November Good -10° - 5° -6° 2 mm some cloud 39% 2.4 m/s 0.5 moderate 10.0h
December Acceptable -16° - -1° -13° 1 mm partly cloudy 43% 2.1 m/s 0.3 low 9.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park#

The nearest city is Zhangye, which is the usual base for visiting the park; Linze and Sunan county seats are the closest local towns to the different scenic zones. The area is served by Zhangye Ganzhou Airport and by Zhangye railway stations.

The core Linze Danxia Scenic Area lies roughly west of downtown Zhangye and is reached by taxi, private car or local transport from Zhangye or Linze county; Binggou and Sunan areas are further out and may require a longer drive. Local shuttle services, tourist buses or taxis cover the final stretch - check current schedules and access options locally.

Tips for Visiting Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park#

  • Visit viewpoints at sunrise or sunset for the strongest colors and softer light for photography.
  • Bring water, sun protection and a windproof layer because shade is limited and conditions can be dry and windy.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for boardwalks and short walks; some gravel paths can be uneven.
  • Summer brings the most rain and the only significant monthly precipitation, so expect possible afternoon showers then and check access before you go.
  • Follow signs and stay on designated paths to protect fragile rock surfaces and for your own safety.