A Must-Visit in a Lifetime! Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park Ultimate Guide

A Must-Visit in a Lifetime! Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park Ultimate Guide On the vast land of Northwest China, Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park is like a natural masterpiece created after God spilled a palette of paints. Among the layered mountains, red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and purple intertwine. Every texture tells a story of time, and every color exudes the craftsmanship of nature. Come here to encounter a visual feast and embark on a magical journey. 1. Best Time to Visit - June to September: The climate in Zhangye is pleasant during this period, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 28°C, comfortable and enjoyable. After rain, the colors of Danxia are highly saturated, as if washed by water, bright and charming. Especially in July and August, after rain and when the sun shines, the mountains look like a dreamy rainbow, breathtakingly beautiful. - Early morning and evening: The light is soft, making it the golden time for photography. In the early morning, the first light awakens the sleeping Danxia, with a full sense of layering in the interplay of light and shadow; in the evening, the sunset glow drapes the Danxia in golden silk, making the colors richer, like an oil painting. 2. Transportation Guide - External transportation: - Airplane: Zhangye Ganzhou Airport has increasing flight routes, with direct flights to Lanzhou, Xi’an, and other places. After landing, take the airport shuttle bus (15 RMB/person) or taxi (about 120 RMB) to the city center, about 40 minutes by car. - High-speed rail: It takes about 2 hours from Lanzhou West Station to Zhangye West Station, enjoying the magnificent scenery of the Northwest along the way; there are also direct high-speed trains from Xi’an, Urumqi, and other places, making travel convenient. - Self-driving: Drive along the Lianhuo Expressway (G30). Starting from Zhangye city center, it takes about 50 minutes to reach the scenic area. The scenery along the way is picturesque, but long-distance driving requires rest. - Internal transportation: - Dedicated bus line: There is a direct shuttle bus from Zhangye West Bus Station to the scenic area, 15 RMB/person, about 1 hour ride, with departures every hour from 9:00 to 12:00, and one trip each at 15:30 and 16:30. - Carpooling/charter: From the city to the scenic area, carpooling costs about 25 RMB per person, charter about 80-100 RMB, which can be booked in advance on travel platforms for convenience and flexibility. - Self-driving: Navigate to “Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (North Gate or West Gate)”. The parking lot charges 10 RMB per visit. Self-driving allows flexible itinerary planning. 3. Ticket Information - Regular ticket: 93 RMB/person (including 54 RMB for admission and 38 RMB for sightseeing bus). Children under 1.2 meters or 6 years old are free. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and others with valid ID. Tickets are valid for 2 days, but a sightseeing bus ticket must be purchased again for entry on the second day. - In-depth tour: 368 RMB/person (minimum 3 people), with an interpreter on board, visiting lesser-known viewing platforms such as Wohu Gorge, Aohetai, and Tulingu, suitable for deep exploration. 4. Must-Visit Attractions - Qicai Xianyuan Platform: The highest and smallest viewing platform in the park, allowing close contact with the mountain body and capturing close-up shots of Danxia textures. Standing high with colorful hills as the background, portraits and scenery together are stunning. - Qicai Yunhai Platform: The largest platform with a broad view. The famous S-shaped curve is here. Sitting on the railing of the viewing platform with people in the foreground, you can take photos that will blow up your social media; climbing higher allows you to shoot the road from above, feeling the grandeur. - Qicai Jinxiu Platform: The largest viewing platform in the park, with Danxia colors rich like “five-flower pork,” suitable for close appreciation of local mountain bodies. The road is flat and easy to tour. - Qicai Hongxia Platform: The most popular and photogenic viewing platform, the best spot to watch sunrise and sunset. In the evening, the slanting sunlight makes the mountain colors colorful, and hot air balloons slowly rise, like a fairy tale world. 5. Tour Route Planning - Regular route (3-4 hours): - North Gate: Take the sightseeing bus to visit Qicai Xianyuan Platform - Qicai Yunhai Platform - Qicai Jinxiu Platform - Qicai Hongxia Platform in order, exiting from the North Gate. This route progresses step by step, with increasingly stunning scenery. - West Gate: Qicai Yunhai Platform - Qicai Jinxiu Platform - Qicai Hongxia Platform - Qicai Xianyuan Platform. You can start by admiring the magnificent Yunhai Platform right after getting off, opening a visual shock. - East Gate: The visiting order is the same as the North Gate, a convenient passage for hotel guests in the scenic area. - In-depth tour route (5-6 hours): First follow the regular route, then take the in-depth tour shuttle bus to explore Wohu Gorge, Aohetai, Tulingu, and other viewing platforms, unlocking hidden beauties. 6. Food Recommendations - Cuo Fish Noodles: The noodles are pointed at both ends and thick in the middle, resembling small fish. The texture is chewy, paired with braised meat soup and various side dishes, giving a full sense of happiness in every bite, starting at 15 RMB/bowl. - Fried Pao: Short and thick noodles with a chewy texture, named because they look like firecrackers. Stir-fried with bean sprouts, bok choy, chili, and fragrant vinegar, spicy and satisfying, 18 RMB/serving. - Beef Xiao Fan: The “rice grains” are small noodle pieces that melt in your mouth, paired with fragrant beef soup, scallions, and coriander, warming and delicious, 12 RMB/bowl. - Sun Ji Fried Pao: A local old brand, authentic fried pao, cuo fish noodles, and other noodle dishes, affordable, about 25 RMB per person. - Ma’s Old Brand Beef Xiao Fan: Beef Xiao Fan is loved by locals, with fresh and delicious soup, a great breakfast spot, about 15 RMB per person. 7. Accommodation Suggestions - Homestays near the scenic area: - Qicai Town: Many characteristic homestays close to the scenic area, convenient for travel. For example, “Danxia Impression Art Inn,” with a unique decoration style, clean and comfortable rooms, priced 200-500 RMB/night. - Nantai Village: Farmhouse homestays with high cost performance, allowing you to experience rural life. “Danxia Farmhouse Courtyard” offers simple and cozy rooms and farm dishes, 100-300 RMB/night. - Hotels in Zhangye city: Various choices with complete facilities. “Zhangye Huachen International Hotel” meets star standards, attentive service, priced 300-800 RMB/night. 8. Travel Tips - Sun protection and warmth: Zhangye has strong UV rays, prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat; the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so bring a thick jacket even in summer. - Photo outfit: Wear solid colors like black, red, or white, which contrast sharply with Danxia colors for better photos; you can also add shawls or scarves to enhance the atmosphere. - Avoid peak travel: Avoid holidays like May Day and National Day for fewer crowds and better scenery; if you want to shoot sunrise or sunset, check the time in advance and arrive early to secure a spot at the viewing platform. - Civilized touring: Danxia landforms are fragile, please do not step on or carve them, cherish this gift from nature.