Zhangye Danxia: A Colorful Canvas of Nature

Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park is located in Zhangye City, Gansu Province. It is a geological wonder sculpted by nature over hundreds of millions of years. Attraction Introduction 1- Colorful Cloud Sea Terrace: This is the largest viewing platform in the park. Standing on the terrace feels like being at the edge of colorful clouds, with rolling multicolored mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. The iconic "Big Scallop" formation is astonishing, and the popular S-shaped road weaves through the landscape, complementing the colorful mountains to create a breathtaking scene. Whether capturing panoramic shots with a wide-angle lens or focusing on details, you can get stunning photos here. 2- Colorful Fairy Fate Terrace: Offering a unique perspective, here you can experience a helicopter tour to overlook the entire Danxia landscape from the air. The mountains below have marbled patterns resembling layers of pork belly, with lower color saturation but a rustic charm all their own. Colorful Rainbow Terrace: Undoubtedly the highlight of the entire park and the best spot to watch the sunset. When the sunset glow bathes the mountains, formations like "Knife Mountain and Fire Sea" and "Red Cliff Great Wall" turn a vivid red, with intense and brilliant colors, as if the earth itself is on fire. Every shift of light and shadow is mesmerizing and awe-inspiring. 3- Colorful Splendid Terrace: Here you can closely admire the ribbon-like patterns on the mountains. Various colors intertwine clearly and richly, like a finely woven tapestry by nature. Any photo taken here will be a vibrant masterpiece. Food Recommendations 1- Beef Small Rice: Dongji Beef Small Rice is a must-try. Small diced dough pieces roll in a savory beef broth, paired with tender beef and crispy scallions, creating an excellent texture and flavor. It’s the perfect breakfast to start a wonderful day. Lamb Wraps: Jingyuan Master Beef’s lamb wraps are worth trying. The hand-rolled wraps soak up the rich lamb broth, and the lamb is stewed until tender and flavorful, fatty but not greasy, a signature hearty dish of Northwest China. 2- Tianyuan Spicy Hot Pot: This spicy hot pot features a fragrant sesame paste and beef tallow broth. Ingredients like wide noodles, tofu skin, and meatballs absorb the rich red broth, then topped with a spoonful of chili oil for a numbing and spicy kick that’s incredibly satisfying. 3- Sweet Fermented Barley Milk Tea: Fangha’s sweet fermented barley milk tea is sweet but not greasy. The sour-sweet flavor from fermented highland barley perfectly blends with the creamy milk aroma, making it irresistible with every sip. 4- Xiaoying Apricot Peel Tea: After a tiring walk, enjoy a cup of Xiaoying apricot peel tea. It’s sweet and sour with a fruity aroma, ice-cold and very refreshing, a lifesaver in the summer heat. Travel Tips Opening Hours: Usually later in summer, roughly from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and in winter it may adjust to about 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Check the official website or public account in advance for exact times. Ticket Prices: Regular tickets are 93 RMB per person, including admission and shuttle bus. Deep tour packages are 368 RMB per person for groups of 3-9, and 328 RMB per person for groups of 10 or more. Night tour tickets are 188 RMB per person. Transportation Guide: For external transport, you can fly to Zhangye Ganzhou Airport and then transfer to the park; or take a train to Zhangye Station or Zhangye West Station, with a dedicated shuttle from Zhangye West Station to the park. If driving, take Provincial Road S213 west from Zhangye city center. Inside the park, all visitors must use the sightseeing shuttle bus. Other Notes: UV rays are strong in the park, so be sure to take sun protection measures; if you want to experience hot air balloon rides or other activities, keep an eye on the weather; pay attention to shuttle bus stop times and locations; and most importantly, do not trample on the Danxia formations to protect this precious natural heritage.