Why go
The stripes are ancient lake beds: each band records a different era's sediment, weathered into slopes by wind and rare rain. The colours look Photoshopped until you see them in person — then they look more saturated.
The park runs on shuttle buses between four viewpoints. Most visitors rush the first and linger on the last; the reverse is the better plan.
- The four scenic viewing decks connected by shuttle buses
- Sunset from the western deck — the colours flare in low light
- The 'Rainbow Mountain' viewpoint mid-range for the classic shot
- A starry night sky with almost no light pollution nearby
Practical tips
Arrive 90 minutes before sunset — the entrance queues and bus rides eat time. The helicopter ride over the hills is worth the splurge if the weather is clear. Boardwalks keep you off the fragile rock; follow them.
Nearby
Zhangye is a stop on the Hexi Corridor between Xi'an and Dunhuang. Combine it with the Mogao Caves and the Jiayuguan Fort for a full Silk Road stretch.
Getting there
- Taxi or bus from Zhangye city (~40 min)
- Age
- 24 million years of strata
- Area
- 510 km² (park)
- Status
- UNESCO (China Danxia series)
