The Zhangye Danxia landform is also known as the eye candy of Zhangye. Many artists admire this masterpiece as it appears like a perfect painting on canvas. This 400-square-kilometer attraction is located in in Linze and Sunan counties in Gansu Province in central north China.

The formation of Zhangye Danxai Landform dates back to 6 million years ago. The Danxia geological structure was formed by the erosion of red sandstone, forming the isolated peaks and steep outcrops. Its special geological structure, combined with long-term weathering, freeze-thaw peeling, and wind and water erosion gave rise to its present appearance.

It is mainly horizontal and low diagonal red strata, mainly belonging to the Jurassic and Tertiary eras. Danxia is the generic term for various kinds of landforms formed from vertical joint development in thick red sandstone and conglomerates.

Zhangye Qianlian Shan Danxia is mainly composed of red gravel, sandstone and mudstone. It is typical of an arid or semi-arid climate and is a singular outcrop with cross layers, steep walls, vertical joints, and gorgeous colors.

Geologists believe that Danxia topography is formed as a result of movement in the earth’s crust. This makes rock layers appear in different colors, textures, shapes, sizes, and patterns. The combination of differences in density and erosion creates towering peaks, cave holes and stone halls.

Danxia formations are green, yellow, blue and many other colors, though their appellation comes from the red rocks of Mount Danxia in Guangdong. Experts say that they are the result of red sandstone and other rocks undergoing metamorphic processes for millions of years.

The Guardian featured Zhangye's Danxia Landforms in pictures, and called this fantastic landscape: "China's rainbow mountains".   

Zhangye Tour Routes and Packages:

1. Six-day Great Wall & Dunhuang Tour