Qicai Danxia Scenic Area

Location: Nantai village, Nijiaying town, Linzecounty, Zhangye city, Gansu province

Scenic Spot Level: AAAAA
Opening Hours: 6:30-18:00
Ticket Price: 72 yuan ($10.16)/person

Notes:
1. This scenic spot has some areas that may pose a risk to visitors, so it is highly recommended that you buy insurance.
2. Do not use monopods or selfie sticks for cameras/cellphones in the scenic area.

Qicai Danxia Scenic Area is located at the northern foot of the Qilian Mountains, and sits within both Linze county and Sunan county, in Zhangye, Gansu province. With a distribution area of about 510 square kilometers, the area is a provincial geopark and scenic spot.

Danxia landform refers to landscapes of red terrigenous sedimentary beds characterized by red cliffs and a range of erosional landforms. Zhangye's Danxia was formed by the erosion of red sandstone, forming isolated peaks and steep stratified outcrops.

Its special geological structure, combined with long-term desert conditions, freeze-thaw peeling, and wind and water erosion gave rise to its present appearance.

The colorful hills have a great reputation for their stratigraphic interleaving, steep rock walls, vast and magnificent views and strong ornamental colors, which contribute to their high scientific research and tourism value.

Famous Chinese geographer Huang Jin wrote the inscription for the Qicai Danxia Scenic Area: "the top color hills in China".

Zhangye's Danxia landform is the only compound scenic area of Danxia landform and colorful hill landscapes in China. In 2009, it was rated as one of the "six most beautiful and picturesque landscapes in China" by the editorial board of Chinese National Geography magazine, an authoritative and leading magazine in China.

In 2011, it was named one of the "Ten amazing geographical wonders of the world" by the US National Geographic magazine. In November the same year, the then Ministry of Natural Resource approved the title of Zhangye National Geological Park for the scenic area.

Last Updated: May 12, 2020