Where to Watch the Sunset? This Place Is Your Ultimate Choice

The sunset in Zhangye, especially the play of light and shadow on the Danxia landform during sunset, is truly dreamlike and stunning. Here you'll find not only the "God's palette" of colorful Danxia landforms but also a fantastic landscape where desert, snow-capped mountains, and wetlands interweave. At sunset, the colors and vastness reach their peak. Here's your complete guide to watching the sunset in Zhangye: --- ### **I. Best Sunset Viewing Spots** 1. **Colorful Danxia Scenic Area** (Must-Visit Classic) - **Why It's Magical**: The setting sun gilds the reddish-brown mountains, making the striped colors (red, yellow, white, and blue) distinctly layered under the slanting light, like flowing flames. - **Best Viewing Points**: **Platform No. 4 (Rainbow Danxia Platform)**—officially recommended sunset spot with panoramic views; **Platform No. 5 (Splendid Platform)**—less crowded with unique angles, perfect for backlit silhouettes. - **Tips**: - Summer sunset is around 20:00, arrive 1 hour early to secure a spot (crowded during peak season); - Colors are most vibrant after rain. 2. **Binggou Danxia** (Hidden Gem) - **What Makes It Special**: Famous for its "window-frame palace-style Danxia," the rugged rock pillars cast long shadows at sunset, creating a sci-fi atmosphere perfect for cool-toned photography. - **Recommended Spots**: Louvre Shadow and Divine Camel Welcome platforms. 3. **Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon** (Wild Sunset) - **Highlights**: Sunlight streams through the narrow canyon, creating dramatic contrasts between camel caravan silhouettes and blood-red rock walls, like a Western movie scene. - **Tips**: Requires hiking to canyon bottom; wear non-slip shoes and enter 2 hours before sunset. 4. **Shandan Horse Ranch** (Poetic Prairie Sunset) - **Unique Experience**: Asia's largest military horse farm, where thousands of horses gallop at sunset, creating dust clouds against golden grasslands and snow-capped Qilian Mountains—perfect for those seeking serenity. --- ### **II. Sunset Photography Tips** - **Timing**: 30 minutes before to 20 minutes after sunset ("golden and blue hours"). - **Composition**: - Danxia: Use wide-angle for panoramas or telephoto for rock layer textures; - Canyon/Prairie: Include camel caravans, horsemen, or tourist silhouettes for storytelling. - **Camera Settings**: Small aperture (f/8-f/16), low ISO, tripod essential; reduce exposure by 1-2 stops for backlit shots. --- ### **III. Practical Information** - **Transportation**: - Colorful Danxia: CNY 60/car from Zhangye city (30-minute drive) or tourist shuttle bus; - Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon: Self-drive or charter (1-hour drive). - **Admission**: - Colorful Danxia: CNY 75 (includes shuttle bus), enter before 18:00 for sunset; - Binggou Danxia: CNY 60 (fewer visitors during sunset, better experience). - **What to Wear**: White, black, or denim outfits photograph well against the red-yellow Danxia background; bring jackets for windy canyon areas. --- ### **IV. Hidden Experiences** - **Overnight Near Danxia**: Stay at nearby farmhouses for Milky Way views over Danxia (avoid full moon nights). - **Combined Experience**: Visit Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple (Asia's largest indoor clay reclining Buddha) in the afternoon, then head to Danxia for sunset. --- ### **V. Important Notes** - Danxia landforms are fragile, **DO NOT step on rock formations**; - Large temperature differences at sunset, bring windproof jackets; - For fewer crowds, consider "Alien Valley" in Sunan County (underdeveloped, local guide needed). --- The sunset in Zhangye is nature's art combined with time, every second of changing light deserves attention. When the last ray of sun disappears below the horizon, don't forget to look up—the starry sky here is equally dreamy. 🌄