A Glimpse of the Colorful Danxia: All Other Mountains Pale in Comparison

Hey everyone! I recently visited the Zhangye Colorful Danxia, and the scenery was absolutely stunning! It's no exaggeration to say that it's like stepping into a dream world where God knocked over his paint palette—every frame is wallpaper-worthy! Here's my travel guide for you 👇 🎫 Tickets The combined ticket for admission and the sightseeing bus is 93 yuan, which is super cost-effective! The ticket is valid for 2 days, but you can only enter the park once per day. If you want to visit again the next day, you'll need to buy another sightseeing bus ticket, so keep that in mind if you're planning a second visit. You can book tickets directly on the "Leyou Zhangye" mini-program and enter the park by scanning your ID card—super convenient. ⏰ Opening Hours From April 28 to August 31, the park is open from 05:30 to 19:00; from September 1 to April 27 of the following year, it's open from 06:30 to 18:00. I recommend going in the afternoon so you can see the Danxia in different lighting conditions throughout the day and into the evening. The evening light really brings out the layers of color—it's super impressive. 🚗 Transportation - Self-driving: Navigate directly to "Zhangye Colorful Danxia Tourist Scenic Area." The scenic area has a parking lot, and the parking fee is 10 yuan. The scenery along the way is incredibly beautiful, and enjoying the northwestern landscapes makes the drive extra pleasant. - Public transportation: Take the high-speed train to Zhangye West Railway Station and then take the special tourist line from Zhangye West Bus Station. If you're taking the regular train, get off at Zhangye Railway Station, go to Zhangye West Bus Station, and then transfer to the tourist line. If you're flying, arrive at Ganzhou Airport and transfer to the tourist line at the West Bus Station or take a taxi. 🗺️ Tour Route The scenic area has three entrances: North Gate, West Gate, and East Gate. No matter which gate you enter from, the sightseeing bus will stop at four stations: 1, 2, 4, and 5, which are Qicai Xianyuantai, Qicai Yunhaitai, Qicai Jinxiutai, and Qicai Hongxiatai. Recommended route: Qicai Xianyuantai - Qicai Yunhaitai - Qicai Jinxiutai - Qicai Hongxiatai. - Qicai Xianyuantai (Viewing Platform 2): You can see the mountains up close, which is perfect for taking close-up shots. The colorful hills, set against the blue sky and white clouds, have clear textures and vibrant colors—the visual impact is super strong. - Qicai Yunhaitai (Viewing Platform 1): The view here is incredibly expansive. Standing here, you can overlook the mountains, which is great for wide-angle shots. You can also see the famous S-bend. If you're lucky enough to catch the sunrise, the scenery is breathtaking. - Qicai Jinxiutai (Viewing Platform 5): You can get a closer look at the section of the mountains you saw from Qicai Xianyuantai. The mountains on both sides are mainly decorated with colorful ribbons of red, white, and yellow, like gorgeous brocade draped over the peaks. Walking along the boardwalk feels like strolling through a Danxia gallery. - Qicai Hongxiatai (Viewing Platform 4): The colors of the mountains here are the most distinct and vibrant, making it the perfect spot for sunrise and sunset photography. Scenic spots like "Divine Turtle Asking Heaven" and "Dragon Playing with Fire" are all here. At sunset, the afterglow paints the hills in unbelievably brilliant colors. 📸 Photography Tips - Time: The light is soft in the early morning and evening, making the colors more vivid and the light and shadow effects more beautiful, resulting in a higher success rate for your photos. - Angles: Try shooting from different angles—overhead, low-angle, and side shots. Use the railings and steps of the viewing platforms as foreground elements to add depth to your photos. - Composition: Follow principles like the rule of thirds and symmetrical composition to arrange elements like mountains, clouds, and people effectively in your frame. - Details: In addition to panoramic shots, don't forget to focus on details like rock textures and color variations to showcase the unique charm of the Colorful Danxia. 🍱 Food Recommendations - Zhangye Sao Mian: The saozi (meat sauce) is savory and fragrant, and the noodles are firm and chewy. It's a super satisfying and must-try specialty in Zhangye. - Fried Pao: Shaped like firecrackers, these have a smooth texture and rich flavor. Pair them with a bowl of noodle soup for a comforting meal. - Beef Xiaofan: This is a nutritious and delicious soup rice dish made with beef, tofu, vermicelli, and other ingredients. It's a perfect pick-me-up after a long day of exploring. 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations - Near the scenic area: There are many hotels and guesthouses near the scenic area, making it convenient to continue exploring the next day. Gonghanglv Danxia Pearl Hotel, for example, offers direct views of the Danxia landforms and has a garden and cafe—super relaxing. - Zhangye city center: There are more accommodation options and better prices in the city center, and you can also try more local cuisine. Zhangye Western Star Chain Hotel is a good choice with convenient transportation and great value. 💡 Helpful Tips - There's limited shade in the scenic area, and you'll be doing a lot of walking, so be sure to take sun protection and hydration measures. Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water. - Sunny days after rain are the best time to see the Colorful Danxia, as the colors are brighter and more vibrant. - Drone photography is prohibited in the scenic area, so don't break the rules. - Wearing solid-colored clothing will make your photos look better. Black, red, or the currently trendy wasteland style are all good choices. Zhangye Colorful Danxia is truly an unforgettable place, where the wonders of nature are on full display. Don't hesitate—plan your trip and embark on a visual feast!