Detailed Guide to 七彩丹霞 – China’s Rainbow Mountains 🌈

One of the best Danxia landscapes in China, the Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot 七彩丹霞 is a UNESCO Global Geopark and a national 5A-level attraction. Famous for its rainbow-colored sandstone hills, it’s a must-see highlight in Gansu. 📍 Location & Scale • Located in Linze & Sunan counties, northern foot of the Qilian Mountains. • 40 km east of Zhangye city, 20 km north of Linze county. • Covers 50 sq km, with 4 sq km open to visitors. ✨ Tickets & Opening Hours • 🎟 Adult: ¥93 (includes ¥38 shuttle bus). • 🎟 Senior (60–69) & students (7–17): ¥66. • 🎟 70+ only pay shuttle fee ¥38. • 🎟 Kids <1.2m: Free. • 🕐 Summer: 5:30–19:00 | Winter: 7:30–17:00. • 💡 Pro tip: Book in advance via Trip.com to skip the queues. 🚪 Entrances • North Gate – Main entrance, many restaurants & hotels nearby, good parking. • West Gate – Closest to parking + shortest shuttle distance. Great if arriving late. • East Gate – More remote, not recommended. 👀 Viewing Platforms (must-visit highlights!) 1️⃣ Qicai Yinyuan 台 (Colorful Edge Platform) – Best for wide panoramic views. 2️⃣ Yunhai 台 (Sea of Clouds Platform) – Largest area, overlooks rolling ridges. 3️⃣ Jinxiu 台 (Splendid Platform) – Richest color layers. 4️⃣ Qicai Hongxia 台 (Rainbow Glow Platform) – Most stunning, especially at sunset 🌅. 🎡 Extra Experiences • 🚡 Hot air balloon rides 🎈 • 🚁 Helicopter rides • 🐎 Horseback riding & dune buggy fun • 🍵 Small snack stalls & tea houses at Platform 4 🕐 Best Visiting Tips • Aim for late afternoon/sunset at Platform 4 – unbeatable colors! 🌇 • After rain, the rainbow effect is especially vibrant. 🌧️ • Weekends & holidays can be crowded, but shuttles are frequent. • Allocate 2–3 hours minimum to cover all platforms. • Wear comfy shoes + sun protection. 🏨 Where to Stay • Stay in Zhangye city for easy access. • Or choose nearby hotels around the North Gate if you want to catch sunrise/sunset. 🌟 Final Thought Every platform offers a slightly different angle — from sweeping ridges to up-close color layers. Whether you walk the boardwalks, ride a shuttle, or splurge on a hot-air balloon, Zhangye Danxia is nature’s palette on display. #mytraveldiary #chinatravel #zhangye #rainbowmountains #danxialandform #gansu #tripcom