Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Zhangye National Geopark, situated in the Gansu province of China, is renowned for its vibrant, multicolored rock formations that seem like an artist’s palette brought to life. Covering approximately 124 square miles, the park is part of the larger Qilian Mountain Range. The site's main attraction is the Danxia Landform, characterized by steep cliffs and outstanding colors resulting from red sandstone and mineral deposits over millions of years. These geological structures have been shaped by tectonic plate movements combined with wind and rain erosion, facilitating a dazzling array of stripes in varying shades of red, orange, yellow, and green. Historically, the area was significant along the Silk Road, serving as a diverse cultural and trade pathway. Today, the park is a hotspot for hiking and photography, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the colors are most vivid. Visitors are drawn to see the 'Rainbow Mountains', explore the raised boardwalks, and appreciate the unique natural beauty and ecological importance of this site.