(
Follow the Rainbow Mountains in ChinaGansu, China
Tucked away in the Gansu Province of north-west China, there’s a rainbow that never fades. Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, also known as the Rainbow Mountains, is a 24-million-year-old formation that trumps the elusive pot of gold every time. Shaped by eons of wind and rain, these sandstone, mudstone and gravel domes in a kaleidoscope of colours reach up to 3800 metres high, and have remained virtually undisturbed by humans.
Drop in on a balmy afternoon during September, when the golden autumn light is strong and the palette of colours – rosy red, blood orange, sunny yellow and even a hint of dusty blue – are at their most vivid. Choose your viewpoint and lose yourself in nature’s psychedelic hills.
get there
Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, where the Rainbow Mountains are situated, is about a half-hour drive from Zhangye.
We recommend nabbing a spot near the viridescent rapeseed fields in neighbouring Qilian County for striking juxtaposition.
Get Inspired In Print
While you're here
You must first weave through a shop selling bartending equipment before you...
You must first weave through a shop selling bartending equipment before you can enter this...
Hong Kong’s largest island is just the scenic spot you need to add to your...
Hong Kong’s largest island is just the scenic spot you need to add to your next city...
So impressive is the nature reserve and national park of Jiuzhaigou, located...
So impressive is the nature reserve and national park of Jiuzhaigou, located in the...
Food: it’s an important part of China’s culture. In Beijing, there is an...
Food: it’s an important part of China’s culture. In Beijing, there is an array of...