The magnificent colourful “Rainbow Mountains” look like they’re from an alien planet, but they actually exist right here on the Earth. Rainbow Mountains are part of the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park in Gansu, China. The Rainbow Mountains are on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010.
Situated at Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park in Gansu Province, this is mother nature at its most colorful. Over 24 million years ago these mountains formed in China by laying down mineral deposits over and over again. The colors pop most after a good steady rain, but look pretty spectacular all of the time.
Zhangye’s Danxia landscape has lots of precipitous red cliffs. Most of which are several hundred meters high, and multicolored ridges of weathered strata, sometimes stretching to the horizon. These formations, sometimes smooth sometimes sharp, stand out against the greens or grays of the plains, looking grand and magnificent, vigorous and virile.
Across the Danxia landscape zone, a kaleidoscope of numerous red rocky outcrops resemble weird and wonderful shapes like castles, towers, as well as humans, creatures, birds and beasts. Their peaks peeping through the mist and clouds, produce mirage-like scenery of fantastic mountains and pavilions.
How Was It Formed
Zhangye ‘s Danxia was formed by the erosion of red sandstone, forming isolated peaks and steep stratified outcrops. Its special geological structure, combined with long-term desert conditions, freeze-thaw peeling, and wind and water erosion gave rise to its present appearance.
Geologists believe that Danxia topography is formed by folding of layered oceanic crust. Exposed slanting rock layers have different textures, shapes, sizes, patterns and colors. The combination of differences in density and erosion create towering peaks, cave holes, and stone halls.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Zhangye is from June to September. The weather is comfortable, and the combination of strong sun and a little rain brings out the colors more. The rest of the year is very dry. Zhangye is well below freezing and windy in winter, so this season is not recommended.
