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Unveiling the Secrets of China’s Million-Year-Old Rainbow Mountains

The vibrant Zhangye Danxia National Park in China’s Gansu Province, where layers of red, orange, and yellow sandstone create stunning rainbow mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 124 square miles and boasts stunning, colorful rock formations formed over 24 million years.

By Beth Snider · July 21, 2024

A Geological Wonderland

Nestled along the ancient path of the Silk Road in Northwestern China's Gansu Province is the Zhangye Danxia National Landform Geological Park, popularly known as the Rainbow Mountains. Renowned for its vibrant rock formations, this geological wonder attracts tourists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, offering a mesmerizing display of nature's artistry.  Michael Wong/Flickr

Location

The geopark is nestled in the northern foothills of the Qilian Mountains, within the counties of Linze and Sunan, under Zhangye city's jurisdiction. The main Danxia landform areas are found in Kangle and Baiyin townships.  Google Earth

Core Area

The core area, Linze Danxia Scenic Area, is situated 19 miles west of downtown Zhangye. This area is the most developed and frequently visited section of the park.  Google Earth

Geological Marvel

The Rainbow Mountains' stunning colors originate from layers of sandstone dating back millions of years. The "red bed" was created around 135 million years ago from sandstone and clay rocks.  lwtt93/Flickr

Formation of the Rainbow Mountains

These formations are the result of sandstone and mineral deposits accumulated over 24 million years, later tilted by the tectonic movements that also formed parts of the Himalayan mountains  lwtt93/Flickr

Mineral Influence on Colors

Minerals containing iron have painted large areas of sandstone red, while bright yellow sand and clay have turned orange. Glauconite sandstone, originally found on the sea floor, has colored swaths of the mountains gray-green or blue.  lwtt93/Flickr

Layered Cake Look

The different strata that form the stripey layer cake effect took millions of years to develop.  Michael Wong/Flickr

The Role of Mineral Deposits

This oxidation process has created a vivid rainbow in stone, making the Zhangye Danxia Landform a geological spectacle. Minerals like hematite (red), limonite (brown), goethite and iron sulfide (yellow), and chlorite (green) cemented the sandstone pores, contributing to the vibrant colors.  Michael Wong/Flickr

Erosion and Sculpting

Erosion has played a crucial role in shaping this masterpiece. Over time, rain and wind have carved out valleys, caves, and cliffs, adding intricate details to the landscape. These natural processes have exposed the layers of different minerals, creating a stunning visual display that changes with the light.  Michael Wong/Flickr

The Zhangye Danxia National Landform Geological Park

The park is divided into two scenic areas: Qicai (七彩), meaning "Seven Colors," and Bing Gou (冰沟), meaning "Ice Ravine." Qicai is where visitors can find the rainbow mountains. Inside the park, four viewing platforms – Xian Yuan Tai, Yun Hai Tai, Jin Xiu Tai, and Hong Xia Tai – offer spectacular views of the colorful landscape.  Michael Wong/Flickr

Physical Characteristics

Covering an area of approximately 197 square miles, the Zhangye Danxia Landform is characterized by towering cliffs, deep valleys, and steep, multicolored rock formations.  Michael Wong/Flickr

Light and Shadows

The interplay of light and shadows on these formations adds to their surreal beauty, especially during sunrise and sunset.  Michael Wong/Flickr

Scientific Significance

Beyond its scenic allure, the Zhangye Danxia Landform holds significant scientific value. Geologists and researchers are drawn to the site to study its unique geological formations and unravel the mysteries of its creation.  lwtt93/Flickr

Living Laboratory

The landform serves as a living laboratory, providing valuable insights into the Earth’s geological history and the forces that shape our planet.  Michael Wong/Flickr

Geological Research

Research reveals that the land was originally flat, composed of sandstone and siltstone layers from the Cretaceous period. The collision of the Eurasian and Indian plates initiated orogenic processes, forming fold mountains and exposing the buried sedimentary layers. Erosion further degraded the top layers of siliciclastic rocks, revealing the internal layers of sediments.  lwtt93/Flickr

Unique Rocks and Landforms

The landscape of Zhangye Danxia National Park is a visual treat, the colorful rocky outcrops stand in stark contrast to the green or dull gray plains of the region.  Michael Wong/Flickr

Carved by Nature's Elements

Awe-inspiring cliffs, several hundred feet high, and natural sculptures carved out by nature's elements make the park a jaw-dropping wonder. The mountains are adorned with vivid reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a technicolor harmony.  Michael Wong/Flickr

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Recognized for its awe-inspiring beauty, the Zhangye Danxia Landform has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. This status has brought global recognition and protection to the site, promoting international cooperation and efforts to safeguard its features.  Michael Wong/Flickr

Tourism and Preservation

The landform has become a major tourist attraction, generating economic benefits for the local communities. The establishment of protected areas, such as the Zhangye National Geopark, helps regulate human activities and promote sustainable tourism practices.  Michael Wong/Flickr

Tourist Facilities

The park is well-equipped with tourist facilities, including boardwalks and roads that allow visitors to explore the fascinating landscape.  Jacques Beaulieu/Flickr

Popular Times

Thousands of tourists visit the park each year, especially during the summer season between June and September when the mountains display their "true colors" on bright sunny days.  Michael Wong/Flickr

Recognition

Zhangye Danxia has received significant media attention for its breathtaking landscapes. In 2005, a panel of reporters from 34 major media outlets voted it one of China's most beautiful Danxia landform areas. Chinese National Geography magazine named it one of the "six most beautiful landforms" in China in 2009.  Michael Wong/Flickr

Geological Marvel

The Rainbow Mountains of China are a geological marvel of the world. With their otherworldly colors, resembling a rainbow painted over rolling hills, they captivate the imagination and offer a glimpse into the Earth's geological history.  Michael Wong/Flickr