The Rainbow Mountains in China are located in the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park. These mountains are famous for their whimsical coloring, which is anything but regular. The name of the mountains comes from their resemblance to a rainbow, making it an interesting place to visit. These geological formations are unique to China, and the unusual colors are well worth the trip, especially for those who enjoy being active. Here is what travelers should know if they are interested in visiting the Rainbow Mountains in China.
More About The Rainbow Mountains
The Rainbow Mountains, or Zhangye Danxia, exist because of millions of years of geological evolution. There used to be a lake where the mountains now stand. Erosion, tectonic shifts, and varying climates have created the mountains’ differently colored layers. Sandstone and minerals were distributed and then disbursed over approximately 24 million years, resulting in the mountains’ overall reddish coloring.
Travelers should visit these mountains for many reasons. One of the top reasons is the opportunity to go on a nature adventure. Seeing the mountains in person is an entirely different experience than viewing them in photos. They are quite massive, with peaks reaching 17,060 feet above sea level. The sheer size of the Rainbow Mountains makes them a popular site, but their vivid color distinguishes them. Due to its significance, the site even became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.
How To Get There
To reach the Rainbow Mountains, travelers must go to the Gansu province in northwest China. The easiest way to get there is through Lanzhou, then take a train or plane to Zhangye. The train offers a scenic route to the mountains if travelers ride during the day. Once in Zhangye, travelers can take a shuttle bus to the scenic stops of this attraction.
Things To Do There
These mountains are popular for sightseeing due to their relaxing environment. Travelers typically visit and go on a sightseeing tour, which lasts about a day. These tours usually stop at the viewing platforms around the park. After viewing the mountains from each platform, travelers then visit the downtown area of Zhangye. Due to the nature of the tours, these mountains are a popular destination among photographers. Visitors can also hike the Rainbow Mountains independently.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the Rainbow Mountains is between June and September. Travelers should avoid visiting during the winter when it is cold and unpleasant. Between June and September, the weather is milder. The moderate rainfall during this time can cool the warm temperatures and even darken the colors of the mountains. During their visit, travelers should check out the Rainbow Mountains at sunset when they are most breathtaking.
