Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park
Gansu Sheng
Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, located in Gansu Province, China, spans 322 square kilometers across Sunan and Linze counties. It is renowned for its extraordinary Danxia landform, characterized by vividly colored, smooth, and sharp rock formations rising several hundred meters tall. These formations resulted from sandstone and mineral deposits over 24 million years, later uplifted by tectonic activity related to the Himalayan orogeny. The park's landscape includes towers, pillars, and ravines with striking color patterns, making it one of China's most beautiful landforms. Officially designated a national geopark in 2016 and a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2019, it attracts numerous visitors to its main scenic areas such as Linze Danxia Scenic Area and Binggou Scenic Area. Boardwalks and access roads facilitate exploration of the geological wonders. The park's unique geological features and scenic beauty make it a premier destination for nature lovers and geotourists.
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Tipp: The best time to visit Zhangye Danxia is during clear weather to fully appreciate the vibrant colors of the rock formations, often in the morning or late afternoon when sunlight enhances the hues. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons to avoid long waits. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the boardwalks and bring water and sun protection. Some discounts may be available for students and seniors. Binggou Scenic Area offers a more rugged experience and is suitable for visitors seeking hiking opportunities. Check local weather and park opening hours before planning your visit.
Interessante Fakten
- •The colorful rock formations are the result of sandstone and mineral deposits laid down over 24 million years.
- •The park became a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2019, recognizing its geological importance.
- •Zhangye Danxia was voted one of China's most beautiful landforms by a panel of reporters from 34 major media outlets in 2005.
- •The rock formations display a variety of shapes including towers, pillars, and ravines, sculpted by wind and rain.
- •Binggou Scenic Area covers 300 square kilometers and ranges in elevation from 1,500 to 2,500 meters above sea level.
Geschichte
Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park became a quasi-national geopark in April 2012 and was formally designated as a national geopark by China's Ministry of Land and Resources in June 2016.
The park's geological formations were created over 24 million years through sedimentation and tectonic uplift associated with the Himalayan mountain formation.
The area has long been recognized for its unique Danxia landforms and was voted one of China's most beautiful landforms by Chinese media in 2005 and selected as one of the six most beautiful landforms by Chinese National Geography magazine in 2009.
It was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2019, reflecting its global geological significance.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
Linze Danxia Scenic Area
The core and most visited area featuring the most spectacular colorful rock formations with well-maintained boardwalks and viewing platforms to admire the natural sculptures and vivid colors.
Binggou Scenic Area2014
A scenic area inaugurated in 2014, offering a more rugged landscape with hiking opportunities along the north bank of Liyuan River, covering 300 square kilometers at elevations between 1,500 and 2,500 meters.
Sunan Danxia Scenic Area
Located in Ganjun south of Linze County, this area offers additional Danxia landforms and natural scenery less frequented by tourists.