You simply must visit Zhangye to witness a breathtaking sunset in Northwest China.

You must visit Zhangye, feel the evening breeze of the Qilian Mountains, and see the rainbow-colored Danxia landform, a masterpiece as if painted by God, and encounter a stunning sunset. This trip to Zhangye to watch the sunset truly allowed me to experience the wonders of nature, and I can't wait to share it with everyone~

Experience

1. Transportation:

◦ Self-driving: Navigate directly to the Zhangye Rainbow Danxia Scenic Area. The parking lot is very large, and parking is very convenient, so you don't have to worry about parking issues.

◦ Public transportation: Take a special bus from downtown Zhangye to the Zhangye Rainbow Danxia Scenic Area, which takes about 1 hour. Alternatively, take an intercity bus from Zhangye West Passenger Station to Sunan, and get off at the west gate of Rainbow Danxia.

2. Ticket purchase and entry: You can purchase tickets in advance on the scenic area's official WeChat public account or buy them on-site. General admission tickets are 93 CNY/person, including entry and sightseeing bus tickets.

3. Sightseeing bus: There are multiple viewing platforms in the scenic area, and sightseeing buses run between them. If you enter from the north gate, the visiting order is Viewing Platform No. 2 (Seven Colors Fairy Fate Platform) > Viewing Platform No. 1 (Seven Colors Cloud Sea Platform) > Viewing Platform No. 5 (Seven Colors Splendid Platform) > Viewing Platform No. 4 (Seven Colors Rainbow Platform). Viewing Platform No. 4 is the best place to watch the sunset, so don't miss it.

4. Sunset viewing: Check the sunset time in advance on a weather forecast app, arrive at Viewing Platform No. 4 1–2 hours in advance, find a good spot, and wait for the sunset.

Experience

Before sunset, the Danxia landform is bathed in sunlight, with vibrant and intense colors. The interweaving of red, orange, and yellow hues resembles a natural oil painting. As the sun gradually sets, the light becomes softer, and the colors of the mountains change accordingly, with increasingly rich layers. Finally, as the sun sets, the afterglow spills onto the earth, dyeing the whole world orange-red. It's incredibly stunning. At that moment, I was truly captivated by the beauty of nature, and all my fatigue disappeared.

Equipment

1. Sun protection: The ultraviolet rays are strong in Northwest China, so sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses are essential.

2. Warm clothing: The temperature drops quickly after sunset, so bring a thick jacket, or you'll be shivering from the cold.

3. Photography equipment: Cameras and mobile phones are both suitable. If you want to take stunning photos, bring a tripod and a wide-angle lens to capture more impressive images. Remember to bring a power bank, as taking photos consumes a lot of battery power.

4. Other: Comfortable athletic shoes are recommended, as the scenic area is large and requires a lot of walking. You can also bring some snacks and water to replenish your energy.

Important Notes

1. Time management: Be sure to check the sunset time in advance, plan your itinerary, and allow enough time to get to the viewing platform, otherwise, you may not be able to get a good spot. Like last time, I almost missed out because I dawdled and could only watch with difficulty from behind the crowd.

2. Respectful viewing: Do not climb the Danxia landform at will. Protect this precious natural landscape, and remember to take your trash with you.

3. Weather conditions: If it is cloudy or rainy, the sunset view may be greatly diminished. Check the weather forecast before your trip. If the weather is bad, don't be too disappointed, as the Danxia in the rain also has a unique charm.

4. Peak season travel: During peak tourist seasons, the scenic area is crowded, and you may need to queue for the sightseeing bus and at the viewing platforms. Be patient and follow the order.

The sunset in Zhangye is truly a must-see in a lifetime. Trust me, when you see it with your own eyes, you will feel that all the effort was worth it. Add watching the sunset in Zhangye to your travel list now💕