Detailed Guide to 七彩丹霞 – China’s Rainbow Mountains 🌈

One of the best Danxia landscapes in China, the Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot 七彩丹霞 is a UNESCO Global Geopark and a national 5A-level attraction. Famous for its rainbow-colored sandstone hills, it’s a must-see highlight in Gansu.

📍 Location & Scale
• Located in Linze & Sunan counties, northern foot of the Qilian Mountains.
• 40 km east of Zhangye city, 20 km north of Linze county.
• Covers 50 sq km, with 4 sq km open to visitors.

✨ Tickets & Opening Hours
• 🎟 Adult: ¥93 (includes ¥38 shuttle bus).
• 🎟 Senior (60–69) & students (7–17): ¥66.
• 🎟 70+ only pay shuttle fee ¥38.
• 🎟 Kids <1.2m: Free.
• 🕐 Summer: 5:30–19:00 | Winter: 7:30–17:00.
• 💡 Pro tip: Book in advance via Trip.com to skip the queues.

🚪 Entrances
• North Gate – Main entrance, many restaurants & hotels nearby, good parking.
• West Gate – Closest to parking + shortest shuttle distance. Great if arriving late.
• East Gate – More remote, not recommended.

👀 Viewing Platforms (must-visit highlights!)
1️⃣ Qicai Yinyuan 台 (Colorful Edge Platform) – Best for wide panoramic views.
2️⃣ Yunhai 台 (Sea of Clouds Platform) – Largest area, overlooks rolling ridges.
3️⃣ Jinxiu 台 (Splendid Platform) – Richest color layers.
4️⃣ Qicai Hongxia 台 (Rainbow Glow Platform) – Most stunning, especially at sunset 🌅.

🎡 Extra Experiences
• 🚡 Hot air balloon rides 🎈
• 🚁 Helicopter rides
• 🐎 Horseback riding & dune buggy fun
• 🍵 Small snack stalls & tea houses at Platform 4

🕐 Best Visiting Tips
• Aim for late afternoon/sunset at Platform 4 – unbeatable colors! 🌇
• After rain, the rainbow effect is especially vibrant. 🌧️
• Weekends & holidays can be crowded, but shuttles are frequent.
• Allocate 2–3 hours minimum to cover all platforms.
• Wear comfy shoes + sun protection.

🏨 Where to Stay
• Stay in Zhangye city for easy access.
• Or choose nearby hotels around the North Gate if you want to catch sunrise/sunset.

🌟 Final Thought
Every platform offers a slightly different angle — from sweeping ridges to up-close color layers. Whether you walk the boardwalks, ride a shuttle, or splurge on a hot-air balloon, Zhangye Danxia is nature’s palette on display.

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