The Danxia Miracle at Pingshan Lake

Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon: A geological wonder forgotten on the Silk Road, rivaling the Colorado in the USA!

A billion-year geological legend, with red rock layers winding like a dragon, this is China’s most worthwhile secret canyon to visit.

Why is Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon so breathtaking?

A billion-year geological marvel: The Grand Canyon is located in Pingshan Lake Mongolian Township, Ganzhou District, Zhangye City, Gansu Province, about 56 kilometers from the city center. Its geological structure is dominated by red-layered terrain, combining Danxia, Yardang, and canyon wonders, serving as a living textbook of geological history.

A colorful visual feast: The main colors are red, white, and ochre-red rock layers, with uniquely shaped mountains and deep, steep canyons. Under sunlight, the rock layers display gradients of light red, ochre yellow, and dark brown, as if the earth is writing love letters in different seasons.

The closest wilderness adventure to the city: Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon is currently China’s closest complex tourist area to a city that integrates natural wonders, canyon exploration, geological research, ethnic customs, and self-driving off-road adventures.

🎯 Two ways to explore fully explained

1. Standard Tour (130 RMB/person)

Ticket includes sightseeing bus fare, lasting about 2.5-3 hours. Recommended route is Line 3 "Lingzhi Valley," with magnificent red canyons along the way, ending with a climb of 388 spiral stairs to the No. 4 viewing platform.

2. Deep Tour (328 RMB/person)

This is a true Western Region adventure! Includes:

Canyon exploration vehicle: Off-road vehicle takes you deep into areas inaccessible to regular tourists
Camel cart experience: Feel the charm of ancient transportation
Camel riding: Cross the canyon to the sound of camel bells, as if returning to the Silk Road era

The deep tour lasts 3.5-4.5 hours, offering multiple transport experiences and views of more pristine, spectacular canyon scenery.

📸 Must-capture spots

1. No. 1 Viewing Platform: Features four iconic sights—"Nine Dragons Meeting the Sea," "General’s Rock," "Divine Turtle Asking the Beast," and "Lover’s Peak." Lover’s Peak is famous for resembling two embracing lovers.
2. Lingzhi Valley: The magnificent red canyon is an excellent spot for detailed canyon photography.
3. One Line Sky: Narrow and steep, requiring a vertical climb of 60 meters on a cloud ladder (about 80 degrees incline), suitable for those with strong physical fitness.
4. Canyon Sunset: At dusk, the sunset drapes the canyon in golden light, turning "Lover’s Peak" into a golden silhouette, breathtakingly beautiful.

💡 Practical tips

Best time: Peak season (June-September) 07:30-18:30, off-season 08:30-17:30. Sunrise and sunset offer the best lighting for photography.
Transportation:
Self-driving/charter: About 1.5 hours from Zhangye city center
Public transport: Shuttle bus from Zhangye West Bus Station (departs at 9:45, fare 14 RMB), only one trip daily; return at 16:40
Essential gear: Non-slip shoes, sun protection, sufficient water, and light snacks (no supply points at canyon bottom)
Safety tips: Be cautious on the cloud ladder section; those afraid of heights or lacking stamina can return the same way; exit the canyon before dark to avoid getting lost
Accommodation recommendation: Pingshan Lake Grassland Starry Sky Resort (about 198 meters elevation) is great for camping and stargazing, or choose hotels in Zhangye city
Food experience: Recommended Qilian Lamb Restaurant or Ganzhou local specialties to taste local hand-pulled lamb and noodles, costing 60-95 RMB per person

📌 Final advice

Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon is known for its pristine grandeur and adventurous fun, ideal for travelers with ample time for a deep tour. It’s recommended to combine it with nearby attractions like Zhangye Danxia for a 2-3 day Hexi Corridor trip!

If you have already visited Zhangye Danxia, Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon will offer you a completely different experience. With fewer crowds, stunning scenery, and rich experiences, it is a treasure spot not to be missed on your Gansu journey!