Where Is Zhangye Danxia National Geopark?
Zhangye Danxia Geopark is located in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, in the middle section of the northern slope of the main range of Qilian Mountain. The following is the detailed address information o...
Zhangye Danxia Geopark is located in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, in the middle section of the northern slope of the main range of Qilian Mountain. The following is the detailed address information of Zhangye Danxia Geopark:
Geographic location and coordinates
Geographic coordinates: 99°16′12″100°07′37″ east longitude, 38°40′52″39°03′36″ north latitude.
Specific location: The total area of Zhangye Danxia Geopark is 1289.71 square kilometers, and its boundary division is relatively complex. The western boundary of the park is the geographical boundary, the southwestern boundary is based on the provincial administrative boundary between Zhangye City, Gansu Province and Qinghai Province, the eastern boundary is the original boundary of the National Geopark, the northeastern boundary is based on the administrative boundary and geological boundary between Linze County and Ganzhou District, the southeastern boundary is based on the boundary of Qilian Mountain National Nature Reserve, the northern and southern boundaries are geographical boundaries, the northern boundary is mainly based on the administrative boundary between Liyuan River and Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, and the southern boundary belongs to the Qilian Mountain area.
The History Of Zhangye Danxia
The history of Zhangye Danxia can be traced back to millions of years ago, and its formation and evolution is a long and complex geological process.
I. Geological formation history
Formation period: The formation of Zhangye Danxia landform can be traced back to the Jurassic to Tertiary period, about 6 million years ago. During this period, horizontal or gently inclined red strata developed in the Himalayan orogeny, and after long-term weathering and water erosion, gradually formed the Danxia landform we see today.
Landform features: Zhangye Danxia landform is famous for its unique color and form, mainly including red gravel, sandstone, mudstone, etc. These rocks have formed the spectacular Danxia landform today under the action of crustal uplift, gravity collapse, water erosion, wind erosion, etc.
II. Discovery and naming history
Early discovery: The early discovery of Zhangye Danxia landform can be traced back to the 1980s. In 1984, Cui Shiyuan, a photographer from the Yumen Petroleum Administration Bureau of Gansu Province, photographed the Danxia landforms in Sunan and Linze, and collected and compiled them into a picture album for publication. However, at that time, these landforms were mainly introduced as geological features, and the concept of tourism had not yet been formed.
Naming report: In August 2003, the Lanzhou Evening News took the lead in naming and reporting the "Zhangye Danxia" landform. This was the first time that the media released news about "Zhangye Danxia". Since then, Zhangye Danxia has gradually entered the public eye and attracted widespread attention.
III. Development and development history
Geological park construction: On September 25, 2005, the Danxia landform in Zhangye City passed the provincial geological park review. Subsequently, the construction of Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park began. In 2011, Zhangye Danxia Geological Park was rated as a national 4A-level tourist attraction and was approved by the Ministry of Land and Resources to become the "Zhangye National Geological Park".
Scenic area development: In recent years, Zhangye Danxia Scenic Area has developed rapidly. On September 25, 2015, Zhangye National Geopark (including the Colorful Danxia Scenic Area) was unveiled and opened. In 2019, Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Area became a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction. The acquisition of these honors not only increased the popularity of Zhangye Danxia, but also promoted the rapid development of the local tourism industry.
International recognition: Zhangye Danxia has also received wide international recognition. For example, in 2011, Zhangye Danxia was named one of the "Top 10 Amazing Geographical Wonders in the World" by the National Geographic Magazine of the United States; on July 7, 2020, Zhangye Danxia Geopark was approved as a World Geopark and successfully promoted to the "UNESCO World Geopark".
Must-see attractions in Zhangye Geopark, China
Zhangye Danxia Geopark is a breathtaking natural landscape with many attractions worth checking in.
1. Colorful Sea of Clouds Terrace (No. 1 Observation Deck)
Features: Colorful Sea of Clouds Terrace is the largest observation deck in Zhangye Danxia Geopark and the place with the most tourists. Here you can overlook the surrounding mountains, the scenery is very open, and it is an excellent location to enjoy the panoramic view of Danxia landform.
2. Qicai Xianyuan Terrace (Viewing Platform No. 2)
Features: Qicai Xianyuan Terrace is close to the mountain and has no railings, which is very suitable for taking full-body portraits. The Danxia landforms here are rich in color and various in shape, providing abundant shooting materials for photography enthusiasts.
3. Qicaihongxia Terrace (Viewing Platform No. 4)
Features: Qicaihongxia Terrace is one of the most exciting viewing platforms in Zhangye Danxia Geopark and an excellent place to watch the sunset. Here you can take a hot air balloon and overlook the magnificent scenery of Danxia landform from high altitude.
4. Qicai Jinxiu Terrace (Viewing Platform No. 5)
Features: Qicai Jinxiu Terrace can closely view the partial mountain seen on Platform No. 1. The Danxia landforms here are more delicate in shape and richer in color.
5. Binggou Danxia Scenic Area
Features: Although it is not part of the Qicai Danxia Scenic Area, Binggou Danxia Scenic Area is also worth a visit. The Danxia landform here is famous for its majestic and magical features. The mountains are undulating, the gullies are crisscrossed, and the peaks and cliffs of various shapes constitute a magnificent natural landscape.
When visiting Zhangye Danxia Geopark, please wear comfortable sports shoes because there are many steps to climb in the scenic area.
Please apply sunscreen and wear a hat to protect against strong ultraviolet rays.
Please abide by the regulations of the scenic area, do not litter, and protect the natural environment.
The most suitable time to go to Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Depends mainly on weather conditions and personal preferences of tourists. The following is a detailed analysis of the best time to visit:
1. Best season
The best season to visit Zhangye Danxia Geopark is usually from May to October every year. During this period, the weather is suitable and the sun is bright, which can fully show the gorgeous colors and unique forms of the Danxia landform. Especially July and August are considered to be the most beautiful periods, but this is also the peak tourist season with more tourists.
2. Best time
Sunrise and sunset: Sunrise and sunset are the best times to view the Danxia landform. At this time, the sun shines obliquely and the light is soft, which can show the rich color layers and light and shadow changes of Danxia landform. It is particularly spectacular to watch the sunrise and sunset on the No. 4 viewing platform (Qi Caihong Xia Terrace).
Morning and evening: In addition to sunrise and sunset, before 10 am and after 4 pm are also good times to visit. There are relatively few tourists during these periods, so you can avoid the peak of crowds and enjoy the quiet natural beauty. At the same time, the light is also softer, which is suitable for taking pictures.
3. Precautions
Weather changes: The weather in Zhangye area changes rapidly. It is recommended that tourists pay attention to the weather forecast before departure and take sun protection or warming measures.
Ticket reservation: During the peak tourist season, it is recommended to book tickets online in advance to avoid queuing on site.
Tour route: There are multiple viewing platforms in Zhangye Danxia Geopark. You need to take a sightseeing bus in the national park because private cars or tourist buses are not allowed to enter. There is bus service for transportation between all platforms. There are three different sightseeing bus routes, one for each park entrance:
North Entrance Route: North Entrance—Platform 2—Platform 1—Platform 3—Platform 4—North Entrance
East Entrance Route: East Entrance—Platform 2—Platform 1—Platform 3—Platform 4—East Entrance
West Entrance Route: West Entrance—Platform 1—Platform 3—Platform 4—Platform 2—West Entrance
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