Are you planning a trip to the stunning China Rainbow Mountains in Zhangye? Good for you! I went to the China Rainbow Mountains for the first time in 2019 and would return immediately! In this blog post, I will share some tips on planning your trip and some things to do and see to make the most of your time in the area. Ready? ⛰️
First time in China? If so, I bet you are nervous before your departure! Make sure to check out my China Travel Guide for First-Time Travelers!
Planning Your Trip to the China Rainbow Mountains
How to Get to Zhangye
Zhangye is located in the Gansu region, far from the major cities in China. The best way to get to Zhangye is to include her in a tour of the Gansu Chinese Province. If you are based in Shanghai or Beijing, you can take a high-speed train to Xi’an. The journey can take up to 6 hours if you’re leaving from Beijing and up to 8 hours if you’re based in Shanghai. Once in Xi’an, you can visit the city in two days.
⚡Discover Xi’an in 2 Days : Accommodation, Transport, Tips on the Best Time to Visit & and Day-Trip to Mount Hua🌍
After Xi’an, you can take a high-speed train to Lanzhou. There are a lot of trains taking up to 3 hours to reach the capital of the Gansu region. From Lanzhou (you can also decide to discover the city), you can arrive in Zhangye in a maximum of 3 hours, always by train. After Zhangye, you can continue your tour by visiting the Dunghuan Desert and the Jiayuguan Fort—two relevant locations for the ancient Silk Road.
Best Time To Visit The China Rainbow Mountains
The best time to visit the Zhangye Rainbow Mountains is June to September. The weather is mild and dry, making sightseeing comfortable. The mountains’ colors are more vibrant during this period, especially after rainy days when sunlight enhances the vivid shades of the landscape. However, during this period, take note of two festivity periods you should avoid to enjoy a less crowded experience:
- Dragon Boat Festival (June 10, 2024)
- Mid-Autumn Festival (September 15-17, 2024)
I visited the site during Golden Week at the beginning of October (unfortunately, we had no choice). The weather was perfect, but it was crowded (it’s one of the periods when Chinese travel the most). For a quieter experience, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Not everyone is an early bird, but you will be rewarded with the most beautiful lighting in the colorful landscapes, with sunrise and sunset particularly magical. The park opens at 6:00 AM. You can watch the sunrise from the fourth or fifth viewing platforms for the best views. For sunsets, the first, fourth, and fifth platforms will give you the most breathtaking views as the sun paints the scenery in gold.
Packing List For The China Rainbow Mountains
Remember essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat to protect yourself from the intense sun, and a refillable water bottle for any season. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are also necessary since you’ll be on uneven paths.
If you’re visiting in summer (June to September), pack light, breathable clothing, like T-shirts, shorts, or light hiking pants. Also, bring a light jacket if you’re ready to enjoy sunrise or sunset, as morning and late afternoons can be chilly. An umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket is a good idea since summer can bring unexpected rain showers.
Layering is essential in spring (April to May) and autumn (October). Pack long-sleeve shirts, a sweater, and a windproof jacket, as temperatures vary. The picture above is from October, as you can see the weather was great!
For winter visits (November to March), expect cold weather with strong winds. Pack warm layers. A face mask can help protect against the cold wind and dust.
Top Things to Do Around Zhangye: Mountains, Caves & More Temples
One popular spot is the Binggou Danxia Scenic Area, in Chinese 冰沟丹霞景区. It is located about 50 km—1 hour by car from the Rainbow Mountains. This park offers breathtaking landscapes with red rock formations that resemble ancient castles. I haven’t visited this area, but I’ve been told it’s an excellent place for hiking and photography.
Another must-visit is the Giant Buddha Temple (大佛寺, Dàfó Sì) in downtown Zhangye, about 40 km (an hour’s drive) from the Rainbow Mountains. This ancient temple hosts a massive reclining Buddha statue, one of the largest in China (it could not fit in the picture, as you can see).
For a blend of nature and culture, the Mati Temple Grottoes (马蹄寺石窟, approximately 70 km – 1.5 hours by car) from Zhangye, is a fantastic option. These ancient caves carved into the cliffside host beautiful Buddhist statues and offer stunning views of the Qilian Mountains. You can hike, explore the caves, and enjoy the scenery.
All these sites can be easily accessed by taxi or organized tours from Zhangye, making them perfect day trips.
🇨🇳 Looking for a Gansu Travel Itinerary? Discover This Amazing Region & All the Marvels of The Ancient Silk Road🇨🇳
Best Hostels Around Zhangye
Zhangye Douya Youth Hostel (in the Ganzhou Night Market) is recommended for those seeking a budget-friendly yet comfortable option. This hostel is known for its friendly, enthusiastic, dynamic staff and good location. Located close to the city center, it’s convenient for exploring Zhangye’s attractions.
Another highly rated hostel is The Silk Road Travellers Hostel, which is ideal for solo travelers and groups. Located only 22 miles from Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, it is a great option for staying close to the Rainbow Mountains. The staff is very welcoming and speaks English.
Tips to Capture the Perfect Shot of The Rainbow Mountains
Capturing the perfect Instagram-worthy shot of the Zhangye Rainbow Mountains is all about timing and location. The best time to photograph the stunning display of colors is either early in the morning during sunrise or in the late afternoon around sunset, when the sunlight enhances the vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and blue, creating a fantastic pattern across the landscape.
The fourth and fifth viewing platforms are known for offering the best panoramic views and should be at the top of your list of must-visit scenic areas. Head to the first platform for a close-up of the mountains’ colors, ideal for more detailed shots.
Visiting these areas during less busy times will also give you a less crowded shot to showcase the beauty of this area.
What to Expect: Pros and Cons of A Day Trip to the Zhangye Rainbow Mountains
One of the biggest pros is the sheer beauty of the mountains—pictures don’t do justice to the fantastic colors and patterns you’ll see in person. The scenic areas are easily accessible, and the park offers viewing platforms that give you incredible views. Another plus is that a day trip allows you to explore the mountains without spending multiple days there.
However, there are a few cons to consider. If you visit during peak hours or national holidays, the park can get crowded, making it harder to enjoy the scenery in peacefully. (As I always say, are you really in China if you don’t have a Chinese crowd around you?). Additionally, the weather can be unpredictable, especially in summer. It’s good to be prepared for sudden rain or intense sun. Lastly, while a day trip is enough to see the main sights, you might feel rushed. If you’re hoping to take your time and soak in the experience, consider spending an extra day to explore more at a relaxed pace!
Final Thoughts: Why Zhangye’s Rainbow Mountains Should Be on Your China Travel List
The Rainbow Mountains are worth visiting if you are in China. They witness how nature can create amazing landscapes if we allow her to be herself for millions of years without humans taking over.
They are located in Northwest China, far from major cities that people want to visit first. Depending on your availability, you can visit Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an in a (rushed) week. As mentioned above, you can start your Ancient Silk Road tour from Xi’an.
China is huge, and unfortunately, you must make some choices unless you have one month to travel there. However, if you love mountains, time outside crowded cities, temples, traditions, and the perfect blend of Muslim and Chinese culture, the Gansu region is worth visiting to experience.
Leave a Reply