Zhangye UNESCO Global Geopark: A seasonal canvas

Danxia landscapes in Zhangye UNESCO Global Geopark. [Photo/IC]

Zhangye UNESCO Global Geopark in Gansu province spans 1,289.71 square kilometers at the transitional zone between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Inner Mongolia Plateau. It comprises colorful hills, Binggou Danxia, and the Jiugequan scientific research area.

The colorful hills and the Jiugequan ophiolite suite are recognized as world-class geological heritage sites by the International Union of Geological Sciences.

The geopark was added to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network in 2020, and its colorful hills were inscribed on the World Heritage Tentative List in June 2025.

According to staff member Liu Sisi, the geological wonders date back over two billion years to the ancient Qilian Ocean. Tectonic movements eventually closed the ocean, forming a basin where thick red clastic rocks were deposited during the Cretaceous period, laying the foundation for today's landscapes.

Each season paints the park with distinct beauty. Spring mornings wrap the hills in light mist, while summer rains intensify the vibrant colors. Autumn brings layered shades of red, yellow, orange, green, white, cyan, and gray under clear skies. Winter snow contrasts sharply with the vivid red and gold rock formations.

To protect the site, Zhangye has implemented a conservation framework combining regulations, facilities, and legal measures, alongside a coordinated development model involving multiple local stakeholders.

The city has also invested 180 million yuan ($26.05 million) to enhance research and educational infrastructure, adding a museum, field stations, and new exhibits. Visits to Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot, part of the Zhangye UNESCO Global Geopark, reached 3.4 million in 2025, with a single-day record of 52,000 on Aug 8.