The Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye are 24 million years of mineral sediment tilted on end and sanded smooth by desert wind — ridges striped in rust, cream, ochre and rose like the geology decided to show its working. The park’s shuttle loop links four viewing platforms over the most theatrical formations.
Light is everything here. At noon the hills look dusty; in the hour before sunset they ignite. Ride the shuttle to platform 4 first — the signature panorama — then work backwards as the light drops. Photographers should note drones are banned inside the park.