Zhangye Danxia Landform, China

Zhangye Danxia Landform

Two tiny figures walk on a boardwalk among colourful rock formations at the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park in Gansu Province, China. The unusual colours of the rocks are the result of red sandstone and mineral deposits being laid down over 24 million years.

Danxia Landform is a broad term used to describe geological formations composed of limestone and conglomerate that have been molded through a series of specific, complex geological processes. These structures are unique to China and are characterized by their deep red hues, steep cliffs, and distinctive shapes.

Mount Danxia of China's Guangdong Province is home to some of the bigger Danxia Landform attractions. A particular interest is a natural pilaar as Yangyuanshi, or Male Stone for reasons that are immediately obvious. Not far from Yangyuanshi is its female counterpart, Yinyuanshi, effectively reenforcing the conviction that Mother Nature has a sense of humor, and posibly a rather juvenile one at that.

Other noteworthy Danxia Landscapes include the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, which is home to some of the largest examples of Danxia. Located in the Gansu Province, the Zhangye Danxia are particularly striking their beautiful multicolored patterns of rock strata.