Lanzhou Shuimo Danxia Tourist Scenic Area is located at Xinghua Village, Shuping Town, Yongdeng County, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province. It lies to the northwest of downtown Lanzhou, bordering the Yellow River to the south, the Zhuanglang River to the west and the Dahong Mountain area to the north. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and a key geological cultural tourism site built by Lanzhou. The total planned area of the scenic area covers 400 square kilometers, while the core open visiting area of Phase I spans 25 square kilometers. It is about 13 kilometers from downtown Lanzhou and roughly 30 kilometers from Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport, making it the closest red bay landform Danxia cluster to the main urban area of a provincial capital in China. Different from traditional colorful Danxia landforms, its core landform is the unique red bay landform with striking color contrast between sunlit and shaded mountain slopes. The shaded slopes are covered with blue-gray and light green soil layers, while the sunlit slopes glow crimson and orange-red. The soft texture of mountains and rivers resembles traditional Chinese ink wash paintings, hence the name "Shuimo (Ink Wash) Danxia". The scenic area boasts complete supporting facilities. Wooden mountain trails encircle the core sightseeing zone, with multi-layer viewing platforms constructed at multiple spots. A dedicated parking lot covering 103,023 square meters is built with 1,462 planned parking spaces. Supporting constructions including a tourist service center, shuttle bus stops, folk experience blocks and a geological popular science exhibition hall have been completed simultaneously, integrating multiple functions such as geological sightseeing, popular science research tours, leisure photography and folk custom experiences.
History and Culture
The mountain strata of Shuimo Danxia formed in the Cretaceous Period of the Mesozoic Era, over 100 million years ago. Under the influence of the Himalayan Orogeny, red clastic sedimentary rock layers in the region underwent uplift, folding and faulting. After tens of millions of years of weathering caused by temperature differences, water erosion and wind denudation, hilly Danxia landforms crisscrossed by gullies with distinct layered textures gradually took shape. The two-tone layered mountain structure was formed by the long-term interaction of the region’s unique climate and shallow vegetation. As a rare composite colorful hilly geological relic in Northwest China, it holds great value for geological scientific research.
The Shuping Valley where the scenic area sits is an essential passage on the northern route of the ancient Silk Road and a key section at the eastern gateway to the Hexi Corridor. During the Han and Tang dynasties, merchant caravans, monks and envoys traveling between the Central Plains and the Western Regions all passed through here. The gentle Danxia valleys provided rest stops and water sources, leaving abundant historical traces related to Silk Road transportation. Xinghua Village and Shajing area have long been settlements where farming and nomadic ethnic groups integrated, accumulating dual cultures of northwest frontier folk customs and Silk Road trade.
The scenic area retained its primitive landform for a long time in modern times without large-scale artificial transformation. Overall development and construction of the scenic area started in 2019, prioritizing geological protection with planned zones for sightseeing, research tours and folk customs. It officially opened to the public in 2021, with supporting facilities continuously upgraded afterwards, evolving into a representative geological tourism landmark of Lanzhou.
Major Attractions
Ancient Silk Road Viewing Platform
The Ancient Silk Road Viewing Platform is the first sightseeing spot upon entering the scenic area, with the lowest altitude along the entire route. Adjacent to the preserved ancient Silk Road trail, it is paved with antique-style footpaths. Standing here, visitors can overlook continuous Danxia hills horizontally, with broad and gentle gullies offering a full panoramic view of the distant Danxia landscape, recreating the sight seen by ancient merchant caravans traveling through mountains. It is an entry-level spot for full-scene photography, featuring flat terrain suitable for the elderly and children to enjoy the scenery.
Silk Road Sunset Glow Viewing Platform
Situated on the west side of the sightseeing route and facing due west, the Silk Road Sunset Glow Viewing Platform is the exclusive sunset viewing spot of the scenic area. In the evening, slanting sunset light shines on the mountains, overlaying crimson rock layers with pink-orange and pale purple light. Sunset glow blankets the entire hills with rich, soft color gradients, making it a core spot for photographers to capture Danxia sunsets, drawing crowds of visitors every dusk.
Nine-Colour Painting Viewing Platform
The Nine-Colour Painting Viewing Platform serves as the highest viewing platform of the scenic area, offering a 360-degree overlook of the core Danxia zone. Distinct layered rock strata display various hues including crimson, ochre, indigo gray and off-white, with colour streaks stretching dozens of miles. It fully presents all features of the red bay landform, and most official promotional materials of the scenic area are shot here, making it a landmark for full landscape appreciation.
Beautiful Red Cliffs Against Sky Viewing Platform
The Beautiful Red Cliffs Against Sky Viewing Platform features steep Danxia cliffs and narrow secluded valleys. Surrounding vertical red rock walls show clear layered textures, and suspended short trails allow visitors to observe rock structures up close. On sunny days, the crimson cliffs set against the clear blue sky create striking colour contrast. Integrating sightseeing and geological popular science functions, its smooth and safe trails are ideal for observing mountain textures at close range.
Shajing Tribal Village
Built on the local ancient Shajing folk heritage site, Shajing Tribal Village is a cultural attraction recreating traditional courtyard dwellings of the northwest frontier. It houses stalls for intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, Silk Road folk exhibitions and northwest specialty snacks. The area showcases the integrated farming and nomadic lifestyle of local residents, equipped with a small performance venue where visitors can experience northwest intangible cultural heritage such as paper-cutting and clay sculpture. It is the only cultural experience spot within the scenic area.
Sightseeing Route
Tourist Center → Shuttle Bus Stop → Ancient Silk Road Viewing Platform → Beautiful Red Cliffs Against Sky Viewing Platform → Nine-Colour Painting Viewing Platform → Silk Road Sunset Glow Viewing Platform → Shajing Tribal Village → Shuttle Bus Stop → Tourist Center
Travel Tips
- Enter the scenic area early in the morning or at dusk for soft light that best brings out mountain colours, perfect for photography
- Shuttle buses connect all viewing platforms which are far apart; walking the entire route is not recommended
- Reserve 3 to 4 hours for a full visit covering sightseeing, photography and folk experiences at Shajing Tribal Village
- Bring sunglasses and sun hats; the mountain area has little shade with strong ultraviolet radiation
- Visitors interested in geological research can collect free geological brochures at the popular science exhibition hall in the tourist center
- Crowds gather during sunset hours; arrive early at the Silk Road Sunset Glow Viewing Platform to secure a good viewing spot
Precautions
- The Danxia mountain soil is loose and fragile. Treading, climbing or carving rock layers is forbidden, and ecological restoration fees will be charged for violations
- Drone flights are prohibited across the entire scenic area. Unauthorized takeoff will result in staff dissuasion and temporary confiscation of equipment
- Temperature difference between day and night is significant in mountains; strong winds often blow in summer afternoons. Bring a light jacket in spring, autumn and winter
- Areas outside sightseeing trails are undeveloped primitive gullies. Do not stray from designated paths to avoid slips or getting lost
- Open flames and barbecues are banned throughout the scenic area. Do not litter; dispose of waste in designated bins
- Wheelchairs are available for rent at the tourist center for elderly and visitors with limited mobility, and all shuttle buses are fitted with barrier-free seats
- Trails become slippery on rainy or snowy days. The scenic area may temporarily close high-altitude viewing platforms depending on weather; check official announcements before traveling
Transportation
- Self-driving: Depart from downtown Lanzhou along North Binhe Road and Shuiqin Expressway for around 20 minutes. A large free parking lot is available at the scenic area
- Public Bus: Take Bus No.605 from Lanzhou West Railway Station to Shuping Town Stop, then take a taxi 3 kilometers to the scenic area gate
- Intercity Travel: A 30-minute self-drive trip from Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport. No direct buses operate from the airport; online car-hailing can take you straight to the scenic area
- Tourist Shuttle: Direct tourist buses run to the scenic area from Xiguan Cross and Lanzhou Railway Station during holidays
Opening Hours
The scenic area adjusts opening hours by season. From April 1 to October 31 every year, it operates from 08:30 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:00. From November 1 to March 31 of the following year, opening hours are 09:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:00. In case of extreme weather such as heavy rain, strong wind or snow, the scenic area may shorten opening hours temporarily or close entirely, with advance notifications released on official platforms. Shuttle buses operate in line with scenic opening hours and stop departing one hour before closing.
Ticket
Tickets start at 40 RMB per person. Search the WeChat official account “兰州水墨丹霞旅游景区” for the latest updates.
Online Booking
Click here to jump to the Trip.com ticketing platform for ticket purchase.