How to Choose Among Zhangye's Four Major Danxia Scenic Areas? Check Out This Comparison Guide!

🚀 Heading west along the Qinghai Grand Loop? Don’t miss Zhangye’s "Earth’s Palette"! The Rainbow Mountains / Binggou Danxia / Pingshanhu Grand Canyon / Alien Valley—each of these four scenic spots has its own legendary charm. Here’s how to pick the perfect one for your needs, plus photography tips from the pros👇 🌟 **Rainbow Mountains | The Iconic "Rainbow Rolled into Mountains"** 🎫 Ticket: ¥94 (includes shuttle bus) | In-depth tour: ¥328 (access to 3 special reserve areas) 📸 Must-See Highlights: ✔️ **No. 4 Viewing Platform "Bacon Landform"**: The red-orange gradient at sunset is breathtaking, and colors are most vibrant within 24 hours after rain (trust us—don’t skip it on cloudy days; the moment the sun breaks through is magical!). ✔️ **No. 2 Viewing Platform "Colorful Screen"**: Drones banned? No problem! Use a telephoto lens to compress the layers, creating a painterly effect. ❗️ Fun Fact: Drones are prohibited, but the in-depth tour includes an off-road ride to **"Wanxiang Earth Forest Valley"**—a secluded spot perfect for stargazing. 💡 **Best For**: First-time visitors, color enthusiasts, and families with kids or elderly parents. 🗿 **Binggou Danxia | The Sculpture Museum of Nature** 🎫 Ticket: ¥60 (includes sightseeing bus) | In-depth tour: ¥188 (includes camel ride) 🌉 **Landscape Features**: ✓ **"Louvre Phantom" Stone Pillars**: Resemble medieval castle ruins—best captured by drone (allowed here! Launch from **Xiaoxitian Viewing Platform**). ✓ **"Camel Welcoming Guests" Giant Rock**: Shoot at noon for dramatic shadows. 👟 **Hiking Route**: Try the **Xiaoxitian Loop**—a 2-hour light hike through crimson cliffs, less crowded but highly photogenic. 💡 **Best For**: Photography buffs, geology lovers, and off-the-beaten-path explorers. 🌋 **Pingshanhu Grand Canyon | China’s Answer to the Wild West** 🎫 Ticket: ¥130 | In-depth tour: ¥328 (includes camel cart + adventure vehicle) ⚡️ **Thrilling Experiences**: ▫️ **"One-Line Sky" Canyon Trek**: Climb ladders hands-on for an adrenaline rush (wear grippy shoes!). ▫️ **"General Rock" Sunset**: The orange-red cliffs glow like fire—perfect for drone shots of the zigzag canyon road. 🐫 **Hidden Gem**: Ride a camel through the canyon for a retro Western vibe (bargain hard—under ¥100 per person). 💡 **Best For**: Outdoor adventurers, families (kids love the adventure vehicles), and thrill-seekers. 🌌 **Alien Valley | A Private Starlit Wilderness** 🎫 Ticket: ¥110 (self-driving allowed! The only park permitting private cars.) ✨ **Unique Perks**: ➀ **"Mars Surface" Terrain**: A mix of Yardang and Danxia with black gravel—rent a silver spacesuit for sci-fi photos (available on-site!). ➁ **"Galaxy Harvest"**: Minimal light pollution; the Milky Way is visible in summer. Drones can capture stars and Danxia together (best 2–4 AM). ➂ **Freedom to Explore**: Camping and pro-level drones allowed (register in advance)—enjoy the solitude! 💡 **Best For**: Road-trippers, astrophotographers, and those avoiding crowds. 🚗 **Trip Planning Tips** **Route Combos**: - **One-Day Dash**: Rainbow Mountains (sunset) + Binggou Danxia (sunrise). - **Deep Dive**: Pingshanhu Grand Canyon (Day 1) + Alien Valley (Day 2, camp under stars). **Outfit Guide**: - Rainbow Mountains: White/solid-color dresses. - Binggou Danxia: Black trench coats. - Alien Valley: Silver/bright windbreakers. **Pitfall Alerts**: - Book Rainbow Mountains’ in-depth tour a day ahead (solo travelers can join groups). - Avoid midday camel rides at Pingshanhu—it’s scorching! ✨ **Zhangye’s Ultimate Romance** ...is watching sunlight gild the Rainbow Mountains’ ridges, stumbling upon a marmot in Binggou’s stone forest, feeling your heartbeat echo in Pingshanhu’s canyon, or whispering to the universe under Alien Valley’s stars. No matter your preference, Zhangye offers a **"feast for the eyes and soul."** Bring curiosity—every rock here holds 130 million years of Earth’s stories. #CtripCustomTrips #QinghaiGansuLoop #ZhangyeRainbowMountains #HowToExploreZhangye #HexiCorridor #InstaFamousSpots #OutdoorAdventures #ScenicRoadTrips #HiddenGems #BestSunsets #CulturalSnaps #KidFriendlyTravel #CouplesGetaway #SoloTravel #HoneymoonGoals