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Rainbow Mountains – China
The Chinese Rainbow Mountains are included among the world’s most beautiful natural landscapes and geological wonders. This tourist marvel was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2009. Located in the Zhangye National Park in Gansu Province, northwestern China, it spans an area of 200 square miles (approximately 320 kilometers) and stands at an elevation ranging from 2,000 to 3,800 meters. These mountains are famous for their stunning colors—reds, greens, yellows, blues, purples, and more—appearing as though a rainbow has been painted across the mountain peaks.
The vibrant colors of the mountains were created by layers of sandstone, mineral deposits, and clay that eroded over thousands of years and were deposited in China before the formation of the Himalayas, resulting in these bizarre formations. In 2011, wooden platforms and stairs were added to the surrounding area to facilitate access for tourists, making it easier to reach the mountain peaks and enjoy the breathtaking views. For this reason, it is considered one of the most unique and remarkable tourist destinations in the world.
The colorful mountains of Danxia, located in the Zhangye National Park, stand out for their uniqueness and distinctiveness, shaped by a variety of minerals and limestone that have formed over the past 24 million years. They reveal one of the most stunning geological formations ever discovered. These sedimentary rocks contain a wide range of minerals, reflecting nearly every type found on Earth, which is why the rocks’ colors vary so beautifully, appearing as though painted with a vibrant, harmonious palette.
Historical Background
Around 100 million years ago, the region was filled with a massive inland basin, rich in silt carried by surrounding mountain waters. Over time, this basin dried out due to the rise in global temperatures. The silt oxidized and turned rusty red. About 30 million years later, a thick red layer, known as the “chalk bed,” formed within the basin, with a thickness of approximately 3,700 meters. Additionally, during the Cretaceous period, a solid layer of 1,300 meters thick was formed on the upper layer, which gradually shaped the Rainbow Mountain peaks.
Over the next 30 million years, ongoing tectonic movements lifted the basin multiple times, creating the current stunning formations. The landscape closely resembles karst topography but is considered a “false karst” due to the sandstone and sedimentary conglomerates that make up the terrain. The most notable feature of these mountains is the numerous caves of varying sizes and shapes that appear isolated and shallow, in contrast to real karst landscapes, where caves tend to be deeper and interconnected.
How Did the Rainbow Mountains Form?
The Rainbow Mountains are made of sandstone, chalk, and clay, which were deposited in China before the formation of the Himalayas. Along with the sand and clay, iron and rare minerals were deposited, providing the primary ingredients for the mountain’s colorful appearance.
What turned these flat sedimentary layers into mountains was the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates about 55 million years ago. The pressure from the plates folded the sedimentary layers into mountains. As the mountains rose, the hidden sedimentary rocks beneath the surface were exposed after weathering and erosion removed the upper layers of continental rocks, revealing the mineral-rich formations, which created the stunning array of colors on the peaks.
How Did the Minerals Reach the Mountains? And How Did They Color the Rocks?
Groundwater, as it moves through the sand grains, carries minerals that settle between the grains, filling the gaps or pores. This process gradually fixes the minerals in place, contributing to the diverse colors of sandstone around the world.
For instance, the dark red color in the sandstone is due to iron oxide, or hematite (Fe2O3), which results from iron minerals deposited between the sand grains. The weathering process, combined with water and oxygen, oxidizes the iron, similar to how iron exposed to rain forms a layer of rust. This is how the dark red streaks in the Rainbow Mountains appear.
Other minerals cause different colors: limonite or goethite can turn sandstone brown or yellow, magnetite can produce black, while iron sulfide can create yellow. Green is often attributed to chlorite clay or iron silicates. These are just a few examples of how minerals and materials can change the color of sandstone.
A similar formation to the Rainbow Mountains can be found in British Columbia, consisting of a mix of plains and volcanic mountains shaped by volcanic activity and natural weathering processes. In 2010, these mountains were also included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Today, the Danxia Mountains serve as a research base for studying China’s land formations, and they attract tourists from all over the world.
What to Bring and Wear When Visiting the Rainbow Mountains:
Warm Layers of Clothing
Depending on the time of year, the sky may be clear and blue or overcast and gray. Regardless of the weather, it is important to wear comfortable and durable clothing. Due to the mountain’s elevation, temperatures tend to drop, and strong winds can make the journey uncomfortable unless you have the right warm layers. It is recommended to bring warm, breathable layers that you can easily remove as you warm up during the hike.
Hiking Boots and Socks
Over time, the trail has become smoother due to the increasing number of travelers. However, weather changes may still affect the trail’s condition, and some areas may still be rough. It’s best to wear sturdy, durable hiking boots (or comfortable, strong athletic shoes) and thick socks for long walks.
Rain Jackets / Ponchos
Rain is always a possibility, especially during the rainy season. The hike can be challenging, and conditions become more difficult when it’s wet and cold. It’s recommended to bring waterproof gear. If you don’t have waterproof materials, a simple raincoat bought in Cusco before your journey will usually suffice.
Sun Hat and Sunglasses
A sun hat and sunglasses are essential, as the sun’s radiation at such altitude can be very strong, and the glare can be blinding. This bright light can be a major distraction, which you should avoid when walking on rough terrain.
Toilet Paper and Hand Sanitizer
When you reach the base of the mountain before starting the hike, you will find huts with restroom facilities. However, note that these toilets are not very developed and may not have toilet paper, so it’s a good idea to bring your own. There will be no other facilities along the trail, so be sure to bring hand sanitizer as well.
Coca Leaves
Coca leaves are considered a vital item for those traveling at high altitudes. Locals use them as a natural remedy to prevent altitude sickness. They are ideal for treating headaches and breathing difficulties. You can buy them from markets in Cusco, and all you have to do is chew them (they can also be used to make coca tea).
Walking Sticks
We recommend walking sticks for anyone who thinks they might struggle with hiking in the Rainbow Mountains. They are especially useful for climbing and descending and are commonly used on slippery terrain like mud, snow, or loose rocks. Having two additional contact points greatly improves traction, so we recommend them for anyone who feels they might need assistance during the hike.
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