City of red hills and rich culture

Tourists enjoy themselves inside the Danxia National Geological Park in Zhangye.[Photo by Xue Chaohua/China Daily]

The Danxia National Geological Park, also known as Zhangye Danxia Geopark, is located in the northern foothills of the Qilian Mountain, in the counties of Linze and Sunan. Best known for its colorful rock formations, it has been voted by Chinese media as one of the most beautiful landforms in China, Mayor Huang Zeyuan said.

This special Danxia geological structure, featuring layers of multicolored sandstone and steep cliffs, is the result of deposits of sandstone and other minerals being pressed together over a span of more than 24 million years and raised up by seismic activity. Erosion of the sandstone by weather elements has formed isolated peaks and steep outcrops in the area.

A visit to the Danxia geopark is a must if visiting Zhangye, and is often at the top of the list of tourists to the ancient city, Huang said. "One will feel it is like beautiful layers of color painted onto the surface of the rocks, which is like nothing else you have ever seen."

Another must-see is the city's Giant Buddha Temple, which was built in 1098. In its long history, the temple has been restored many times. Up to eight people can fit on just an ear of the large reclining Buddha, which depicts Sakyamuni's attainment of nirvana. Ten of Buddha's disciples are shown behind him with vivid facial expressions.

The two-storied Giant Buddha Hall is 33 meters high, 49 m wide and 24 m long. It is the largest architectural relic in the city. The Buddha is the largest indoor sleeping Buddha anywhere in China.