Binggou Danxia
冰沟丹霞
A “window-lattice palace-style” danxia next to the Rainbow Danxia, known for towering stone pillars and castle-like red rock. Fewer visitors and good for hiking.
Binggou Danxia lies in Kangle Township, Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, about 12 km from the Rainbow Danxia scenic area. Both belong to the Zhangye Danxia Geopark, but their scenery differs. Rainbow Danxia is famous for its colours, while Binggou Danxia is famous for its shapes. Red sandstone has been eroded into castles, palaces, stone pillars and peak forests, a classic example of “window-lattice palace-style danxia”. The scenic area has two routes, Xiaoxitian and Daxitian. Take the shuttle bus (about 80 yuan including admission) to the viewpoints, then walk along the boardwalks. In Daxitian, tall, precipitous pillars such as Yuhuang Pavilion, Reclining Camel and Divine Camel rise dramatically. Xiaoxitian has extensive red peak forests, and from the high viewing platforms you can look over the whole gorge. The hike takes longer than at Rainbow Danxia (about 2–3 hours), and there are far fewer visitors, which makes it good for photography. Morning light slants across the pillars and sharpens their outlines, so many visitors see Binggou in the morning and Rainbow Danxia in the afternoon for sunset. A road connects the two (by charter car or shared ride). Note: the boardwalks have steps and steep slopes, so wear comfortable shoes. In summer the midday sun is strong, so bring water and sun protection. The scenic area sits at about 2,000 m above sea level.
Opening hours
Peak season 07:00–19:00; off-season 08:00–17:30
Nearby sights
- Danxiakou Town & 'Back to Zhangye' Show
- Zhangye Danxia Landform
- Heishuiguo Ruins
- Muta Temple (Wooden Pagoda Temple)
- Zhangye National Wetland Park
- Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple
- Zhangye Drum Tower (Zhenyuan Tower)
- Zhangye Shanxi Guild Hall