Zhangye Danxia Photography at Dawn and Dusk

Stay at the gate of the Seven-Color Danxia scenic area to shoot sunset at Seven-Color Danxia, dawn at Binggou Danxia and the Heishuiguo ruins.

A weekend short trip for Danxia photography: stay at the gate of the Seven-Color Danxia scenic area, saving the 40 km round trip to the city, so you can catch both sunset and dawn. On the first afternoon, photograph the colorful hills of Seven-Color Danxia; on the second morning, shoot the palace-like landforms of Binggou; then visit the Heishuiguo ruins on the way back before departing. Distant sights such as Matisi and Pingshan Lake are dropped, making this suited to photographers and repeat visitors to Zhangye.

Light is best in summer and autumn, with late sunsets; accommodation at the entrance is tight in peak season, so book early.

Day by day

Day 1 · Straight to Seven-Color Danxia on Arrival

Zhangye（Zhangye Danxia Landform）

From Zhangye Ganzhou Airport, about 1 hour by chartered car or taxi to the entrance of the Seven-Color Danxia scenic area; after check-in, enter the park in the afternoon and wait for sunset.

Shoot sunset from platform 4; it's windy, and temperatures drop quickly in the evening.

Stay: Colorful Danxia Scenic Area Entrance

Day 2 · Binggou at Dawn and Heishuiguo Before Departure

Zhangye（Binggou Danxia、Danxiakou Town & 'Back to Zhangye' Show、Heishuiguo Ruins）

Drive about 20 minutes at dawn to Binggou Danxia; in the morning, stroll the Danxiakou Town; in the afternoon, go about 40 minutes east to the Heishuiguo ruins, then about 20 minutes to Zhangye West Station.

Binggou Danxia opens at 6:30 a.m.; it's windy at dawn, so bring a windproof jacket.

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