Cardio With a Colorful Payoff

Consider a winter visit, as we did, when you have the park almost entirely to yourself.

Protected as a UNESCO Global Geopark, Rainbow Mountain sits in the foothills of the Qilian Mountains and was shaped by millions of years of geology. Layered sandstone and minerals create the color: reds from iron oxide; blues, greens, yellows from other minerals. 

Often compared to Peru’s Rainbow Mountain, China’s version stands out for its vast scale and intense color bands.

Board buses or walk the entire park where boardwalks, paved paths, stairs, and a few significantly steep climbs reach the four main viewing platforms.

Perfect for capturing the spectacular panoramas with cell phone, camera and/or drone.